Declines in the mammal assemblage of a rugged sandstone environment in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

A significant decline in the mammal assemblage of Kakadu National Park's rugged sandstone environment (Nawurlandja) was documented between 1977 and 2002, with notable reductions in trap success rates for three native species: northern quoll, Arnhem rock-rat, and all combined. The Arnhem rock-rat, once commonly recorded, disappeared entirely by the final sampling in 2002, while northern quoll numbers dropped by approximately 90%. In contrast, the common rock-rat showed an increase in trap success rates. The study, conducted before the arrival of invasive cane toads, suggests that increased fire frequency may have contributed to these declines. This research highlights the vulnerability of small mammal populations in rugged landscapes to environmental changes.

Ibbett, M., Woinarski, J. C. Z., & Oakwood, M. (2017). Declines in the mammal assemblage of a rugged sandstone environment in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia. Australian Mammalogy, 40(2), 181–187. https://doi.org/10.1071/am17011