
%0 Journal Article
%A Reading, RP 
%A Clark, TW 
%A Seebeck, JH 
%A Pearce, J 
%T Habitat suitability index model for the eastern barred bandicoot, <i>Perameles gunnii</i>
%J Wildlife Research
%D 1996/03/01
%V 23
%N 2
%P 221-235
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/WR9960221
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/WR9960221 
%X The eastern barred bandicoot, Perameles gunnii, is functionally extinct on mainland Australia. Conservation of this unique taxon is dependent on reintroduction, based on a managed captive-breeding programme that provides founder animals. Existing reserves at which reintroduction has occurred are too small to support long-term genetically viable populations. Therefore, reintroductions must be made at a number of sites and the resulting populations managed as a metapopulation. A habitat-suitability model has been developed to assess and compare reintroduction sites. This is the first application of this concept to an Australian species. The model is composed of five variables-size, habitat structure, predation, shape and security-values of which are combined in a simple relationship to produce comparable mathematical statements for proposed reintroduction sites. The model has been applied to existing reserves to test their contribution to the recovery programme. 
