Ecology of the euro, Macropus Robustus (Gould), in North Western Australia - I. The environment and changes in euro and sheep populations

Abstract

The Pilbara district in the north-west of Western Australia is an area of leachedout soils and poor vegetation. Low rainfall, a low humidity, and very high summer temperatures produce a harsh climate and only well-adapted animals can exist there. The euro, in contrast to the introduced sheep, is extremely successful in this habitat. Sheep were introduced into the district in 1866 and by the late 1920's had increased to nearly 800,000. Drought in 1935-36 caused a drastic reduction in numbers, and numbers have continued to fall. A greatly reduced reproductive success has been brought about mainly by degeneration of pastures. Changes in the environment caused by sheep farming have favoured the euro population.