LONG-RANGE MOVEMENTS OF SMALL MAMMALS IN ARID AUSTRALIA - IMPLICATIONS FOR LAND MANAGEMENT

This study investigated movements of seven species of small mammals at study areas in arid Western Australia and Queensland. Populations of all species fluctuated dramatically in abundance over time, with the r ecapture rate for individuals averaging at a low 11.3%. Mean long-dist ance movements ranged from 1.04 km in the marsupial Sminthopsis hirtip es to 6.34 km in the native rodent Pseudomys hermannsburgensis; the ma ximum distance recorded was 14 km. Long-range movements occurred indep endently of sex, age and reproductive status in all species, but tende d to increase during or after rain in the study regions. Individuals m oved toward areas of rainfall, probably because rains produce local in creases in food resources. We suggest that long-range movements are cr ucial in allowing small mammals to exploit both permanent and ephemera l refugia of increased productivity, hence facilitating long-term pers istence in regional areas. Although protection of fixed refugia can be achieved by land reservation, conservation goals for small mammals an d other biota will be met more realistically by improving land managem ent throughout the arid zone with the involvement and cooperation of a ll land users. (C)1995 Academic Press Limited