Publications
Geoff Lundie-Jenkins and Alison Payne
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Environment Australia
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Recovery plan for the Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) 2000-2004
Prepared by: Geoff Lundie-Jenkins and Alison Payne for the Julia Creek Dunnart Recovery Team
© The State of Queensland, Environmental Protection Agency
Copyright protects this publication. Except for purposes permitted by the Copyright Act, reproduction by whatever means is prohibited without the prior written knowledge of the Environmental Protection Agency. Inquiries should be addressed to PO Box 155, BRISBANE ALBERT ST, QLD 4002.
Copies may be obtained from the:
Executive Director
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
PO Box 155
Brisbane Albert St QLD 4002
Disclaimer
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service publishes recovery plans to detail the actions needed for the conservation of threatened native wildlife.
The attainment of objectives and the provision of funds may be subject to budgetary and other constraints affecting the parties involved, and may also be constrained by the need to address other conservation priorities. Approved recovery plans may be subject to modification due to changes in knowledge and changes in conservation status.
Publication reference
Lundie-Jenkins, G. and Payne, A. 2000. Recovery plan for the Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi)2000-2004. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Brisbane.
This plan was prepared under contract to and in support of an application for funding to Environment Australia (formerly the Australian Nature Conservation Agency). The views expressed in it are those of the authors.
Information in the plan is accurate at November 1999.
This plan has included significant public input through the representatives on the recovery team.
Recovery plan for the Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) 2000-2004
Current species status
Endangered (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999), Endangered (ANZECC Threatened Species List), Endangered (EN B1 + 2bd + 3d, IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals and Australian Marsupials and Monotremes Action Plan), Endangered (Schedule 2 Division 5 Mammals Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994 Queensland).
Habitat requirements and limiting factors
The Julia Creek dunnart is restricted to the Mitchell grass downs country of north-west Queensland. The region is characterised by predominantly grass-covered cracking clay soils of two types (ashy and stony). No specific habitat requirements or correlations have been detected for the species within its known range. It is found on both soil types in areas of sparse and dense ground cover and in areas where there are no cracks or holes in the ground.
Recovery plan objective
To secure and enhance the species' status through an integrated program of investigations, on ground conservation management, public awareness raising and capacity building during the life of this plan.
Recovery criteria
Actions needed
Biodiversity benefits
Protection of remnant vegetation in the Mitchell Grass Downs biogeographic region. Promotion of improved land management practices in these areas to enhance conservation values.
Estimated cost of recovery (2000 prices in $/year)
|
Action |
(1) |
(2) |
(3) |
(4) |
(5) |
(6) |
(7) |
Total |
|
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 |
35,600 24,780 26,010 11,010 11,580 |
60,290 63,300 66,450 3,600 3,780 |
25,660 26,960 28,300 30,320 31,830
|
31,900 33,490 35,160 13,870 14,570 |
37,520 39,400 35,840 NIL NIL |
13,190 13,840 14,520 15,250 16,000 |
8,580 9,000 9,440 11,910 10,400 |
212,740 210,770 215,720 85,960 88,160 |
|
Total |
108,980 |
197,420 |
143,070 |
128,990 |
112,760 |
72,800 |
49,330 |
813,350 |
The Julia Creek dunnart belongs to the subfamily Sminthopsinae (dunnarts and kultarr) of the family Dasyuridae which contains most of the Australian carnivorous marsupials.
There are 19 species of dunnarts in Australia with two of those species extending into Papua New Guinea. Sminthopsis douglasi is the only species confined entirely to Queensland. It was described in 1979 by Archer from museum specimens lodged between 1911 and 1972. Until recently it was known only from four specimens that were obtained from three properties lying between the Queensland towns of Julia Creek and Richmond (Woolley 1995). It was found in another eight localities in the downs country of Queensland in 1992 (Woolley 1995) and is now known from 25 sites.
Sminthopsis douglasi is listed as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, under Schedule 2 Division 5 (Mammals) of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994 of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 Queensland, on the ANZECC Threatened Species List and Endangered (EN B1 + 2bd + 3d) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals. The Kangaroo Island dunnart S. aitkeni and the sandhill dunnart S. psammophila are also listed as endangered at the national level.
The Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) is the largest member of its genus and is brown, speckled with grey, above and buffy white below. It is morphologically similar to the red-cheeked dunnart S. virginiae and has a prominent facial stripe like the stripe-faced dunnart (S. macroura) but is distinguished by dark hairs in rings around the eyes and on the outer mesial edge of the ears (Woolley 1995). It has rufous hairs on the cheeks and at the base of the ears and dark hairs towards the tip of its long tapering tail that is fattened at the base and slightly shorter than the head and body (Woolley 1995).
The Julia Creek dunnart is restricted to the Mitchell grass downs country of north-west Queensland. However, recent work has extended its range in both north-south (to over 200km north-south) and east-west directions around the original known range between Julia Creek and Richmond, and the number of known localities has been more than doubled using indirect survey methods (Woolley 1998, Figure 1). This distribution closely matches that predicted by BIOCLIM analysis despite there being other areas of apparently suitable habitat to the south and south-east in Queensland, and to the west on the Barkly Tableland in the Northern Territory (Woolley 1998).
The Mitchell grass downs where S. douglasi occurs are characterised by predominantly grass-covered cracking clay soils of two types (ashy and stony). There is typically a new growth of grasses and forbs following the summer rain and the ground swells and then cracks as the soil dries out. No specific habitat requirements or correlations have been detected for the species within its known range. It is found on both soil types in areas of sparse and dense ground cover and in areas where no cracks or holes remained in the ground. The dunnart may shelter in cracks in the ground when the soil is dry and ground cover is sparse, and in vegetation when the cracks and holes close up after rain and the vegetation sprouts (Woolley 1998).
Figure 1. Locations where Julia Creek dunnarts had been detected as at October 1999. Records include live captures and remains in owl pellets and predator stomachs.
The Julia Creek dunnart is nocturnal, sheltering during the day in the cavities in cracking clay soils and in vegetation. It feeds on insects, centipedes, arachnids, scorpions, skinks and the sympatric long-tailed planigale.
Studies of captive individuals suggest that breeding may occur throughout the year. Females have eight teats and are capable of rearing that number of young in one litter. In captivity, female offspring reach sexual maturity between 17-27 weeks and males between 28-31 weeks, with females always maturing prior to males of the same litter. This may be an important mechanism for inbreeding avoidance in wild populations (Woolley 1995, 1998).
The reasons for the decline of this species are given in the 1996 Action plan for Australian Marsupials and Monotremes as 'not known but climatic factors, introduced predators (especially cats) and current land use (sheep and cattle) may be implicated'.
An investigation of the stomach contents of feral cats revealed that they were a significant predator of the Julia Creek dunnart and that predation can be locally high. It has been suggested that cats may have been responsible for the disappearance of Julia Creek dunnarts on the Lyrian property where they were once readily trapped (Woolley 1998).
Barn Owl will eat dunnarts but it is not a readily available food item for them. Sminthopsis douglasi was found in 3.2 percent of barn owl scats.
Prickly acacia was introduced to Queensland from Pakistan in the late 1890s to provide shade and fodder for livestock. It was declared a noxious weed in 1957 under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1985 and seven million hectares of the Mitchell grass downs are now infested (Lands Department brochure). Increased tree density of prickly acacia eliminates much of the ground vegetation because little grows under the canopy and the tree out-competes pasture for water. There is also a gradual change in the botanical composition of the pastures as perennial grasses are replaced by short-lived, less stable annual plants (Milson 1995). Prickly acacia is therefore a threat to the Julia Creek dunnart and the many dasyurids that require hummock grasslands, which are thought to be of great importance in determining dasyurid species richness in arid Australia and are probably a major contributing factor to the even nature of the dasyurid radiation in this country (Morton 1982). Biological controls for this weed are now being investigated by the Department of Natural Resources.
