The use of nest trees by the mountain brushtail possum (Trichosurus caninus) (Phalangeridae : Marsupialia). V. Synthesis of studies

A general synthesis is presented of the key results of a series of studies of en tree use by the mountain brushtail possum (Trichosurus caninus) at Ca mbarville in the mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans) forests of the central h ighlands of Victoria, south-eastern Australia. The project produced a range of unexpected results including (1) the number of den trees used, (2) the extent of den sharing, especially among adult males, (3) the overlap in den ning ranges of animals, and (4) the predictability of transitions between d en trees. Possible reasons for these findings are outlined. We also discuss the limitations of our study, how it could be improved if it were to be re peated, and some of the important implications of the findings for the mana gement of forests where T. caninus occurs.