exists in nature great amount animals differing in size, color and behavior.
Sometimes there is a species that combines several characteristics from other animals. A striking example The marsupial marten can serve to confirm these facts.
Marten distribution area
Marsupials of this species are quite large quantities They live on the islands of New Guinea, Tasmania, and also on the Australian mainland.
Appearance of a marsupial marten
This animal is its appearance resembles a mixture of martens and cats. Therefore, this species has another name - the marsupial cat, which combines six other species.
Size adult can vary from 25 to 74 cm, with the tail accounting for 20 to 40 cm, and sometimes all 60. Total weight spotted marten ranges from 1 to 6 kg. The females of this species are slightly smaller than the males.
The body is covered with hair, it is very soft and thick, but rather short, but on the tail it is the same, but longer. The color of the coat can be gray-brown, gray-yellow or gray-black, and there are white spots on it that have an irregular shape. It is thanks to their presence that the genus of these martens was called spotted. The end of the muzzle is painted red, and the abdomen is most often yellow, gray or white.
The head of this marten is small and blunt in shape, but depending on the species there are individuals with a short and pointed head. The ears of this animal are also not very large.
Listen to the voice of the marsupial marten
There are 42 teeth in the mouth, of which the molars and canines are the most developed. Sometimes the upper first incisor is separated from the other incisors by some space.
One more hallmark this type of marten has not only plantar pads, but also the first toe located on hind limbs.
Marsupial martens are the owners long tail. Lifestyle of the marsupial marten
For their shelters, these animals use hollows of fallen trees, into which they drag dry bark and grass. In addition, a gap among the stones, as well as an abandoned hole and other secluded corners that they can find, can become a shelter for them. The main activity of marsupial martens occurs at night, when they move not only on the surface of the ground, but also climb trees. Quite often these animals can be found near human habitation.
Diet of the marsupial marten
Marsupial martens are predatory animals. The main food for animals of this species are birds and mammals. large sizes, as well as insects, mollusks, fish and other species of amphibians and reptiles. However, if the opportunity arises, they will not refuse carrion. In addition, the diet of marsupial martens includes plant food in the form of fruit.
Reproduction
The pregnancy of female martens lasts about three weeks, which falls on summer months May and July. After which from 4 to 6 babies are born. However, there is one known case when a female of this species was able to give birth to 24 cubs at once.
Babies are born blind and feed on their mother's milk. Their size at four weeks of age does not exceed 4 cm. After 8 weeks they stop sucking milk, and after another three weeks their eyes open. Little martens begin to taste meat at the age of 15 weeks, and become completely independent at 4.5 months.
Enemies of the marsupial marten
Very little is known about the enemies of this species. It is believed that martens may be hunted
The spotted marsupial marten, also called the marsupial cat, is part of the family of predatory marsupials. It lives in Australia, New Guinea, Tasmania and forms a genus consisting of 6 species. Of these, 4 species live in Australia, and 2 in New Guinea. In addition, there are 2 known fossil species whose remains were discovered in Queensland. Species vary in size and weight, which ranges from 300 g to 7 kg.
The body length of adult individuals is 25-75 cm. The hairy tail reaches a length of 20-35 cm. Males are larger than females. The latter have 6 nipples and brood pouches, which acquire voluminous shapes during the breeding season. The rest of the time they are folds on the skin. The bags open back towards the tail. The only exception is one species - spotted-tailed marsupial martens. Their brood pouch is clearly visible all year round.
The muzzle is long, the nose is bright pink, and the ears are small. The coat is soft, thick, short and has a brown or black color on the back and sides, diluted with white spots. The belly is white or light yellow. As for weight, it varies markedly depending on the species. Mostly males weigh up to 1.3 kg, and females up to 0.9 kg. The largest species is the spotted-tailed marsupial marten. Males weigh about 7 kg, and females 4 kg. The smallest is the northern marsupial marten. The weight of males is 400-900 g, and the weight of females is 300-500 g.
