Marsupial response to matrix conversion: Results of a large-scale long-term ‘natural experiment’ in Australia

摘要: Abstract We quantified changes in forest-dependent mammal populations when the habitat which they live remains intact but surrounding matrix is converted from open grazed land to closed pine plantation forest. This situation increasingly common as plantations are often established on formerly cultivated or land. conducted a large-scale (30 km2), long-term (14 years) fully controlled and replicated (111 sites) ‘natural experiment’ south-eastern Australia. The study focused effects of occurring mammals inhabit patches native Eucalyptus woodland. found that none five target species our (two macropods, two possums glider) responded negatively establishment. For three (the sugar glider Petaurus breviceps, red necked wallaby Macropus rufogriseus swamp Wallabia bicolor) response establishment was positive (i.e., increase colonisation/patch use sites surrounded by plantations) whereas ringtail possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus brushtail Trichosurus vulpecula) were positively affected amount tree cover sites, rather than foresee strong implications work for conservation agricultural areas subject multiple land-use changes: 1) Our results suggest converting will not affect mammalian negatively; rather, it may facilitate colonisation remnant vegetation some species. 2) findings underscore critical importance preserving within plantations, decrease risk local extinction new others. Thus, retention should be part design future plantations.