Measuring home-range changes following density reduction of Australian brushtail possum

Abstract

It is not clear whether animals consistently change their home ranges in response to density reduction. This is important to understand for better management of pest species where sustained control is required. Our objective was to measure whether home ranges of Australian brushtail possums(Trichosurus vulpecula)change following density reduction, using global positioning system(GPS)tracking. We experimentally reduced the densities of 2 populations(1 high‐density at 7 possums/ha and 1 low‐density at1.5 possums/ha)and did not manipulate another population. We then monitored home ranges of individua lpossums. The high‐density manipulated population had a significant increase in home‐range size and overlap within 5 weeks following reduction, whereas the other 2 populations did not. This research suggests that changes in possum home ranges following control are likely influenced by the initial density of the pest population.