Reproduction and lifespan
The breeding season is winter months(V Southern Hemisphere winter in June-August). Pregnancy in females is 3 weeks. At this time, the folds on the abdomen are transformed into a brood pouch. There are up to 18 cubs in a litter. They are small and no larger than a grain of rice. During the first 2 weeks, no more than 6 cubs remain alive, since the female has only 6 nipples.
The babies sit in their mother's pouch for 8 weeks. During the 9th week, they move from the pouch to their back, where they remain for another 6 weeks. They reach sexual maturity at the age of 1 year. IN wildlife The spotted marsupial marten lives from 2 to 5 years. Large species live longer than small ones. In captivity, life expectancy is 3-4 years.
Behavior and nutrition
These are nocturnal animals. They rarely search for prey during the daytime. They are mainly terrestrial, but are often found in trees. The lair is made in caves, among stones, in hollow logs. Solitary lifestyle. Each adult has its own territory. In this case, the territories of males often overlap with the territories of females. Remarkable common areas for toilets. Sometimes they have up to 100 litters. During the breeding season, males unite with females.
The diet consists of small mammals, no larger than rabbits, but everything depends on the size of the marsupial predators. Small species mainly eat insects, birds, frogs, lizards, and also fruits. But large species eat echidnas, opossums, hares, rats, mice, birds and reptiles. In times of famine, carrion is eaten. Animals chase their prey while hunting. Having caught up, they jump on her and close their jaws on the victim’s neck. They drink little, getting water from food.
Representatives of the species suffer from urbanization, housing construction, expansion of agricultural fields and development of the mining industry. Habitats are destroyed by large herbivores, trampling grass and thickets. As a result, the number of spotted marsupial martens has declined markedly in Australia. These animals are listed in the Red Book. As for New Guinea and Tasmania, the animals feel safer there, and their numbers do not cause serious concern.
Many species of flora and fauna have been introduced, gradually becoming extinct various reasons. This category includes one of the largest marsupial predators living on the Australian continent, marsupial marten.
She is given second place in size after. Otherwise they call it a marsupial cat. The marten acquired these names because of its many similarities, both with and with a cat. They are also called native cats. Marsupial marten feeding flesh, so she, along with the devil, are considered natural predators.
Description and features of the marsupial marten
Average adult length speckled marsupial marten ranges from 25 to 75 cm. Its tail extends another 25-30 cm. The male is usually larger than the female. In females spotted marsupial martens There are 6 teats and pouches for the offspring, which become larger during the breeding season.
At other times, these are just slightly noticeable folds in the skin. They open back towards the tail. Only in one species spotted-tailed marsupial marten the brood bag remains in unchanged working condition throughout all year round.
This peculiar animal has a long muzzle with a bright pink nose and small ears. Photo of a marsupial marten Her fur is striking. It can be brown or black in color with whitish spots, and is short.
It is characterized by increased density and simultaneous softness. On the belly of the marten, the color of the fur is lighter; it is white or light yellow. The fur on the tail is fluffier than on the body. The color of the animal's face is dominated by red and burgundy tones. The marten's limbs are small with well-developed fingers.
Australian spotted marsupial - this is the most close-up view martens . Its body reaches up to 75 cm in length, plus the length of its tail, which is usually 35 cm.
Her tail is also evenly covered with white spots. The forested areas of the Eastern and Tasmanian Islands are the most favorite places this animal. This is a ferocious and strong predator.
The striped marsupial marten is considered one of the smallest, the length of which, including the tail, is only 40 cm. It can be found in the lowland forests of New Guinea, on the islands of Salavati and Aru.
Lifestyle and habitat
This interesting animal makes its shelters in the hollows of fallen trees, which it insulates with dry grass and bark. They can also use cracks between stones, empty holes and other abandoned corners that they find as shelter.
