Kakarratul
Notoryctes caurinus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Notoryctemorphia · Notoryctidae
About
The northern marsupial mole or kakarratul is a marsupial in the family Notoryctidae, an endemic animal of arid regions of Central Australia. It lives in the loose sand of dunes and river plains in the desert, spending nearly its entire life beneath ground. The facial features are reduced or absent; their small and strong bodies, weighing little more than 30 grams, are extremely specialised in moving through sand in search of prey. The species is elusive and it is one of the most poorly understood mammals of Australia.
Fun Fact
The vertebrae at the hind part of kakarratul are completely fused, a unique characteristic amongst the marsupials, and the spinal column is greatly strengthened; the side view of the spine shows a flattened profile that is also advantageous to its fossorial habits.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Restricted to these formations; they are noted as absent when dunes are poorly connected or become isolated.
Diet
Diet consists of insect pupae and larvae.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance