Long-Term Dynamics of a Fragmented Rainforest Mammal Assemblage

Authors: LAURANCE, WILLIAM F.; LAURANCE, SUSAN G.¹; HILBERT, DAVID W.²

Source: Conservation Biology, Volume 22, Number 5, October 2008 , pp. 1154-1164(11)

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Abstract:

Habitat fragmentation is a severe threat to tropical biotas, but its long-term effects are poorly understood. We evaluated longer-term changes in the abundance of larger (>1 kg) mammals in fragmented and intact rainforest and in riparian “corridors” in tropical Queensland, with data from 190 spotlighting surveys conducted in 1986-1987 and 2006-2007. In 1986-1987 when most fragments were already 20-50 years old, mammal assemblages differed markedly between fragmented and intact forest. Most vulnerable were lemuroid ringtail possums (Hemibelideus lemuroides), followed by Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) and Herbert River ringtail possums (Pseudocheirus herbertensis). Further changes were evident 20 years later. Mammal species richness fell significantly in fragments, and the abundances of 4 species, coppery brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula johnstoni), green ringtail possums (Pseudochirops archeri), red-legged pademelons (Thylogale stigmatica), and tree-kangaroos, declined significantly. The most surprising finding was that the lemuroid ringtail, a strict rainforest specialist, apparently recolonized one fragment, despite a 99.98% decrease in abundance in fragments and corridors. A combination of factors, including long-term fragmentation effects, shifts in the surrounding matrix vegetation, and recurring cyclone disturbances, appear to underlie these dynamic changes in mammal assemblages.

Keywords: Australia; cyclones; forest fragmentation; long-term research; mammal assemblages; marsupials; matrix vegetation; Queensland; tropical rainforests; Australia; bosques lluviosos tropicales; ciclones; ensambles de mamíferos; fragmentación de bosque; investigación a largo plazo; marsupiales; matriz de vegetación; Queensland

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2008.00981.x

Affiliations: 1: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancón, Panama 2: CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Tropical Forest Research Centre, P.O. Box 780, Atherton, Queensland 4883, Australia

Publication date: 2008-10-01

Long-Term Dynamics of a Fragmented Rainforest Mammal Assemblage

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