Martens are more active at night. During the daytime, they prefer to sleep in secluded places where extraneous sounds do not reach. They can easily move not only on the ground, but also through trees. There are frequent cases when they can be found near people's homes.
The black-tailed marsupial marten prefers to lead single image life. Each adult has its own purely personal territory. Often the terrain belonging to the males intersects with the terrain of the females. They have one area for toilets.
Speckled marsupial marten also prefers nightlife day. At night it is much easier for them to hunt mammals and look for their eggs and feast on them. Sometimes they eat animals thrown out by the sea.
Those martens that get close to farms can mercilessly strangle animals, and sometimes even steal them right from the kitchen local resident meat, fats and other food supplies.
Martens have a creeping and very cautious gait, but at the same time sharp and lightning-fast movements. They prefer to move on the ground rather than in trees. But if the situation requires it, then they deftly move along the tree and quietly, imperceptibly approach their prey.
When the heat is high, animals try to hide in secluded, cool places and wait out the scorching sun. Speckled marsupial marten lives on the sandy plains and hills of Australia, New Guinea and Tasmania.
Diet of the marsupial marten
As already mentioned, marsupial martens are predatory animals. They love the meat of birds, insects, shellfish, fish and other amphibians. It is important that their prey is not too large.
Large and tough only for large martens. Animals do not refuse carrion either. This happens at a time when food is very tight. Sometimes animals dilute their daily diet with fresh fruits.
While hunting for prey, martens stubbornly pursue their prey and pounce on it, closing their jaws on the animal's neck. It is no longer possible to escape from such a stranglehold.
Often the favorite delicacy of marsupial martens are domestic ones, which they steal from farms. Some farmers forgive them this prank; they even tame them and make them pets.
Martens that live at home are happy to exterminate and. Mine water balance They replenish through food, so they don't drink too much.
Reproduction and lifespan
The breeding season for marsupial martens occurs in May-July. These animals breed once a year. Pregnancy lasts about 21 days. After this, from 4 to 8 babies are born, sometimes more.
There was one case when one female gave birth to 24 cubs. Up to 8 weeks, babies feed on mother's milk. Until 11 weeks they are completely blind and defenseless. From 15 weeks of age they begin to taste meat. Babies can live an independent life at 4-5 months. By this age, their weight reaches up to 175 g.
In the photo there are marsupial marten cubs
The cubs stay in the female's pouch for up to 8 weeks. At the 9th week, they move from this secluded place to their mother’s back, where they remain for another 6 weeks. Sexual maturity in these amazing animals occurs at 1 year.
The lifespan of martens in nature and in captivity is not very different. They live approximately 2 to 5 years. The number of these animals is significantly declining due to the activity of people, who are increasingly destroying their habitat every year. Many martens are killed by disgruntled farmers, leading to their extinction.
The marsupial marten is the second largest marsupial predator in Australia, second only to . The species received its name due to some similarities with the true cat and marten. Additionally, the animal is also known as a "quoll" or tiger cat.
The body length of the marsupial marten is from 25 to 75 cm, the tail is 20-60 cm long, the weight varies widely from 900 g (for Dasyurus hallucatus) to 4-7 kg (for Dasyurus maculatus). Females are smaller in size. The fur is short, thick and soft; the tail is covered more long hair. The ears are small. The tail is strong and thick.
The back and sides of the animal are gray-yellow to black with white spots, the belly is white, gray or yellow. Females have 6-8 nipples. The brood pouch opens backwards. The canines and molars are well developed.
The marsupial marten goes hunting at night. Its diet is quite varied. It features reptiles, birds and their eggs, rabbits and others small mammals. Great strength and size allow the animal to hunt also larger animals (tree possum, heron, young wallaby). Brave and agile, the marsupial marten becomes cautious and patient when necessary.
Since this species lives in forests, climbing tree trunks, they destroy the nests of birds, guard the latter among the branches, or catch them directly in flight. They can also hunt sleeping birds.
