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Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart (Sminthopsis youngsoni)

The Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart is a small, nocturnal, insect-eating marsupial of Australia's arid and sandy inland landscapes. It can shelter in burrows within clearing footprints, so careful searches and staged works are appropriate. It is an EVNT species, listed as Rare in South Australia and Priority 4 in Western Australia, and has near threatened protection arrangements in Queensland.

Conservation status

South Australia, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972: Rare.

Breeding season

Breeding is recorded in spring, and young become independent from November to February. Timing may vary across the species’ broad arid range, so plan surveys and clearing controls conservatively, particularly in areas of suitable sandy habitat and burrows.

Breeding mode: Marsupial. Young are born and develop in a pouch.

Litter size: Five or six pouch young.

Birth timing: Spring.

Gestation: Not recorded.

Weaning: Not recorded.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Breeding sites: A breeding-specific site type is not recorded. Adults shelter in daytime burrows, often burrows dug by lizards.

Breeding and independence timing may shift between years and across the species’ range from Western Australia through the Northern Territory to western Queensland and South Australia.

  • Breeding and births, spring: Five or six pouch young are born in spring, but the peak month is not established.
  • Pouch young and dependent young: Young are born in spring and may remain dependent until becoming independent from November to February.
  • Young becoming independent: Independence is recorded from November to February, with the exact timing likely varying between litters and regions.
  • Nocturnal activity: Adults are nocturnal, so searches and handling should be planned for suitable night-time conditions.
  • Highest clearing risk: Risk is highest during spring births and while young may remain dependent; before clearing, use targeted surveys and retain or avoid active burrows where practicable.

Identification: Appearance and size

The Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart is a mouse-sized carnivorous marsupial. It is small, active and easily missed during daytime site inspections.

Adults weigh 9 to 14 g. The upper body is yellow-brown, with a sharp contrast to the white underparts and feet.

Dark fur surrounds the eye and extends towards the muzzle. The tail is pinkish, about the same length as the head and body, and is not obviously thickened.

Scientific name: Sminthopsis youngsoni

Family: Dasyuridae

  • Hind feet have bristly footpads.
  • Interdigital pads are partly fused and covered with small granules and short bristly hairs.

Identification: Calls and similar species

The species is nocturnal and does not use echolocation. Species-specific calls are not a reliable field identification feature.

The closest relative is the Hairy-footed Dunnart, Sminthopsis hirtipes. The Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart can also overlap in distribution with the Sandhill Dunnart, Sminthopsis psammophila. Use photographs, measurements and an experienced ecologist where identification is uncertain.

  • Do not rely on a brief spotlighting view alone.
  • Record the habitat, substrate, photographs and any capture details for verification.

Identification: Field signs

Field signs are likely to be subtle. The species shelters in burrows during the day, often in burrows dug by lizards.

There are no distinctive nests, roosts, whitewash marks or odour cues to use as a dependable site indicator. Small scats, tracks and burrow entrances should be recorded, but should not be assigned to this species without supporting evidence.

  • Inspect sandy ground, burrow entrances and cover around the edge of the clearing footprint.
  • Avoid blocking or disturbing suspected burrows before a fauna spotter catcher or ecologist has assessed them.
  • Use night searches and trapping where a targeted survey is needed.

Distribution: Range in Australia

The Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart occurs across arid Australia. Its range includes sandy desert systems and extends across several inland states and territories.

The species is mapped in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

In Western Australia, it occurs from around Exmouth along the coast to Port Hedland, then inland through the Northern and Central Western deserts. Its range extends into the Northern Territory and far western Queensland.

  • Look for records associated with desert sand plains, dunes and interdune swales.
  • The species is not endemic to Western Australia.
  • It is absent from rocky or exposed areas of the Pilbara.

Distribution: Overseas range

The Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart is Australian. No overseas range is recognised for this species.

