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Factors affecting population densities of the Common Wombat, Vombatus ursinus, in plantations of Pinus radiata

1995; Elsevier BV; Volume: 76; Issue: 1-3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0378-1127(95)03562-o

1872-7042

C. Rishworth, John McIlroy, M.T. Tanton,

Fire effects on ecosystems

Population densities of wombats were estimated in eucalypt forest, and in 1-, 3-, 6-, 10-, 15-, 20- and 25-year-old pine plantations. There was a significant difference in the numbers of wombats inhabiting the different types and ages of forest. Factors contributing to the fluctuating population densities were investigated. There was a strong correlation between the number of wombats and the number of medium and major burrows in an area. Where burrows are not the limiting factor, grass (the dominant food of the wombat) becomes an important requirement. These findings are of particular importance in the management of plantations if the aim is to sustain wombat populations in all stages of pine forest. Management strategies to enhance the multiple use of pine plantations should aim to minimise disturbance of burrows throughout forestry operations. In particular, burrows should be conserved during the initial clearing stages. The timing of thinning of plantations also affects the availability of food in plantations. At present, this is left until the canopy has completely closed over and no grasses are present. This initial thinning could be brought forward.