Parantechinus apicalis
southern dibbler

Although once widespread throughout southwest Australia, today Parantechinus apicalis is only found in small populations on the mainland. Two larger populations have recently been found inhabiting Boullanger and Whitlock Islands in Jurien Bay in Western Australia. (Miller, et al., 2003; Woolley, 1991)

Southern dibblers on Whitlock Island prefer dense vegetation such as dunal scrubland and succulent heath. This may be due to the protection it provides from predators or an increased abundance of insect prey. Interestingly, when released from captivity into the wild they take refuge in seabird burrows. On Boullanger Island there seemed to be no preference of habitat as the entire island is fairly regular and has no trees. (Bencini, et al., 2001; Miller, et al., 2003; Mills and Bencini, 2000)

Southern dibblers are small, with males averaging 145 mm in length and 60 to 100 g. Male southern dibblers found on the mainland are generally heavier than island individuals. Females are smaller at 140 mm average and 40 to 75 g. They have pointed snouts, long whiskers, and strong jaws with sharp teeth. There are also grooves on the pads of their feet which function in providing good traction. These, along with sharp claws, allow them a good grip on trees and rocks. Parantechinus apicalis has rather coarse fur with a freckled appearance. The fur is brownish grey above and grayish white with yellow underneath. They have hairy tapering tails and distinctive white rings around large eyes. (Moro, 2003; Strahan, 1983; Woolley, 1991)

Typical behaviors prior to and during mating include sniffing of the cloacal and facial regions and rump by both the male and female. This behavior is common and increases in intensity as the female approaches estrous. Chases and attempted mountings are frequent. The male may chase the female or vice versa. Often the animals vocalize when they are chasing or attempting mountings. Mountings are initiated by the male and there are many attempts that are unsuccessful. Chasing and unsuccessful mountings may occur up to 15 days prior to copulation. Successful mountings involve the male clasping the female in a neck-grip and a single copulation may continue for a few hours. (Strahan, 1983; Wolfe, et al., 2000)

Paranechinus apicalis will mate throughout March and April. Although females are only able to breed once annually, males may be able to breed in multiple seasons. The gestation period for southern dibblers is long compared to other small dasyurids, 44 to 53 days. Once females give birth they carry up to eight young in a shallow pouch. The young are dependent on the female for 3 to 4 months and usually disperse in September and October, reaching sexual maturity in 10 to 11 months. (Collins, 1973; Miller, et al., 2003; Moro, 2003; Strahan, 1983; Woolley, 1988; Woolley, 1991)

The extent of parental investment in southern dibblers involves the female carrying and protecting her young in a shallow pouch. She provides food and protection until the young reach independence and disperse in 3 to 4 months. (Strahan, 1983)

In captivity and in the wild Parantechinus apicalis individuals live 2 to 3 years. Interestingly, on Boullanger Island males display semelparity where they die immediately after the breeding season. Extremely high energy demands during the breeding season, elevated levels of free corticosteroids in the blood, and related disease such as ulcers, anemia, and parasite infestation ultimately cause the death of males. Because mainland males survive for multiple breeding seasons, this male die-off could be environmentally determined. One possible explanation is the effect of nesting seabirds including bridled terns and white-faced storm petrels on resources. Seabirds affect nutrients in the soil; post-breeding survival is significantly higher on Whitlock Island which has many seabirds, 18 times more nutrients in the soil and a larger amount of insects. (Dickman and Braithwaite, 1992; Kraaijeveld, et al., 2003; Mills and Bencini, 2000; Strahan, 1983; Wolfe, et al., 2004; Woolley, 1991)

Southern dibblers are active at both dawn and dusk hunting for large insects. If necessary, they can jump or climb trees in order to catch their prey. During the day they take shelter and rest in logs or between rocks. In reintroduced populations they form groups which vary around 100 individuals. (Cooper and Withers, 2004; Fisher and Dickman, 1993; Moro, 2003)

No information on home range sizes in southern dibblers is was found.

Southern dibblers do vocalize, but vocalization is usually only heard during mating and plays no role in the attraction of mates. There is no other information on how P. apicalis communicates, perceives its environment, or attracts mates, but related species rely heavily on sight and smell. (Wolfe, et al., 2000)

Parantechinus apicalis is primarily insectivorous, eating whatever insects they can find. Being a generalist in this way may be advantageous due to fluctuating environmental conditions. Specifically P. apicalis has been found to eat grasshoppers (Orthoptera), cockroaches (Blattaria), beetles (Coleoptera), termites (Isoptera), and ants (Hymenoptera). Plant material, such as the berries of Rhagodia baccata, make up around 20% of its diet. Members of this species show no significant differences in their diet during different seasons. (Bencini, et al., 2001; Miller, et al., 2003)

The color of the fur of southern dibblers is their best camouflage. They are also able to move easily and with speed through dense vegetation and, for these reasons, have few natural predators. Mainland populations are heavily preyed upon by introduced red foxes and feral cats. (Moro, 2003)

On the mainland southern dibblers prey on insects and are often prey to larger mammals. On the islands southern dibblers face little danger of predation but compete with introduced house mice for food. (Miller, et al., 2003)

There are no known positive affects of Parantechinus apicalis on humans. They are a member of a unique fauna and may be of ecotourist interest because of their rarity.

There are no known adverse affects of Parantechinus apicalis on humans.

In 1902 southern dibblers were thought to be extinct but were rediscovered in 1967. They have been threatened by human development, habitat destruction and burning, and the introduction of foxes and cats. Southern dibblers are presently undergoing extensive conservation efforts including successful translocations of captive-bred individuals to Escape Island. Although this project is fairly new, initial success is high with three generations surviving after the initial relocation. (Bencini, et al., 2001; Mills and Spencer, 2003; Moro, 2003; Wolfe, et al., 2004)