Bilby distribution and fire: a test of alternative models of habitat suitability in the Tanami Desert, Australia

摘要: The distribution of the bilby Macrotis lagotis was assessed in Tanami Desert using stratified random plots, repetitively sampled transects, aerial survey and ground truth plots. Compared to a previous assessment distribution, extent occurrence has changed little last 20 yr. However, area occupancy is small relative <25% current geographic range sign <20 km apart. Generalised linear modelling used determine strength association between habitat variables identify refugia characteristics. Four competing candidate models were examined whether associated significantly with productive substrates introduced herbivores, key predator species, pattern fire, climatic gradients including rainfall temperature. For entire study area, presence most strongly mean annual rainfall, substrate type probability dingo occurrence. Proximity recently burnt formed significant predictor model derived for reduced part where found. work suggested that frameworks underpinning understanding biotic distributions arid Australia are deficient, gradients, lateritic rocky systems, predators need be incorporated into our thinking future. based on outlier records from opportunistic reports provided misleading indication true status bilby.