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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 34(3)

Factors influencing the distribution of the yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis australis) in Victoria, Australia

Michael Rees A , David J. Paull A C and Susan M. Carthew B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences (Geography), University of New South Wales, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia.

B School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: dpaull@adfa.edu.au

Wildlife Research 34(3) 228-233 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR06027
Submitted: 13 March 2006  Accepted: 14 May 2007   Published: 6 June 2007

Abstract

In this study we examine broad-scale factors affecting the distribution of the yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis australis) in the southern Australian state of Victoria. Using the bioclimatic analysis and prediction system, BIOCLIM, and vegetation-suitability mapping, we assessed the potential distribution of the species at the time of European settlement and compared it to the current distribution. BIOCLIM revealed that P. a. australis is most likely to occur in areas with mean annual rainfall >600 mm and mean annual temperature between 6°C and 14.5°C. Much of its current distribution is skewed to the eastern half of the State, and our results emphasise a disjunction between western and eastern Victorian populations that is attributed to unsuitable climate and vegetation for the species. This indicates that P. australis in the west was most likely separated from eastern Victorian P. australis long before European settlement. Our results also indicate that isolated P. australis populations in south-western Victoria represent fragments of what was probably a much more widely distributed population when European settlement took place. Owing to the highly restricted distribution of suitable remnant native vegetation, these westernmost P. australis populations should be a high priority for future research and conservation work.


Acknowledgements

This research was initiated by Michael Rees while studying in the former School of Geography and Oceanography at UNSW@ADFA, which in July 2003 was incorporated into the School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences. Roger McLean, former Head of the School, provided strong support during field work and analysis. Ali Arezi gave computing system support, Penny Turner helped with accessing topographic maps and other geographic data, and Julie Kesby provided editorial assistance. Historical occurrence records from the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife were provided by the Flora and Fauna Data Management Section of the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, and incorporated records from the Museum of Victoria. We acknowledge the anonymous reviewers for their very constructive comments on an earlier draft of the manuscript. The work was carried out under Research Permit Nos 10000941, P00.001, and University of New South Wales Authority to Conduct Animal Research Project No. 00/30.


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