Extension of the range of the Smoky Mouse Pseudomys fumeus (Rodentia: Muridae) into New South Wales with notes on habitat and detection methods

Abstract

Summary Pseudomys fumeus was captured for the first time in New South Wales (NSW) in September 1994, in Nullica State Forest, 17 km north west of Eden. An area of about 30 ha around the capture site was surveyed to gather information on the distribution of Pseudomys fumeus in relation to topography and vegetation as well as the effectiveness of various types of traps for detecting this species. A stratified random sample detected seven individuals of P. fumeus comprising four females and three males, in an area of about 2 ha. P. fumeus was trapped in rocky, exposed positions with low densities of ground and shrub cover. Rattus fuscipes was not trapped in these positions. P. fumeus was not trapped in sheltered positions or in other positions with dense ground and shrub cover where R. fuscipes was prevalent. A haphazard sample detected seven additional individuals of P. fumeus comprising two females and five males, in an adjacent area which had been logged and burnt two years previously. This area was not rocky and exposed. It had moderately dense ground cover. Rattus fuscipes was also trapped in this area. Elliot traps set on the ground and baited with rolled oats, peanut butter and artificial pistachio essence were more effective than cage traps or hair tubes with similar bait in detecting P. fumeus. It is suggested that surveys of exposed, rocky and relatively bare sites within the range of P. fumeus may produce additional records. If so, a reassessment of postulated changes in the distribution of P. fumeus since European settlement may be required.