Can road-crossing structures improve population viability of an urban gliding mammal?

摘要: Tree-dwelling mammals are potentially highly vulnerable to discontinuities in habitat created by roads. The authors used population modeling assess the viability of a metapopulation Australia’s largest gliding marsupial, greater glider (Petauroides volans), occurring forest remnants fastest-urbanizing region Australia, where is dissected major Crossing structures for arboreal (consisting land bridge with wooden poles and adjacent rope canopy bridges) have been installed over an arterial road that separates two these (one large, one small). It currently unknown whether this species will use crossing structures, but available tree height spacing do not allow glide crossing, fences metal flashing prevent access terrestrial mammals. authors' reveals even relatively low rate dispersal facilitated would substantially reduce probability extinction smaller subpopulation. This plausible given small distance involved (about 55 m). inclusion wildfire as catastrophe model suggests may encounter undesirable level risk. can be reduced acceptable including inter-patch movement via among other remnants. However, requires connection very large remnant 8 km away, through set straddle motorways. These motorways create cover beyond ability species. required enable movement. A priority future research should road-crossing structures. Loss connections continuing landscape likely dire consequences wildlife if managers unable retain appropriate corridors install effective roads intersect habitat.