The Mulgara Dasycercus cristicauda (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) at Uluru National Park, Northern Territory.

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 403
Author(s):  
P. Masters
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
National Park ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Turn Of The Century ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Ecological Data ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Extensive Range ◽  
Species Being

Since the turn of the century, a third of the mammal species of arid Australia have suffered a drastic decline in distribution and abundance. Uluru National Park has not escaped the massive loss of mammals, with over 15 species being lost from the Park in the last century, and some, including the brush-tailed possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, becoming locally extinct in the last twenty years (Baynes and Baird 1992, Reid, Kerle and Morton 1993). This suggests that the processes causing the decline are still operating. The mulgara Dasycercus cristicauda, remains extant in the vicinity of Uluru National Park but has suffered extensive range reductions and is believed to be less abundant in areas which it still occupies (Kennedy 1990, Gibson and Cole 1992, Woolley 1995). Very little is known about the field ecology of D. cristicauda and this has hindered the conservation management of the remaining populations. I report here on ecological data collected from a population at Uluru National Park between 1987 and 1990. This information was collected during a study of the effects of fire on small mammals of the area (Masters 1993).

Relative abundance of the central rock-rat, the desert mouse and the fat-tailed pseudantechinus at Ormiston Gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park, Northern Territory

2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 144 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. P. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Population Ecology ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
National Park ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
The West

This study examines the relative abundance of two species of sympatric rodent, the desert mouse (Pseudomys desertor) and the central rock-rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus), and a sympatric dasyurid (Pseudantechinus macdonnellensis) in relation to rainfall in the West Macdonnell Ranges National Park, Northern Territory, over a 6-year period. Seventeen trapping sessions were conducted between July 2000 and September 2006. All three species showed spikes in abundance during 2001 and 2002, which were very wet years, and then declined as rainfall diminished. Z. pedunculatus was not trapped at the sites beyond June 2002 while P. desertor was not trapped beyond September 2002. P. macdonnellensis was trapped in low numbers between September 2002 and February 2005 but was not trapped subsequently. Rainfall and the abundance of all three mammal species were clearly correlated. However, the patterns of abundance were subtly different. Z. pedunculatus exhibited three distinct peaks in abundance during the study (July 2000, April 2001 and March 2002), P. desertor exhibited two distinct peaks (July 2001 and June 2002) while. P. macdonnellensis exhibited only one peak in abundance (March 2002). The results of this study provide more evidence that populations of both arid Australian rodents and some dasyurids are influenced by rainfall. The study also provides some insights into the population ecology of the poorly known and threatened central rock-rat.

scholarly journals Records of seven small mammal species (Insectivora, Chiroptera) new to the Kruger National Park

Koedoe ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I. L Rautenbach ◽  
G De Graaff ◽  
U De V Pienaar
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
National Park ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Collecting Expedition ◽  
The Republic ◽  
First Time ◽  
Small Mammal Species

On a recent collecting expedition in the Kruger National Park, the occurrence of seven species of small mammals (one shrew and six bats) within the confines of this sanctuary was confirmed for the first time. One species (Pipistrellus rusticus) is reported for the first time from within the borders of the Transvaal, whereas another species (Myotis bocagei) is reported for the first time for the Republic of South Africa. The seven species are briefly discussed and the collections where the specimens have been accessioned are indicated.

The life of a Hepatozoon (Sporozoa: Adeleidea) of varanid Lizards in Australia.

1962 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
MJ Mackerras
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Sugar Cane ◽  
Rain Forest ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Forest Species ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Open Forest ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Species Being ◽  
Diurnal Species

Innisfail, a small coastal town in north Queensland, lies on the plain between the Atherton Plateau and the coastal hills, an area once covered with tropical rain-forest, but now extensively cleared for the growing of sugar cane. As part of an investigation of leptospirosis, small mammals have been collected, and mark-recapture experiments set up in areas sampling vegetation of different kinds. The species found comprised two monotremes, ten marsupials, nine bats (which were not collected intensively), nine rodents, and three other mammals. Some difficulty was experienced in distinguishing the local rodents, and a key to the species is given. This fauna could be divided into three elements: a rain-forest fauna of 14 species (excluding bats), a sugar-cane fauna of ten species, and a house fauna of four species. The sugar-cane fauna is shown to be derived, not from the rain-forest species, but from part of the fauna of the open forest which covers the hinterland, all the species being also recorded from New Guinea. The rain-forest fauna agrees with the list of species recorded from this part of Australia. A comparison is made with Malayan rain-forest, which is richer in mammal species. The niches corresponding to those of the nocturnal Malayan mammals seem well filled, but there is a deficiency of mammals corresponding to the diurnal species, such as monkeys, squirrels, and cattle, and also to the large carnivores.

Habitat Relationships of Small Mammals at Port Campbell National Park, Victoria.

