
TY  - JOUR
A1  - le, Mar K 
A1  - McArthur, C 
T1  - Habitat selection by common brushtail possums in a patchy eucalypt-forestry environment.
JF  - Australian Mammalogy
JO  - Aust. Mammalogy
Y1  - 2005
VL  - 27
IS  - 2
SP  - 119
EP  - 127
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/AM05119 
N2  - We investigated population density and patterns of habitat selection by the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula fuliginosus) within a patchy forestry environment in north-west Tasmania. Population density was extremely low overall (0.04 animals.ha-1) and varied between habitats (0.01 – 0.13 animals.ha-1). Selection indices from population surveys and animal movement data showed clear patterns for two closed habitats across two spatio-temporal scales: native forest was selected for, while 5 - 7 year old Eucalyptus nitens plantation was selected against, for both home range placement within the study area and habitats selectively used while foraging at night. Daytime habitat selection also showed the same pattern. We argue that native forest represented high quality habitat, offering both food and shelter (tree-hollows), while older plantation represented low quality habitat, lacking both of these resources. Results for open habitats (young Eucalyptus nitens plantation and grassland) were less clear. These patterns are discussed in relation to potential effects of a changing forestry landscape on this species. 
ER  -

