Ecological attributes and conservation of dasyurid marsupials in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

This paper outlines the status of dasyurid marsupials in New South Wales, Australia, and then compares the ecological attributes of threatened and non-threatened species. Of the 21 species recorded in the state since European settlement, eight are protected but not threatened, 10 are listed or proposed for listing as vulnerable or endangered, and three are presumed extinct. Status was not related to diet, habit or habitat. However, species weighing <35 g are less likely to be threatened than heavier species, while species occupying a single region are more likely to be threatened than species occurring in two or more regions. All vulnerable and endangered species occur at least partly in reserves and other areas of protected land, but are likely to be affected by one or more threatening processes. These processes differ regionally, with larger species (=175 g) being affected by a greater range of threats than very small species (<15 g). We propose a programme of survey, research, management and education to promote and sustain recoveries.