numbat
Also known as noombat, walpurti
The numbat (; binomen: Myrmecobius fasciatus), also known as the noombat or walpurti, is an insectivorous marsupial. It is diurnal and its diet consists almost exclusively of termites.
AI overview
The numbat is an Australian marsupial that eats almost exclusively termites and is active during the day, making it unusual among marsupials. As a specialized insect-eater, it plays a role in controlling termite populations in its native ecosystem.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Species
EndangeredMaximum longevity: 11 years (captivity) Observations: One male was at least 11 years old when it died at Perth Zoo (Richard Weigl 2005).
via IUCN
~15 min read
Article
12 sectionsContents
- Taxonomy
- Description
- Distribution and habitat
- Ecology and habits
- Reproduction
- Relation to humans
- Early records
- Conservation status
- Notes
- Citations
- Explanatory notes
- External links
The numbat (; binomen: Myrmecobius fasciatus), also known as the noombat or walpurti, is an insectivorous marsupial. It is diurnal and its diet consists almost exclusively of termites.
The species was once widespread across southern Australia, but is now restricted to several small colonies in Western Australia. It is therefore considered an endangered species and protected by conservation programs. Numbats were recently re-introduced to fenced reserves in South Australia and New South Wales. The numbat is the faunal emblem of Western Australia.
Gallery (37)
Connections
Categories
Commons link from WikidataDasyuromorphsEndemic fauna of AustraliaEPBC Act endangered biotaIUCN Red List endangered speciesMammals described in 1836Marsupials of AustraliaMyrmecophagous mammalsSymbols of Western AustraliaTaxa named by George Robert WaterhouseTaxonbars with 20–24 taxon IDsTaxonbars with multiple manual Wikidata items