The numbat is the official animal emblem of Western Australia.
Western Australia adopted the numbat as its animal emblem in 1973. This small, distinctive marsupial has reddish-brown fur, white-and-black bands across its back, and a narrow muzzle. It is native to southwestern Australia, where its remaining populations are closely managed for conservation.
The numbat is sometimes mistaken for a bandicoot or a small anteater because of its shape and insect-eating habits. It is actually a marsupial, although unlike most marsupials it is active during the day. Numbats feed primarily on termites and use their long, sticky tongues to collect them.
The species once ranged across much of southern Australia but suffered major declines after European settlement, largely because of habitat loss and introduced predators such as foxes and cats. Conservation programs now focus on protected reserves, predator control, and reintroduction efforts.