Fauna
Mammal · GBIF taxon 5219465

Numbat

Myrmecobius fasciatus

Also known as Noombat, Walpurti, Banded Anteater

Numbats spend daylight hours patrolling fallen timber and forest litter, using an acute sense of smell and a long, slender tongue to lap up thousands of termites each day. Unlike most other marsupials, females lack a pouch, instead carrying up to four young clinging directly to specialized nipples shielded only by crimped belly fur. With small remnant populations confined to fragmented Western Australian woodlands, they rely heavily on hollow logs for shelter against thermal extremes and predators.

DiurnalMarsupialInsectivore
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EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Termites
Predators
  • Red Fox
  • Feral Cat
  • Birds of Prey
ThreatsPredation by invasive red foxes and feral cats, habitat loss, and altered fire regimes.
HabitatsEucalypt woodlands, particularly mature wandoo and jarrah forests with abundant hollow logs and fallen debris.
Life span4–6 years in the wild, up to 8 years in captivity.
Classification
  1. FamilyMyrmecobiidae
  2. SpeciesMyrmecobius fasciatus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Look for a reddish-brown body with white transverse stripes on the rump and a bushy, bottlebrush tail.
Support conservation
Maintain a generous viewing distance, stay on designated trails, and never disturb forest debris.
Responsible observation
  • Timing: Search open eucalypt woodlands on warm, sunny mornings when termites become active near the ground surface.
  • Log Etiquette: Never roll or step on fallen hollow logs, which provide essential nesting and refuge.
  • Quiet Observation: Remain stationary if you spot one, as sudden movements send them darting into the nearest hollow.
Related species
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