The effect of familiarity and mound condition in translocations of the western pebble-mound mouse, Pseudomys chapmani, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia

Abstract

Translocations play an important role in the conservation of endangered species, and successful translocations are dependent on research into their response to such manipulations. The development of Hamersley Iron’s Yandi Iron Ore Project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia provided a unique opportunity to study the response of the western pebble-mound mouse, Pseudomys chapmani, to translocation. The translocation tested the effect of levels of individual familiarity within translocation groups on translocation success. A key part of the translocation involved the use of competent burrow systems in empty mounds. Success was measured by comparing the long-term survival, reproductive activity and site fidelity between treatments. Of 101 mice translocated, 65% were recaptured at least once post-release. Both the translocated and resident non-translocated groups had experienced a significant loss of individuals after 35 days; however, estimates of rates of survival after 176 days had increased to levels equivalent to those immediately following release. Eight mice were recaptured at, or close to, their points of release 6 months post-release. Reproductive activity was recorded in 13 of the 29 (44%) translocated females recaptured post-release, which was equivalent to that observed in non-translocated mice. Familiarity within translocation groups did not appear to affect translocation success as all treatments had similar rates of survival. This study demonstrated that successful translocations of P. chapmani are possible given a competent burrow system.