Greater Stick Nest Rat

This small rodent uses branches, stones and grass to construct nests that may reach an amazing one metre in height and over a metre in diameter (2). Interestingly, on Franklin Island they do not usually build self standing nests, and instead construct smaller structures around shrubs (2). Tunnels lead from the perimeter of the nest to the centre, which is lined with soft vegetation (3). Nests usually contain up to four individuals, consisting of an adult female and her two to three young (4), and aggressive behaviour is shown towards unfamiliar members (2). Unlike many Australian rodents this species is active at night, when it forages in the dark for leaves and fruits of succulent plants (2) (3). Pairs establish strong bonds and breeding occurs throughout the year. The gestation period lasts 44 days, after which one to three young are born (3). Offspring become independent after two months, and once mature are capable of producing two to three litters per year (3).

During the 1980s, detailed studies of this rat's habitat and dietary requirements were carried out, and used to develop a recovery plan for the species (5). The recovery plan included maintaining populations on Franklin Island, establishing a breeding colony on the mainland, translocating individuals to new sites and controlling predation of the stick-nest rat (2). Following the success of these measures the stick-nest rat is on the way to recovery (5).

This rodent is named after the conspicuous stick-nests it builds (3). At the time of European settlement two species of stick-nest rats existed in Australia; the greater (Leporillus conditor) and the lesser stick-nest rat (Leporillus apicalis). Both species suffered dramatic population losses and now only the greater stick-nest rat exists (1). The greater stick-nest rat has yellowish-brown to grey fluffy fur, which is paler below, and sits in a hunched position rather like a rabbit (2). Its tail is fairly long, with a brush of hairs at the end. The ears are large, rounded and dark, and the eyes are black and beady (2).

Inhabits semi-arid to arid scrubland where there is little or no freshwater (2).

The natural population of this species is restricted to the West and Eastern Franklin Islands, off the South Australian coast. Captive bred populations have also been successfully introduced onto St Peter Island, Reevesby Island, Salutation Island and Heirisson Prong, and to a fenced area at Roxby Downs (South Australia) (2).

Classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List 2007 (1).

This species has been almost completely lost from its former range. This followed European settlement in Australia, when cattle and sheep grazing caused significant habitat disturbance across the mainland (5) (6). The effects of habitat destruction were further aggravated by severe droughts (7). Predation by native and introduced species, such as foxes and cats, has also contributed to the decline of the stick-nest rat (6).