Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/23496
Title: Invasive predators represent the greatest extinction threat to the endangered northern bettong (Bettongia tropica)
Contributor(s): Whitehead, Tegan (author); Vernes, Karl A  (author)orcid ; Goosem, Miriam (author); Abell, Sandra E (author)
Publication Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1071/WR16103
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/23496
Abstract: Context. Identification of key threats to endangered species is vital for devising effective management strategies, but may be hindered when relevant data is limited. A population viability approach may overcome this problem. Aims. We aimed to determine the population viability of endangered northern bettongs (Bettongia tropica) in northeastern Australia. We also assessed the key threats to the population resilience and how the population viability responds to increases in mortality rates and changes in fire and drought frequency. Methods. Using population viability analysis (PVA) we modelled survival probability of B. tropica populations under likely scenarios, including: (1) increased predation; (2) changes in drought and fire frequency predicted with anthropogenic climate change; and (3) synergistic effects of predation, fire and drought. Key results. Population viability models suggest that populations are highly vulnerable to increases in predation by feral cats (Felis catus), and potentially red fox (Vulpes vulpes) should they colonise the area, as juvenile mortality is the main age class driving population viability. If B. tropica become more vulnerable to predators during post-fire vegetation recovery, more frequent fires could exacerbate effects of low-level cat predation. In contrast, it was predicted that populations would be resilient to the greater frequency of droughts expected as a result of climate change, with high probabilities of extinctions only predicted under the unprecedented and unlikely scenario of four drought years in 10. However, since drought and fire are interlinked, the impacts of predation could be more severe with climate change should predation and fire interact to increase B. tropica mortality risk. Conclusion. Like other Potoroids, B. tropica appear highly vulnerable to predation by introduced mammalian predators such as feral cats. Implications. Managers need information allowing them to recognise scenarios when populations are most vulnerable to potential threats, such as drought, fire and predation. PVA modelling can assess scenarios and allow pro-active management based on predicted responses rather than requiring collection of extensive field data before management actions. Our analysis suggests that assessing and controlling predator populations and thereby minimising predation, particularly of juveniles, should assist in maintaining stability of populations of the northern bettong.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Wildlife Research, 45(3), p. 208-219
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Place of Publication: Australia
ISSN: 1035-3712
1448-5494
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 050202 Conservation and Biodiversity
050211 Wildlife and Habitat Management
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 410401 Conservation and biodiversity
410407 Wildlife and habitat management
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 960806 Forest and Woodlands Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 180606 Terrestrial biodiversity
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article
School of Environmental and Rural Science

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