Seasonal Changes in the Diet of the Tasmanian Bettong (Bettongia gaimardi), a Mycophagous Marsupial

Abstract

The diet of the Tasmanian bettong, Bettongia gaimardi, was studied for each season in northern Tasmania. The fruiting bodies of hypogeous fungi made up the bulk of the diet. Spores of the genus Mesophellia were most frequently encountered in the fecal pellets. The occurrence of most spore types was seasonal with different groups of spores peaking in abundance at different times of the year. The number of spore types present was greatest during dry periods, contrary to an expectation of fruiting being associated with wet periods. A total of 49 spores types was recognized. Epigeous fungi were also eaten, but they were of minor importance and only few species were consumed. Other items included in the diet were plant material (leaf, stem, seed, fruit, gum, roots, tubers) and invertebrates. Although hypogeous fungi made up the bulk of the diet, inclusion of other items may be essential to maintain a nutritionally balanced diet.