Radiotracking the Numbat, Myrmecobius fasciatus, in the Perup Forest of Western Australia

Abstract

A population of numbats, Myrmecobius fasciatus, exists in the jarrah forest in the Perup Management Priority Area, east of Manjimup, W.A. Radiotracking of four individuals suggests large home ranges; the animal which was radiotracked the longest traversed more than 100 ha. Numbats radiotracked in different seasons displayed different activity and feeding patterns. Termite activity, as determined by weather conditions, may be the main factor influencing numbat activity. The termite species eaten by the numbats are those most common in the forest. The location of areas of concentrated activity within the home range shifted from time to time; the numbats' specialized feeding behaviour may explain this. Numerous hollow logs are used for overnight or daytime shelter. Burrows were used in cold weather. Nests made from finely shredded bark material were found in both logs and burrows. Forest management practices may be modified and used to maintain an area of habitat suitable for the numbat.