dasyurids

Dasyurids are a family of carnivorous marsupials in the order Dasyuromorphia. They are native to Australia and nearby islands and comprise about 60–70 species across several genera, including Dasyurus (quolls), Sarcophilus (Tasmanian devil), Antechinus (marsupial mice), Sminthopsis (dunnarts), and Phascogale (brush-tailed phascogales). They range in size from small, mouse-like species to the larger Tasmanian devil, and occupy a wide range of habitats from deserts to forests and temperate woodlands.

Dasyurids are predominantly carnivorous or insectivorous, hunting small vertebrates, insects, and carrion. Most are nocturnal or crepuscular and solitary, with a home range that varies by species. They have sharp claws and teeth adapted for grasping and slicing prey, and their diets reflect the diversity of environments they occupy.

Reproduction varies among the group. Breeding is often seasonal, with young born early in the year in many species. The Antechinus, in particular, are known for semelparity, where males die after the mating season from physiological stress, while females raise their litters after a short gestation and pouch life.

Conservation: Several dasyurid species are threatened by habitat loss, predation by introduced cats and foxes, and competition with other species. The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) faces devil facial tumour disease, a contagious cancer that has caused major declines. Conservation programs focus on disease management, habitat protection, and captive breeding for the more endangered species.

Evolution and status: Dasyurids are an ancient marsupial lineage with a fossil record dating back to the Miocene, representing a diverse radiation across Australia and illustrating the adaptive responses of carnivorous marsupials to the continent’s environments.