Abstract: |
The Greater Bilby was introduced to Thistle Island in 1998. The population is monitored once a year in winter by surveying abundance and distribution of burrows. This provides information on range expansion across the island and persistence at monitored sites. The island was last surveyed in April 2005 and increased activity on the southern end of the island was noticeable, with high levels of foraging activity in areas where sour-sob bulbs were present. Dry conditions increased visibility of tracks at burrows and probably accounts for the decrease in number of 'possibly used' burrows. Of interest was the increase in the number of old and collapsed burrows observed during the field trip (Jason van Weenen, pers. com.).
REFERENCE:
DEH (2005a). Distribution of Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) signs on Thistle Island, April 2005. Map produced by Jason van Weenen, Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide.
DEH (2005b). Distribution of Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) signs on Thistle Island, 2000-2005. Map produced by Jason van Weenen, Department for Environment and Heritage, Adelaide.
See also web sites below:
Greater Bilby project information, DEH website:
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/biodiversity/bilby.html
AND
Greater Bilby Ark on Eyre Information Sheet, DEH website:
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/biodiversity/arkoneyre/pdfs/sheet_6.pdf |