Local population structure of a naturally occurring metapopulation of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus Macropodidae: Marsupialia)

Published source details Hayward M.W., Paul J., Dillon M.J. & Fox B.J. (2003) Local population structure of a naturally occurring metapopulation of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus Macropodidae: Marsupialia). Biological Conservation, 110, 343-355.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Remove/control non-native mammals Action Link

Remove/control non-native mammals

A replicated, site comparison study (year not stated) in eight swamp shrubland sites in Western Australia, Australia (Hayward et al. 2003) found that controlling non-native red foxes Vulpes vulpes had mixed effects on quokka Setonix brachyurus populations. Results were not tested for statistical significance. In 10 of 15 comparisons, sites where foxes were controlled had higher quokka densities than did areas where foxes were not controlled (0.1–4.3 vs 0 quokkas/ha). In five of 15 comparisons, there were fewer or equal numbers of quokkas in fox-control and uncontrolled sites (0–0.07 vs 0–1.1 quokkas/ha). Starting in an unspecified year, once a month, at five sites, meat laced with 1080 poison was laid at 100-m intervals. At three sites, no bait was laid. Five baits/km² were also dropped from aircraft in the area surrounding baited sites. In each site two wire cage traps were placed every 50–100 m along a stream. One trap, measuring 0.90 × 0.45 × 0.45 m, was baited with apples. The other trap, measuring 0.59 × 0.205 × 0.205 m, was baited with peanut butter, rolled oats, honey, and pilchards. Quokkas were caught and released over an eight-day period at each site and were fitted with transponder microchips to allow individual identification.

(Summarised by: Phil Martin)