We recently welcomed several scientists to the Inala Conservation Property, where they were catching (and releasing) Antechinus as part of an important research project.
Both Antechinus and Tasmanian Devils belong to the family Dasyuridae. The aim of this study is to find adenoviruses in a closely related Dasyurid species, that might then be used in vaccine development for Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD).

Inala is a location where Antechinus are thriving, especially within the Gondwana Garden where they are often spotted by visiting guests amongst the flower beds.  Dr Dave Hamilton from Tasmanian Land Conservancy and Dr Alex Kreiss from Menzies Institute for Medical Research, carefully set their traps early each morning and, over the weekend, caught seven individual antechinus, six females and one particularly chunky male! With only subtle differences between the Swamp Antechinus and the Dusky Antechinus, it took some careful cross-checking with ID guides before they confirmed that all seven were Swamp Antechinus.
They collected swab samples from each individual, along with fresh poo from most, and all the data has now been taken back to the lab at UTAS by Alex for further analysis. The team will be looking to see if any adenoviruses can be isolated.

We'll keep you posted on any exciting updates, but it's a lovely thought that these tiny creatures could help make a big difference for the devils.