The Distribution, Habitat Requirements and Status of the Mulgara ('Dasycercus cristicauda', Krefft)

Abstract

The loss and decline of the medium sized (Critical Weight Range, CWR) mammals in the arid zone has been well documented and is the subject of substantial conservation research and management effort. Mulgaras ('Dasycercus cristicauda', Krefft) are one of the medium size mammals within this group which are the subject of conservation concern. This study assessed the changes in the distribution and abundance of contemporary populations relative to what was known of their historical distribution and abundance. BIOCLIM was used to predict the original distribution and Aboriginal knowledge, historical records and scientific survey data were used to assess the changes in status. Molecular genetic techniques were used by the South Australian Museum Department of Evolutionary Biology to verify the status of the two sub-species, 'D. cristicauda cristicauda' (Krefft) and 'D. cristicauda hillieri' (Thomas). The results are preliminary in their findings but were surprising in determining that the sub-species warrant recognition as discrete species. These species have been proposed as mulgara ('Dasycercus cristicauda') and ampurta ('Dasycercus hillieri'). The two species appear to exist within the geographic ranges as known for the two sub-species. The name ampurta is proposed as one of the Aboriginal names recorded historically for the animals collected as 'D. c. hillieri' (subject to approval from the appropriate Aboriginal and scientific organisations).