The distribution of the New Holland mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae) with respect to vegetation near Anglesea, Victoria

Abstract

The distribution and abundance of the New Holland mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae) was assessed at Anglesea, Victoria, between February 1995 and October 1996. Twenty sites were trapped within the Forest Road Flora Reserve during April and May 1995. The twenty sites were distributed over four vegetation communities, and four successional post-fire ages. Pseudomys novaehollandiaewas found at only four sites, two located in heathy woodland vegetation, and two within a regenerating pine plantation. All four sites had a post-fire age of 7-9 years. Sites inhabited by P. novaehollandiae were found to have a high floristic richness of heath plants, and density of the understorey vegetation was greatest at a level below 20 cm. The population density of P. novaehollandiae was found to be high (10-20 ha^-1 ) during early 1995 but declined after June 1995 to 3-10 ha^-1 . Home ranges of males and females were similar and overlap occurred amongst individuals at the four sites, indicating that the populations on the four grids formed a single contiguous population.