DIFFERENCES IN THE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY OF ARBOREAL MARSUPIALS IN FORESTS OF SOUTHEASTERN AUSTRALIA

I present information on the biology and ecology of eight species of a rboreal marsupials that inhabit montane ash forests of the central hig hlands of Victoria, southeastern Australia. Major differences occur in diet, body mass, home range, reproductive biology, social structure, mating systems, habitat requirements, and use of nesting sites in larg e trees with hollows. Differences in the biology and ecology of arbore al marsupials indicate differences may occur in their response to dist urbances by humans in montane ash forests, such as clearcutting to pro duce wood and pulp for the production of paper. An array of different approaches to management of these forests may be needed to conserve th e complete assemblage of arboreal marsupials including establishment o f large reserves, implementation of networks of corridors, and retenti on of large trees on sites that are logged.