Effects of drought on weight, survival and breeding success of agile antechinus (Antechinus agilis), dusky antechinus (A-swainsonii) and bush rats (Rattus fuscipes)

Abstract

Extreme weather conditions, such as drought, significantly decrease the survival and breeding success of numerous species. Despite the frequent occurrence of such conditions in Australia, little is known about the effects of changing environmental conditions on the native small mammals. This study, conducted from 2002 to 2004, focussed on sympatric wild populations of the agile antechinus (Antechinus agilis), with more limited information on the dusky antechinus (A. swainsonii) and the bush rat (Rattus fuscipes). Bodyweights of agile antechinus before and during the breeding season were significantly lower in 2003 (drought) than in 2002 or 2004. Survival of female agile antechinus and the nu..