Small terrestrial mammals and bats of Melaleuca and Claytons, southwestern Tasmania

Abstract

A survey of small terrestrial mammals and bats was undertaken in two areas of southwestern Tasmania: around Melaleuca, in sedgeland, scrub and woodland communities, and at Claytons in mixed forest. The density of bats was extremely low in comparison with populations in eastern Tasmania. The densities of Rattus lutreolusand Antechinus minimuswere greatest in sedgeland/scrub with a dense undergrowth. Pseudomys higginsi was only captured in mixed forest but is also present around Deny King's garden. Dasyurus viverrinus was most abundant in young sedgeland. Cercartetus nanus was present at both Clay tons and Melaleuca. No introduced rodents were trapped, but an outbreak of Rattus rattus had occurred previous to our study. No Mastacomys fuscus were trapped but they have been recorded in a previous study. Fire has an important influence on the composition and structure of the vegetation which, in turn, influences the composition and density of the mammal community.