Evidence for a recent decline in the distribution and abundance of the New Holland mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae) in Tasmania, Australia
Billie T. Lazenby A B D , Phil Bell C , Michael M. Driessen A C , David Pemberton A and Christopher R. Dickman B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tas. 7000, Australia.
B School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
C University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Tas. 7005, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: billie.lazenby@dpipwe.tas.gov.au
Australian Mammalogy 41(2) 179-185 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM18003
Submitted: 17 January 2018 Accepted: 17 July 2018 Published: 23 August 2018
Abstract
The New Holland mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae) was recognised to be at threat of extinction at an International, National, and Tasmanian State level in 2008, 2010, and 1995, respectively. The species inhabits the floristically diverse dry heathlands and associated vegetation communities that typically arise from mosaic burns. In this regard the New Holland mouse could be considered a flagship species for healthy heathlands. We present 18 years of search and capture records collected since 1998 from Tasmania to show that there has been a contraction over the last nine years from 16 to 2 in the number of sites from which the species has been detected, and more than a 99% reduction in capture-per-unit-effort. These results raise concern as to the viability of the species in Tasmania. Strength of inference regarding the magnitude and causes of decline in distribution and abundance would be improved by regular and systematic monitoring. The considerable overlap between the potential causes of the New Holland mouse’s decline in Tasmania and regional declines in mammal assemblages nationally, suggest that recovery efforts for the New Holland mouse could have positive outcomes for all species inhabiting lowland dry heathlands in Australia.
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