Distribution: Site planning

Check current state and territory records early in project planning. A lack of previous records should not be treated as evidence that the species is absent from suitable sandy habitat.

Where works affect dunes, swales or red desert sand plains, retain habitat where practicable and plan searches before clearing.

  • Treat records from nearby sandy landforms as relevant to the project area.
  • Have an identification and response procedure in place before vegetation and soil disturbance begins.

Habitat: Landforms and substrates

This is a terrestrial species of arid, sandy country. On a works site, focus attention on intact sand formations and areas with loose soil, ground cover and access to burrows.

Typical habitat includes sand dunes, interdune swales and red desert sand plains. These features may occur as broad natural systems or as smaller remnants within a development area.

The species is not associated with rocky or exposed Pilbara terrain.

  • Map dunes and swales separately from harder or rocky ground.
  • Record loose sand, stable burrowable soil and areas with surface cover.
  • Give priority to intact habitat patches connected to larger sandy areas.

Habitat: Vegetation and ground structure

The available habitat description is based mainly on landform and substrate rather than particular plant communities. Retain native vegetation and ground structure across sandy habitat where possible.

Avoid assuming that sparse vegetation has little fauna value. Small nocturnal marsupials can use open desert habitats when suitable shelter and prey are present.

  • Note shrubs, grasses, litter, fallen timber and other ground cover.
  • Record recent fire, grazing, erosion and vehicle disturbance.
  • Avoid unnecessary grading or levelling of dunes and swales.

Habitat: Site inspection priorities

Before clearing, walk the proposed disturbance area and adjacent retained habitat. Look for lizard burrows, loose sandy soil and sheltered pockets that could provide daytime refuge.

Use a fauna spotter catcher during clearing where required by the approval, permit or project procedure.

  • Search the clearing footprint, access tracks, laydown areas and stockpile locations.
  • Include temporary work areas in habitat assessment.
  • Flag suitable sandy habitat so machinery operators can avoid unnecessary disturbance.

Foraging habitat: Foraging areas

The Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart is insectivorous and forages at night. Its precise prey and preferred fine-scale foraging sites are not well defined, so retain a range of natural ground conditions across suitable sandy habitat.

Likely foraging habitat includes dunes, interdune swales and red desert sand plains within its range. Keep native vegetation, litter and surface features intact where they can support insects and other small invertebrates.

Do not clear only the taller vegetation and leave the soil disturbed. Soil disturbance can remove both cover and prey habitat.

  • Retain native ground cover and undisturbed sandy patches.
  • Avoid unnecessary use of broad scale soil stripping.
  • Keep lighting, noise and vehicle movement within the approved work area.

Foraging habitat: Night activity

The species is nocturnal, so daytime inspections may detect habitat and burrows but are unlikely to detect active animals. Night searches can improve the chance of detection in open country.

  • Use spotlighting at night where conditions and approvals allow.
  • Record weather, recent rain, fire history and surface conditions during surveys.
  • Use pit traps with drift fences only under an approved fauna survey plan and with appropriate animal welfare controls.

Foraging habitat: Survey response

Pit trapping with drift fences has been effective for small dasyurids in arid Australia. Traps should be installed with their upper edges flush with the ground and checked under the project survey and animal welfare procedures.

Because the species can be difficult to detect, a single unsuccessful search should not automatically clear suitable habitat of concern.

  • Use an experienced ecologist to select survey locations and interpret results.
  • Stop and reassess if a Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart is captured or observed.
  • Record all captures, release locations and habitat conditions.

Breeding habitat: Breeding timing

Breeding information for this species is limited, but breeding occurs in spring and young become independent from November to February. Work planning should therefore consider both pouch young and recently independent juveniles.

Five or six pouch young are born in spring. Young are independent from November to February.

The species does not form known colonies, and a specific breeding-place type has not been established.

  • Treat spring and the period from November to February as sensitive times for breeding animals.
  • Avoid unnecessary disturbance of burrows and dense ground cover during these periods.
  • Use staged clearing so animals have an opportunity to move into retained habitat.

