The sticknest rat, Leporillus conditor, on Franklin Island, Nuyts Archipelago, South Australia.

Abstract

On Franklin Island, South Australia, Leporillus conditor, occurred in all vegetation associations, although the density varied between these associations. The animals built sticknests ranging from a few twigs added to a shrub to a conical nest I.5 m high built entirely by the rats. Stomach contents of three animals contained only plant items. Predators include barn owls and possibly black tiger snakes. Leporillus conditor appears to breed opportunistically with a gestation period of approximately 44 days and a litter size of one or two. The population on Franklin Island in March 1970 was estimated to number between 1,500 and 2,000 individuals. The decline of mainland populations appears to have followed the advent of grazing by sheep and cattle.