dasyuromorphs

Dasyuromorphs are a clade of carnivorous marsupials that form the order Dasyuromorphia. They are native to Australia and nearby regions, with a fossil record reaching into the Cenozoic. Members of this group vary in size and habitat, but many are adapted to predatory or insectivorous lifestyles and exhibit sharp teeth and agile forelimbs for capturing prey.

The living dasyuromorphs are represented by two families: Dasyuridae, which includes quolls, dunnarts, antechinuses, and the iconic Tasmanian devil, and Myrmecobiidae, which contains the numbat. The extinct family Thylacinidae, most famously including the Tasmanian tiger (thylacine), is also part of the historical diversity of dasyuromorphs. In some classifications, other marsupial groups are treated separately, while the dasyuromorphs are recognized for their carnivorous or insectivorous adaptations.

Anatomically, dasyuromorphs typically possess skulls and dentition suited to carnivory or insectivory, with sharp canines and specialised molars. Behaviorally, they show a range of ecological strategies, from nocturnal predators such as quolls to termite-eating specialists like the numbat. Reproduction follows marsupial patterns, with young being born underdeveloped and continuing growth in a pouch or attached to a teat after birth.

Distribution and conservation status vary by species. Tasmanian devils face declines due to disease, while many dasyuromorphs experience pressures from habitat loss and competition with introduced species. Some species are listed as endangered or vulnerable, reflecting the broader challenges facing Australian mammal fauna.