Lesser Stick-nest Rat, Leporillus apicalis

The Lesser Stick-nest Rat lived in arid and semi-arid areas of central and southern Australia and once occupied most of South Australia. Last South Australian record: 1933, Musgrave Ranges.

Unlike most rodents, the Lesser Stick-nest Rat did not dig a burrow but instead constructed a large, elaborate nest up to a metre high and twice as wide. The sticks were securely interlaced to form a sturdy structure that sheltered the rats from the sun and deterred most natural predators. A community of several individuals occupied each nest.