Peak hour in the bush: Linear anthropogenic clearings funnel predator and prey species

摘要: Linear clearings, such as roads and tracks, are an obvious anthropogenic feature in many remote environments, even where infrastructure is sparse. Predator species have been shown to prefer moving down linear therefore, clearings could increase predation risk for other species. We investigated whether tracks cleared seismic surveys preferentially used by predators herbivores a landscape inhabited bilbies (Macrotis lagotis), vulnerable of conservation concern. paired camera trap array investigate the use lines at four time points after clearing (1 month, 3 months, 7 48 months) six mammal Bilbies, cattle (Bos indicus/B. taurus), dingoes (Canis familiaris), feral cats (Felis catus) agile wallabies (Macropus agilis) preferred compared with adjacent undisturbed vegetation almost all surveys, while spectacled hare (Lagorchestes conspicillatus) avoided them. Bilbies showed similar temporal activity patterns on off but cats, different times day control areas. also microhabitat selection spool tracking individual bilbies. selected route through that was more open than surrounding vegetation. While spatial funnelling their (especially cats) may frequency encounter between two, it important note were active significantly both lines. The identified lines, changes overlap species, can be develop effective management strategies, minimize potential impacts native