What faecal pellet surveys can and can't reveal about the ecology of koalas Phascolarctos cinereus

O Woosnam-Merchez; Romane H Cristescu; D Dique; B Ellis; R J S Beeton; J Simmonds; F Carrick

doi:10.7882/AZ.2012.030

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What faecal pellet surveys can and can't reveal about the ecology of koalas Phascolarctos cinereus

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What faecal pellet surveys can and can't reveal about the ecology of koalas Phascolarctos cinereus

O Woosnam-Merchez, Romane H Cristescu, D Dique, B Ellis, R J S Beeton, J Simmonds and F Carrick

Australian Zoologist, Vol.36(2), pp.192-200

2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2012.030

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Abstract

bias

survey design

koalas

stratification

absence

random sampling

Previous approaches to indirect detection of koala presence have been proposed, however, the present paper identifies issues of bias, pellet detectability and over-analysis of information inherent in those prior techniques. We recommend an approach that reduces bias, can be consistently applied and enables information on presence of koalas Phascolarctos cinereus to be used to inform larger survey programs, 'ground-truth' predictive habitat mapping, etc. We describe a rapid assessment methodology based on indirect signs that provides a reproducible, statistically valid, time-efficient and resource-efficient protocol for determining the presence of this species. The application, advantages and limitations of this 'koala rapid assessment method' (KRAM) are discussed with reference to its role in the design of detailed and landscape scale P. cinereus surveys.

Details

Title: What faecal pellet surveys can and can't reveal about the ecology of koalas Phascolarctos cinereus
Authors: O Woosnam-Merchez (Author) - University of Queensland
Romane H Cristescu (Author) - University of New South Wales
D Dique (Author) - Environmental Resources Management Pty Ltd
B Ellis (Author) - University of Queensland
R J S Beeton (Author) - University of Queensland
J Simmonds (Author) - Environment and Planning Group
F Carrick (Author) - University of Queensland
Publication details: Australian Zoologist, Vol.36(2), pp.192-200
Publisher: Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales
Date published: 2012
DOI: 10.7882/AZ.2012.030
ISSN: 0067-2238
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449377302621
Output Type: Journal article

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