Abstract

Phascogale tapoatafa is a squirrel‐sized carnivorous marsupial (Dasyuridae) found in dry eucalyptus forests of Australia. Radio‐tracking and live‐trapping studies at three sites in Victoria indicated that population densities were typically low, with females occupying home ranges averaging 41 ha (minimum convex polygon method) that were intrasexually exclusive. Male home ranges (mean 106 ha) overlapped extensively with females and other males, and expanded during the short breeding season to an average length of 2.7 km. When presented with the faeces of unfamiliar conspecifics, both female and male P. tapoatafa investigated the faeces of females significantly longer than those of males, suggesting that the exclusive home ranges of females are reinforced by olfactory communication, and that males are less responsive to the presence of potential rivals than to potential mates. Both sexes foraged throughout their home range, but the core area of intensive use was less than one‐third of the total area traversed. The spatial organization of P. tapoatafa differs markedly from that of the closely related species Antechinus stuartii, but is similar to that of the only other extensively studied carnivorous marsupial, Dasyurus geoffroii.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.