Sixteen study sites across the known north-south range of Pseudomys novaehollandiae in Tasmania were live trapped, and measures of floristic presence and abundance were recorded at each site. Multivariate analysis was used to quantify similarities and differences in plant assemblages at each of the study sites; these included historic sites (sites where P. novaehollandiae had been confirmed to be present 12 years previously) and sites supporting vegetation known to have supported the mouse elsewhere in its range, but from which it had not been recorded. A strong association between P. novaehollandiae capture sites and the occurrence and abundance of the plants Aotus ericoides, Hypolaena fastigiata, Lepidosperma concavum and Xanthorrhoea spp. was found. Nine individual P. novaehollandiae were radio-tracked on one study area to investigate whether the apparent habitat preferences of P. novaehollandiae observed at the population/site level were reflected by individual habitat use. Two individuals were on occasion radio-located in a She-oak stand, a habitat type not typically associated with populations of P. novaehollandiae. Burrow sharing and overlap of home ranges were recorded. Results are interpreted with a view to developing an effective predictive habitat model for P. novaehollandiae in Tasmania.
Since the 1970s, knowledge of Tasmania's offshore islands has expanded greatly due to an increase in systematic and regional surveys, the continuation of several long-term monitoring programs and the improved delivery of pest management and translocation programs. However, many islands remain data-poor especially for invertebrate fauna, and non-vascular flora, and information sources are dispersed across numerous platforms. While more than 90% of Tasmania's offshore islands are statutory reserves, many are impacted by a range of disturbances, particularly invasive species with no decision-making framework in place to prioritise their management. This paper synthesises the significant contribution offshore islands make to Tasmania's land-based natural assets and identifies gaps and deficiencies hampering their protection. A continuing focus on detailed gap-filling surveys aided by partnership restoration programs and collaborative national forums must be strengthened if we are to capitalise on the conservation benefits islands provide in the face of rapidly changing environmental conditions and pressure for future use.
A mammal survey was conducted in the Upper Benty River Region in western Tasmania. The area had been subject to much disturbance from mining, forestry and frequent fires and was covered by a maze of roads and tracks. Nineteen native species (including bats) were recorded. Four of the species listed in 1983 as occurring in the Lower Gordon Region, 80 km south of the present study area, were not recorded during our survey. It is considered that three of these species would probably have been found in the area with further searching. The fourth species, Mastacomysfuscus, is thought not to be present due to increased fire frequency in the sedgeland areas compared with the Lower Gordon Region. Potorous tridactylus is recorded for the first time from rainforest. Microhabitat selection by Rattus lutreolus and Pseudomys higginsi differed from that previously reported. Disturbance from road construction led to the creation of a new food source for Thyloga/e billardierii. The abundance of tracks in the area increased ease of movement for carnivorous mammals. Only one introduced species Fe/is catus, which is also known to occur in the Lower Gordon, was recorded. Disturbance had thus not led to an invasion of exotics.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.