Distribution and habitat of the northern hopping-mouse, Notomys aquilo

Current documentation and specimen data for Notomys aquilo are restricted t o three localities: Cape York (one record from the nineteenth century), Gro ote Eylandt, and central Arnhem Land (one record). A field survey based on signs of N. aquilo and Aboriginal information indicated that the species oc curs widely on sandy substrates of Arnhem Land. Recent observation of signs suggests that it may also persist on Cape York Peninsula. The species is r easonably common on Groote Eylandt, where it was recorded most frequently i n shrublands (dominated by either Acacia spp., Hakea arborescens or Banksia dentata), but occurred also in coastal grasslands and other strand vegetat ion. Its abundance there is associated with the cover of hummock grass and several pea species. The conservation status of the species appears to be s ecure.