Effect of Phytophthora cinnamomi on the habitat utilization of Antechinus stuartii in a Victorian forest

摘要: Phytophthora cinnamomi (Cinnamon fungus) is a pathogenic soil fungus which infects plant communities along the south-eastern coast of Australia, and south-western corner Western Australia. The symptoms this disease include chlorosis, death branches (ie. ‘dieback’), retarded growth eventual infected plants. This leads to devastating effects upon by altering both structural floristic characteristics these communities. Small mammal species are dependent on specific features their habitat such as vegetation structure floristics. thesis investigated alterations insectivorous marsupial mouse, Antechinus stuartii, due presence P. cinnamomi. study was undertaken in an area open forest Brisbane Ranges, Victoria. Significant changes were found composition at sites with P, cinnamomi, compared uninfected sites. utilization A. stuartii using live trapping radio-telemetric techniques. Capture rates higher male females selected areas free from infection. Home range males significantly larger than those assessed telemetry. Both sexes spent high proportion time dominated Xanthorrhoea australis (Austral grass tree). There significant relationships between abundance denseness above 1 metre height, particular, cover afforded X. australis. no differences Eucalyptus spp. sites, but there more nest hollows areas. invertebrates examined pitfall traps. invertebrate taxa abundances some micro-invertebrate groups recorded. most likely factors considered be influential selection structure, To assess whether important leaves removed brushcutter, mimic early infection Animals did not respond alteration short term (3-4 days). Longer-term experiments required different periods following manipulation. implications conservation fauna discussed. destructive nature pathogen, slow rate recovery disease, means that can threatening process reside within habitat. Future management natural must therefore cognisant potential affect faunal well vegetative