Swamp Antechinus
Researchers have documented a booming population of the threatened Swamp Antechinus on two of Victoria’s southernmost islands, sparking new hope for the survival of this little-known native predator.
During a four-day expedition off the coast of Wilsons Promontory National Park, specialist crews from Parks Victoria and Zoos Victoria recently detected 36 of these rare marsupials, whose males die en masse after a single breeding event.
Swamp Antechinuses may be small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but their pointed snouts are full of razor-sharp teeth to help them munch on a range of insects and small vertebrates. They are characterised by cinnamon-coloured fur, large dark eyes and an impressive array of whiskers on their nose.
Isolated by the rising waters of Bass Strait for more than 12,000 years, the marsupials on these islands surprised researchers with a significantly higher capture rate than their mainland counterparts.
Males die before their first birthday, dedicating their final days to marathon mating sessions that can last up to 14 hours. Forsaking sleep and food over two weeks of copulation, the sky-high testosterone levels in their super-sized testes eventually trigger a stress-induced immune system collapse.
Following their deaths, entire populations briefly exist without adult males, providing new mothers and their offspring with competition-free access to food. Females can store sperm from multiple partners, meaning their litters often include half-siblings, and robust females can live long enough to raise litters in at least two seasons.
The crew of 11 spent three nights navigating challenging terrain to lay traps and set up motion-sensing, infrared cameras. Skilfully positioned between dense tussock grass and deep seabird burrows, the traps ensured the safe and temporary capture of Swamp Antechinuses while providing food and vital bedding insulation against the cool and blustery conditions that are so common on these islands.
Small tissue samples taken from the marsupials will help researchers analyse the genetic health of these island populations. Identifying limited or diverse gene pools is a fundamental tool for conservation management, alerting land managers to potential translocation needs between locations.
The expert crew also detected 26 other native animal species across the two islands, including larger-than-average native Bush Rats and a range of nutrient-distributing birds such as Short-tailed Shearwaters and Sea Eagles. These former Prom hilltops have little pressure from introduced pests and predators, thanks to restrictions on human visitation and their isolation from the mainland.
This conservation program underscores the importance of Parks Victoria’s Prom Sanctuary Project, which will transform the area into a 50,000-hectare safe haven for Victoria’s rich wildlife and habitats.
Quotes attributable to Dr Mark Norman, Parks Victoria, Chief Scientist Conservation and Climate Action:
“Documenting 36 threatened Swamp Antechinuses thriving on islands off Wilsons Promontory National Park is a powerful sign. It highlights the Prom’s role as an ark, offering safe harbour for vulnerable species as the climate changes. These islands, like life rafts, hold unique populations with valuable genetic diversity. By studying them, we can unlock the secrets to their resilience and to help bring their mainland relatives back from the brink of extinction.”
Quotes attributable to Dr Marissa Parrot, Zoos Victoria, Senior Conservation Biologist:
“Antechinus are beautiful and amazing animals, but their remarkable reproduction, followed by a total male die-off, evolved in more predictable environments and now leaves them particularly vulnerable to a harsher changing climate. These protected Prom islands provide insurance against extinction and a brighter future for the Swamp Antechinus. Researching the genetic health of the island Swamp Antechinuses adds important information to the wider conservation program.”
About Parks Victoria
Parks Victoria protects a diverse estate including almost 3,000 land and marine parks and reserves. The vast area managed by Parks Victoria makes up 18 per cent of landmass, 75 per cent of wetlands and 70 per cent of the state’s coastline.
These places are home to more than 4,300 native plants and around 1,000 native animal species. It is a privilege to conserve Victoria’s natural environment for current and future generations.
Parks Victoria works in partnership with Traditional Owners and is committed to Managing Country Together.
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