Scientific name: Dasycercus cristicauda
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Body length: 135-165 mm
Weight: 75-110 g
Gestation: about 30 days
Number of young: Up to 8
Distribution: Central Australia
Habitat: Wandoo and casuarina forests
Description: The mulgara is a native marsupial. It has tan-ginger fur on its top and tail that whitens underneath. It is a compact, stocky animal with a head in slightly bigger proportion to the rest of the body. The mulgara has eight nipples in its pouch.
Diet: The mulgara is a carnivore and eats a variety of insects, spiders, small birds and small mammals depending on availability.
In the wild: Like many small Australian marsupials, the mulgara gets all of its water requirements from food. This means it does not have to search for water to drink. This is very useful for living in the desert. Mulgaras also store fat in their tails, which they can rely on during lean times.
Threats: Introduced predators, such as foxes and feral cats, are the main threat to mulgaras. Livestock also destroy many of the burrows mulgaras rely on to escape the day’s heat.
At Perth Zoo: The mulgara is located in the Nocturnal House.
Join the Perth Zoo-coordinated Night Stalk from 1 September to 16 October and spotlight for native animals in your local bushland. Night Stalk is a great way to become involved in community conservation action and to learn about our native animals, their habitat and their threats. Night Stalk is sponsored by Tronox.
Did you know? Although mulgaras are usually nocturnal, they can be seen out in the sun in the cold winter months.
Download the Crest-tailed Mulgara Fact Sheet (pdf).
