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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 33(3)

Aspects of the ecology of swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus) on a Bass Strait island

M. G. Sale A C , S. J. Ward A and J. P. Y. Arnould B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia.

B School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Vic. 3125, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Present address: School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic. 3217, Australia. Email: michael.sale@deakin.edu.au

Wildlife Research 33(3) 215-221 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR05051
Submitted: 26 May 2005  Accepted: 19 January 2006   Published: 31 May 2006

Abstract

The swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus) is a small insectivorous marsupial inhabiting closed heath and tussock grassland in south-eastern Australia. The species is considered ‘Near Threatened’ on the Australian mainland. Populations persist on coastal islands off Wilsons Promontory, but their current status is unknown. This study investigated the density, diet and reproduction of the swamp antechinus on Kanowna Island. Data were collected by live trapping in different vegetation types during four trips between August 2003 and January 2004. Higher animal densities (47–129 ha–1) were found for Kanowna Island than for previously studied mainland populations (1–18 ha–1). Examination of scats showed that this species eats a wide variety of prey types, with moth larvae a major dietary component, particularly during the breeding season. Births were estimated to have occurred between 28 June and 8 August, which is a longer period than reported for other populations of this species. Factors including reduced predation, restricted dispersal and increased food availability may be responsible for supporting this dense population.


Acknowledgments

We thank Parks Victoria, Tidal River, for all their transport assistance getting to and from the island. We also thank two anonymous reviewers, whose comments were greatly appreciated. This research was carried out with ethics approval from the Animal Ethics Sub-Committee at the University of Melbourne and under a Department of Sustainability and Environment Scientific Permit.


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