Doctoral Thesis
Home Sweet Home? Artificial refuges for small vertebrate species to reduce feral cat predation risk in modified landscapes
Murdoch University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Murdoch University
2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60867/00000098
Abstract
Habitat modification through cropping and grazing, along with invasive species, significantly threatens small vertebrate species in Australia. This thesis investigates whether artificial refuges, as a management tool, can reduce feral cat (Felis catus) predation risk in modified landscapes. Using downward-facing camera traps, the first study evaluated the effect of artificial refuges (iron sheets, log piles and wooden pallets) on species diversity, composition and activity in disturbed and undisturbed sites on two reserves, Eurardy (previously cropped) and Hamelin Reserve (previously grazed) (Midwest, Western Australia). All three metrics varied by artificial refuge type, with species diversity being greater at logs compared to the control. Community composition at each iron sheets and logs varied compared to the control. While rodent, Sminthopsis, Ctenophorus and Varanus species activity was greater at artificial refuge types compared to the control. Activity also varied by disturbance level and landscape.
The second study focused on the activity and behaviour of feral cat at artificial refuges. Cat activity was greater at artificial refuges compared to the control, with variations between individuals. Cat behaviour differed between refuge types and control, with cats investigating and interacting with refuges more than the control. This demonstrates the importance of monitoring predator species at artificial refuges to prevent adverse outcomes when deploying artificial refuges.
Lastly, the final study using giving-up-density (GUD) experiments to assess whether artificial refuges reduce perceived risk for Notomys alexis and other rodent species at refuges. Notomys alexis had similar GUDs across refuge types and disturbance levels, while other rodents had lower GUDs at artificial refuges compared to controls. This suggests that artificial refuges may reduce perceived risk for certain rodent species, providing safe refuges in modified landscapes.
Overall, this thesis demonstrates that artificial refuges can influence small vertebrate species and predator activity in modified landscapes, highlighting both their potential as a conservation tool and the importance of careful implementation to avoid unintended ecological consequences.
Details
- Title
- Home Sweet Home? Artificial refuges for small vertebrate species to reduce feral cat predation risk in modified landscapes
- Authors/Creators
- Tenaya Duncan
- Contributors
- Trish Fleming (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityStuart Dawson (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityMichelle Hall (Supervisor) - Bush Heritage Australia
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Publisher
- Murdoch University
- Identifiers
- 991005884454607891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
- Resource Type
- Doctoral Thesis
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