File:Numbat,_Dryandra_Woodland,_Western_Australia.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons
numbat
Sign in to saveAlso 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.
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.
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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
Wikidata facts
- Mass
- 600
- Image
- Numbat.jpg
Show 8 more facts
- Commons category
- Myrmecobius fasciatus
- Commons gallery
- Myrmecobius fasciatus
- taxon common name
- Mrówkożer workowaty
- gestation period
- 14
- litter size
- 4
- longest observed lifespan
- 11
- taxon author citation
- Waterhouse, 1836
- taxon name
- Myrmecobius fasciatus
Sources (2)
via Wikidata · CC0
~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.