The marsupial marten lives in eastern Australia and on the island of Tasmania, is under protection, and is quite rare. This animal primarily chooses to live in rainy, cool forests and thickets along the banks of reservoirs.
Common species of marsupial marten
Widely distributed on the island New Guinea, where it lives in high mountain areas at altitudes up to 3600 m above sea level. In addition, it lives on the Yapen Islands in humid tropical forests. In garden plots he hunts for rats.
The smallest species of its genus with a body length from 240 to 350 mm, the tail length ranges from 210 to 310 mm. Average weight 450 g. The coat is thick and coarse, with a slight undercoat. The back is brown with white spots. The tail is dark brown or black.
This species is now found exclusively in eucalyptus forests in southwest Western Australia. It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Natural environment Habitats include deserts, meadows, sclerophyte forests, and coastal areas with thickets of bushes.
The weight of adult males is 0.7-2 kg, females - 0.6-1.12 kg. The body length of males is from 310 to 400 mm, for females - from 260 to 360 mm. The tail of males is 250-350 mm long, females - 210-310 mm. The fur is soft. The back and sides are brown or black, with white spots. The belly is creamy white. The muzzle is elongated, pointed, light. The ears are large, round in shape, with a white border. The eyes are large. The legs are short.
Small view with males weighing up to 900 g, and body length ranging from 25-35 cm. The coat is short and coarse, gray-brown or gray, with white spots; the tip of the tail is black.
Previously, the species was distributed over a fairly wide range from the Pilbara in western Australia to south-east Queensland, but its habitat has now been reduced to a few isolated areas in northern Australia. The northern marsupial marten lives in rocky areas or in eucalyptus forests near the coast. The species is listed on the IUCN Red List as “located in dangerous condition».
A large variety of marsupial martens with a body length of about 60-75 cm, a tail length of 50 cm, and a weight of up to 7 kg. The fur is dark brown in color and differs from other species in having white spots on the tail, which is reflected in the name of the species.
The spotted-tailed marsupial marten now consists of two isolated populations - in northern Queensland (near Cairns and Cooktown) and in the east from southern Queensland to Tasmania. It is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
This is the only mammal that lives on the island of New Guinea in the Fly River basin in the south of the island. Its natural habitat is savanna woodland. During the rainy season, the range noticeably decreases due to river floods.
The body length is from 350 to 450 mm, the tail is from 240 to 285 mm in length. The wool is soft and golden brown. The back is dark chocolate with orange and small white spots. The belly is creamy. The paws are dark golden-bronze in color. The tail is yellowish-brown or black without spots. The muzzle is pointed. The ears are small and round in shape.
The species reaches 45 cm in length, the tail is about 30 cm long, and its weight is approximately 1.5 kg. The coat is colored from black to yellowish-brown; white spots cover the entire body except for the bushy tail with a white tip. The muzzle is pointed.
The species is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
In all species of marsupial marten, sexual dimorphism is manifested in the fact that males exceed females in size.
Marsupial martens are active mainly at night and lead a solitary lifestyle. During the day they go out in search of food extremely rarely. Animals spend a lot of time among trees or their fallen trunks at the bottom of the tropical forest.
The marsupial marten is skilled hunter. She kills her prey with lightning speed with a blow to the neck or head.
Mating season in the marsupial marten it occurs at the beginning of winter once a year, but after the loss of offspring the animal can also mate again. The duration of pregnancy is about 20 days, after which 4-6 cubs are born. After 7-10 weeks, the female leaves them in the shelter and goes hunting. If it is necessary to change the shelter, the female can carry the babies on her back. At the end of autumn, when the cubs reach the age of 18 weeks, they become independent, and at 1 year they become sexually mature. The lifespan of the species in captivity is 3-4 years.
