Models of the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in the eucalypt forests of north-eastern New South Wales in relation to habitat variables

2000 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 639 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Catling ◽  
R. J. Burt ◽  
R. I. Forrester
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
General Preference ◽  
Eucalypt Forests ◽  
Habitat Variables

We examined the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in eucalypt forests in relation to habitat variables within an area of c. 24 000 km2 in north-eastern New South Wales. Habitat variables are defined as vegetative variables that may be altered or created by humans or natural disturbances and used for the management and/or conservation of fauna. Statistical models of the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in relation to the habitat variables are presented. Generally, the ground-dwelling mammals in the region were more diverse and in greater abundance, and the forest more complex, than in south-eastern New South Wales. The models reflect a general preference of the ground-dwelling fauna for forests that were least disturbed. However, some species were more tolerant of disturbance than others. Recent developments in remote sensing have allowed the mosaic of habitats for ground-dwelling mammals to be mapped over large areas of the landscape. Such maps and the models presented here are discussed with respect to the management of wildlife species. The reduced disturbance during silvicultural practices and the lower abundance of foxes are discussed in relation to the greater diversity and abundance of the ground-dwelling mammals in the region than in south-eastern New South Wales.

Models of the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in the eucalypt forests of south-eastern New South Wales

1998 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 449 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Catling ◽  
R. J. Burt ◽  
R. I. Forrester
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Variables ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Natural Disturbances ◽  
Large Area ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Arboreal Marsupials ◽  
Eucalypt Forests ◽  
Habitat Variables

We examined the relationship between ground-dwelling mammals and the environment within 500 000 ha of eucalypt forest in south-eastern New South Wales. Ground-dwelling mammals were surveyed at 368 sites in 13 areas in relation to four habitat variables/factors, seven environmental variables, and two derived variables (‘disturbance’ and ‘prey abundance’). Habitat variables are vegetative variables such as eucalypt community and forest structure that may be altered by man (e.g. logging) or natural disturbances (e.g. wildfire). Environmental variables are climatic or topographic variables such as rainfall or lithology that cannot be altered by man or natural disturbances. Statistical models are presented of the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in temperate eucalypt forests. From studies of the prediction of eucalypt species from environmental variables and the distribution of arboreal marsupials it has been possible previously to map the predicted density of arboreal marsupials for a large area of south-eastern New South Wales. It would be difficult to do the same for the ground-dwelling mammals because of the importance of structural variables and the influence of disturbance on structure. However, there appears to be a positive relationship between the abundance of some ground-dwelling mammals and environmental variables such as the lithology nutrient rating. Many past studies of fauna have stratified sampling on broad climatic and terrain variables and not included an adequate proportion of the structural variation, which may remain concealed as a large part of the unexplained variation. This may be the single most important problem facing reliable modelling and prediction of patterns of biodiversity in eucalypt forests.

Studies of the Ground-Dwelling Mammals of Eucalypt Forests in South-Eastern New South Wales: the Effect of Habitat Variables on Distribution and Abundance.

1995 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 271 ◽  
Author(s):  
PC Catling ◽  
RJ Burt
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Vegetation Communities ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eucalypt Forests ◽  
Abundance And Distribution ◽  
Habitat Variables

The distribution and abundance was studied of ground-dwelling mammals in 13 areas within 500 000 ha of eucalypt (Eucalyptus spp.) forest in south-eastern New South Wales. Data are presented on the relative abundance and distribution of mammals in relation to the complexity of the habitat of the vegetation communities, basal area of the trees, and indices of nutrients in the foliage of the trees.

Models of the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in the eucalypt forests of north-eastern New South Wales in relation to environmental variables

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 313 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Catling ◽  
R. J. Burt ◽  
R. I. Forrester
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Variables ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Slope Position ◽  
Slope Aspect ◽  
Significant Variable ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Eucalypt Forests ◽  
A Site

Statistical models are presented of the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in eucalypt forests in relation to environmental variables within an area of approximately 24 000 km2 in north-eastern New South Wales. Environmental variables are defined as climatic or topographic variables that may be useful to map the distribution of fauna. The environmental variables examined were season, temperature, rainfall, elevation, lithology, steepness of slope, position on slope, aspect and landform profile. The probability of recording some species was higher in spring than autumn and many species were in highest abundance in areas of low temperature (high elevation). Although aspect was a significant variable in a number of models, no species was absent from any aspect category. Mid-slopes down to and including creeks and drainage lines were particularly important for many species, as were areas with flatter terrain. Although we have modelled environmental variables only there will no doubt be longer-term interactions between habitat and environmental variables. Fundamentally, environmental variables will determine the type of habitat present at a site, and the distribution of canopy communities, at least, can be predicted from environmental variables. However, other studies have shown for ground-dwelling mammals that environmental variables contribute little and it is the state of the habitat locally, and particularly the understorey, that determines their presence and abundance at a site. The results are discussed in relation to similar models using habitat variables and in relation to the use of such models in the management of ground-dwelling fauna in forests.

Studies of the Ground-dwelling Mammals of Eucalypt Forests in North-eastern New South Wales: the Species, their Abundance and Distribution

1997 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Catling ◽  
R. J. Burt
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Felis Catus ◽  
Widespread Distribution ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Eucalypt Forests ◽  
Abundance And Distribution

The distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in the major vegetation alliances in the eucalypt forests within an area of c. 24000 km2 in north-eastern New South Wales were examined. Data for 33 species of mammal from 21 areas containing 30 vegetation alliances were collected. Four notable aspects of the data were the absence or low abundance of the introduced fox (Vulpes vulpes), the widespread distribution and abundance of the cat (Felis catus), the diversity and abundance of medium-sized native mammals and the diversity of small mammals. Although differences occurred between areas and alliances, there was no significant difference in the number of native and introduced species. The ground-dwelling mammals present in the eucalypt forests of north-eastern New South Wales were more diverse and in greater abundance than those found in forests of south-eastern New South Wales. However, some species, such as the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), appear to be in urgent need of protection and management if they are to persist.

