Two teams of genetic researchers have sequenced the genome of the numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus), a critically endangered Australian insectivorous marsupial and the last surviving member of the family Myrmecobiidae. The genome map will enable scientists and conservationists to make better informed decisions about how to safeguard the species into the future.
The numbat is a colorful marsupial between 35 and 45 cm (14-18 inches) long, including the tail, and weighing up to 700 g.
Also known as the noombat or walpurti, the numbat is the only termitivorous marsupial, consuming up to 20,000 termites per day.
Scientists Sequence Genome of Numbat | Sci-News.com
The numbat is a colorful marsupial between 35 and 45 cm (14-18 inches) long, including the tail, and weighing up to 700 g.
Also known as the noombat or walpurti, the numbat is the only termitivorous marsupial, consuming up to 20,000 termites per day.
Scientists Sequence Genome of Numbat | Sci-News.com