The status and relationships of the Atherton Antechinus, Antechinus godmani (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae).

Abstract

Antechinus godmani has been collected from only six localities all with a 30 km radius from Ravenshoe, Atherton Tableland. Its distribution appears to be limited to complex notophyll vine-forest at altitudes of approximately 1200 m. Features of dental, cranial and external morphology indicate A. godmani to be more closely related to New Guinean antechinuses, in particular A. mayeri, than to any other Australian antechinus. The biogeographical implications of this relationship are discussed.