Refuge site selection by the eastern chestnut mouse in recently burnt heath

摘要: Context Temporal reduction in shelter is an indirect primary impact of fire. Removal animal refugia has implications for site selection and fidelity – factors that have been largely overlooked studies Australian rodent fauna. This information critical guiding species conservation appropriate land management including prescribed burning practices. Aims We sought to determine which features burnt heath were selected as sites by the eastern chestnut mouse, whether there was sex and/or seasonal variation we could identify refugia. Methods completed a radio-telemetry study diurnal refuge compare habitat attributes with those matched set control sites. then used parameters classify use. Key results found mouse shelters presence specific structures had taller, denser vegetation than randomly There no differences between sexes. Shelter non-breeding season greater density compared breeding season. In season, showed evidence increased particular refuges. Vegetation winter best predictor or not returned amount time spent site. Mice ephemeral non-gregarious their some inheritance from parent, well inter-season fidelity. Conclusions The offering maximum protection. Seasonality likely reflect reproductive environmental trade-offs resources during different seasons. maintenance multiple, rarely occupied consistent data other mammals. Implications Fire should ensure retention structure on ground layer, dense patches burned areas, be carefully planned maintain assist population persistence.