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat on sites

Breeding habitat should be considered wherever suitable sandy landforms contain burrows, ground cover and connected native habitat. Burrows may be dug by lizards and may not be obvious from a vehicle or desktop inspection.

Do not assume that an empty-looking burrow is unused. Have suspected burrows checked before they are filled, compacted or covered.

  • Inspect dunes, interdune swales and red desert sand plains before soil disturbance.
  • Protect retained habitat around suspected burrows from machinery, materials and vehicle parking.
  • Do not fill, collapse or relocate burrows without advice from the project ecologist and the relevant authority.

Breeding habitat: Clearing controls

Where the species is recorded or considered likely, use a fauna spotter catcher during clearing and follow the approved fauna management procedure. Clear progressively towards retained habitat where this is safe and suitable.

Any captured animal should be handled by trained personnel and managed under the applicable permit, approval and animal welfare requirements.

  • Inspect vegetation and soil before machinery enters.
  • Pause clearing if an animal, pouch young or active burrow is found.
  • Record the location and condition of any breeding evidence.

Sheltering habitat: Burrows and daytime refuge

The Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart shelters in burrows during the day and is often associated with burrows dug by lizards. Shelter can be lost through clearing, grading, compaction and removal of surface cover.

Look for burrows in sandy dunes, interdune swales and red desert sand plains. Burrow entrances may be small, partly concealed or difficult to distinguish from other small mammal and lizard burrows.

There are no known colonies or roosts to map. Shelter is likely to be dispersed across suitable habitat.

  • Inspect burrows before clearing or earthworks.
  • Keep machinery, traffic and stored materials away from suspected shelter sites.
  • Do not seal burrow entrances as a routine site control.

Sheltering habitat: Retained cover

Retain natural vegetation, litter and stable sandy ground around burrows. These features provide shelter from daytime conditions and help maintain the invertebrates used as food.

Avoid broad scale removal of ground cover where it is not needed for the works.

  • Use clearly marked exclusion areas around retained habitat.
  • Minimise night lighting directed into retained sandy habitat.
  • Prevent unnecessary erosion and sediment movement into swales and burrow areas.

Sheltering habitat: Handling and relocation

If an animal is found, stop work in the immediate area and contact the project fauna spotter catcher or ecologist. Do not attempt ad hoc relocation or release outside the approved process.

Any release site should be suitable, safe and selected under the relevant permit or project procedure. Records should include the capture point, condition, action taken and release location.

  • Use trained personnel and appropriate handling equipment.
  • Keep animals shaded and minimise handling time.
  • Escalate injured animals to a wildlife carer or veterinarian through the approved project response.

Threats: Clearing and earthworks

Development can affect the Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart through direct habitat loss, loss of burrows and changes to sandy ground conditions. The species has elevated conservation recognition in several jurisdictions, so survey and management effort should be scaled to the likelihood and extent of impact.

Clearing dunes, swales and red desert sand plains can remove shelter, foraging habitat and potential breeding habitat. Grading, trenching and stockpiling can collapse burrows or isolate habitat patches.

Keep the disturbance footprint as small as practicable and include temporary work areas in the impact assessment.

  • Complete pre-clearing habitat and burrow checks.
  • Use staged clearing with a fauna spotter catcher where required.
  • Retain connected sandy habitat and avoid unnecessary fragmentation.

Threats: Compaction, erosion and altered ground conditions

Vehicle traffic, heavy machinery and construction compounds can compact sandy soils and remove surface cover. Erosion and altered drainage can degrade dunes and interdune swales.

Use defined access routes, stabilise disturbed areas and keep drainage changes away from retained habitat.

  • Exclude vehicles from retained sandy habitat.
  • Do not use suitable burrow areas for laydown, parking or spoil storage.
  • Inspect retained habitat after major rain or earthworks for erosion and sediment movement.