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 89
Author(s):  
K.L. Twyford
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
National Park ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Forest Community ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Species List ◽  
Successional Stage ◽  
Vegetation Communities ◽  
Open Forest ◽  
Rattus Fuscipes

Habitat relationships of six species of small mammals was investigated in eight vegetation communities at Port Campbell National Park, Victoria. The dispersion of 317 trap captures over 10 months was used to assess the relationships of small mammals with different vegetation communities. Rattus fuscipes showed a strong affinity for dense, structurally complex vegetation, particularly a disused softwood plantation and to a lesser extent a closed-heath/low open-forest community. Captures of Rattus lutreolus were most frequent in the wetter communities which provided adequate cover, particularly the swamp community. A possible relationship between captures of this species and the abundance of sedge food resources is suggested. Antechinus swainsonii was captured in greatest numbers in tussock-grassland/low open-shrubland where dense ground cover was present. However, areas with dense mid-storey cover which were considered to be favourable habitat supported few individuals. Sminthopsis leucopus, although captured at low rates in only two communities, favoured more open vegetation than both A. swainsonii and A. minimus. The later species was captured rarely, but exclusively in open-heath, although more favourable habitat appeared to be present elsewhere in the Park. The low abundance of Mus musculus was attributed to a lack of habitat available at an early successional stage. A mammal species list for the Park of 15 species has been compiled based on trapping, incidental observations and indirect traces. Key areas for conservation of small mammals within the Park are identified.

Habitat relationships for two poorly known mammal species Pseudomys calabyi and Sminlhopsis sp. from the wet-dry tropics of the Northern Territory.

1992 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
J.C.Z. Woinarski
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Stage Iii ◽  
Vertebrate Species ◽  
Land Area ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Dry Tropics ◽  
Species Pairs ◽  
Arnhem Land

Most records of Sminthopsis sp. and all records of Pseudomys calabyi are from gravelly hills with Eucalyplus dichromophloia and E. tintinnans woodland in Stage III of Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory. This habitat is distinct from that used by other small dasyurids and pseudomyine rodents of this region. For P. calabyi it may offer the attraction of prolonged availability of fallen grass seeds. Both taxa have vicariants in the Kimberley, a pattern resembling that for many vertebrate species pairs of the more isolated sandstone massifs of the Kimberley and Arnhem Land area.

scholarly journals Abundance, relative home range and species - habitat association of small mammal species in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aenea Saanya ◽  
Rhodes Makundi ◽  
Loth Mulungu ◽  
Apia Massawe
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
National Park ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Habitat Association ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Riverine Forest ◽  
Small Mammal Species

Home ranges play an important role in the ecology of small mammals in understanding the driving factors for variations between species, including; mating patterns, foraging behavior and habitat use. We investigated the abundance, relative home ranges and species-habitat association of small mammal species in the Nyerere National Park. Two habitats; closed woodland and seasonal riverine forest were selected and in each habitat two grids of 70m x 70m were established. The Capture Mark Recapture technique was deployed. From July 2018 to June 2020 a total of 732 small mammal individuals belonging to 19 species were captured. Of the 19 species captured, 12 were rodents, 2 insectivores, 4 carnivores; and 1 primate. Acomys ngurui abundance was not statistically significant different between habitats (W = 220, df = 1, p = 0.144) and across seasons (F(2, 45) = 1.41, p = 0.2547)). While, Mastomys natalensis and Lemniscomys rosalia were statistically significant different (W = 407, p = 0.01 and W=430.5, p=0.002 respectively) between habitats and across seasons (F(2,45) = 4.352, p = 0.019 and F(2,45) = 6.321, p = 0.0038 respectively). Acomys ngurui had the largest mean home range size (1,087.58 m2) than L. rosalia (831.55 m2) and M. natalensis (166 m2) with overlaps being recorded in habitats and across seasons. Most small mammals were associated with seasonal riverine forest. We conclude that, small mammal species abundance and home ranges vary with habitats and seasons for individual species in the Nyerere National Park. We recommend to the management of the park to consider small mammals in their general management plan.

scholarly journals Declines in the mammal assemblage of a rugged sandstone environment in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 181 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ibbett ◽  
J. C. Z. Woinarski ◽  
M. Oakwood
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Sampling Area ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Mammal Fauna ◽  
The Common ◽  
Intermittent Sampling

There has been marked recent decline in the terrestrial mammal fauna across much of northern Australia, with most documentation of such decline for lowland areas. Here we report changes in the assemblage of small mammals in a rugged sandstone environment (Nawurlandja, in Kakadu National Park) over intermittent sampling between 1977 and 2002. Four native mammal species were commonly recorded in the original sampling: sandstone antechinus (Pseudantechinus bilarni), northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), Arnhem rock-rat (Zyzomys maini) and common rock-rat (Z. argurus). Trap success rates declined significantly for the northern quoll, Arnhem rock-rat and all species combined, but increased for the common rock-rat. Despite being recorded commonly in the initial (1977–79) study, no Arnhem rock-rats were recorded in the most recent (2002) sampling. Trap success rates for northern quoll declined by ~90% from 1977–79 to 2002. The reasons for change are not clear-cut. Notably, all sampling occurred before the arrival of cane toads (Rhinella marina), a factor that has caused severe decline in northern quoll numbers elsewhere. Fire was more frequent in the sampling area in the period preceding the 2002 sampling than it was in the period preceding the initial (1977–79) sampling, and this may have contributed to change in mammal abundance.

