The recovery of populations of bush rat Rattus fuscipes in forest fragments following major population reduction

摘要: Summary 1. Understanding the recovery of populations after disturbance is critical to many aspects applied population management, ranging from development conservation strategies pest control. We used a controlled and replicated field experiment linked genetic study examine rate mechanism Australian bush rat severe experimental reduction. 2. The main factors examined were perturbation treatment (removal animals, removal followed by restocking, no removal), patch size isolation. Although large numbers animals removed patches, on average recovered pretreatment levels within 2 years. Populations rebounded that appeared approximate carrying capacity. Initially small those also 24 months later. No significant relationships between isolation identified. 3. There was an effect initial proportional trapping success: higher proportion initially trapped than smaller ones. 4. Genetic analyses revealed change following perturbation. Rapid mostly via residual (and their offspring) escaped capture, rather colonization neighbouring populations. 5. Synthesis applications . This has implications for vegetation habitat management in fragmented landscapes where disturbances such as fire occur. Parts fragment escape disturbance, or are partially disturbed, may continue support suitable be source thereby facilitating recovery. Post-disturbance human activities (e.g. salvage harvesting fire-damaged trees) can modify refugial habitats and, turn, impair species persistence landscapes. These require careful ensure biota not negatively impacted.