14 Of The Cutest Marsupials Most People Have Never Heard Of
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Numbats Are Basically Pocket-Anteaters
Also known as the banded anteater, numbats are insectivores that live on an all-termite diet. Numbats have long, sticky tongues that can reach into termite-infested logs and scoop out a meal. They can also use their pointed noses to root around vegetation and search for their favorite snack.
Unfortunately, numbats are critically endangered and are facing extinction. There are fewer than 1,000 numbats alive in the wild, which is a smaller population than pandas or orangutans. The leading drivers of their extinction is habitat loss and predation from invasive species like cats and foxes. If something isn’t done to help these guys soon, the world could lose their cuteness forever.
Is this freakin' adorable? - 2
The Monito Del Monte Is The Cutest Marsupial In South America
The monito del monte is the sole living descendant of a near-extinct order of marsupials known as microbiotheria, a lineage that goes back 40 million years. They are not much bigger than a mouse and live in the trees and bushes of South America. Also known as the mountain monkey, these animals play a hugely important role in their local ecology. This tiny creature is responsible for seeding 80% of the fruit bearing trees in its habitat. They feed on fruits, and the seeds pass undigested through their system and are deposited with some natural fertilizer on the forest floor.
Is this freakin' adorable? - 3
The Adorable Kultarr Is Losing Its Habitat
This Australian mammal's population and habitat range have significantly decreased over the years, and it is now functionally extinct in several areas throughout the country. Kultarrs are small insectivores who depend on a steady supply of bugs to survive. Their habitat has been eroding for some time thanks to sheep and cattle grazing, and they have become easy prey for cats and foxes. While they're not technically classified as an endangered species in Australia, researchers have recommended further studies to determine exactly how much of their territory has been lost.
Is this freakin' adorable? - 4
Tiger Quolls Are Spotted Hunters
Tiger quolls are the largest existing carnivorous marsupials in Australia. Proportional to their body size, they have one of the strongest bite forces of the entire natural world. The natural range of these animals has decreased significantly due to deforestation, so tiger quolls have been named an endangered species. They also are forced to compete with introduced cats and foxes for their prey. The best chance for the survival of tiger quolls is habitat protection, otherwise the species will be in deep trouble.
Is this freakin' adorable? - 5
The Quokka Is A Cross Between A Kangaroo And A Teddy Bear
Quokkas are quite possibly the greatest animals to ever exist. They are balls of hopping fluff that’s resting face is an adorable smile perfect for taking selfies. They are native to Rottnest Island off the coast of Australia, a place where thousands of tourists come every year to see these cuties.
Unlike numbats, quokkas have recently seen an explosion in their population. It’s gotten to the point where local authorities are worried there may be too many, and that they could have an adverse effect on the environment. The reason for this sudden baby boom? An unpopular golf course. The course was built to attract golfing tourists, but the only visitors attracted to the course were thousands of quokkas. It’s estimated that 20% of the entire quokka population now lives on this golf course, and that number is likely to rise. That’s good news for anyone who wants to visit these creatures in their sort-of natural habitat.
Is this freakin' adorable? - 6
The Fat-Tailed Dunnart Is A Tiny Devil
The fat-tailed dunnart is just one of 19 species of dunnart, which are a group of small marsupials closely related to the Tasmanian devil. They are carnivores, going after all sorts of insects and the occasional lizard or rodent. These critters get their name from - you guessed it - their fat tails. This dunnart species likes to gorge when there is excess food available, and they will store that excess in their tails. Their tails can account for 15% of their body fat, truly living up to their name. In certain parts of Australia, you can get one of these as a pet!
Is this freakin' adorable? - 7
Greater Gliders Are Giant Sugar Gliders
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These flying cuties are the largest of all gliding possums, and they come in the biggest variety of colors of any marsupial. They get their name from their ability to glide between trees using a flap of skin which stretches from knee to elbow, known as the patagium. Some males are monogamous and will stay with their mate to raise their young together. They are listed as a vulnerable species by the Australian government, as they have been the victims of extensive habitat loss due to deforestation.
Is this freakin' adorable? - 8
The Bettong Is A Hopping Delight
These rat-kangaroo hybrids are closely to related to the potoroo, and were once found all over Australia. There are five different species of bettong, and all have suffered massive population losses. The introduction of the red fox to Australia in the early 20th century greatly reduced their numbers, and the Eastern bettong is now extinct on the mainland. The last surviving wild populations are only found in Tasmania, where their numbers are also declining. Researchers are studying these animals to try and learn how to best manage their populations and jumpstart recovery efforts.
Is this freakin' adorable? - 9
Speckled Dasyures Are Tiny Climbers
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The speckled dasyure is part of the family dasyruidae, which is a branch of carnivorous marsupials that include the Tasmanian devil. Speckled dasyures are naive to the forests and grasslands of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, and are more commonly found living at higher elevations. They are most active during daylight hours and can be found scurrying around on the ground or climbing up in the trees. A lack of existential threats means these animals are quite common, and are not at any major risk of becoming endangered.
Is this freakin' adorable? - 10
The Ground Cuscus Is A Nocturnal Frugivore
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Like the grey cuscus, the ground cuscus is native to New Guinea and can be found in neighboring islands throughout the region. These nocturnal herbivores make their homes in rainforests and tropical caves, and they are even comfortable moving into human gardens. They are frugivorous, meaning they mostly feed on fruits, but also snack on eggs, seeds, and leaves. They can live for almost 19 years in captivity, and females have a remarkably short gestation period of only 13 days. That means they can make and give birth to a baby in less than two weeks.
Is this freakin' adorable? - 11
The Grey Cuscus Is Very Mysterious
These animals have not been studied very much, but there are a few things we know about them. Researchers believe they are native to New Guinea, and eventually spread to other islands in the Southwest Pacific. Due to their tolerance of people, they have become a popular pet in some parts of Indonesia. While they are not at risk of endangerment, their population has been affected by the growing business of selling cuscus as pets.
Is this freakin' adorable? - Photo:
- Kevin503
- Wikimedia Commons
- CC-BY-SA 3.0
Due to their rabbit-like appearance, bilbies have become an Easter icon in their native Australia. They are considered in the same group of marsupials as bandicoots and are natural burrowers. Bilbies are capable of digging out complex tunnel systems with their specialized forearms and have been known to create up to 12 underground burrows in their feeding territory. Once common throughout Australia, the habitat of the bilbie has shrunk considerably. Though not endangered, they have been listed as a vulnerable species. Introduced rabbits are also putting the squeeze on bilbies, as they compete for the same resources.
Is this freakin' adorable?- Photo:
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The Common Planigale Fits In Your Palm
Despite their diminutive appearance, these mouse-like marsupials are actually ferocious carnivores. They are nocturnal hunters that feast on a variety of insects, lizards, and even small rodents. They are very capable killers, able to take down powerful insects their own size. Due to how little energy they need to survive, these tiny creatures can live in some of the toughest environments in Australia. They are not at any significant risk of extinction and are listed as "least concern" by the Australian government.
Is this freakin' adorable? - 14
Gilbert's Potoroo Was Thought To Be Extinct
For almost 100 years, the potoroo was thought to have been completely wiped out. Then a small population was found in Western Australia in 1994. There are thought to be no more than 30 of these animals left in the wild, and a litany of existential threats are putting them at a high risk of extinction. Predators, diseases, and habitat destruction all contribute to the decline of this species, and a single wildfire in their territory could take them out for good. Efforts are being made to protect this vulnerable species, and hopefully this fungus-eating marsupial will get back on its feet.
Is this freakin' adorable?
