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Stripe-faced Dunnart (Sminthopsis macroura)

The Stripe-faced Dunnart is a small, mostly nocturnal carnivorous marsupial of inland and northern Australia. It uses dry grasslands, low shrublands, drainage lines and other areas with dense ground cover, so clearing, grazing, fire and pesticide use can affect individuals and shelter sites on development projects.

Conservation status

New South Wales, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Vulnerable.

Breeding season

The timing below represents the available evidence for the species across its range. Exact breeding and movement timing can vary with rainfall and local conditions.

The supplied documents do not provide monthly population densities or a quantified seasonal clearing response.

  • Breeding: Breeding is reported from June to February, with another source giving July to February.
  • Young: Litters may contain 6 to 8 young. Pouch life is about 40 days and weaning occurs at about 70 days, so dependent or recently weaned young may occur through much of the breeding period.
  • Movement after rainfall: The species can quickly colonise areas after rainfall. Individuals may move 0.3 to 2 km in a night.
  • Winter torpor: Winter torpor is reported as an almost-daily behaviour and reduces energy costs.
  • Highest clearing risk: Risk is highest from June to February because breeding, pouch young and dependent or recently weaned young may be present. January and February may also include late dependent young, while winter disturbance can affect animals using regular torpor refuges.

Identification

The Stripe-faced Dunnart is a mouse-sized marsupial with a slender body, pointed muzzle and a dark stripe running from between the eyes towards the ears. It is most likely to be detected by trapping rather than by direct observation.

Adults are pale grey-brown above, with white underparts and feet. The facial stripe is the main field character, and the tail is longer than the head and body and often thickened near the base.

The species weighs 15 to 25 g and has a total length of approximately 180 mm in the NSW profile. Published measurements give a head and body length of 75 to 98 mm and a tail length of 80 to 100 mm.

Identification: Similar species

The Fat-tailed Dunnart can occur in the same areas. The Stripe-faced Dunnart generally has a tail longer than the head and body, whereas the Fat-tailed Dunnart has a shorter tail.

A thickened tail base, a distinct dark facial stripe and the combination of external and foot-pad characters help separate it from other Sminthopsis species. Unusual records should be confirmed by an experienced mammal ecologist, and voucher material or genetic testing may be needed where identification is uncertain.

Identification: Field detection

The supplied documents do not provide diagnostic descriptions of tracks, scats, calls, eyeshine or nests. The species shelters in soil cracks, grass tussocks, rocks, logs and burrows made by other animals, so these features should be checked during habitat inspections.

Use appropriately approved small-mammal trapping methods where presence needs to be established. Record the exact trap location, habitat structure, weather, capture condition and release details, because populations can increase after rainfall and the species may be locally uncommon.

Distribution: National range

The Stripe-faced Dunnart has a broad but uneven distribution across inland and northern Australia. Records extend across Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales, with substantial gaps in survey coverage.

The species occurs through much of central and northern arid Australia, including Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia, western and central Queensland, and inland New South Wales.

In New South Wales, recent records are concentrated in or near the Central West, North West, Far West, Far South West and western Riverina. The NSW profile identifies records or predicted habitat in the Brigalow Belt South, Broken Hill Complex, Channel Country, Cobar Peneplain, Darling Riverine Plains, Mulga Lands, Murray Darling Depression, Nandewar, NSW South Western Slopes and Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields.

Distribution: Strongholds and subpopulations

The supplied documents do not identify a national population stronghold or provide population estimates. Dense populations have been reported in tussock grassland where stock is absent, and the species is associated with clay or loam soils in parts of Western Australia.

Genetic differences occur between western Australian populations and populations in South Australia and eastern Australia. A confirmed Eucla record extended the known Western Australian range by about 630 km and showed that the species can also occur in coastal foredune habitat.

Distribution: Population information

No reliable national population size, density, generation length, recovery rate or population trend is given in the supplied documents. The NSW listing as Vulnerable indicates a state conservation concern, but the available sources do not quantify the cause or rate of decline.

National population estimate: Not reported in the supplied documents.

Population trend: Not reported in the supplied documents.

Recovery rate after disturbance: Not reported in the supplied documents.

Habitat: Vegetation and substrates

This species uses dry, open vegetation with ground-level shelter and food resources. Habitat value is generally higher where the understorey is diverse, relatively ungrazed and structurally continuous.

Core habitat includes native dry grasslands and low dry shrublands, often along drainage lines where food and shelter are more available.

