Habitat influence on activity patterns of brush-tailed rock-wallabies in Queensland

Abstract

The brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) is a nocturnal refuge dependent herbivore that can be found from south-east Queensland to East Gippsland in Victoria. Brush-tailed rock-wallaby colonies are situated in many different habitat types, and refuge within this habitat is important for their survival. Dingoes coexist with P. penicillata and are perceived to be a threat. This study aimed to determine the link between habitat and P. penicillata behaviour and their interaction with predators. Three P. penicillata colonies were studied within the Little Liverpool Range, Queensland. Images of P. penicillata and dingoes from camera traps were analysed for daily activity patterns and activity overlap between species. Dingo scats were collected and analysed to determine predation. The results indicated that different habitat types change the perceived predation risk and corresponding activity patterns of P. penicillata. Predation risk impacted foraging behaviour, with rock-wallabies in exposed habitat types exhibiting greater predator avoidance behaviours than those in more protected habitat types. The results indicate that brush-tailed rock-wallabies modified their activity patterns according to different habitat types to reduce their risk of predation.