COMMON ROCK RAT

Photographed at Black Mountain, near Cooktown, Queensland, February 2018

101                COMMON ROCK RAT               Zyzomys argurus

AUSTRALIAN              101

Widespread across n Australia in four separate regions: Pilbara and Barrow Island (WA); Kimberley-Top End- Mt Isa; Tully Range (Q); e coast Q from Charlotte Bay to Ayr and Carnarvon. Typically associated with fractured rocky outcrops or scree slopes with vegetation with monsoon forest elements. Nocturnal, sheltering in rocks in day. Omnivorous, eats seeds, plant stems, some insects and fungi.

DIADEM LEAF-NOSED BAT

Subspecies reginae, photographed near Mount Carbine, north Queensland, February 2018

100                  DIADEM LEAF-NOSED BAT                  Hipposideros diadema 

AUSTRALIAN                100

Two distinct subspecies, which may be separate species; inornatus found in sandstone escarpments of Arnham Land; reginae found from coastal n Queensland to Townsville. Uncommon. Roosts in mines, caves, buildings and culverts. Forages in variety of vegetation from rainforest to open eucalyptus. Feeds on flying insects on the wing by perch and sally or direct pursuit.

NOTE: this individual flew into my car while I was driving at low speed; it was stunned but quickly flew off.

CHRISTMAS ISLAND FLYING FOX

Photographed on Christmas Island, December 2016

99                   CHRISTMAS ISLAND FLYING FOX                      Pteropus melanotus

AUSTRALIAN MAMMALS                 99

Also known as Blyth's Flying Fox and Black-earred Flying Fox. Found on Christmas Island, Andaman Islands, Nicobar Inlands and Sumatra. Population on Christmas Island critically endangered. More diurnal than most bats. Feeds on fruits and flowers.

EASTERN BETTONG

Photographed at Mulligan's Flat, Canberra, February 2018

98                   EASTERN BETTONG                Bettongia gaimardi

AUSTRALIAN MAMMALS                  98

Also known as Tasmanian or Southern Bettong. Range: south eastern Australia and Tasmania; mainland population became extinct in 1920s but Tasmanian subspecies reintroduced into Mulligan's Flat in Canberra in 2012. Nocturnal, sleeps during day in a domed nest. Main component of diet is underground fungi, roots and tubers, also eats insects and grubs.