Population ranges of Miniopterus schreibersii (Chiroptera) in south-eastern Australia

1969 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 665 ◽  
Author(s):  
PD Dwyer
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Australia ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Navigational Cues ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
South Eastern Australia

In south-eastern Australia banding of M. schreibersii has been concentrated in four areas: north-eastern New South Wales, south-eastern New South Wales, south-eastern Victoria, and south-western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. The present paper analyses 2083 reported movements. Only 17 of these are from one of the four areas to another with the longest movement being 810 miles. Biologically and geographically separate populations of M. schreibersii are recognized in both north-eastern and south-eastern New South Wales. Each population has its basis in dependence upon a specific nursery site which is used annually by nearly all adult females in that population. Boundaries of population ranges in New South Wales are considered to be prominent features of physiography (i.e. divides). Bats move between population ranges less often than they move within population ranges. This cannot be explained solely in terms of the distances separating roosts. Available movement records from Victoria and South Australia are consistent with the pattern described for New South Wales. Two biologically recognizable populations (i.e, different birth periods) occur in south-western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia but these may have overlapping ranges. Only one nursery colony of M. schreibersii is known from south-eastern Victoria. On present evidence it remains possible that the apparent integrity of the population associated with this nursery is merely a consequence of distance from other areas of banding activity. Detailed analyses of movements in bats may provide direct evidence as to the kinds of cues by which a given species navigates. Thus the physiographic basis described for population ranges in New South Wales is consistent with the view that M. schreibersii may orientate to waterways or divides or both. The probability that there are area differences in the subtlety or nature of navigational cues is implied by the different physiographic circumstances of south-western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. It is suggested that knowledge of population range boundaries may aid planning of meaningful homing experiments.

Population genetics of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) in north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 402 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Dennison ◽  
G. J. Frankham ◽  
L. E. Neaves ◽  
C. Flanagan ◽  
S. FitzGibbon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Isolation By Distance ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Genetic Data ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern

Habitat loss and fragmentation are key threats to local koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations. Broad-scale management is suboptimal for koalas because distribution models are not easily generalised across regions. Therefore, it is imperative that data relevant to local management bodies are available. Genetic data provides important information on gene flow and potential habitat barriers, including anthropogenic disturbances. Little genetic data are available for nationally significant koala populations in north-eastern New South Wales, despite reported declines due to urbanisation and habitat loss. In this study, we develop 14 novel microsatellite loci to investigate koala populations in north-eastern New South Wales (Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Tyagarah, Ballina) and south-eastern Queensland (Coomera). All locations were significantly differentiated (FST = 0.096–0.213; FʹST = 0.282–0.582), and this pattern was not consistent with isolation by distance (R2 = 0.228, P = 0.058). Population assignment clustered the more northern populations (Ballina, Tyagarah and Coomera), suggesting contemporary gene flow among these sites. For all locations, low molecular variation among (16%) rather than within (84%) sites suggests historical connectivity. These results suggest that koala populations in north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland are experiencing contemporary impediments to gene flow, and highlight the importance of maintaining habitat connectivity across this region.

Distribution and Status of The Eastern Pygmy Possum (Cercartetus nanus) in New South Wales.

1999 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 153
Author(s):  
M. Bowen ◽  
R. Goldingay
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Cercartetus Nanus

The eastern pygmy possum (Cercartetus nanus) has a wide distribution in New South Wales (NSW), but is infrequently detected in fauna surveys. We collated available information on the distribution, habitat and detection rates for C. nanus in NSW from results of published and unpublished fauna surveys. These data, and those from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Australian Museum databases, suggest that C. nanus populations are concentrated in south-eastern NSW and are sparsely distributed throughout the rest of the state. Several records extend the distribution of this species further west than currently shown by published distribution maps. Records show differences in habitat types occupied by C. nanus between south-eastern and north-eastern NSW. In south-eastern NSW, C. nanus occupies a range of habitats including heath, woodland and open forest, at a range of altitudes. In north-eastern NSW, C. nanus appears to be associated mainly with rainforest at high altitudes. Of the range of techniques available, nest boxes and Elliott traps positioned against flowering Banksia species are most effective at capturing C. nanus. Given the large survey effort and the small number of surveys detecting >I0 C. nanus, it appears that this species is rare throughout most of NSW. We recommend that C. nanus be considered for listing as a vulnerable species in NSW.

The Genus Stenoperla McLachlan in Australia (Insecta: Plecoptera: Eustheniidae)

1983 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 541 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Theischinger
Keyword(s):  
New Taxa ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Fresh Material ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Species Groups

Two strikingly different kinds of Stenoperla larvae are recorded from Australia. For this reason, and others, a subdivision of Australian Stenoperla into two species-groups (australis group, kuna group) is proposed. The following taxa are recognized within Australian Stenoperla: S. australis Tillyard, now known from south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales; S. denise, sp. nov., from south-eastern Queensland and eastern New South Wales; S, kuna, sp. nov., from south-eastern New South Wales and Victoria; S. macrops, sp. nov., from the peaks of Mt Bartle Frere and the Bellenden Ker Range in northeastern Queensland; S. wongoonoo, sp. nov., with the typical subspecies in south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales, and S. wongoonoo tropica, subsp. nov., in north-eastern Queensland. S. australis is redescribed from fresh material, the new taxa are described; all forms are figured. A key is presented for the identification of all known Stenoperla in Australia (adults and larvae).

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