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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 32(8)

Mortality and survivorship of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) (Macropodidae : Marsupialia) in the northern jarrah forest of Western Australia

Matt W. Hayward A B C D E , Paul J. de Tores B , Michael L. Augee A and Peter B. Banks A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.

B Department of Conservation and Land Management, Wildlife Research Centre, PO Box 51, Wanneroo, WA 6946, Australia.

C Department of Conservation and Land Management, Dwellingup Research Centre, Banksiadale Road, Dwellingup, WA 6213, Australia.

D Present address: Terrestrial Ecology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

E Corresponding author. Email: hayers111@aol.com

Wildlife Research 32(8) 715-722 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR04111
Submitted: 8 November 2004  Accepted: 12 October 2005   Published: 20 December 2005

Abstract

The potential for the quokka (Setonix brachyurus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1830)), a threatened macropodid marsupial, to increase in abundance following the initiation of predator control was investigated by determining the cause of deaths of radio-collared individuals. Predation was identified as a major cause of death followed by road kills. The non-parametric Kaplan–Meier method modified for staggered entry of individuals was used to estimate survivorship. Although males and females were affected differently by each cause of mortality, their overall survivorship did not differ significantly. Individuals alive at the beginning of the 25-month study had a 61% chance of surviving to the end. This represented an 81% chance of surviving for 1 year. There was no significant difference in survivorship between adults and juveniles. Current rates of adult and juvenile survivorship should allow population recovery, although none has been evident. Pouch young mortality is hypothesised to have inhibited the anticipated quokka population increase since the initiation of predator control. The observed expulsion of pouch young by females when threatened may be a primary predator avoidance strategy.


Acknowledgments

This project was funded by the Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management and additional funds for fox baiting were provided by Alcoa World Alumina Australia Ltd. Approval for the project was provided by CALMScience Ethics Committee Approval Number CAEC 1/97 and trapping permits SF002928 and subsequent renewals. MWH thanks the Museum of Western Australia for providing access to their collection records, as well as numerous friends, family and volunteers who assisted in the field, notably Phil, Joan, Miffy and Mary Hayward, Doug Kimber, Anna Sherriff, Beth MacArthur, Kathy Himbeck, Marika Maxwell, Nick Valentine, Wazza Saunders and Darren Stephen. This paper has been improved by the reviews of Joan Hayward, Jenny Taylor, Elizabeth Jefferys, Barry Fox, Ian Abbott, Nicky Marlow, Gina Dawson and two anonymous reviewers.


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