Population ecology of Ningaui yvonneae (Dasyuridae : Marsupialia) in the Middleback Ranges, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

Abstract

A population of the southern ningaui (Ningaui yvonneae) was studied in the semi-arid regions of South Australia. Data were collected on the population ecology of the species, including capture success, breeding biology and life history. Between August 1996 and December 1998, 307 captures were recorded from 11 016 trap-nights. Most individuals were caught only once and males were caught more frequently than females. Capture success varied greatly between seasons, with lowest captures being recorded in winter. Winter is a time of stress for N. yvonneae – mean weights stabilised between March and June. N. yvonneae is polyoestrous, with mating recorded from September to February. However, most matings took place in mid-October. The population was dominated by a single cohort, with the life span for N. yvonneae being approximately 14 months.