Application for Scientific Permit – Available for Public Comment
Public comment on the following application for a Scientific Reseach (Fauna) Permit is open until 14 October 2024.
Applicant: Tasmanian Land Conservancy
Species/Taxon: Small mammals (antechinus, dunnart, rodents)
Location: Sloping Main Reserve; private land owned & managed by TLC
Title of research: Small mammal monitoring at Sloping Main
Aim of project: The project aims to expand knowledge of small mammals on this understudied part of the Tasman Peninsula by –
• Characterising species diversity and relative densities in different habitat types
• Investigating any effects of land-use change (hydrological restoration) on population dynamics over time
Additionally, we will be contributing towards the Menzies Institute’s Devil Facial Tumour (DFT) vaccine development by –
Providing fresh samples (tissue swabs + faeces) from native dasyurids (antechinus) which can be used to extract adenoviruses. These can then be used in construction of an anti-DFT vaccine viral vector.
Justification: This project will expand our knowledge of the small mammals of the Tasman Peninsula, including how they may respond to changing land use. Additionally, samples collected will be used in efforts to combat DFT, an ongoing conservation concern for the endangered Tasmanian devil statewide. Using live trapping will allow identification of species that are hard to both detect and differentiate on camera, as well as calculation of population metrics which require individual ID of animals. Being able to take samples from live animals will also allow collection of fresh samples for the DFT vaccine efforts – these normally have to be sourced from freshly dead animals, which decreases the chance of viable samples.
Maximum likely numbers of individuals involved: 60 Elliott traps will be set over 5 nights
Activities undertaken and methods: Live trapping using Elliott traps in November 2024. All species caught will have a subcutaneous microchip implanted and 2 x 2 mm biopsies taken from their ear. All samples will be archived with TMAG where they can contribute towards future genetic work.
Fate of animals: Animals will be immediately released at their location of capture following any handling.
Likely impact on species involved (including any by-catch): Trapped small mammals will be handled for a maximum of 10 minutes, and will be released at point of capture.