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CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Identification and characteristics of refuges for the threatened swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus) under climate change; targeted surveys across the Otway Ranges, south-east Australia
Australian mammalogy, Vol.47(1), AM24023
2025
Abstract
There is growing evidence that persistence of mammal fauna under climate change is reliant on refuges protected from disturbances such as extreme drought and fire. During the ‘millennium drought’ (1996–2010), the swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus) declined precipitously in the eastern Otways, resulting in restriction to coastal dune refuges. Here, we evaluated the species’ distribution across the extended Otway landscape to identify the localities and characteristics of refuges. Targeted surveys (cameras, live-trapping) were conducted at sites of previous healthy populations and in putative habitat refuges (2018–2023). Eleven micro-refuges (<500 ha), located in Coastal Dune Scrub, were identified but are subject to destruction due to sea level rise. Three mid-connected refuges (500–1000 ha), providing habitat connection features (e.g. gullies), and three macro-refuges (>1000 ha) of unfragmented, complex vegetation were identified. The swamp antechinus remains absent from previously inhabited heathy woodland in the eastern Otways, and although it was initially (2021) trapped with high success in heathy woodlands of the Carlisle Heath, it was not captured subsequently, possibly related to incompatible fire, introduced predators and Phytophthora dieback. Management of refuges to ensure the future of the swamp antechinus will require effective control of Phytophthora infestation and predators, and protection from inappropriate fire.
Details
- Title
- Identification and characteristics of refuges for the threatened swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus) under climate change; targeted surveys across the Otway Ranges, south-east Australia
- Authors/Creators
- Barbara A. Wilson - Deakin UniversityKristen AgostaMark J. GarkaklisJemma K. CrippsMarissa L. ParrottRaylene Cooke - Deakin UniversityJohn G. White
- Publication Details
- Australian mammalogy, Vol.47(1), AM24023
- Publisher
- CSIRO Publishing on behalf of the Australian Mammal Society.
- Number of pages
- 15
- Grant note
- Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water: 10007838, 10009183 10010395 Parks Victoria: ZV22003 Zoos Victoria
We gratefully acknowledge our colleagues, postgraduates and undergraduates for the contributions to the studies and their continued support including Dr T. Doherty, D. Watchorn, D. Lees (Deakin University), J. Miller, H. Wiggs (Corangamite Catchment Management Authority), Dr M. Antos, K. Lovett (Parks Vic) and T. Miller (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Victoria). Many thanks to our excellent GIS, field and data technicians (D. Bridges, A. Garkaklis, M. Omerod). All work was conducted under the Victorian Wildlife Act and National Parks Act, and scientific permits approved by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning/Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Victoria and Parks Victoria (10007838, 10009183 10010395), under approval of the Deakin University (B01-2016 B06-2019) and Zoos Victoria (ZV22003) Animal Ethics Committees.
- Identifiers
- 991005732475507891
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)).
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Harry Butler Institute
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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