Additional records of small mammals in northern South Australia

Abstract

Analysis of prey remains found in predator scats is a valuable tool for assessing the distribution and status of small mammal populations. As part of a large-scale dingo research project in northern South Australia, the prey remains found in 1845 dingo scats were analysed. A range of species were identified as expected, though, of particular interest, additional records of Rattus villosissimus, Notomys fuscus and Pseudomys australis were obtained. Our R. villosissimus records confirm the contemporary range of this species in the north-eastern pastoral zone, while our N. fuscus records support other recent records of this species in the same area. Our P. australis record indicates that an isolated population of this species exists in the Strzelecki Desert, ~400 km east of the nearest known population. The status of these populations remains unknown, including the risk of dingo predation to them.