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.
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Research-Article|
February 07 2013
What faecal pellet surveys can and can't reveal about the ecology of koalas Phascolarctos cinereus
Olivia Woosnam-Merchez;
Olivia Woosnam-Merchez
1
School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072, Australia
2
Terrestria Pty Ltd, Wynnum, 4178, Australia
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Romane Cristescu;
Romane Cristescu
3
School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
4
Koala Study Program, Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
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David Dique;
David Dique
5
Environmental Resources Management Pty Ltd, Spring Hill 4000, Australia
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Bill Ellis;
Bill Ellis
4
Koala Study Program, Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
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Robert Beeton;
Robert Beeton
1
School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072, Australia
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Jeremy Simmonds;
Jeremy Simmonds
6
Environment and Planning Group, GHD Pty Ltd, Brisbane, 4000, Australia
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Frank Carrick
Frank Carrick
4
Koala Study Program, Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072, Australia
7
EcoIndig Resources Pty Ltd, Kenmore, 4069, Australia
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Australian Zoologist (2012) 36 (2): 192–200.
Citation
Olivia Woosnam-Merchez, Romane Cristescu, David Dique, Bill Ellis, Robert Beeton, Jeremy Simmonds, Frank Carrick; What faecal pellet surveys can and can't reveal about the ecology of koalas Phascolarctos cinereus. Australian Zoologist 1 January 2012; 36 (2): 192–200. doi: https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2012.030
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