Native neighbours caught on camera: Investigating the distribution and habitat preferences of urban quenda (Isoodon fusciventer) in Perth, WA

Pippa M Clifton

Urbanisation poses a major threat to wildlife species globally, primarily through the degradation and loss of natural habitats. This causes fragmentation and dysregulation of ecosystems, which make it difficult for populations to persist without targeted conservation support. This is of particular concern in Australia, where many threatened species are distributed through urbanised regions. One such species is the quenda (Isoodon fusciventer), a ‘priority 4’ bandicoot species endemic to south-west Western Australia. As one of the few native marsupials that can persist within Perth’s urban landscape, and contribute important ecosystem services, it is of high conservation value. However, there is a paucity of data available on urban quenda populations across the northern metropolitan suburbs, limiting the efficacy of urban conservation management for the species. This study addresses these knowledge gaps by investigating the distribution of quenda across 33 urban remnant bushland reserves in the region using camera trapping and sign surveys, and identifying key habitat characteristics that influence their presence. Results of this study identified quenda in 18 urban bushland reserves, confirming their persistence throughout the region. Occupancy modelling revealed that vertical density of vegetation at both the 0-30cm and 100-300cm structural layers is a significant predictor of quenda presence. Modelling also established horizontal vegetation density, grass tree abundance and fire history as characteristics important to quenda occupancy in urban habitats. The efficacy of detection methods was found to be equivalent, though sign surveys were more reliable and straightforward in practice. These results provide valuable knowledge on quenda distribution in a data-poor region, allowing improved monitoring over time. They also provide key metrics on habitat requirements to facilitate greater support for existing and future populations, enhancing conservation management outcomes for the species throughout its urban range.

Native neighbours caught on camera: Investigating the distribution and habitat preferences of urban quenda (Isoodon fusciventer) in Perth, WA

Files and links (1)

Abstract

Details

Metrics