Threats: Introduced predators and grazing animals

Foxes, cats and dogs can prey on small dasyurids. Rabbits and hoofed grazing animals can alter vegetation, compact soil and contribute to erosion.

Manage food waste, avoid attracting predators to work areas and control introduced animals through the relevant land management program.

  • Keep construction camps and waste secure.
  • Do not feed or attract domestic animals to the work area.
  • Report predator activity and signs of excessive grazing near retained habitat.

Threats: Conservation status and project response

The species is profiled as an EVNT species. It is listed as Rare in South Australia and Priority 4 in Western Australia. In Queensland, near threatened animals are protected wildlife, and interference with a breeding place requires a species management program.

For projects in these jurisdictions, confirm the current legal requirements before clearing. Apply targeted surveys, avoidance and fauna handling controls where suitable habitat is present, records exist nearby or the proposed impact is substantial.

  • Use a desktop records check and habitat assessment during project design.
  • Escalate to targeted night searches or pit trapping when the risk assessment warrants it.
  • Obtain approvals and permits before disturbing animals, burrows or potential breeding places.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

The Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart is a small, nocturnal dasyurid of sandy country. It shelters in burrows by day and can be difficult to detect, so survey design should combine night searches with trapping where the habitat and project risk justify it.

Map sand dunes, interdune swales, red desert sand plains and other sandy terrestrial habitat across the project area. Check whether the site is within the known range from Exmouth to Port Hedland, through the Northern and Central Western deserts, the Northern Territory and far western Queensland.

Check the relevant state listings and approval triggers. The species is listed as Rare in South Australia and Priority 4 in Western Australia. In Queensland, near threatened animals are protected wildlife, and interference with a breeding place requires a species management program where the approval framework applies.

Activity period: Nocturnal

Known shelter: Daytime burrows, often excavated by lizards

Breeding period: Young are born in spring and become independent from November to February

  • Review recent records, fauna databases, aerial imagery, fire history, access tracks and proposed clearing footprints.
  • Identify burrows, sandy refuge areas, movement routes and habitat that will remain connected after construction.
  • Treat suitable habitat as potentially occupied where records are old, absent or sparse.

Survey methodology: 2. Night spotlighting

Search open sandy country at night by walking or driving slowly where access is safe. Spotlighting was used to locate small dunnarts in arid Australia and can detect animals moving or foraging above ground.

Survey during suitable weather, when wind, rain, temperature extremes, dust and site noise are unlikely to suppress activity. Record the conditions rather than relying on a single negative survey.

  • Use red-filtered or otherwise fauna-appropriate lights where practicable.
  • Search dunes, swales, track edges and areas adjoining proposed clearing.
  • Record every observation, including animals that cannot be identified to species.
  • Do not enter unstable burrows or disturb daytime shelters during a spotlight survey.

Survey methodology: 3. Pit trapping with drift fences

Use pit traps with drift fences where a higher level of detection is needed, particularly in suitable sandy habitat or where clearing risk is high. Pit trapping with drift fences is an effective arid-zone method for small dasyurids.

Have the survey designed and supervised by an appropriately experienced ecologist. Set trap numbers, spacing, duration and repeat visits according to habitat extent, weather, animal welfare requirements and the risk of a false negative.

  • Use plastic or metal cylinders with their rims flush with the ground.
  • Install low drift fencing to guide animals into the traps.
  • Provide suitable shelter and check traps at the required frequency under the animal ethics and permit conditions.
  • Close traps during unsuitable weather or when welfare cannot be maintained.
  • Release animals at the point of capture unless an approved handling or relocation procedure applies.

Survey methodology: 4. Records and identification

Record the location, date, time, habitat, survey method, effort, weather, observer and result for every survey. Photograph tracks, burrows, captures and habitat where this can be done without disturbing animals.

