LAND-USE, FOREST FRAGMENTATION AND THE MAMMALIAN FAUNA AT NARINGAL, SOUTH-WESTERN VICTORIA

At Naringal in south-western Victoria, land use since European settlement has resulted in the loss of more than 90% of the original forest vegetation, and the progressive fragmentation and isolation of the remaining tracts. Surveys of mammals in remnant forest vegetation, together with information gleaned from historical sources, reveal that 33 species of native mammal are known to have occurred in this region. Six species (18%) are believed to be no longer present in the area, and four of these, Dasyurus maculatus, D. viverrinus, Vombatus ursinus, and Canis familiaris dingo, were persecuted as pests, and apparently disappeared before forest cover was greatly reduced. Six species of introduced mammal have established feral populations in the study area. The altered status of the mammalian fauna is discussed in relation to four factors associated with European land use:the loss and fragmentation of the forests; changes to the composition and structure of forest vegetation; destruction of mammals by humans; and, the introduction of exotic plants and animals. Four general recommendations are advanced as a basis for the management and conservation of the mammalian fauna:the importance of a regional perspective in conservation planning; the need to maintain a substantial total area of forest vegetation; the importance of maintaining and enhancing continuity between forest remnants; and, the protection and promotion of habitat components that are essential to native mammals. © 1990, CSIRO. All rights reserved.