Conservation of a rare arboreal mammal: habitat preferences of the Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo, Dendrolagus lumholtzi
Sigrid R. Heise-Pavlov A D , Sara L. Jackrel A B and Spenser Meeks A C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School for Field Studies, Centre for Rainforest Studies, PO Box 141, Yungaburra, Qld 4884, Australia.
B Department of Biology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ 08628, USA.
C Chemistry Department, Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA.
D Corresponding author. Email: sheise-pavlov@fieldstudies.org
Australian Mammalogy 33(1) 5-12 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM09036
Submitted: 10 December 2009 Accepted: 19 September 2010 Published: 4 January 2011
Abstract
Success of conservation efforts of large and cryptic mammals is often limited due to a lack of knowledge of their habitat preferences. This study investigates factors that affect the habitat selection of the rare Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo, Dendrolagus lumholtzi, using signs of its activity. The presence and absence of scratch marks on tree trunks and faecal pellets within a 100-cm radius around them were surveyed on 23 ha within a 65-ha large fragment of rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands, north-eastern Australia in order to classify trees as ‘actively used’ or ‘inactive’. Structural features of the 315 surveyed tree trunks were also recorded. Using discriminant function analysis, ‘actively used’ trees were found to have no epiphytes on the main trunk, less obstruction by neighbouring trees, shrubs or lianas within a 0.5-m radius of the trunk (particularly in the eastern direction), and a smaller diameter at breast height than ‘inactive’ trees. Smaller tree trunks and less obstruction may facilitate a more rapid movement into the canopy as well as provide potential escape routes from predators. More specific knowledge on factors that affect habitat selection of the Lumholtz’ tree-kangaroo will help in a reclassification of the threatened status of this species and assist in more effective conservation efforts.
Additional keywords: arboreal folivore, Macropodidae, predator escape route.
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