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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 32(8)

Factors affecting the detection of possums by spotlighting in Western Australia

A. F. Wayne A C D , A. Cowling B , J. F. Rooney C , C. G. Ward C , I. B. Wheeler C , D. B. Lindenmayer A and C. F. Donnelly B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.

B Statistical Consulting Unit, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.

C Science Division, Department of Conservation and Land Management, Locked Bag 2, Manjimup, WA 6258, Australia.

D Corresponding author: Email: adrianw@calm.wa.gov.au

Wildlife Research 32(8) 689-700 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR04089
Submitted: 6 October 2004  Accepted: 9 August 2005   Published: 20 December 2005

Abstract

This paper describes how environmental factors, survey method procedures and differences in forest structure resulting from logging relate to the detection of koomal (common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula hypoleucus) and ngwayir (western ringtail possum, Pseudocheirus occidentalis). A total of 169 vehicle-based spotlight surveys of possums within native jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest was conducted on three transects over eight years (1996–2003). Up to 5.7 koomal and up to 3.3 ngwayir were detected per kilometre per transect side. Only one ngwayir was detected during the eight surveys conducted between 2001 and 2003. More koomal were seen in spring and autumn (i.e. September–November and March–May respectively) and more ngwayir were seen between October and April. Although surveys were not conducted on very rainy or excessively windy nights, fewer possums were nonetheless seen on nights following rainy days and on cold nights. Cloud cover also affected sightings of koomal. The time taken to complete the surveys increased in conjunction with the number of possums detected, on account of the time required to record data. The importance of standardising travelling speed also is emphasised. Possum spotlight counts differed between recently logged and unlogged areas. However, these findings were not supported by complementary koomal abundance estimates derived from trapping, suggesting that vegetation structure may affect detectability. Factors such as the lunar cycle, wind speed and survey start time after sunset did not significantly affect detection rates of either species. On the basis of these findings, specific survey conditions can be selected to improve spotlight detection efficiency.


Acknowledgments

Brent Johnson, Keith Morris, Gordon Friend, Peter Orell and Mick Dillon were involved in the establishment and early surveys along the Northern and Southern transects. We are especially grateful to the large number of volunteers, including CALM staff in Manjimup, who collectively contributed over 1000 hours to assist with the spotlight surveys. Paul Davies assisted with the production of the study location map (Fig. 1). Neil Burrows, Ian Abbott, Matthew Williams, Lachlan McCaw, Mike Calver, Joern Fischer, Julia Northin, Margaret Starace and two anonymous referees kindly provided comments on earlier drafts of this manuscript. This research was conducted with the approval of the Western Australian Government Department of Conservation and Land Management Animal Ethics Committee (CAEC 1993/2000/16), and funded by the Department of Conservation and Land Management.


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