Found on a track near Nelson. Cause of death unknown.
Jono was able to make an ID.
“Agile antechinus (Antechinus agilis) – nice one! Similar to the dusky but the underparts more pale brown than grey and lacks black granules on soles of feet. Weight is about right too at 20 grams.”
Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about the species:
“It feeds mostly on invertebrates, including beetles, spiders and cockroaches, but may also devour small lizards and soft berries. The species has been known to enter torpor in response to shortages of food. Like all antechinuses, the agile antechinus has a short and violent breeding season, after which the males all die. The females give birth after a 27-day gestation. Groups of up to 20 have been known to nest together.”
Reference – Agile antechinus – Wikipedia
Photo & Words by M Styles & J Tuck
Nelson Coastcare 