Movements of rehabilitated and free-ranging koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) and their predation risk, in north-east New South Wales, Australia.

Abstract

Across the study area, an array of 29 Reconyx HF2X/HP2X camera traps was established during August 2019 to August 2020. We generated a grid of 5km2 cells and fifteen cells were randomly selected; two camera traps were assigned to each cell. The spatial scale accounted for the varying size of wild dog home ranges in eastern NSW varying from 0.37–150 km2. Camera traps were deployed on tracks and trails as close to the assigned location as possible, but since I depended on access to private properties, some minor adjustment occurred (Figure 3.1). Camera traps were installed on tracks, trails, intersections or ridgelines, because wild dogs typically use those for travelling. A combination of GIS and handheld GPS were used to ensure all cameras were at least 1km apart. Camera traps were installed on posts or trees approximately 0.5 m off the ground, aiming across and along the track. The cameras were test-triggered, and resulting pictures viewed to ensure the correct placement of the detection zone. Camera traps were programmed on Rapidfire with no delay, taking 10 images per trigger. When a camera trap was active during a 24-h period (12:00:00pm to 11:59:59am) that was recorded as a single camera trap night (CTN).