The numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus), also known as the banded anteater, is a unique and visually striking marsupial native to Australia. Its reddish-brown fur, adorned with distinctive white and black stripes along its back, helps it camouflage within its woodland habitat. This small, insect-eating mammal is one of the few marsupials that is active during the day. Numbats possess a long, sticky tongue, extending up to 11 cm, which they use to extract termites, their primary food source, from narrow cavities. The numbat’s specialized diet and diurnal nature underscore its particular ecological niche. This marsupial is currently classified as endangered, highlighting the need to protect its remaining habitat.
Current Numbat Habitats
Numbats are presently found in isolated pockets within southwestern Western Australia. These occur primarily in the Dryandra Woodland, near Narrogin, and the Perup Nature Reserve, near Manjimup, along with the Upper Warren region. Their preferred environment consists of eucalypt woodlands, particularly those dominated by wandoo (Eucalyptus wandoo) and jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) trees. These specific tree species are important because they provide abundant hollow logs and branches.
Numbats rely heavily on these fallen logs and hollows for shelter, nesting sites, and refuge from predators. Their diet consists almost exclusively of termites, with an adult numbat consuming up to 20,000 termites daily. Numbats forage for termites in the soil and decaying wood, using their keen sense of smell and sharp claws to uncover the insects. A consistent termite supply and suitable shelter are factors determining numbat presence in an area.
From Widespread to Restricted: Numbat’s Historical Range
The numbat’s distribution was once far more extensive, spanning across much of southern Australia. Historical records indicate their presence in Western Australia, South Australia, parts of New South Wales, Victoria, and even the southern Northern Territory. This widespread range began to contract significantly after European settlement.
The decline in numbat populations and habitat restriction can be attributed to several factors. Widespread land clearing for agriculture, development, and mining led to significant habitat loss and fragmentation. Altered fire regimes also impacted their woodland environments. The introduction of non-native predators, particularly red foxes and feral cats, significantly affected numbat numbers, as these predators are effective hunters.
Protecting Numbat Living Spaces
Conservation efforts are underway to preserve and expand numbat habitats and populations. A key strategy involves establishing predator-proof fenced enclosures, which provide safe havens for numbats away from introduced predators. Examples include Scotia Sanctuary, Yookamurra Sanctuary, and Mount Gibson Sanctuary. These sanctuaries enable reintroduction programs.
Perth Zoo plays a significant role in these efforts through its breeding program, supplying captive-bred numbats for release into protected wild habitats. Habitat management practices are also crucial, including controlled burning to maintain suitable woodland conditions and the retention of hollow logs, which are vital for numbat shelter and foraging. Programs focusing on controlling feral cat and fox populations are also implemented to reduce predation pressure on wild numbats. These actions aim to ensure the long-term survival of this marsupial.