Patterns of movement in the small dasyurid (Ningaui yvonneae)
Darren G. Bos A B and Susan M. Carthew A CA School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
B Current address: Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority, PO Box 48, Frankston, Vic. 3199, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: sue.carthew@adelaide.edu.au
Australian Journal of Zoology 55(5) 299-307 https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO06055
Submitted: 7 July 2006 Accepted: 21 September 2007 Published: 8 February 2007
Abstract
The movement behaviour of a small dasyurid (Ningaui yvonneae) was investigated using mark–recapture data collected over 28 months from a population in the Middleback Ranges, South Australia. We were particularly interested in assessing variability in patterns of movement between the sexes and across seasons, as this has potentially important implications for population composition and dynamics. The species was found to be fairly mobile, with frequent and sometimes large movements relative to the size of the animal (up to 900+ m). Average distances moved between recaptures within and between trap sessions were 84 m and 160 m respectively, with nearly half of all recorded movements being between trapping grids (i.e. >80 m). Relatively high recapture rates (many separated by more than 100 days) and measures of site fidelity indicated that the species was not particularly transitory, but probably establishes large and/or drifting home ranges. However, patterns of movement varied considerably according to sex and the time of year. Female N. yvonneae were generally more sedentary than males, with few females moving between trapping grids, and most short-term movements (<100 days apart) being less than 70 m. Movements of females for which the records were separated by more than 100 days tended to be larger, with an average between-capture distance >200 m. In contrast, males often moved between trapping grids, even over short periods. Some short-term movements were more than 600 m in length, and the average distance moved within trapping sessions was >100 m. During the breeding season, males more than doubled the average distances moved between recaptures, when they were presumably roaming in search of females. For females, movement distances were similar during the prebreeding and breeding seasons, but were significantly smaller in the postbreeding season, when they were caring for young.
Acknowledgements
Financial support for this project was provided by the Australian Geographic Society, BHP Community Trust, and the University of Adelaide. Laurie Jacobs and Chris Risborg kindly provided access to their properties. This work was undertaken with approval from The University of Adelaide Animal Ethics Committee (W/017/96) and SA National Parks and Wildlife (Permit No. Z02971).
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