The species uses tussock grasslands, dune hummock grasslands and scrublands. Documented substrates include clay and loam soils, stony soils, sandy soils and coastal white sand.

Habitat: Important structure

Retain dense tussocks, healthy understorey vegetation, fallen timber, rocks, soil cracks and areas of connected ground cover. The NSW profile states that the species prefers relatively ungrazed habitat with greater plant diversity and healthier understorey vegetation.

The Eucla specimen was captured in long-unburnt coastal foredune vegetation with scattered tall shrubs over very open low shrubs and scattered herbs. This record shows that suitable habitat is not restricted to inland grassland.

Habitat: Climate and elevation

The species is mainly associated with semiarid and arid regions and extends into northern savannahs. The supplied documents do not provide a defined elevation limit.

Foraging habitat: Diet

The Stripe-faced Dunnart is a small carnivorous marsupial that forages on the ground, including in grassland and shrubland with suitable invertebrate prey.

The supplied species account reports termites as part of the diet. The species is described as a small carnivorous marsupial, so other animal prey may also be taken, but the documents do not provide a complete prey list.

Reported prey: Termites.

Foraging period: Primarily nocturnal activity is indicated by the recorded night-time movement data.

Foraging habitat: Foraging areas and movement

Foraging habitat includes tussock grassland, dry shrubland, drainage lines, dune hummock grassland and other native vegetation with ground cover and invertebrate prey.

Individuals can move about 0.3 to 2 km in a night. After rainfall, the species can quickly colonise areas, so recent rain may increase detection rates and the use of otherwise vacant habitat.

Foraging habitat: Pesticide exposure

Locust control can expose dunnarts through contaminated prey and direct contact with sprayed vegetation or soil. Fenitrothion is of particular concern because sublethal intoxication can cause lethargy and temporary immobilisation, increasing vulnerability to predators.

Fipronil toxicity has been studied in this species, with reported oral median lethal dose estimates of 990 mg per kg for males and 270.4 mg per kg for females in one trial. These laboratory values do not establish a field population impact or a recovery rate after aerial application.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

Breeding occurs in the warmer part of the year but can begin in winter. Females require secure shelter and adequate prey within habitat that is not heavily grazed or repeatedly disturbed.

Breeding season: June to February in the NSW profile and WA Museum account; another account gives July to February.

Litters: Females can produce at least two litters in a season.

Young per litter: Six to eight young are reported.

Gestation: About 10.5 to 11 days.

Pouch period: About 40 days.

Weaning: About 70 days.

Age at maturity: Not reported in the supplied documents.

Lifespan: Not reported in the supplied documents.

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat requirements

Breeding habitat should retain cracks in the soil, dense tussocks, rocks, logs and burrows that can provide shelter for females and young. Connected native ground cover is preferable to heavily grazed or recently cleared ground.

During surveys and clearing, inspect shelter features and dense grass tussocks before disturbance, particularly from June to February when pouch young or recently weaned young may be present.

Sheltering habitat: Known shelter sites

The species shelters close to the ground and does not depend on tree hollows. Shelter can be provided by soil structure, ground cover and objects retained on the ground.

Recorded shelter sites include cracks in the soil, grass tussocks, rocks, logs and burrows made by other animals.

The supplied documents do not provide measurements for shelter openings, burrow depth, nest size or home-range size.

  • Retain fallen timber, rocks, intact tussocks and areas with soil cracks where practicable.
  • Inspect ground refuges before clearing and search adjoining habitat when animals are displaced.
  • Avoid leaving isolated strips of ground cover surrounded by cleared areas where practical.

Sheltering habitat: Torpor refuge

In winter, individuals enter torpor almost daily to reduce energy costs. Fenitrothion exposure can interfere with normal movement and torpor-related energy use, so pesticide application near suitable shelter should be managed carefully.

Winter behaviour: Almost-daily torpor is reported in winter.

Threats: Clearing and construction

The main project risks are loss of dry grassland and shrubland, removal of ground refuges, heavy grazing, altered fire regimes, introduced predators and pesticide exposure.

Clearing can remove tussocks, understorey, soil cracks, rocks, logs and other shelter features at the same time as it removes feeding habitat.

Fragmentation can reduce movement between suitable patches. This is relevant because individuals may move 0.3 to 2 km in a night and can colonise habitat after rainfall.

