Home Range and Activity of the Broad-toothed Rat, Mastacomys fuscus, in Subalpine Heathland

Abstract

Radiotelemetry and trapping were used to examine the home range and activity of Mastacomysfuscus Thomas in subalpine heathland at Smiggin Holes, N.S.W. The 75% utilisation contour was used to represent the home range. Its size varied between sexes and between seasons. During the mid-breeding season (January) male home ranges were larger than those of females. In late summer and autumn home ranges of males decreased and were no longer significantly larger than those of females. There was no significant variation in home ranges of females from January to autumn, although there was a slightly decreasing trend. In winter, individuals of both sexes congregated into communal nests, and home range decreased dramatically. Seasonal variation in home range is explained in terms of the social behaviour of the species. M. fuscus was mainly nocturnal but also exhibited some diurnal activity. There was no variation in activity between the sexes. Individuals were most active in January and February, became less active in March and late autumn, and were least active in winter.