The Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) is an Australian endemic marsupial famous for being almost entirely termite-eating and unusually diurnal. Unlike many small Australian mammals that are active at night, numbats forage mainly during daylight, a pattern closely tied to termite activity near the ground surface. The species is easy to recognize by the bold white bands across the back and the black stripe through the eye.
Numbats are highly specialized feeders. They use a narrow muzzle, strong smell and a long sticky tongue to lick termites from shallow galleries in soil and rotting wood. Because termite availability shifts with temperature, numbats adjust their daily activity seasonally to match peak termite movement. The species is listed as Endangered (EN), with key threats including introduced predators such as foxes and feral cats, large fires and habitat fragmentation. Conservation programs often focus on predator control, fenced sanctuaries and carefully managed reintroductions.
Taxonomy and naming
The numbat is a marsupial in the order Dasyuromorphia and the family Myrmecobiidae. It is the only living species in its family. The common name comes from an Aboriginal language name used in south-western Australia.
Physical features
Numbats are slender with a pointed muzzle, a bushy tail and distinctive white back bands. A dark eye stripe runs along the face. The tongue is long and sticky, adapted for feeding on termites. Forefeet and claws allow them to tear into soft wood and shallow soil, but they depend heavily on existing termite tunnels rather than deep excavation.
Range and habitat
Wild populations are now concentrated in south-western Western Australia, with additional reintroduced populations in predator-managed reserves. Preferred habitats include eucalypt woodlands and open forests with plenty of fallen logs, termite-rich soils and shelter sites. A mosaic of cover and open foraging areas helps numbats avoid predators while accessing food.
Behaviour and ecology
Numbats are mostly solitary and maintain home ranges. They forage by moving quickly across the ground and probing termite areas, often becoming most active when temperatures favor termite movement. They rest in hollow logs, tree hollows, or burrows and may use the tail to cover the body when sleeping. When threatened, they typically flee to cover.
Diet
The diet is dominated by termites, with only minor intake of other small invertebrates. This extreme specialization means habitat quality is closely linked to termite availability and the presence of microhabitats such as fallen timber and stable soils.
Reproduction and life history
Breeding is seasonal. Females have a short pregnancy and young attach to nipples on the abdomen for early development before being moved to a nest site. Young remain dependent for an extended period. Because reproductive output is limited and survival is strongly affected by predators, population recovery typically requires long-term management.
Relationship with people
The numbat is a flagship species for Australian wildlife conservation. Recovery actions often include fox and feral cat control, predator-exclusion fencing, fire management and intensive monitoring of reintroduced populations. Public support for responsible pet ownership and habitat protection helps improve long-term prospects.
Conservation status and threats
Listed as Endangered, the numbat faces ongoing threats from introduced predators, severe fires, habitat fragmentation and environmental change. Expanding predator-safe habitat, maintaining woodland structure and improving connectivity between protected sites are key strategies for boosting survival and enabling population growth.
