The conservation of arboreal marsupials in the montane ash forests of the central highlands of Victoria, South-Eastern Australia V. Patterns of use and the microhabitat requirements of the mountain brushtail possum Trichosurus caninus ogilby in retained linear habitats (wildlife corridors)

摘要: Abstract Hairtubing, a technique for detecting mammals, was used to census arboreal marsupials at 70 sites in the timber production montane ash forests of central highlands Victoria, south-eastern Australia. Of these sites, 41 were located linear strips or wildlife corridors and remaining 29 stands contiguous forest. Four species detected hairtubing surveys but only one, mountain brushtail possum Trichosurus caninus Ogilby, recorded sufficient numbers allow subsequent analysis. Data derived T. from studies compared with those earlier where stagwatching determine presence abundance retained strips. found be absent many during subsequently by hairtubing. Movement animals into surrounding areas forest, probably whilst foraging, most logical explanation this result. Statistical analyses revealed that likely move supported few trees hollows thus poor habitat suitability there resident animals. Such forays may represent an adoption area as part animal's home range. These findings suggest possible functional differences use some provide others, poorer quality, are individuals do not live strip. Within survey plots numerous tree ferns, Dicksonia antarctica Cyathea australis , Acacia dealbata A. melanoxylon present. Thus, microhabitat features influence patterns within The implications our results conservation discussed.