Journal article
Home range of the Australian squirrel glider, Petaurus norfolcensis (Diprotodontia)
Journal of Mammalogy, Vol.88(6), pp.1515-1522
2007
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Abstract
<p>Knowledge of the home range of threatened species is basic to their management and conservation. We describe the home range of the squirrel glider (<em>Petaurus norfolcensis</em>), a threatened marsupial, in the central part of its geographic range in eastern Australia. Thirteen individuals belonging to 6 monogamous social groups were radiotracked for 2–9 months. The adaptive kernel (AK95%) estimate reached an asymptote at approximately 30 locations, giving a mean area of 6.2 ha ± 0.6 SE for the 9 gliders with >30 locations. The AK50% averaged 0.9 ± 0.2 ha, indicating that small core parts of the home range were used intensively. Home ranges of group members (AK95%) showed a high degree of overlap (77%) and when combined averaged 6.7 ± 1.0 ha. They overlapped substantially (50%) with adjacent glider groups but core areas (AK50%) within them overlapped by only 12%. Two of 5 available habitats were well represented in all group home ranges. Habitat dominated by coast banksia (<em>Banksia integrifolia</em>), a key winter nectar food resource, was overrepresented compared to its availability. Conservation measures for this species involving habitat retention or restoration must be informed by recognition of what comprises a preferred local habitat and its distribution.</p>
Details
- Title
- Home range of the Australian squirrel glider, Petaurus norfolcensis (Diprotodontia)
- Creators
- David Sharpe - Southern Cross UniversityRoss L Goldingay - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Journal of Mammalogy, Vol.88(6), pp.1515-1522
- Identifiers
- 2152; 991012821274702368
- Academic Unit
- Science; Faculty of Science and Engineering; School of Environment, Science and Engineering; Forest Research Centre
- Resource Type
- Journal article