Habitat separation in the grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus Shaw and M. filiginosus (Desmarest) (Marsupialia: Macropodidae), in Grampians National Park, western Victoria.

Abstract

Habitat preferences of sympatric populations of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Macropus giganteus, the Western Grey Kangaroo, M. fuliginosus, and the Red-necked Wallaby, M. rufogriseus, were examined in the Grampians National Park , western Victoria. A transect through a range of vegetation types was surveyed from a vehicle at three-hourly intervals over a 24 h period in all seasons. Highest densities of M. giganteus were recorded in Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodland with an understorey of grass, bracken or shrubs. Macropus fuliginosus occurred at highest densities on a grass airfield, and in the surrounding heathland and low heath woodland of E. baxteri and E. aromaphloia, but was never recorded in the habitat favoured by M. giganteus. On the airfield M. fuliginosus exhibited seasonal changes in density and in diel activity. Macropus rufogriseus, the most diurnal species, occurred at comparatively low and uniform densities throughout th e study area.