Population recovery of the yellow-footed rock-wallaby following fox control in New South Wales and South Australia

摘要: Context Introduced herbivores and carnivores have significantly altered ecosystems across Australia been implicated in the decline extinction of many species, particularly arid semiarid zones. The experimental confirmation agents is a fundamental step threatened species management, allowing for an efficient allocation resources effective recovery. Aims Following unsuccessful attempts to increase abundance yellow-footed rock-wallaby populations through concerted goat control southern extent their range, primary aim our study was determine whether fox predation limiting recovery wallaby populations. Methods Intensive fox-control programs (1080 baiting) were initiated around subpopulations New South Wales Australia. Wallaby numbers monitored three-year period before after initiation control, ANCOVA used examine differences between subpopulation’s rate (r). Observational data demographic effects on colonies Wales. Key results that treated with increased significantly, while remained at consistently low levels. Juvenile subadult wallabies apparent within subpopulation, but almost absent from suggesting focussed primarily these age classes. Conclusions Fox major factor should be management action achieve Implications Although significant factor, regulatory effect not assessed and, as such, it cannot confirmed being causal responsible historic declines abundance. determination acts or fashion requires further experimentation, its resolution will implications strategic conservation resources.