Zoology - Myrmecobiidae (numbat)

There is only one species in this family, the numbat. The numbat is found in the southwest region of Western Australia. At one time, they were found throughout southern Australia. Their numbers probably declined due to their being preyed on by an exotic species, the European red fox.

The numbat has a long, slender body. It has reddish-brown fur with white and black stripes. It has a long, bushy tail; a long, pointed snout; and a long, thin, sticky tongue.

The numbat is an insectivore and uses its long snout and tongue to root for termites in the soil. Unlike most marsupials, the numbat is most active during the day. The female numbat, unlike other marsupial females, does not have a pouch.

Numbat
Numbats have a long, slender tongue that they use to capture termites. Learn more!
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Numbat
Numbats are found in the forests and woodlands of the south-west part of Western Australia. Learn more here and print out a fact sheet.
Source: Perth Zoo Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: Yes

Numbat
Unlike most marsupials, the numbat is most active in the day.
Source: Austalasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: Yes

Numbat
The numbat can eat as many as 20,000 termites per day! Learn more here.
Source: World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No


Numbat
Learn about the numbat and printout a diagram of the numbat.
Source: Enchanted Learning. Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Elementary School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

The Thylacine
Information and images about this carnivorous marsupial now believed to be extinct from the Australian Museum.
Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

Tasmanian Tiger
Detailed information about the thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger or wolf, from Tasmania Online.
Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

Tasmanian Wolf
Basic information about the thylacine from the American Museum of Natural History.
Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

Arkive Video and Images
Numbat