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Spatial ecology and resource selection by female numbats, Myrmecobius fasciatus (Marsupialia: Myrmecobiidae) in Scotia Sanctuary, New South Wales, Australia
Author
Poh, Aline Si Lin
Supervisor
Diong, Cheong Hoong
Hayward, Matt
Abstract
An understanding of how a wildlife species utilizes space and habitat is critical in the identification of potential reintroductions sites and conservation management of the species. The numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) is internationally listed as an endangered species and with its current global population estimated to be less than 1000 individuals with a decreasing trend. Due to the magnitude of the species range reduction and dramatic decline in the number of individuals in the wild to a few remaining sites, programs of reintroductions and subsequent establishment of additional numbat populations are considered essential for the conservation of the species. Using five radio-collared female numbats from Scotia Sanctuary during summer and autumn of 2011, I investigated the patterns of habitat use in a semi-arid region in New South Wales. I examined the selection of habitats within the home ranges of the numbats and whether termite abundance was a factor influencing home range dynamics.
A total of 340 locations were obtained (68 ± 5 for each individual) over a period of 63 days (± 5) and home range was estimated with minimum convex polygon (MCP), kernel and harmonic mean methods with 95% of data points. The half-year home range size estimated using 95% MCP, 95% kernel and harmonic means averaged (±SE) 37.4 ± 9.6 ha, 28.3 ± 6.8 ha and 38.9 ± 10.3 ha respectively.
Specific preference for each habitat unit was determined with the Jacobs index based on radio-telemetry locations of collared individuals. Habitat preference was detected for the Eucalyptus spp. with shrub understory habitat type and avoidance for the Eucalyptus spp. with Triodia scariosa understory habitat type. The termite abundance survey in the different habitat types indicated that there is no significant difference between the habitat types.
A total of 340 locations were obtained (68 ± 5 for each individual) over a period of 63 days (± 5) and home range was estimated with minimum convex polygon (MCP), kernel and harmonic mean methods with 95% of data points. The half-year home range size estimated using 95% MCP, 95% kernel and harmonic means averaged (±SE) 37.4 ± 9.6 ha, 28.3 ± 6.8 ha and 38.9 ± 10.3 ha respectively.
Specific preference for each habitat unit was determined with the Jacobs index based on radio-telemetry locations of collared individuals. Habitat preference was detected for the Eucalyptus spp. with shrub understory habitat type and avoidance for the Eucalyptus spp. with Triodia scariosa understory habitat type. The termite abundance survey in the different habitat types indicated that there is no significant difference between the habitat types.
Date Issued
2012
Call Number
QL737.M335 Poh
Date Submitted
2012