Habitat selection by two sympatric rodent species in an alpine resort
Lisa V. Beilharz A B and Desley A. Whisson A C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Deakin University, Geelong, Australia. Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Vic. 3125, Australia.
B Present address: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, State Government Victoria, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Vic. 3002, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: desley.whisson@deakin.edu.au
Australian Journal of Zoology 64(5) 327-334 https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO16078
Submitted: 6 November 2016 Accepted: 23 January 2017 Published: 8 February 2017
Abstract
Conservation of small mammal species relies on an understanding of their habitat use. We used trapping surveys and telemetry to examine habitat selection and use by the broad-toothed rat (Mastacomys fuscus mordicus) and the bush rat (Rattus fuscipes) in an alpine resort in Victoria. M. fuscus occurred at low numbers, nesting in subalpine wet heathland and foraging in that habitat as well as small patches of disturbed woodland. In contrast, R. fuscipes was more common and nested in woodlands. Although foraging primarily in woodlands, R. fuscipes also foraged in all other available habitats. Both species showed strong selection for woodland fragments within ski runs. Although highly disturbed, these habitats may provide important habitat and connectivity between less disturbed and larger habitat patches.
Additional keywords: home range, Mastacomys fuscus, Mt Baw Baw, Rattus fuscipes.
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