Writing their names in ink
by Tony Spencer-Smith

Brush-tailed phascogales are speedy, elusive little tree-dwellers. Because of this they are extraordinarily difficult to survey. Now a Department of Environment and Conservation scientist hopes that they will literally advertise their presence with ink.

Brush-tailed Phascogale Photo Todd Soderquist, DEC

Senior Threatened Species Officer Todd Soderquist, based in Dubbo, has studied phascogales for years. Now he wants to know whether any still occur on the western slopes of the NSW portion of the Great Dividing Range.

The technique he is using was invented in New Zealand, but has never been used for arboreal creatures. Artificial tunnels made of PVC piping are bracketed to trees. They mimic the tree hollows, which the animals use as dens.

The tunnels have ink pads at the entrance which use blue food dye. When a small animal enters it leaves blue paw marks on the paper with which they are lined.

Tracking them down

A team of DEC Rangers installed about 100 tunnels in March and April. They have now been taken down and the paper they contained is being examined to see whether any of the blue tracks were made by phascogales.

Todd thinks it is unlikely that they have struck it lucky on this first survey, but says that in terms of the research not finding them will be almost as important as finding them.

"Our knowledge of their distribution is so poor that any information is essential. Phascogales have been recorded in the survey area but not in recent decades. Although now highly fragmented, the habitat is still suitable, and once we have found a good solid population, habitat protection may help their young to recolonise the area."

Once the technique is fully field-tested he is keen to survey other areas in the same way.

“Because the technique is simple and there is no danger to the animals, this is an ideal situation where volunteers can help us. At some stage I will also be using this technique to survey other arboreal animals like squirrel gliders.”

Breeding frenzy

A brush-tailed Phascogale showing its impressive tail with hairs up to 40 mm long. Photo Ken Stepnell, DEC

Phascogales and their close relatives the antechinuses are well known for the early death of the males, worn out by the frenetic breeding season. But it is not really the busy bonking which wipes them out.

Says Todd: “While it’s true that most of the males die within weeks of the three week breeding season, what really kills them is that the males have to race around their huge – 100 hectare – ranges, to mate with the several females which live there.

“That’s an enormous amount of ground to cover and they are full of adrenalin. They eat little and use all their fat and then their muscle. Eventually their systems implode.”

Beautiful name

The scientific name of the species is exceptionally beautiful: Phascogale tapoatafa. Todd says: “Tapoatafa is an Aboriginal word. I believe it is based on the tapping sound that the phascogales often make.

“They hold onto a branch with their hind legs and tap with the front legs, probably to let predators know that they have spotted them. When they tap on a hollow log the sound can be extraordinarily loud.

“What is really strange is that I’ve seen them jumping onto the top of aluminium box traps. The big noise that makes doesn’t scare them and they sometimes pause to use the box as a drum.”

Those who would like to learn more about tunnel surveys can contact Todd on 02-6883-5357 or todd.soderquist@npws.nsw.gov.au

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