Order: Dasyuromorphia Prev. Marsupialia
Family: Dasyuridae
Genus & Species: Parantechinus apicalis
APPEARANCE
The dibbler is a small, little-known spotted marsupial mouse of
Australia. It is very rare; little is known about its biology. The dibbler
is basically mouse-like in appearance, with a small, rounded body and
large ears. Dibblers grow to body lengths of 5.8 in (145 mm). The tail
is stout, furry, and grows to lengths of 4.6 in (115 mm). Dibblers weigh
a maximum of 100 grams.
Dibblers have strong jaws with several tiny, sharp teeth that help
support their carnivorous tendencies. Females, like most marsupials,
have a pouch used to carry the newborns until they are fully
developed. The dibbler is a type of broad-footed marsupial mouse
and, as the name suggests, all species have broad feet. The bottom of
the feet contain grooves running along the pads that act as suckers
and enable them to grip to trees and rocks. The feet end in sharp
claws. Dibblers have large eyes, a pointed snout, and long whiskers.
Dibblers do not vary greatly in colour. The coat is generally brown
sprinkled with grey. The eyes are bordered with white rings.
Dibblers are incredibly agile and acrobatic, and can run through
seemingly impenetrable undergrowth with surprising ease.
HABITAT
Dibblers are found in the southwestern portion of western Australia.
They are found on the islands of Boullanger and Whitlock off the
coast of Jurien in Jurien Bay. A colony of dibblers has also been
established on Escape Island in the same bay. Dibblers can also be
found in Fitzgerald National Park, Arpenter Nature Reserve,
Waychinicup National Park, Torndirrup National Park, and
Ravensthorpe. Subfossil records show that at one time dibblers could
be found in southern Australia.
Dibblers can be found in the low Bankia heathlands of western
Australia and seem to prefer sandy soils. They are nocturnal mammals
and sleep in rock crevices, hollow logs, and caves during the day.
FOOD
Dibblers are, unlike mice, carnivores. They use their strong jaws to
crunch down on house mice, dunnarts (small mammals),
ground-dwelling insects, small birds, and lizards. They also will feed
upon the nectar of flowers.
ENEMIES
Dibblers are extremely rare, but the reason for their decline is not
known. Because of their speed and habitat in thick undergrowth, they
have few natural enemies. However, introduced animals such as feral
foxes and feral cats may be reducing their numbers. Also, plant
diseases and land clearance both destroy their shelter and their food,
and also makes them vulnerable to other predators. Forest fires also
seem to have an effect on dibblers, as they will not return to an area
that had been burnt down for several years.
The dibbler is considered to be an endangered species.
BREEDING
Little is known about the breeding habits of the dibbler. The breeding
season seems to be during the spring. After a gestation period of 44
days, the female dibbler gives birth to 8 young. These babies live and
nurse in their mother's pouch for several weeks. They grow quickly
and soon become too big for the pouch; only their snouts fit in,
allowing them to nurse for some time.
HISTORY
The dibbler was first discovered in the mid 1800's and at that time was
considered to be scarce. It was so scarce that by 1884 it was declared
to be extinct. The science community believed it to be extinct for 83
years, until a man named Michael Morcombe trapped one in 1967.
Since then, several populations have been found. In the last 5 years, 40
000 nights have been spent searching for dibblers to get and accurate
read of their numbers, but only 45 have been discovered.
Perth Zoo has been involved in the conservation of this species, and in
May of 1997 their captive breeding program paid off: 3 of their
females gave birth to 21 young. The next year, 7 females gave birth to
46 young. These dibblers have been placed on Escape Island to start a
growing population there.
RELATIVES
The dibbler is a species of broad-footed marsupial mice. Another
member of its genus is the sandstone marsupial mouse of northern
Australia.
RESOURCES CITED
1. www.worldzoo.org/abstract/abs02317.htm#1
2. www.joyzine.zip.com.au/australia/strine/d.html
3. www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au
4. cyberfair.gsn.org/tenan/reports/elanora/ewild58.html
5. www.biodiversity.environment.gov.au/plants/threaten/
plans/action_plans/marsupials/16.htm#dibbler
6. www.cbn.org.au/member/tsn/projects/WA/dibbler.html
7. Helen Robertson, c/o Perth Zoo
8. "Marsupial Mouse" Funk & Wagnall's Wildlife Encyclopedia, vol 11,
1974, USA, BPC Pub Ltd
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