A distributional survey and habitat model for the endangered northern bettong Bettongia tropica in tropical Queensland

摘要: Abstract The northern bettong Bettongia tropica is an endangered rat-kangaroo that occurs only in certain dry and mesic forests tropical Queensland, Australia. In 1994 1995 I conducted a live-trapping survey at 152 sites throughout its potential geographic range. Detailed floristic, physiognomic, topographic geology data from each site were used to develop predictive model of habitat requirements, using generalized linear modeling. Data 62 spotlighting censuses opportunistic observations also assess threats bettongs posed by introduced foxes Vulpes vulpes , while trapping employed evaluate possible effects rooting-damage feral pigs competition rufous Aepyprymnus rufescens on populations. was detected one area, the Lamb Range, where it present nearly half ( 33 70 ) surveyed. Sparse populations recorded previously several other localities north Queensland may have declined or disappeared. A multiple Poisson regression indicated strongly associated with types wet sclerophyll woodlands, rainforest rainforest-invaded avoided. Northern occurred infertile metamorphic granitic substrates, never richer basaltic alluvial soils. This probably because fruit-bodies ectomycorrhizal fungi, which are key food resource bettongs, most abundant Foxes during survey, unlikely threaten present. Circumstantial evidence suggests interspecific minimal importance. Rooting damage pigs, however, be more significant; rarely heavy pig damage, this feeding fungal fruit-bodies. At present, greatest threat encroaching land development, especially crucial Range area. experiencing rapid population growth, local shires attempting shunt residential development onto areas soils avoid loss productive agricultural land. While normally laudable practice, precisely wrong policy specific region. re-evaluation strategic plans urgently needed protect remaining habitats bettong. Habitat management, regular burning, required habitats. Burning will prevent further invasion vegetation, renders unsuitable for likely promote production upon highly dependent.