Myrmecobiidae

The Myrmecobiidae family is comprised of a single living species, the numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus). This marsupial mammal is native to Australia and is one of the few diurnal marsupials. The numbat has a distinctive reddish-brown coat with white stripes and a long, sticky tongue adapted for eating termites.

Unfortunately, the numbat is considered an endangered species. Its populations have declined significantly due to predation by introduced cats and red foxes, as well as habitat loss. Conservation efforts include captive breeding programs and reintroduction into protected areas in Western Australia.1234