![2. Comparative analysis
of traits associated
with mammal decline,
north and south
[size, life history,
ecology, climate etc]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/kuttjohnsonaceas-140515121539-phpapp01/85/Vast-lands-and-variable-data-patterns-and-processes-of-mammal-decline-Chris-Johnson-ACEAS-Grand-2014-10-320.jpg)
Vast lands and variable data: patterns and processes of mammal decline. Chris Johnson ACEAS Grand 2014
- 1. Vast lands & variable data: systematic analyses to understand the patterns and processes of mammal decline
- 2. Small-mammal declines in northern Australia Alex Kutt, CSIRO Chris Johnson, JCU/UTas Diana Fisher, UQ Michael Lawes, CDU Susanne Fritz, BiK-F Germany Hamish McCallum, UQ Jeremy VanDerWal, JCU Colette Thomas, CSIRO Alaric Fisher, NT DLRM Iain Gordon, CSIRO Brett Abbott, CSIRO Anke Frank, JCU/UTas Sarah Legge, AWC Michael Letnic, UNSW
- 3. Small mammals in Kakadu NP, Woinarski et al. (2011) Cons Lett
- 5. Problems in diagnosing cause Lots of contenders: fire, grazing, cats, climate/weather, disease, toads… Patchy survey, observational & historical data, spread unevenly over a vast area Almost no in-depth study of declining populations Declines happening fast
- 6. Our aims: Collate and analyse existing data & evidence Evaluate hypotheses/formulate new hypotheses Guide new policies for land management
- 7. Some results and impacts
- 8. 1. Review of hypothesis set, through a formal deliberative process Interaction of factors crucial: predation by feral cats, interacting with fire and grazing
- 10. 2. Comparative analysis of traits associated with mammal decline, north and south [size, life history, ecology, climate etc]
- 11. Small body size and open habitat predict decline Similar to past declines in the south But smaller species affected in the north The main results:
- 12. 3. Improved distribution/abundance database for Australian mammals Data from fauna surveys, added to museum (etc) data; > 600,000 records Better models of distribution & change due to climate/weather – work continuing see mammal distribution visualisation portal
- 14. Thanks ACEAS