Confirm identification carefully because the range overlaps with other dunnarts, including the Sandhill Dunnart. Useful field characters include the yellow-brown upper parts, white underparts and feet, dark fur around the eye, pinkish tail, and bristly, partly fused hind-foot pads.

  • Record sex, age class, breeding condition and pouch young for captured animals where this is safe and authorised.
  • Record evidence of predators, introduced herbivores, rabbits, erosion, fire and habitat fragmentation.
  • Report negative results with the same detail as positive records.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Avoid clearing suitable sandy habitat wherever practicable. Plan survey, approvals and controls before machinery arrives, with extra care during the spring breeding period and until young are independent from November to February.

Confirm the approval pathway with the project ecologist and the relevant state authority before work starts. A Commonwealth EPBC referral may be required if the action could have a significant impact on a protected matter.

In South Australia, account for the species being listed as Rare. In Western Australia, account for its Priority 4 status and the need for monitoring. In Queensland, confirm whether the activity affects protected wildlife or a breeding place and whether a species management program is required.

  • Obtain all fauna handling, trapping, relocation and wildlife rehabilitation permissions before capture or release.
  • Use only authorised personnel for trapping, handling, marking, transport or euthanasia decisions.
  • Keep approval conditions and permit numbers in the site environmental plan.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and timing

Redesign the footprint to retain dunes, interdune swales, red sand plains, burrows and connected sandy habitat. Keep disturbance to the smallest practicable area.

Where practicable, avoid clearing in spring and through the period when pouch young may still be dependent. The young become independent from November to February, so timing decisions should be based on local breeding evidence and the approval conditions.

  • Do not assume that winter clearing is risk free. Assess active burrows and animals before work in every season.
  • Avoid night clearing where practicable, as the species is nocturnal and may be above ground.
  • Do not rely on relocation as a substitute for avoidance.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance inspection

Complete a targeted pre-clearance inspection shortly before disturbance. Search the approved clearing area and its edges for animals, burrows, tracks and suitable shelter.

Use night spotlighting, and add trapping with drift fences where the habitat is suitable and the risk warrants it. Allow the ecologist to set the timing and effort so that the survey is fit for the site.

  • Mark retained habitat, exclusion areas and any burrows or refuge sites on the ground and project plans.
  • Inspect likely shelter before machinery enters, without excavating or blocking burrows.
  • Repeat the inspection if clearing is delayed, the footprint changes or conditions change substantially.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Exclusion zones and induction

Set site-specific exclusion areas around retained habitat, active burrows and any animal found during pre-clearance. The ecologist should define the boundary and access controls after considering the animal, habitat and works.

Brief all workers before they enter the site. Explain the species appearance, nocturnal habits, burrows, stop-work authority and the reporting pathway.

  • Fence or flag exclusion areas clearly and keep machinery, vehicles, spoil and materials outside them.
  • Display a contact number for the fauna spotter catcher and site supervisor.
  • Tell workers never to handle, feed, chase or relocate a dunnart.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Clear in a controlled sequence from the least disturbed edge towards the retained habitat. A fauna spotter catcher must have clear authority to stop work whenever an animal, burrow or breeding place creates an unexpected risk.

Use staged clearing so animals have an opportunity to move into retained habitat where that movement is safe and appropriate. Keep escape paths open and do not surround retained vegetation or sandy refuge areas with machinery.

Use low-impact methods first where practicable, followed by slow removal of cover under direct fauna supervision.

  • Remove loose surface material carefully before bulk earthworks.
  • Stop machinery before approaching a marked burrow or animal.
  • Do not push animals towards roads, open excavations, water bodies or active work areas.
  • Keep cleared areas free of spoil piles that could trap or bury fauna.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Handling and stop-work response

Only an authorised and suitably trained person may capture or handle a Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart. The fauna spotter catcher should decide whether to allow an animal to move naturally, capture it, or stop work and seek further advice.

