The numbat is a small, striped marsupial of Western Australia that feeds only on termites. Once widespread across southern Australia, it now survives in a few woodlands and predator-free sanctuaries.
Interesting facts
- Unlike most marsupials, female numbats have no pouch.
- It is active by day, matching the times when termites are near the surface.
- The numbat is the emblem of Western Australia.
- Its striped coat helps camouflage it in dappled woodland.
- Fewer than about 1,000 adult numbats are thought to survive.
- Numbats shelter in hollow logs and burrows.
Behaviour
Numbats are solitary and active by day. They dig into shallow termite galleries with their front claws and lick up termites.
Breeding and young
Females give birth to up to four young, which cling to their teats for about six months before being left in a burrow.
Threats and conservation
Predation by introduced foxes and cats, habitat loss and bushfires.
Where to see it
- Dryandra Woodland National Park, Western Australia
- Perup Nature’s Guide, near Manjimup, Western Australia
- Mount Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Australia
- Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary, New South Wales
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
