Day use of nest sites by the Tasmanian bettong (Bettongia gaimardz)

Abstract

A bettong (Bettongia gaimardz) population in the Tom Gibson Reserve, northern Tasmania, was studied for 16 months by trapping and radio-tracking as part of a long-term study of fencing for control of wallabies and the effect on non-target species. Of particular interest was the bettongs' usage of retained bush areas in cultivated paddocks, and the distribution of nest sites. Sixteen of the 26 bettongs trapped were radio-tracked weekly to their daytime nest sites for intervals of nine to 57 weeks. Bettongs occupied between six and 43 different nests; in all, 305 different nests were located. On 23% of occasions, adult females shared nest sites with furred young at heel; however, adults rarely shared a nest. Breeding apparently occurred at any time of the year and all adult females had a pouch young every time they were examined. Estimates based on minimum convex polygon position of nest sites averaged 14.5 ha for females and 27.7 ha for males. All nest sites were accessible ftom low understorey corridors; bettongs did not appear to cross open pasture to access apparently similar habitat to that being used. One young male travelled along a bushland corridor for over 4 km before radio contact was lost.