The past, present, and prospects of an arid zone micropredator, the kowari (Dasyuroides byrnei)

Abstract

Australia's biodiversity is unique with high levels of endemism, yet this national treasure remains poorly secured. Extinctions have become commonplace since European colonisation in 1788 and many remaining species persist with severe reductions in range and population size. Mammal species — particularly those in the arid and semi-arid regions — have fared especially poorly, with extrinsic factors such as introduced predators and the impacts of pastoral activity driving ongoing declines. As a consequence of their geographic isolation, many species remain poorly known and we lack the necessary information to inform effective management planning, such understanding of their distribution, population dynamics, diet, key habitat features, social structures, and genetic diversity. If these knowledge gaps are not addressed, many arid-dwelling mammals can be expected to drift into extinction in the coming decades.

My research focused on the kowari (Dasyuroides byrnei), a marsupial micropredator that is the largest remaining dasyurid in the arid interior. The overall aim of this thesis was to undertake a series of autecological studies on the kowari and fill key knowledge gaps about its ecology that could contribute to management planning. After interruptions due to the coronavirus pandemic and an extended La Niña period, this aim broadened to incorporate additional literature reviews. Despite severe challenges to my ability to undertake fieldwork, I was able to address a significant number of proposed key recovery efforts and provide evidence to inform management strategies. The results outlined here provide crucial information about the ecology of the kowari and form a strong basis for continued research on this endangered species.