  • Avoid clearing native tussock grassland and low shrubland where practicable.
  • Limit the disturbance footprint and retain connected ground cover, fallen timber, rocks and drainage-line vegetation.
  • Use pre-clearance searches and fauna handling procedures approved for the relevant state or territory.

Threats: Fire, grazing and timber removal

Frequent and extensive fire in dry grasslands and low dry shrublands is identified as a threat. Heavy grazing and trampling can reduce shelter and prey habitat, while removal of fallen timber removes known refuge sites.

A patchwork of burnt and unburnt native grassland and shrubland is recommended in the NSW profile.

  • Avoid broad, repeated burns that remove all dense ground cover from a site.
  • Manage livestock access to retain tussock structure and understorey diversity.
  • Leave fallen timber and rocks in potential habitat.

Threats: Predators and roads

Foxes and feral cats are identified predators. Temporary immobilisation from fenitrothion can increase predation risk.

The supplied documents do not quantify road mortality or provide species-specific road-crossing rates. Roads can nevertheless remove habitat, fragment ground cover and create a potential vehicle risk where animals move between patches.

Threats: Pesticides

The NSW profile identifies high sensitivity to fenitrothion. Sublethal exposure can cause lethargy and temporary immobilisation, and published research reports impaired locomotory function and altered body temperature after fenitrothion exposure.

Fipronil effects have been investigated through oral toxicity, contaminated-prey and reproductive exposure studies. The supplied documents do not provide a confirmed field mortality rate, population decline or recovery rate for Stripe-faced Dunnarts after fipronil application.

  • Avoid fenitrothion use in known or potential Stripe-faced Dunnart habitat where an approved alternative is available.
  • Where pesticide use is unavoidable, assess direct, dietary and dermal exposure pathways and follow the relevant label, permit and environmental conditions.

Threats: Hydrology and disease

The documents do not identify a species-specific disease threat or quantify impacts from altered drainage, flooding or groundwater change. Drainage lines are identified as habitat with better food and shelter resources, so construction should avoid unnecessary changes to their vegetation and surface-water patterns.

Survey methodology: 1. Habitat assessment and targeted searches

Survey effort should focus on dry grasslands, low dry shrublands and drainage lines, particularly where tussocks, logs, rocks, soil cracks and other shelter features remain. The supplied documents do not include a formal survey guideline with prescribed nights, trap numbers or transect lengths, so the project ecologist should apply the relevant state survey guideline and set effort according to habitat quality, disturbance risk and the likelihood of detection.

Map native dry grassland, low shrubland, drainage lines, relatively ungrazed tussock areas and connected retained habitat before selecting survey sites.

Record soil cracks, grass tussocks, rocks, logs, burrows, fallen timber, dense understorey and areas with better food and shelter resources.

Give priority to sites with healthy understorey vegetation and low grazing pressure, because the species prefers relatively ungrazed habitat with greater understorey diversity.

Search for tracks, scats, diggings, shelter sites and other signs during the day, but do not treat the absence of signs as evidence that the species is absent.

Typical adult body mass: 15 to 25 g

Typical total length: Approximately 180 mm

Known movement rate: 0.3 to 2 km in one night

  • Record the area surveyed, transect length, search time, weather, ground cover, recent rain, fire history, grazing pressure and the location of all potential shelter features.
  • Keep retained habitat connected to drainage lines, tussock grassland and shrubland wherever the project footprint allows.

Survey methodology: 2. Nocturnal spotlighting

Use nocturnal spotlighting in suitable grassland, shrubland, drainage lines and retained habitat because the species is a small, mobile marsupial that may be active away from its daytime shelter.

Time searches for suitable night conditions and avoid relying only on cold winter nights, when individuals may enter near-daily torpor to reduce energy costs.

Repeat searches across more than one suitable night where the project may remove or isolate occupied habitat, with the number of nights set by the relevant state guideline and project risk.

Search slowly along fixed transects and inspect tussock bases, soil cracks, logs, rocks and drainage-line vegetation without disturbing shelter sites.

  • Record start and finish times, observers, transect length, weather, wind, moon or illumination conditions, spotlight type, habitat searched and all detections.
  • Use the same transects and search conditions across repeat nights so that changes in detection are interpretable.

Survey methodology: 3. Live trapping and supplementary detection

Use live trapping only under an approved fauna survey design and with the required state or territory authority, animal ethics approval and experienced personnel.

Place traps in suitable grassland, shrubland, drainage-line habitat and beside likely travel routes or shelter features, rather than in cleared or heavily grazed areas.

