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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 30(2)

Ecological history can inform current conservation actions: lessons from an Australian rodent

Peter Menkhorst https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1055-4923 A B C *
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, Vic. 3084, Australia.

B Department of Environment and Genetics, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic. 3086, Australia.

C Museums Victoria Research Institute, Museums Victoria, Carlton Gardens, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia.

* Correspondence to: menkhorstp@gmail.com

Handling Editor: Harriet Mills

Pacific Conservation Biology 30, PC23049 https://doi.org/10.1071/PC23049
Submitted: 1 November 2023  Accepted: 28 February 2024  Published: 18 March 2024

© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing

Abstract

Context

Many Australian terrestrial mammal species occupy relictual distributions that represent only a small proportion of their original distribution and habitat breadth.

Aim

To illustrate how examination of the historical records of a taxon, and their interpretation in an ecological context, can benefit conservation programs by counteracting the pervasive effects of generational memory loss (recency bias) and shifting baselines.

Methods

Historical records including recent detailed mapping of the routes used by two European exploration parties in the mid-19th century, were used to investigate and interpret the localities and environments previously occupied by Mitchell’s Hopping Mouse (Notomys mitchellii).

Key results

In south-eastern Australia, the current realised niche of Mitchell’s Hopping Mouse is a subset of the historical niche occupied in the mid-1800s. It formerly occurred in two bioregions and four sub-regions that are currently not known to support the species. Understanding these contractions is important in developing the full range of conservation strategies for the species.

Conclusions

This case study provides a valuable example of the potential effects of recency bias; for example, the tendency to focus conservation actions within the current realised niche and neglect consideration of other potential sites and habitats. Not recognising such distortions may restrict consideration of the full range of options for conservation strategies and actions.

Implications

Understanding the ecological history of a taxon has potential to play an important role in species conservation programs and should be a priority early in the development of conservation plans.

Keywords: Blandowski Expedition, conservation strategies, ecological history, historical niche, Notomys mitchellii, realised niche, recency bias, relictual distribution, Surveyor-General Thomas Mitchell.

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