scholarly journals The influence of fire on populations of small mammals of the Kruger National Park

Koedoe ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. G Kern
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Species Composition ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
National Park ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Low Diversity ◽  
Small Mammal Species

A total of 16 000 trap-nights was employed over eleven months to examine the influence of burning on small mammal populations in two major veld-types of the Kruger National Park. Four burning treatments (control, annual August burning, triennial August and April burning) were examined in detail and the following parameters determined: small mammal species composition, population density, biomass and species diversity. The control treatment had a high, stable small mammal density, biomass and diversity; the annual burning treatment had a low diversity and was dominated by Tatera leucogaster. The triennial burning treatments showed a cycle of species composition from domination by T. leucogaster following burning, through domination by other rodent species to domination by Crocidura hirta at the end of the cycle. The distributions and movements of the small mammals can be explained in terms of cover and litter preferences.

scholarly journals First Detection of Bartonella spp. in Small Mammals from Rice Storage and Processing Facilities in Myanmar and Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 658
Author(s):  
Inga Böge ◽  
Martin Pfeffer ◽  
Nyo M. Htwe ◽  
Pyai P. Maw ◽  
Siriwardana Rampalage Sarathchandra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Bartonella Henselae ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Suncus Murinus ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Urban Settlements ◽  
D 12 ◽  
Zoonotic Bacteria

(1) Background: Bartonella spp. are zoonotic bacteria with small mammals as main reservoirs. Bartonella spp. prevalence in small mammals from Myanmar and Sri Lanka are yet unknown. (2) Methods: Small mammals were snap trapped in Sri Lanka and Myanmar in urban surroundings. Spleens-derived DNA was screened for Bartonella spp. using conventional PCR based on three target genes. Positive samples were sequenced. (3) Results: 994 small mammals were collected comprising 6 species: Bandicota bengalensis, Bandicota indica, Rattus exulans, Rattus rattus, Mus booduga, and Suncus murinus. In Myanmar, the Bartonella prevalence in Bandicoot rats (68.47%) was higher than in Rattus rattus (41.67%), Rattus exulans (21.33%), and Suncus murinus (3.64%). Furthermore the prevalence in Myanmar (34%, n = 495) was twice as high as in Sri Lanka (16%, n = 499). In Sri Lanka, Bartonella spp. occurred almost exclusively in R. rattus. In Myanmar, Bartonella kosoyi was mainly detected (56%), followed by Bartonella sp. KM2529 (15%), Bartonella sp. SE-Bart D (12%) and Bartonella henselae (1%). In Sri Lanka, B. phoceensis (60%) and Bartonella sp. KM2581 (33%) were predominant. (4) Conclusions: Bartonella spp. were detected in all investigated small mammal species from Myanmar and Sri Lanka for the first time. Bartonella kosoyi and B. henselae are zoonotic. As these small mammals originated from urban settlements, human bartonellosis seems likely to occur.

scholarly journals Diversity and Diet Differences of Small Mammals in Commensal Habitats

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 346
Author(s):  
Linas Balčiauskas ◽  
Laima Balčiauskienė ◽  
Andrius Garbaras ◽  
Vitalijus Stirkė
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Additional Food ◽  
Δ13c And Δ15n ◽  
Degree Of Separation ◽  
Kitchen Gardens ◽  
Dietary Plasticity ◽  
The Stability

The stability of diversity of syntopic (inhabiting the same habitat in the same time) small mammals in commensal habitats, such as farmsteads and kitchen gardens, and, as a proxy of their diet, their isotopic niches, was investigated in Lithuania in 2019–2020. We tested whether the separation of species corresponds to the trophic guilds, whether their diets are related to possibilities of getting additional food from humans, and whether their diets are subject to seasonal trends. We analyzed diversity, dominance and distribution of hair δ13C and δ15N values. Diversity and dominance was not stable and differed according to human influence. The highest small mammal species richness occurred in commensal habitats that provided additional food. The degree of separation of species was higher in homestead habitats than in kitchen gardens, where a 1.27 to 35.97% overlap of isotopic niches was observed between pairs of species. Temporal changes in δ13C and δ15N values in the hair of the mammals were not equally expressed in different species. The isotopic overlap may depend on dietary plasticity, minimizing interspecific competition and allowing co-existence of syntopic species. Thus, small mammal trophic ecology is likely related to intensity of agricultural activities in the limited space of commensal habitats.

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