Use approved equipment and methods that minimise heat, stress, injury and escape. Do not pick up an animal with bare hands unless this is necessary to prevent immediate harm and the handler is authorised.

  • Stop work immediately when an animal is found in the clearing footprint, inside machinery or in danger.
  • Keep people, vehicles and dogs away from the animal.
  • Place the animal in a secure, ventilated container with suitable shelter if capture is authorised.
  • Release it only at an approved location and in accordance with the permit or management plan.
  • Record the capture, condition, location, action and release point.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Breeding places and dependent young

Treat a burrow with signs of current use, pouch young or dependent young as an active breeding place until assessed by the fauna ecologist. Do not excavate, fill, collapse, block or move the structure without approval.

The species does not form known colonies or roosts in the manner of bats, but any concentration of animals or repeated use of shelter should be managed as a sensitive fauna location.

  • Stop work and establish an exclusion area around the breeding place.
  • Keep machinery, vibration, lighting and personnel away while the ecologist assesses the situation.
  • Contact the relevant authority if the approval or Queensland species management program requires notification.
  • Resume work only when the authorised ecologist and approval conditions allow it.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injured or dead animals

Treat an injured animal as a wildlife incident. Keep it quiet, shaded and secure, and arrange prompt assessment by an authorised wildlife carer, veterinarian or rehabilitation provider.

Do not give food, water or medication unless directed by the receiving professional.

  • Stop the immediate cause of harm and make the area safe.
  • Record the location, apparent cause, condition, photographs and the person who took custody.
  • Report a death or serious injury as required by the permit, approval, state authority or project incident procedure.
  • Do not dispose of a carcass before any required examination or reporting is complete.

During habitat disturbance: 5. Daily records

Maintain a daily fauna log throughout clearing and construction. Good records support compliance, adaptive management and later review of survey effectiveness.

  • Record start and finish times, cleared area, personnel, weather and machinery used.
  • Record all sightings, captures, relocations, breeding places, injuries, deaths, stop-work events and authority notifications.
  • Map retained habitat, exclusion zones and release locations using the project coordinate system.
  • Keep copies of permits, photographs, forms and rehabilitation provider records.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance checks

Complete a formal post-clearance inspection before the site is signed off. Continue checking retained habitat and relocated animals where the approval, risk assessment or project conditions require it.

Inspect the completed clearing footprint, exclusion boundaries, machinery work areas and retained habitat. Look for trapped animals, damaged burrows, open excavations, entanglement hazards and animals sheltering in materials.

Have the fauna ecologist confirm that no animal remains in the work area before earthworks or construction proceeds.

  • Check pits, trenches, pipes, stockpiles, containers and temporary structures each day while they remain open or accessible.
  • Cover or ramp excavations when unattended.
  • Remove waste, netting and materials that could trap small mammals.
  • Repair damaged exclusion fencing and reinstate signs.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Relocation follow-up

Where animals were relocated under an approved procedure, check the release area for signs of survival, dispersal and new hazards. Do not disturb shelters or repeatedly handle animals simply to obtain a record.

Use the monitoring approach set by the permit, management plan or project ecologist. The species is poorly known in many parts of its range, so record observations carefully even when formal monitoring is not required.

  • Record release conditions, habitat, weather and any follow-up observations.
  • Check for injured, dead or returning animals near the work area.
  • Review whether the release area remains connected, sheltered and free of new hazards.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Reporting and compliance

Prepare a completion report that compares the actual works with the approved footprint and fauna controls. Provide required reports to the relevant authority and project regulator within the specified timeframe.

  • Summarise survey effort, detections, captures, breeding places, incidents, relocations and mortality.
  • Include maps, photographs, permits, handler details and corrective actions.
  • Notify the regulator promptly of any breach, unapproved clearing, injury, death or disturbance to an active breeding place.
  • Store the data in the project fauna database and provide records to the land manager where appropriate.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review

Review every stop-work event, injury, death, unexpected detection and control failure with the project team. Use the findings to change the work method before the next stage begins.