The supplied records document capture of an individual in a 20 L dry pitfall trap on a coastal foredune, but they do not establish a standard pitfall design or trapping effort for project surveys.

Provide appropriate protection from exposure, check traps at the frequency required by the relevant authority, and release animals promptly at the point of capture unless an authorised relocation is required.

Documented capture method: A 20 L dry pitfall trap

Documented capture setting: Long unburnt coastal foredune vegetation near Eucla, Western Australia

  • Record trap type, trap dimensions, trap locations, trap nights, checking times, weather, captured species, body condition, sex, age class, identification method and release location.
  • Use trapping as a supplementary method and combine it with habitat assessment and nocturnal searches because detection may vary with rainfall, shelter availability and activity.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Use the current survey guideline for the state or territory and document the rationale for the number of nights, transects, traps and survey areas selected.
  • Survey all habitat that will be cleared, excavated, flooded, heavily driven over or isolated from retained habitat.
  • Increase effort where the site contains preferred tussock grassland, drainage lines, shelter features, recent rainfall or records from the surrounding area.
  • Submit confirmed records, including negative survey results where required, to the relevant state or territory wildlife database and provide location accuracy, date, method, observer and voucher or photograph details.
  • Report any uncertain identification for expert review because the species occurs within a taxonomically complex genus and some regional forms may require genetic or morphological confirmation.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise habitat loss

Plan the work around the species' shelter, movement and breeding ecology. The main site risks are removal of dry grassland and shrubland, heavy grazing or trampling, loss of fallen timber and fire, as well as pesticide exposure and increased predation after disturbance.

Retain native dry grassland, low shrubland, drainage-line vegetation, tussock cover, soil cracks, rocks, logs and fallen timber wherever practicable.

Avoid creating isolated pockets of retained habitat because individuals can move 0.3 to 2 km in one night and need connected habitat for movement after rainfall.

Keep machinery, vehicle tracks, laydown areas, spoil and lighting out of retained habitat and drainage lines.

Avoid unnecessary removal of understorey vegetation because the species prefers relatively ungrazed areas with greater understorey diversity and healthier ground cover.

  • Mark no-go areas, retained tussock patches, drainage lines, logs, rock piles, burrows and other shelter features before machinery enters the site.
  • Control stock access and prevent trampling of retained habitat during construction.

Before habitat disturbance: Confirm approvals and responsibilities

Confirm the species' legal status in every state or territory affected by the project before fieldwork or clearing begins.

The species is listed as Vulnerable in New South Wales and is not listed under the EPBC Act in the supplied records.

Check whether the project requires state or territory threatened species approvals, survey licences, animal ethics approval, permits for trapping or handling, or approval to relocate fauna.

Consider whether an EPBC referral is required for other nationally protected matters even though this species is not listed under the EPBC Act in the supplied records.

New South Wales status: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status in the supplied profile: Not listed under the EPBC Act

  • Nominate the fauna spotter catcher, project ecologist, incident contact, wildlife carer and veterinary contact before works start.
  • Include the species in the fauna management plan, clearing procedure, induction material and stop-work procedure.

Before habitat disturbance: Time and stage the works

Avoid clearing during periods of high activity, breeding or dispersal where practicable, and obtain advice from the relevant state authority when timing cannot be avoided.

The species can breed from June to February, and captive females can produce at least two litters, so works during this period need additional attention to dependent young and maternal shelter sites.

Plan staged clearing so that animals can move towards retained habitat rather than being surrounded by simultaneous clearing.

Do not use fenitrothion in or near occupied dunnart habitat where an alternative control method is available, because sublethal exposure can cause lethargy and temporary immobilisation.

  • Schedule pre-clearance surveys close enough to the clearing date that site conditions and habitat use remain relevant.
  • Plan a pause and reassessment after heavy rain, fire, pesticide application or any change that may alter animal activity or shelter use.

Before habitat disturbance: Prepare the site

Complete a pre-clearance survey of the full disturbance footprint and any access, storage or disposal areas.

Use visible fencing, bunting or other controls to separate the work area from retained grassland, shrubland, drainage lines and identified shelter features.

Check all logs, rocks, dense tussocks, soil cracks, burrows and other potential shelters before they are moved or covered.

Where exclusion fencing is used, inspect it regularly and ensure it does not trap or funnel animals into the work area.

