Use of nest trees by the mountain brushtail possum (Trichosurus caninus) (Phalangeridae : Marsupialia). IV. Transitions between den trees

Abstract

Statistical models of the patterns of den-tree choice by the mountain brushtail possum (Trichosurus caninus) at Cambarville in the mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans) forests of the central highlands of Victoria, south-eastern Australia are presented. These models enable us to predict, for a particular possum, the choice of den tree on the basis of patterns of recent den-tree usage and are required for individual-based simulation studies. The models show that the pattern of den-tree use is more complicated than might have been expected, in the sense that it is animal-specific, and that old animals exhibit more complicated patterns of den-tree choice than young ones.