Previously, the marsupial marten was common in the southeast of Australia, but after the epizootics of 1901-1903 and due to uncontrolled destruction, their numbers began to decrease, and now the species has practically disappeared from the continent, but they are still common in Tasmania.
- The marsupial marten is a ferocious predator, strong enough to handle cats and dogs if necessary.
- This is a real arboreal animal in its image and character of life. It has well-developed thumbs and the structure of its paws allows it to firmly grasp branches and tree trunks.
- In relation to people, marsupial martens behave secretly and timidly. But at the same time, he is one of the most militant inhabitants of Australia and Tasmania.
Taxonomy of the genus Spotted marsupial martens:
Species: Dasyurus albopunctatus Schlegel, 1880 = New Guinea marsupial marten
Species: Dasyurus geoffroii Gould, 1841 = Black-tailed marsupial marten, Geoffroy's marsupial marten
Species: Dasyurus hallucatus Gould, 1842 = Northern marsupial marten
Species: Dasyurus maculatus Kerr, 1792 = Spotted-tailed marsupial marten or tiger cat
Species: Dasyurus spartacus Van Dyck, 1987 = Bronze marsupial marten
Species: Dasyurus viverrinus Shaw, 1800 = Speckled marsupial marten
Brief characteristics of the genus
Spotted marsupial martens (marsupial cats) are quite widespread in Australia, on the islands of Tasmania and New Guinea. The genus of these marsupial mammals, externally similar to cats and martens, unites six species.
For spotted marsupial martens, the characteristic length of the body is 25-74 cm, and the tail - 20-40 cm, sometimes 60. Weight, depending on the sex, varies from 1 to 3-6 kg. Females in this genus are somewhat smaller than males. The head can be small and blunt or pointed and short (depending on the species). The ears are small or medium in size. Characterized by the presence of the first finger on hind legs(except for the species Speckled marsupial marten), as well as plantar cushions - in spotted-tailed and dwarf marsupial martens. The molars, as well as the canines, are very well developed. Number of teeth - 42. First upper incisor sometimes separated by space from other incisors. The canines and molars are highly developed. The number of chromosomes in a diploid set is 14.
Females have 6-8 nipples and a brood pouch, which develops only during the breeding season and opens backwards. At other times, it looks like a fold on the belly. Hairline, covering the body, is thick, soft and short, and the tail is the same, but long. Characteristic white spots irregular shape on a gray-yellow, gray-brown or gray-black back gave the name to this genus. The belly of spotted marsupial martens is yellow, white or gray. The end of the muzzle is red.
Representatives of this genus prefer to settle in forests near the sea, sometimes on open areas. Inhabitants of forests and open plains, found in human settlements. Often found near human settlements. Marsupial cats are carnivorous animals with nocturnal activity. During the day, they seek shelter in crevices, piles of stones, tree hollows, under roots, abandoned holes and other secluded corners that they can find. The animals lay out their place for daytime rest with bark and dry grass. At night they hunt medium-sized mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and insects. They also eat shellfish, carrion, and fruits. Although these marsupials are terrestrial animals, they are good tree climbers.
Spotted marsupial martens, living near people, steal meat, lard, and destroy poultry. Due to such actions, farmers often destroyed these animals in Australia, thereby causing significant harm to the population of this genus. Currently Australian species listed in the International IUCN Red Book.
Reproduction occurs once a year from May to July. In the speckled marsupial marten, the female usually gives birth to 4-8 cubs. There is a known case of one female giving birth to 24 cubs. The young leave their mother's nipples at about 8 weeks of age. Eyes open at 11 weeks. At 15 weeks they start eating meat. They begin to live independently at 4-4.5 months of age. By this time they reach a weight of 175 g. Spotted-tailed marsupial martens give birth to 4-6 cubs; pregnancy is about three weeks. At 4 weeks, the body length of the cubs reaches approximately 4 cm. At 7 weeks, the eyes open and they leave the mother's nipples. Become independent at 18 weeks of age
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