Body size and extinction risk in Australian mammals: An information-theoretic approach

摘要: The critical weight range (CWR) hypothesis for Australian mammals states that extinctions and declines have been concentrated in species with body mass between 35 g 5.5 kg. biological basis this is of intermediate size are disproportionately impacted by introduced predators. CWR has received support from several statistical studies over the past decade, although evidence weaker or non-existent certain groups such as mesic-zone arboreal mammals. In study, we employ an information-theoretic model selection approach to gain further insights into relationship extinction risk We find evidence, consistent hypothesis, peaks at masses marsupials, rodents ground-dwelling species, but not species. contrast previous studies, describes patterns mesic zone well arid zone. zone, there also a tendency large above be more vulnerable, on other continents. plausible Gaussian distribution consistently fits data better than polynomial models used studies. Our results justify conservation programmes targeted within across Australia.