Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus)

MammalMarsupialTermite-eater

Overview

The numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) is a small, beautifully marked marsupial of Australia, instantly recognisable by the bold white bars across its reddish-brown back, its pointed snout, and its bushy tail. It is a termite specialist, and it is unusual among marsupials in being active by day — a schedule tied directly to when termites are near the surface and easiest to reach.

The numbat is also notable for what it lacks: unlike most marsupials, the female has no pouch, and her tiny young simply cling to her underside, sheltered by surrounding hair.

Conservation note: the numbat is assessed as Near Threatened, down from Endangered in IUCN's 2026 reassessment, after decades of predator control and reintroductions. Its wild population is still small and reduced by habitat loss and introduced predators. Verify current status at iucnredlist.org.

Habitat & Range

Numbats once ranged widely across southern Australia but are now restricted to a few areas of Western Australia (with reintroduced populations elsewhere). They favour eucalypt woodlands and forests where termites are plentiful and where fallen hollow logs provide shelter and refuge from predators.

Diet

The numbat feeds almost exclusively on termites, eating large numbers each day. It uses a keen sense of smell to find termite galleries near the surface, digs them open with its claws, and laps up the insects with a remarkably long, sticky tongue. Unlike many termite- and ant-eaters, it has small, simple teeth and does not chew its prey effectively.

Behavior

Numbats are solitary and diurnal (day-active), foraging when termites move into the upper galleries of their nests. At night and when threatened, a numbat retreats into a hollow log or burrow, and it can use the thickened rump to block the entrance against predators. Its long, bushy tail is often held raised. The species is a striking example of a marsupial specialised for a very particular diet.

Human Interaction & Conservation

The numbat is a beloved symbol of Western Australia and the focus of dedicated conservation work. Its decline was driven by habitat clearing and especially by introduced predators such as foxes and cats; recovery efforts include predator control, fenced reserves, and reintroductions. Consult the IUCN Red List and Australian wildlife authorities for current status.

More photos of the numbat