Abstract
Dasyurids, typically mesic forest-dwelling marsupials with ‘fast’ life histories (short life-spans, large litters), have largely escaped Australia’s extensive mammal declines. My study of the arid-endemic dasyurid Dasykaluta rosamondae confirmed it is cathemeral (having no prescriptive activity pattern), with obligately semelparous males and polyandrous females. Populations were larger on long unburnt, high Triodia-cover sites than on recently burnt, low Triodia-cover sites. Microsatellite markers demonstrated fine-scale genetic structuring existed up to 8 km, with no evidence of broader scale structuring. My data show that, despite living in the arid zone, D. rosamondae are successful, similar to other well-studied dasyurids.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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Award date | 7 Mar 2018 |
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Publication status | Unpublished - 2018 |