Variation in population dynamics and movement patterns between two geographically isolated populations of the dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus)
K. E. Moseby A C , H. Owens B , R. Brandle B , J. K. Bice B and J. Gates BA PO Box 150, Roxby Downs, SA 5725, Australia.
B South Australian Department for Environment and Heritage, GPO Box 1047, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: katherine.moseby@bhpbilliton.com
Wildlife Research 33(3) 223-232 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR05034
Submitted: 23 March 2005 Accepted: 20 February 2006 Published: 31 May 2006
Abstract
The ecology of the dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus) was studied at Pelican Waterhole in south-west 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.
Acknowledgments
This study was supported by funds obtained through the Wildlife Conservation Fund and the South Australian Department for Environment and Heritage. Ethics approval was obtained initially through the University of Adelaide Ethics Committee (approval numbers AEC 34/92, AEC93 and AEC 52/92–93) and then through the Wildlife Ethics Committee (South Australian) (approval numbers 5/95, 7/96, 11/97, 12/98, 33/99, 27/2001). The authors thank the many volunteers who assisted with field work over the eight years of the study. John Read and Pete Copley provided useful comments on earlier drafts. Thanks also to the land managers who allowed us property access and provided advice and assistance. Finally, the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service gave permission for this study to be partly conducted in south-west Queensland.
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