  • Brief all operators on the species' small size, nocturnal activity, 15 to 25 g adult mass and requirement for careful inspection of ground shelters.
  • Keep a first aid kit for fauna, suitable ventilated containers, soft cloth bags where authorised, head torches, gloves and transport arrangements ready before clearing begins.

During habitat disturbance: Daily site controls

Use a controlled clearing sequence with a fauna spotter catcher present for all high-risk activities. Stop work whenever an animal, dependent young, occupied shelter or unexpected habitat feature is found.

Inspect exclusion fencing, gates, retained habitat and the active work area at the start of each shift.

Keep clearing within the approved footprint and prevent machinery from entering marked grassland, shrubland, drainage lines and shelter features.

Use the fauna spotter catcher to inspect the ground, vegetation, logs, rocks, soil cracks and burrows immediately before and during disturbance.

Reduce night lighting, vehicle speed, noise and unnecessary movement through retained habitat because the species is nocturnal and can move between shelter and feeding areas.

  • Do not leave trenches, pits or open pipes unattended unless they are securely covered or checked at the required frequency.
  • Keep rescued fauna, equipment and workers away from domestic cats, dogs and other avoidable predators.

During habitat disturbance: Fauna spotter catcher and machinery

The fauna spotter catcher should have authority to direct a pause, inspect the area and clear each section before machinery proceeds.

Clear in small sections towards retained habitat, using low-speed machinery and a sequence that leaves animals an escape route where safe and permitted.

Do not crush, roll, drag or bury logs, rocks, tussocks or soil shelters before they have been inspected.

Use a second qualified person or a safe exclusion zone where the operator cannot maintain a clear view of the spotter catcher and the ground being disturbed.

  • Stop the machine immediately if the spotter catcher loses sight of the work area, identifies an animal or finds a shelter that cannot be safely inspected.
  • Record the machine, activity, location, time and action taken for every fauna interaction.

During habitat disturbance: Handling and relocation

Treat any small marsupial found in the work area as a possible stripe-faced dunnart until it has been safely identified.

Only an authorised and experienced person should capture, handle, transport or relocate the animal, using the method and equipment approved for the project.

Keep handling time short, minimise noise and heat exposure, and place the animal in nearby retained habitat with shelter and ground cover that match the capture site.

Do not release an animal into exposed cleared ground, heavily grazed areas, active work areas or habitat separated from the retained movement route.

Take an injured, lethargic or apparently intoxicated animal to the nominated veterinarian or authorised wildlife carer and do not release it until cleared.

  • Check for pouch young or dependent young and obtain specialist advice before moving an adult female.
  • Use gloves and appropriate hygiene controls, and do not feed or give water unless directed by a veterinarian or authorised wildlife carer.
  • Photograph and record the animal where this can be done without delaying treatment or increasing stress.

During habitat disturbance: Stop-work triggers and records

Stop work in the immediate area when a stripe-faced dunnart, dependent young, injured fauna, occupied burrow or unassessed shelter feature is found.

Stop work if fencing fails, animals are being funnelled towards machinery, the approved clearing boundary is exceeded or the fauna spotter catcher cannot safely monitor the activity.

Obtain advice from the project ecologist and relevant authority before restarting when the animal cannot be safely relocated or when repeated detections indicate occupied habitat.

  • Record date, time, GPS location, habitat, weather, activity, identification, sex if known, condition, photographs, handling, release or treatment location and names of all authorised personnel.
  • Report pesticide exposure, injury, mortality, nest or young records and any breach of the fauna management plan through the project's incident system and to the relevant authority where required.

After habitat disturbance: Post-clearance checks

Post-clearance work should confirm that no fauna remain in the disturbance area, that retained habitat is still connected and that control measures are working. Monitoring should be scaled to the amount of habitat removed and the species' legal status at the site.

Complete a final inspection of the cleared footprint, stockpiles, trenches, pipes, culverts, spoil and retained habitat edges after each clearing stage.

Check for live or injured dunnarts, carcasses, tracks, shelter disturbance and animals trapped by fencing or excavations.

Remove or secure temporary hazards and maintain fauna exclusion controls until the site is stable or rehabilitation is complete.

Reinspect retained tussock grassland, drainage lines and shelter features after heavy rain, fire, pesticide application or major changes in construction access.

  • Document the date, area inspected, observers, methods, findings, photographs, incidents and corrective actions.
  • Keep all records with the project environmental file and submit required records to the relevant wildlife database.

After habitat disturbance: Monitoring and corrective action

Monitor retained and rehabilitated habitat for continued ground cover, shelter availability, weed invasion, grazing or trampling, predator activity and use by small mammals.

