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Article << Previous     |     Next >>   Contents Vol 34(2)

Predation of the Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) and other native fauna by cats and foxes on Mitchell grass downs in Queensland

G. Mifsud A B and P. A. Woolley A C

A Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic. 3086, Australia.
B Present address: Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, PO Box 102, Toowoomba, Qld 4350, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: p.woolley@latrobe.edu.au

Australian Mammalogy 34(2) 188-195 http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/AM11035
Submitted: 7 September 2011  Accepted: 19 December 2011   Published: 25 May 2012


 
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Abstract

Examination of the stomach contents of cats (Felis catus) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) collected on Mitchell grass downs in north-western Queensland revealed that the diet of cats consists largely of native vertebrate fauna whereas that of foxes is largely carrion and insects. Mammals, followed closely by reptiles, made the largest contributions to the diet of the cats. Five species of small mammals, one of which – the Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) – is listed as threatened, and 15 species of reptiles, two of which – the striped skink (Ctenotus agrestis) and the bearded dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni) are endemic to the region – fell prey to the cats. Foxes appear to pose less of a threat to the native fauna than cats, provided carrion remains readily available.

Additional keywords: Ctenotus agrestis, Leggadina forresti, Mirafra javanica, Planigale ingrami, Pogona henrylawsoni, Rattus villosissimus, Sminthopsis macroura, Turnix velox.


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