The property 'Proa' is used for sheep and cattle grazing. An exclusion experiment carried out in the Coolibah paddock showed that sheep had no apparent effect on the vegetation and soil characteristics, but this may reflect the modest stocking rate of sheep on this property. The effect of cattle is unknown.
The species listing as Endangered at the state, national and international level provides it with protection from exploitation and development.
A captive population of the dunnart was established at La Trobe University in 1995 for conservation and research purposes. A small population of the dunnart has also now been established at David Fleay Wildlife Park, Burleigh Heads, Queensland. A captive breeding management plan is currently being prepared with the assistance of the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA).
This recovery plan will run for a term of five years from 2000 to 2004 inclusive. Five primary strategies will be pursued during this term, and are presented below in order of proposed implementation. However, once commenced many of these strategies will be run concurrently.
A recovery team comprising members from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI), Queensland Department of Natural Resources, La Trobe University, Queensland Wildlife Preservation Society, Agforce and other organisations as appropriate, will be established to co-ordinate and supervise these strategies. The recovery team will report annually to Environment Australia (EA).
To secure and enhance the species status through an integrated program of investigations, on ground conservation management, public awareness raising and capacity building during the life of this plan.
Recovery actions for the Julia Creek dunnart are presented below. Costings have been calculated at 2000 prices. Unless otherwise stated, contributions by participating state and non-government agencies include salaries for professional and technical staff. Actions undertaken as normal operations by state agency staff have not been costed.
As one of the primary objectives of the recovery plan is to secure and maintain existing natural populations of the Julia Creek dunnart, it is essential to develop and implement management plans which mitigate the primary known threats to the species. Since the currently known populations occur on sites outside the state's protected area estate, the first step in ensuring effective implementation of such plans will be the development of formal conservation agreements.
Currently trappable populations of the Julia Creek dunnart are known only from sites on Toorak Research Station and the nearby pastoral holding of Proa. The development and implementation of management agreements to ensure the conservation and recovery of these populations is a priority. As other populations are located, negotiations will be undertaken to develop management agreements. Funding and resources have been allocated to assist landholders implement these management programs (Actions 3.1 and 3.2).
Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, QDPI Toorak Research Station, landholders.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
$7,270 |
$7,630 |
$8,010 |
$8,410 |
$8,830 |
The current known distribution of the dunnart is centred on highly productive Mitchell grass communities in western Queensland. This region supports a number of important extensive land uses including pastoralism and mining. Voluntary conservation agreements with landholders are favoured over land acquisition as the mechanism for securing and managing key areas of dunnart habitat. Negotiations may lead to the development of Land for Wildlife agreements, Natural Resource Management Agreements or more formal Nature Refuge declarations.
Responsibility: QPWS Southern, Central & Northern Regions.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
$28,330 |
$17,150 |
$18,000 |
$2,600 |
$2,750 |
There is an urgent need to identify and map the extent of areas of habitat which are critical for the conservation of the Julia Creek dunnart and attempt to secure their protection. In light of the extensive areas of potentially suitable Mitchell grass habitat available and the recent detection of dunnart remains in owl pellets and stomach contents of feral cats from a number of sites, it is highly probable that other extant populations exist. Discovery of additional populations will significantly improve the status of the species. Once located, the full range of management options can be explored.
A survey program of areas in the Mitchell Grass Downs biogeographic region will be implemented during the initial phases of the recovery plan in order to locate areas of critical habitat for the Julia Creek dunnart. Survey effort will be guided by the results of BIOCLIM analysis, identification of dunnart remains from owl pellets and predator stomachs and reports from landholders. Service staff will contact landholders in the Mitchell Grass Downs bioregion seeking information on the occurrence of the dunnart and seeking permission to conduct inspections. An ongoing public education and extension program will support this activity (action 4.1) and will encourage the reporting of information on the species, and promote the off-park collaborative conservation focus of the program.
Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, La Trobe University.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
$46,030 |
$48,330 |
$50,740 |
$3,600 |
$3,780 |
Some preliminary mapping and analysis have been conducted on the basis of historic and current known population records for the species. These analyses have been limited by the small number of sites, the limited range of the species, and the limited thematic mapping and imagery available for that region. The quality of this mapping will be enhanced as additional sites are located, and improved thematic coverages and satellite imagery are incorporated. Spatial modelling will be used to investigate habitat associations and to develop the capacity to generate maps of predicted dunnart habitat which can be used to direct survey efforts.
Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, La Trobe University.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
$14,260 |
$14,970 |
$15,710 |
NIL |
NIL |
Ecological studies of the Julia Creek dunnart by Greg Mifsud (pers. comm.) have identified predation, principally by feral cats, as a key process threatening the viability of remnant populations of the dunnart. Implementation of effective, target specific control programs in the vicinity of known dunnart populations is therefore a critical component of the recovery program for this species. As currently known dunnart populations are restricted to sites on pastoral properties and research stations, baiting programs which reduce the potential for bait uptake by livestock, working dogs and native wildlife must be developed. A pilot program on Toorak Research Station is currently testing felid specific baits developed in Western Australia by the Department of Conservation and Land Management delivered from secure bait dispensers. Further refinement of these techniques will occur during the recovery program.
Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, QDPI Toorak Research Station, landholders, Qld Department of Natural Resources.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
$25,660 |
$15,220 |
$15,970 |
$16,760 |
$17,600 |
As additional populations of the Julia Creek dunnart are located at other sites assistance will be provided to landholders in the implementation of management plans to protect and recover these populations. Monitoring of all known populations of the Julia Creek dunnart will be implemented at least on an annual basis for the life of the current recovery plan. Community participation in monitoring will be fostered as a means of reducing the future costs of monitoring and to encourage community ownership of the program.
Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
NIL |
$11,740 |
$12,330 |
$13,560 |
$14,230 |
Extension of nature conservation and threatened species conservation initiatives within the context of sustainable production will be undertaken through direct liaison, field days and production of information kits. Information presented in this manner will promote the nature conservation values of the region and options for protection of habitat and will include brochures and displays of the integrated ecology of the Mitchell grass downs - including work on the prickly acacia, locusts, kangaroos and dunnarts.
Responsibility: QPWS Southern, Central and Northern Regions, QDPI Sheep & Wool Research Institute, AgForce.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
$27,250 |
$28,610 |
$30,040 |
$8,500 |
$8,930 |
The recovery plan described here is expensive in terms of both staff and resources and the support of the public is essential if the Julia Creek dunnart is to be conserved.
The QPWS, in co-operation with other relevant organisations including the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, Greening Australia and the Threatened Species Network, will develop and coordinate a campaign to promote and attract sponsorship support for the Julia Creek dunnart recovery program.
Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, Queensland Wildlife Preservation Society, Greening Australia, Threatened Species Network
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
$4,650 |
$4,880 |
$5,120 |
$5,370 |
$5,640 |
There are a number of existing schemes which support nature conservation activities on private land including devolved grant schemes and volunteer support initiatives. The network of government and non-government nature conservation extension staff in and around the Mitchell Grass Downs Bioregion will facilitate landholder access to these schemes and assist in the development of applications for support. The current programs operated by Greening Australia (Advancing On-ground Nature Conservation in the Mitchell Grass Downs Bioregion) and the Threatened Species Unit (Threatened Species Community Grants) are particularly relevant to the objectives of the Julia Creek dunnart recovery plan.
Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, Greening Australia, Threatened Species Network, Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
NC |
NC |
NC |
NC |
NC |
NC = Not costed as normal operations by state agency and non-government staff
As only two trappable populations of the Julia Creek dunnart are currently known and these populations can occur at extremely low densities, there has been little in the way of detailed ecological study undertaken on the species to date. Investigations are required to determine the habitat requirements and establish the main factors influencing population dynamics and dispersal. This would incorporate some investigation of the impacts of fire on dunnarts as a means of developing appropriate fire management strategies. The work would be undertaken by a postgraduate student from La Trobe University. Logistical support and moderate project costs have been budgeted.
Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, La Trobe University
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
$10,630 |
$11,160 |
$8,960 |
NIL |
NIL |
While it is apparent that predators pose a direct threat to dunnart populations, the manner in which this impact is influenced by habitat features, including ground cover, soil structure, seasonal conditions and alternate prey availability is unclear. This information will assist in designing targeted control campaigns to mitigate the impact of predators on remnant populations. The role of competitors, including domestic stock, rabbits and other dasyurids, in the dynamics of dunnart populations is poorly understood. The work will be undertaken by a postgraduate student from La Trobe University. Logistical support and moderate project costs have been budgeted.
Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, La Trobe University
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
$8,130 |
$8,540 |
$8,960 |
NIL |
NIL |
While laboratory based studies have been completed in relation to the life history strategy and reproduction of the Julia Creek dunnart there is limited information in relation to these aspects of the species' ecology in the wild. The work will be undertaken by a postgraduate student from La Trobe University. Logistical support and moderate project costs have been budgeted.
Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, La Trobe University
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
$10,630 |
$11,160 |
$8,960 |
NIL |
NIL |
The Julia Creek dunnart occurs sympatrically with a number of other small native mammals including Planigale ingrami, S. macroura, S. crassicaudata, Rattus villosissimus and Leggadina forresti. The relative abundance of these species is known to fluctuate between sites and under different seasonal and environmental conditions. The different responses by each species suggest different strategies are being pursued by each species and/or that there may be competitive exclusion occurring at particular densities. Understanding these interactions will enhance our capacity to effectively design management to recover and protect dunnart populations. The work will be undertaken by a postgraduate student from La Trobe University. Logistical support and moderate project costs have been budgeted.
Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, La Trobe University
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
$8,130 |
$8,540 |
$8,960 |
NIL |
NIL |
Maintenance of captive populations of the Julia Creek dunnart will be undertaken to achieve four principal aims:
A captive population of the dunnart was established at La Trobe University in 1995 for conservation and research purposes. A small population of the dunnarts has also now been established at David Fleay Wildlife Park, Burleigh Heads, Queensland. A captive breeding management plan is currently being prepared with the assistance of the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA).
Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, David Fleay Wildlife Park, La Trobe University, ARAZPA.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
$13,190 |
$13,840 |
$14,520 |
$15,250 |
$16,000 |
Once the captive breeding management plan has been finalised and a species studbook developed other institutions will be invited to participate. Expressions of interest will be sought from ARAZPA institutions in order to best develop other captive holdings. Initial interest has been shown by the Territory Wildlife Park (Darwin) and Pearcedale Conservation Park (Melbourne).
Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, David Fleay Wildlife Park, ARAZPA Territory Wildlife Park, Pearcedale Conservation Park, other ARAZPA Institutions.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
NC |
NC |
NC |
NC |
NC |
The recovery team will contain representatives from each of the Queensland state agencies relevant to issues pertaining to the objectives of the recovery program. In addition members with particular expertise shall be drawn from other areas. Funds will be required to enable core members of the recovery team to meet on at least an annual basis to review the progress of the recovery plan. Venues will be chosen to minimise travel expenses and non-core members will be required to meet their own attendance costs.
Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Total Cost |
$8,580 |
$9,000 |
$9,440 |
$11,910 |
$10,400 |
|
Task |
Description |
Priority |
Feasibility |
Cost Estimate ($s) |
|||||
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
Total |
||||
|
1 |
Negotiate voluntary conservation agreements |
||||||||
|
1.1 |
1 |
100 |
7270 |
7,630 |
8,010 |
8,410 |
8,830 |
40,150 |
|
|
1.2 |
1 |
90 |
28,330 |
17,150 |
18,000 |
2,600 |
2,750 |
68,830 |
|
|
2 |
Identify critical habitat |
||||||||
|
2.1 |
1 |
100 |
46,030 |
48,330 |
50,740 |
3,600 |
3,780 |
152,480 |
|
|
2.2 |
2 |
90 |
14,260 |
14,970 |
15,710 |
NIL |
NIL |
44,940 |
|
|
3 |
Identify and manage key threats |
||||||||
|
3.1 |
1 |
100 |
25,660 |
15,220 |
15,970 |
16,760 |
17,600 |
91,210 |
|
|
3.2 |
1 |
90 |
NIL |
11,740 |
12,330 |
13,560 |
14,230 |
51,860 |
|
|
4 |
Community initiatives |
||||||||
|
4.1 |
1 |
100 |
27,250 |
28,610 |
30,040 |
8,500 |
8,930 |
103,330 |
|
|
4.2 |
2 |
100 |
4,650 |
4,880 |
5,120 |
5,370 |
5,640 |
25,660 |
|
|
4.3 |
2 |
90 |
NC |
NC |
NC |
NC |
NC |
NC |
|
|
5 |
Investigations to guide management |
||||||||
|
5.1 |
2 |
90 |
10,630 |
11,160 |
8,960 |
NIL |
NIL |
30,750 |
|
|
5.2 |
2 |
90 |
8,130 |
8,540 |
8,960 |
NIL |
NIL |
25,630 |
|
|
5.3 |
2 |
90 |
10,630 |
11,160 |
8,960 |
NIL |
NIL |
30,750 |
|
|
5.4 |
2 |
90 |
8,130 |
8,540 |
8,960 |
NIL |
NIL |
25,630 |
|
|
6 |
Captive breeding |
||||||||
|
6.1 |
1 |
100 |
13,190 |
13,840 |
14,520 |
15,250 |
16,000 |
72,800 |
|
|
6.2 |
2 |
90 |
NC |
NC |
NC |
NC |
NC |
NC |
|
|
7.0 |
Recovery team management |
2 |
100 |
8,580 |
9,000 |
9,440 |
11,910 |
10,400 |
49,330 |
|
Total Cost |
212,740 |
210,770 |
215,720 |
85,960 |
88,160 |
$813,350 |
|||
Much of our current knowledge of the Julia Creek dunnart owes its origin to the individual efforts of Associate Professor Pat Woolley and the generosity of various funding bodies. The authors gratefully acknowledge this extraordinary work by Dr Woolley and the support provided by these groups in our efforts to conserve the Julia Creek dunnart.
Appreciation is also extended to the landholders who have provided information and access to their properties which has been critical in accumulating the knowledge we now have about this cryptic small mammal. Thanks also to Greg Mifsud, Dr Chris Dickman and Dr Jeremy Thompson for their comments, criticisms and thought provoking discussions during the revision of this recovery plan
Beckman, J.L. and Woolley, P.A. 1997. Growth and development of the Julia Creek dunnart, Sminthopsis douglasi. Bulletin of the Australian Mammal Society.
Mifsud, G. and Woolley, P.A. 1997. The diet of Feral Cats Felis catus in north-western Queensland: implications for the conservation of the Julia Creek Dunnart Sminthopsis douglasi. Bulletin of the Australian Mammal Society.
Milson, J. 1995. Plant Identification in the Arid Zone. Department of Primary Industries, Queensland.
Morton, S. R. 1982. Dasyurid marsupials of the Australian arid zone: an ecological review. Pp 117-130 in M. Archer (ed.) Carnivorous Marsupials Vol 1. Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, Sydney.
Woolley, P.A. 1992. Distribution of the Julia Creek Dunnart, Sminthopsis douglasi. Bulletin of the Australian Mammal Society.
Woolley, P.A. 1992. New records of the Julia Creek Dunnart, Sminthopsis douglasi (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae). Wildlife Research 19, 779-783.
Woolley, P.A. 1995. Julia Creek Dunnart. Pp 134-135 in R. Strahan (ed.) The Mammals of Australia. Reed Books, Sydney, Australia.
Woolley, P.A. 1997. Captive breeding of the Julia Creek Dunnart Sminthopsis douglasi. Bulletin of the Australian Mammal Society.
Woolley, P.A. 1998. Ecology of the Julia Creek Dunnart Sminthopsis douglasi: habitat requirements and the impact of predators. Unpublished report to the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage, Brisbane.