Regional habitat selection of large gliding possums at forest stand and landscape scales in southern Queensland, Australia: II. Yellow-bellied glider ( Petaurus australis)

Abstract

Habitat selection of the yellow-bellied glider ( Petaurus australis) was investigated throughout the forests and woodlands of the southern Queensland region. Forest stand- and landscape-scale habitat variables were recorded or derived for 506 sites that were systematically located in the region using a random stratified survey design. Using an information-theoretic model selection approach, logistic regression models predicting the occupancy of gliders at the stand- and landscape-scales were developed and compared. The model receiving strongest support included both stand- and landscape-scale explanatory variables. At the stand scale, yellow-bellied gliders were selective with regard to the floristic characteristics of the overstorey, with increased probability of occupancy in dry, mixed eucalypt open forest as compared with non-eucalypt dominant forests or eucalypt woodland structural formations. The probability of glider occupancy increased with basal area of grey gum species Eucalyptus longirostrata or E. biturbinata, species known to be important for sap feeding by gliders in southern Queensland. The occurrence of the yellow-bellied glider was predicted to decrease with increased logging intensity, and also in habitat patches with increased edge relative to area, a landscape-scale variable. The species was also predicted to decrease with another landscape-scale variable, increased habitat clearing within a 1-km radius, although this variable was revealed as an unreliable predictor using odds ratio. The implementation of an intensive, once-only, timber-harvesting regime involving the removal of trees >40 cm diameter in 8% of potential yellow-bellied glider habitat in the region is likely to greatly reduce habitat suitability, unless a landscape-scale management approach is instigated. The introduction of the regime in a further 15% of potential glider habitat is currently being debated. Off-reserve management of yellow-bellied glider habitat will be essential, and the development, introduction and implementation of sustainable timber harvesting guidelines for private timber growers needs to be supported.