New Animal Report

Name: Shifomuse
Habitat:
The Shifomuse is found in dense vegetation, with easy access to a constant
water source. Predominantly, this animal is found in the tropic northern areas of
Australia, though has been found as far South as Bundaberg in Queensland.
Needs:
The Shifomuse is an amphibian and therefore requires easy access to water to
prevent its skin from drying out. Like all amphibians, the Shifomuse is cold
blooded and requires heat from the sun and its environment to stay warm. This
new species has a diet that mainly consists of insects, but the Shifomuse has
been observed eating smaller amphibians including tadpoles and small frogs.
How the needs are met:
The Shifomuse chooses its habitat in order for it to survive comfortably. The
rainforests of Northern Queensland in particular are best suited for the needs
of the Shifomuse, thus the large numbers that have recently been discovered in
that area. In the early mornings, the Shifomuse can be observed sunning itself
on rocks in order to maintain a steady body heat. As the day progresses, it
retreats back into the cover of the rainforest or into the water to prevent its
skin from drying out from the more harsh sunlight.
Adaptations:
An adult Shifomuse can reach an approximate height of 12cm and a length of
18cm. This relatively small size means that the Shifomuse can easily hide
throughout the undergrowth of the rainforest. Its bright blue and yellow
colouring acts as a deterrent and as a warning to large predators. The
Shifomuses body is covered with what appear to be soft scales which act as a
form of shield to protect it from becoming dehydrated easily. A protruding fin
on the back of the Shifomuse aids the amphibian when in the water. The
Shifomuse has short, stocky legs that are no good for swimming. Instead, the
Shifomuse is able to use the pads on the bottom of its feet to travel through
water. The fin on the animals back acts as a rudder of sort. Large, black eyes,

somewhat similar to those of a dragon flys, mean that the Shifomuse has great
coloured eyesight, with the ability to see ultraviolet light and recognise
polarised light coming off the reflective surface of water. Because the
Shifomuse is a slow moving amphibian, it uses its tale as a lure to attract its
prey, then ambushes and pounces on the prey when it is within range. The
Shifomuse has antennas that help it sense vibrations, especially those of large
predators. It will fold down its antennas when it feels threatened.
Picture of animal:

Fin

Flattened
antennas
Tail

Bright colours
to warm off
predators

Soft, moist
scales to
prevent
dehydration
Large, black,
dragonfly-like
eyes
Short, stocky
legs