  • Identify whether the cause was survey timing, poor visibility, inadequate exclusion, plant operation, worker behaviour or an unplanned site change.
  • Update the induction, clearing sequence, supervision level and exclusion controls.
  • Reassess whether further targeted survey or monitoring is needed.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Habitat restoration

Rehabilitate disturbed sandy habitat as soon as construction allows. Aim to restore shelter, soil stability and native vegetation structure, while avoiding structures or water sources that are unsuitable for this small desert marsupial.

Retain and respread local sandy soil, leaf litter, logs and other natural ground features where they are free of weeds and contaminants. Reinstate dunes, swales and drainage patterns to reduce erosion and preserve the animal's access to shelter.

Use locally appropriate native species and seed from suitable local sources where available. Restore a continuous habitat link to retained sandy country.

  • Remove temporary tracks, pads, fencing and stockpiles that are no longer needed.
  • Stabilise exposed sand without creating barriers to animal movement.
  • Avoid compacting restored areas with vehicles or repeated pedestrian traffic.
  • Protect rehabilitation areas from grazing, unauthorised access and follow-up disturbance.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Shelter and breeding places

The Lesser Hairy-footed Dunnart shelters in burrows, often those dug by lizards. Protect existing burrows and natural shelter rather than installing structures by default.

Nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nest sites and roost structures are not established replacement habitat for this species. Use them only if a suitably experienced ecologist identifies a site-specific reason and designs a structure appropriate for a small ground-dwelling dunnart.

  • Do not place boxes or artificial roost structures in open country without a clear ecological purpose.
  • Do not fill or seal natural burrows in retained or rehabilitated habitat.
  • Retain suitable sandy substrate and natural cover for future burrow use.
  • Monitor any trial shelter structure under an approved design and remove it if it creates a hazard.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Weeds, predators and water

Control weeds that change the structure of sandy habitat or increase fuel loads. Manage introduced predators and herbivores in accordance with the land manager's approved program, with care to avoid harming dunnarts or their prey.

Provide water only where it is part of an approved ecological design. Artificial water points can alter predator activity, create drowning hazards and change local animal movements.

  • Use fauna-safe bait stations and predator controls designed by an authorised practitioner.
  • Keep chemicals, bait and traps away from burrows and retained habitat.
  • Cover or ramp troughs, tanks and pits so small mammals cannot drown.
  • Avoid creating open water, dense artificial vegetation or rubbish piles that attract predators or cause entrapment.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Lighting and construction design

Keep permanent lighting away from retained and rehabilitated sandy habitat where practicable. Use the lowest effective intensity and direct light only where it is needed.

Design roads, drains, fences and hardstand areas to preserve ground-level movement and prevent animals being funnelled into traffic or excavations.

  • Use shielded, downward-directed lights with timers or motion controls where suitable.
  • Avoid lighting burrows, habitat edges and movement routes throughout the night.
  • Use fauna-sensitive fencing and provide safe crossings where barriers cannot be avoided.
  • Remove temporary lighting and barriers when construction is complete.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Long-term monitoring

Set monitoring at a level that matches the listing, habitat loss and project risk. For a Rare listing in South Australia or Priority 4 status in Western Australia, use monitoring to test whether rehabilitation is retaining suitable habitat and whether management controls are working.

In Queensland, follow any species management program and approval conditions. Continue monitoring where the project has removed or fragmented sandy habitat, affected an active breeding place or recorded injury or mortality.

  • Inspect rehabilitation after establishment, after major rainfall and following significant fire or erosion events.
  • Use repeat spotlighting and, where authorised and justified, pit trapping with drift fences to compare activity with pre-clearing results.
  • Record habitat condition, burrow use, weeds, predators, road mortality and new disturbance.
  • Adjust weed control, access restrictions, lighting, fencing or rehabilitation methods when monitoring identifies a problem.

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