Movement patterns of koalas in remnant forest after fire

摘要: The increasing fragmentation of fire-prone forests Australia has made the remaining populations koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) more vulnerable to extinction. We examined movement patterns in remnant forest Port Stephens following a major wildfire. Each koala (n = 55) was monitored regularly by radio-tracking for up 35 months. movements showed wide variation patterns, from highly localised long-range dispersal over 20 km. Within first 12 months, 35% tracked moved their release location new areas where they established home ranges. Daily distances males (mean = 278.3 m) higher than females (141.0 m). Monthly displacement ranged less 10 m 5 km, and that subsequently died. Home ranges (95% kernel) were significantly larger those (mean males = 58.9 ± 10.5 ha; mean females = 25.7 ± 8.6 ha), this sex difference also evident core (50% kernel). There no differences or home-range sizes rehabilitated compared with wild koalas. This study shown resource depletion wildfire is short term because mobility allows rapid recolonisation burnt forest, can maintain within sites regenerating fire. reintroduction into may assist recovery fragmented isolated habitat.