Fox control and rock-wallaby population dynamics
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TLDR
Monitoring of remnant rock-wallaby populations in the central wheatbelt region of Western Australia concluded that the fox has probably been a significant factor in the demise and decline of native mammals in the past, and that surviving populations are still at risk.Abstract:
The population dynamics of five remnant rock-wallaby populations (Petrogale lateralis) persisting on granite outcrops in the central wheatbelt region of Western Australia were monitored over a six year period. From 1979 to 1982 all populations remained relatively static or declined for unknown reasons, but circumstantial evidence implicated fox predation. A fox control program was implemented in 1982 on two outcrops and was maintained for four years with the result that the two resident rock-wallaby populations increased by 138 and 223%. Two rock-wallaby populations occupying sites not subjected to fox control declined by 14 and 85%, and the third population increased by 29%. It was concluded that the fox has probably been a significant factor in the demise and decline of native mammals in the past, and that surviving populations are still at risk. Control of predation pressure on nature reserves was shown to be feasible from a management perspective.read more
Citations
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Patterns in the modern decline of western Australia's vertebrate fauna: Causes and conservation implications
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Alien predators are more dangerous than native predators to prey populations.
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OCBIL theory: towards an integrated understanding of the evolution, ecology and conservation of biodiversity on old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes
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Provision of watering points in the Australian arid zone: a review of effects on biota
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Why have birds in the woodlands of Southern Australia declined
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References
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Journal ArticleDOI
Bettongia and Fluoroacetate: a Role for 1080 in Fauna Management
King,AJ Oliver,RJ Mead +2 more
TL;DR: The tolerance of the three species of Bettongia to fluoroacetate has been determined and a more general role for 1080 in the conservation of threatened fauna in Western Australia is suggested.
Journal ArticleDOI
The sensitivity of Australian animals to 1080 poison. VIII: Amphibians and reptiles
JC Mcilroy,King,AJ Oliver +2 more
TL;DR: It is unlikely that amphibians and reptiles face any direct poisoning risk from pest-poisoning campaigns involving 1080, given their high tolerance and the enormous amounts of poisoned bait that would have to be eaten.