The ecology of the dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus) was studied at Pelican Waterhole in southwest Queensland and Montecollina Bore in north-east South Australia over an eight-year period. Population parameters of N. fuscus differed markedly between the two study sites. Whilst the population at Montecollina Bore exhibited large fluctuations in size, captures at Pelican Waterhole were lower but more consistent. Recaptures between sessions at Montecollina Bore peaked at 60% but no individuals were recaptured at Pelican Waterhole. No evidence of seasonal breeding was recorded at either site. Male N. fuscus captured at Montecollina Bore were significantly heavier (average 31.4 g) than Pelican Waterhole animals (average 26.6 g). Over a 1-4-night period, the maximum linear distance moved by radio-collared individuals was 1.5 km (average 481 m) at Pelican Waterhole and 400 m (average 199 m) at Montecollina Bore. Differences in population dynamics between the two sites are ascribed to food availability and habitat quality. Whilst Pelican Waterhole may constitute a more stable, less degraded environment, Montecollina Bore appears to be defined by periods of either very high or very low resource availability depending on rainfall. The abundance of dingoes and low cat and fox activity may contribute to the persistence of N. fuscus at the two study sites.
Reliable and cost‐effective monitoring methods are a critical component of conservation management practices that work to prevent the extinction of threatened species. We evaluated the best means of monitoring the threatened Kangaroo Island dunnart (Sminthopsis fuliginosus aitkeni, hereafter KI dunnart). Variation in detection probability and cost was examined between four trapping methods. We then compared the occupancy of the KI dunnart in a 2017–2018 survey to a survey from 1999 to 2001. Across the 2017–2018 survey, the KI dunnart was detected at only five sites and was detected most frequently using camera traps on drift fence lines. The taxon was estimated to occupy 27% (95% confidence interval: 7–65%) of sites in the eucalypt woodlands of western KI. Of the methods that have successfully detected KI dunnarts, cameras on fence lines were the most cost‐effective. Power analysis suggests that future monitoring surveys in spring and autumn must survey at least 55 sites to be capable of detecting a 60% decline in the KI dunnart population, and 26 sites to detect an 80% decline. Ongoing intensive monitoring is required to assess the population trajectory of the taxon and support its persistence on the island in the long term.
Reliable and cost-effective monitoring methods are a critical component of conservation management practices that work to prevent the extinction of threatened species. We evaluated the best means of monitoring the threatened Kangaroo Island dunnart (Sminthopsis fuliginosus aitkeni, hereafter KI dunnart). Variation in detection probability and cost was examined between four trapping methods. We then compared the occupancy of the KI dunnart in a 2017-2018 survey to a survey from 1999 to 2001. Across the 2017-2018 survey, the KI dunnart was detected at only five sites and was detected most frequently using camera traps on drift fence lines. The taxon was estimated to occupy 27% (95% confidence interval: 7-65%) of sites in the eucalypt woodlands of western KI. Of the methods that have successfully detected KI dunnarts, cameras on fence lines were the most cost-effective. Power analysis suggests that future monitoring surveys in spring and autumn must survey at least 55 sites to be capable of detecting a 60% decline in the KI dunnart population, and 26 sites to detect an 80% decline. Ongoing intensive monitoring is required to assess the population trajectory of the taxon and support its persistence on the island in the long term.
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