Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Dasyuromorphia
- Family
- Dasyuridae
- Genus
- Murexia
Habitat
This species inhabits rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and dense undergrowth in northeastern Queensland, Australia, and parts of New Guinea. It prefers areas with abundant vegetation for cover and foraging, typically at elevations up to 1,500 meters. Geographic preferences include moist, tropical environments with access to trees and shrubs.
Diet
The short-furred dasyure primarily feeds on insects such as beetles, spiders, and crickets, as well as other invertebrates like earthworms. It hunts at night using its keen senses, often foraging on the ground or in low vegetation. Occasionally, it may consume small vertebrates like lizards if available.
Behavior
Short-furred dasyures are nocturnal and solitary, spending their active hours climbing trees and foraging for food. They exhibit territorial behavior, marking areas with scent glands, and are generally elusive, avoiding open spaces. Males may travel larger distances than females during mating season, but they do not form social groups.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the short-furred dasyure as Least Concern, with a stable population trend. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and predation by introduced species.