Thesis
Does predation risk to critical weight range mammals increase in Phytophthora cinnamomi-infested areas?
Masters by Research, Murdoch University
2024
Abstract
The plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi poses a severe threat to native flora in Australia, leading to significant vegetation loss and the degradation of fauna habitats. This habitat loss may favour introduced predators like the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), which prefers hunting in degraded or cleared habitats. The combined impact of P. cinnamomi-induced habitat loss and increased predator activity could have devastating consequences for native mammals, particularly those within the critical weight range (CWR) of 35g to 5.5kg.
Camera monitoring of predator and prey activity was undertaken from April to September 2023, examining their behaviour in P. cinnamomi-infested and healthy habitats. Twenty camera traps were deployed in each infested and adjacent healthy zones within five peri-urban reserves in Mundaring, Western Australia. The study sites were professionally mapped for P. cinnamomi, and vegetation assessments were conducted at each camera location. Infested areas exhibited reduced vegetation density and fewer grasstrees (Xanthorrhoea preissii), whose skirts (downturned dead leaves) serve as refuge for animals, including the endemic quenda (Isoodon fusciventer).
A total of 2,802 independent trap events were recorded, including 228 fox and 773 quenda detections, along with several other native CWR mammals. The camera trap data revealed that foxes were 21% more likely to occur in infested areas with reduced vegetative cover (p <0.001). Quenda activity rates were 29% lower in infested areas (p = 0.015), and mardo (Antechinus flavipes) activity showed a significant correlation with overall vegetation cover (p <0.001).
This research addresses knowledge gaps regarding the impact of P. cinnamomi on native fauna, particularly regarding the loss of grasstrees. It offers valuable insights for predator management and habitat restoration, contributing to protecting native fauna and their habitats.
The information obtained provides strong support for informed conservation efforts in the face of this pervasive plant pathogen.
Details
- Title
- Does predation risk to critical weight range mammals increase in Phytophthora cinnamomi-infested areas?
- Authors/Creators
- Celi Crowe
- Contributors
- Trish Fleming (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityGiles Hardy (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityThomas M. Mansfield (Supervisor) - Murdoch University
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Masters by Research
- Identifiers
- 991005695570107891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Harry Butler Institute; School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Note
- Accelerated Research Masters with Training (aRMT)
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