Marsupial mouse is the name European settlers gave to various small Australian mammals. These mammals look somewhat like mice, but they are not mice at all. Marsupial mice are marsupials, mammals that give birth to extremely underdeveloped young. The young are carried in a pouch on the mother’s body until they develop more completely. Unlike true mice, marsupial mice are meat-eaters. They belong to a group of marsupials called dasyurids, which also includes Tasmanian devils.
Marsupial mice live throughout Australia. One group, ningauis, are the smallest known marsupials. Adult ningauis measure about 2 inches (5 centimeters) long and weigh as little as 1/10 ounce (3 grams). Another group, called dunnarts or narrow-footed marsupial mice, have large ears and narrow feet. The kultarr, also known as the jerboa marsupial mouse, has long hind legs.
Although small in size, marsupial mice are fierce predators. They hunt at night, feeding mostly on insects but occasionally eating such larger animals as lizards or house mice. In some species, the males live for only one year and die after mating. Females give birth to between 6 and 12 young.
