Density estimates reveal that fragmented landscapes provide important habitat for conserving an endangered mesopredator, the spotted-tailed quolls

Abstract

<p>Native predators are increasingly exposed to habitat loss and fragmentation globally. When developing conservation and management strategies, it is important to determine whether fragmented landscapes can still support similar predator densities to intact areas, and thereby constitute important habitat for these species. The spotted-tailed quoll (<i>Dasyurus maculatus</i>) is an endangered Australian mesopredator that is often considered to be forest-dependent. While quolls are known to occur in some fragmented forest landscapes, it is unclear whether these areas represent sub-optimal habitat where quolls merely persist, or whether quolls can still thrive at densities similar to those observed in intact forest landscapes.</p>