
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Goldingay, Ross L. 
A1  - Whelan, Robert J. 
T1  - Powerline Easements: Do They Promote Edge Effects in Eucalypt Forest for Small Mammals?
JF  - Wildlife Research
JO  - Wildl. Res.
Y1  - 1997
VL  - 24
IS  - 6
SP  - 737
EP  - 744
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/WR96116 
N2  - The distribution and abundance of small terrestrial mammals were assessed in forest adjacent to powerline easements at three different sites in New South Wales. At each site, four transects of 300 m length extended into the forest from the edge of the easement. The abundances of two native species (Antechinus stuartii, Rattus fuscipes) did not differ significantly with distance from the easement but abundances differed markedly among sites. Mammals were captured in only one easement where dense vegetation was present. Feral carnivores, which may mediate edge effects on small mammals, were surveyed by using hair-sampling tubes. Cats and dogs were detected only 50&#8211;200 m inside the forest. Foxes were not detected by hair-tubes but were observed on two easements. These results suggest that powerline easements may not create edge effects in eucalypt forest for some native mammal species, although further studies are needed to determine the generality of this conclusion. We recommend that easement management should be more benign to native mammals, given the ubiquity of this form of habitat fragmentation. Promotion of dense vegetative cover and habitat linkages within easements could achieve this. 
ER  -

