Fauna

Biological survey

In November 2008, a��nine day intensive survey of mammals, reptiles and birds was conducted in the Reserve.

The survey was designed to sample each of the 14 vegetation communities. The combined labours��of 44 Friends and others resulted in 2,800 trap/nights and 170 hours of targeted searches. View the results of the 2008 Biological Survey.

Further surveys on birds, mammals, reptiles, frogs and insects can be viewed on the Friends of the Waite Conservation Reserve .

Mammals

The Yellow-footed Marsupial Mouse – Antechinus flavipes

This small, nocturnal, carnivorous animal makes its home in tree hollows and piles of dead wood. It has brown, somewhat bristly fur and a pointed face, which contains the characteristic carnivore’s set of sharp teeth, which it uses to capture and eat insects and other small animals.

Mating occurs in winter, and the tiny young are born after about 30 days gestation. 10 to 12 babies attach to the teats of the mother until the time they are able to fend for themselves. Following mating, which is prolonged and a somewhat violent affair, all the males then die before the end of the year. This is thought to be due to complex hormonal and behavioural changes which occur during the breeding season. Although these creatures are essentially nocturnal, there are reports of sightings of Antechinus foraging during the day and being unafraid of the human observers.

Download the Mammal checklist.