Repeat targeted nocturnal searches or other approved survey methods where pre-clearance records identified the species or where works removed or isolated suitable habitat.

Compare monitoring locations and methods with the pre-disturbance survey so that changes in habitat condition and detections can be assessed.

Investigate any decline in detections, repeated injuries, predator concentration or loss of cover and change site controls where required.

  • Maintain connectivity between retained grassland, shrubland, drainage lines and shelter features throughout construction and operation.
  • Keep fauna spotter catcher and ecological incident records available for audits, approval reporting and future rehabilitation decisions.

After habitat disturbance: Reporting and offsets

Report confirmed impacts, mortality, relocation, habitat loss, rehabilitation progress and monitoring results to the approval authority and land manager where required.

Review whether residual loss of suitable habitat requires an offset, conservation agreement or other compensatory measure under the relevant state or territory approval.

Use confirmed records to update the relevant state wildlife database and improve future survey planning in the project area.

  • Do not describe the species as absent solely because it was not detected during one survey or one clearing inspection.
  • Retain spatial data for cleared habitat, retained habitat, relocation points and rehabilitation areas in a format that can be used for later monitoring.

Rehabilitation actions: Rebuild habitat structure

Rehabilitation should recreate the dry grassland and low shrubland structure used for shelter and movement, not just provide bare ground with planted trees. The best available species information supports ground-layer recovery, retention of shelter materials, predator control and careful fire and grazing management.

Re-establish native tussock grassland and low dry shrubland using locally appropriate native species from the site's original vegetation community.

Restore drainage-line vegetation and ground cover where these areas were disturbed, while maintaining natural drainage and avoiding waterlogging of dryland shelter areas.

Reinstate salvaged logs, rocks, coarse woody material and suitable soil features so that animals have shelter from heat, predators and exposure.

Retain fallen timber on the ground and avoid creating a uniform, closely mown or heavily grazed surface.

  • Protect new plantings and recovering tussocks from stock, trampling, vehicle traffic and unnecessary fire.
  • Use locally sourced seed or tubestock where permitted and record the species, source, planting date and treated area.

Rehabilitation actions: Shelter and connectivity

Link rehabilitation areas to retained native grassland, shrubland, drainage lines and other shelter patches rather than establishing isolated plantings.

Maintain safe movement routes through the project area because the species can move 0.3 to 2 km in one night.

Use nest boxes only where a site assessment shows that artificial shelters are appropriate; the supplied documents do not identify a nest box design or a required number for this species.

Do not remove natural logs, rocks, tussocks or soil shelters merely because nest boxes have been installed.

  • Map the location and condition of reinstated shelter features and inspect them during rehabilitation monitoring.
  • Keep access tracks, fencing and drainage structures from blocking movement between habitat patches.

Rehabilitation actions: Weeds, predators, fire and pesticides

Control weeds while protecting native tussocks, shrubs and drainage-line plants that provide cover and food resources.

Manage foxes and feral cats around retained and rehabilitated habitat in accordance with approved control programs.

Use a patchwork of burnt and unburnt native grassland and shrubland rather than frequent, extensive fire, and obtain ecological fire advice for the local vegetation community.

Reduce heavy livestock grazing and trampling during recovery.

Avoid fenitrothion in dunnart habitat where an alternative locust control method is available, and assess any pesticide use for direct and prey-mediated exposure.

  • Record all pesticide applications, fire events, grazing access, predator control and weed treatments in the rehabilitation register.
  • Inspect rehabilitation after fire, drought, flooding, heavy rain and pesticide application for loss of shelter and changes in animal risk.

Rehabilitation actions: Success measures and monitoring

Set measurable rehabilitation targets for native ground cover, tussock establishment, shrub cover, shelter feature retention, weed cover, grazing exclusion and connectivity to retained habitat.

Monitor rehabilitation and reference habitat using repeatable ground surveys and, where appropriate, approved nocturnal spotlighting or live trapping.

Assess success over multiple seasons because the species can respond to rainfall and may recolonise suitable areas after rain.

Investigate failed establishment, loss of cover, predator activity or continuing absence of detections and revise the rehabilitation plan.

  • Record the area monitored, transects, nights, trap nights, weather, rainfall or recent rain, habitat condition, detections and management actions.
  • Submit confirmed records to the relevant state or territory wildlife database and report rehabilitation outcomes under the project approval.

Sources