Scientific Name: Sminthopsis psammophila
IUCN Status: Endangered
Body Length: 8.5–11.5 cm
Weight: 25–44 g
Gestation: 16–18 days
Number of young: Up to 8

Distribution: Great Victoria Desert, Western Australia and southern South Australia
Habitat: Arid, dune regions dominated by Spinifex (Triodia sp.)

Description: The Sandhill Dunnart is one of the largest of the dunnart species. It has large ears, large eyes and a distinctive comb-like tuft of fur on the tip of the tail.

Diet: Sandhill Dunnarts are insectivores and eat invertebrates like spiders, larval insects, termites, crickets and beetles.

In the wild: Very little is known about Sandhill Dunnarts as not many animals have been discovered. The Sandhill Dunnart is particularly sensitive to habitat changes and prefers areas with a heavy covering of Spinifex.

Their natural predators include birds of prey, dingos, monitor lizards and snakes.

Threats: Bush fires are a major threat to the already-endangered Sandhill Dunnart.

At Perth Zoo: Perth Zoo has successfully bred Sandhill Dunnarts in a project designed to find out more about their reproductive biology. They can also be seen in the Nocturnal House.

Did you know? Since 1894, less than 70 animals have been found in the wild. It is unclear whether this is an indication of their numbers in the wild or just how difficult they are to trap.