Diel activity of three small mammals coexisting in forest in southern Victoria.

Abstract

The diel activity patterns of Antechinus stuartii, A. swainsonii, and Rattus fuscipes assimilis were monitored by live trapping, and compared with activity observed at baited stations in the field. Observed activity was consistent with trap-revealed activity patterns except in October. Antechinus stuartii and R. fuscipes are both largely nocturnal with coinciding peaks of activity. Activity of A. swainsonii occurs across the whole 24 h day, with activity peaks often occurring before or after the activity peaks of A. stuartii and R. fuscipes. The nocturnal activity of A. stuartii appears related to feeding behaviour best suited for utilising nocturnally active and exposed prey. The more constant activity of A. swainsonii may be related to feeding on a continuously available, though concealed, prey in litter and loose soil. Neither predation, competitor avoidance, or food quality or distribution appears to account for the wholly nocturnal activity of R. fuscipes.