Application for Scientific Permit – Available for Public Comment
Public comment on the following application for a Scientific Research (Fauna) Permit is open until 22 September.
Applicant: Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC)
Species/Taxon: White-footed dunnart (Sminthopsis leucopus), swamp antechinus (Antechinus marinus), long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus), house mouse (Mus musculus), black rat (Rattus rattus), metallic skink (Niveoscincus metallicus), common froglet (Crinea signifera).
Location: Clarke Island/Lungtalanana (Private Freehold tenure)
Title of research: Lungtalanana/Clarke Island vertebrate survey 2023-2026
Aim of project: Test for presence of white-footed dunnart, swamp antechinus, and long-nosed potoroo.
Justification:
This and related surveys will allow land managers to better understand the ecology of Lungtalanana/Clarke Island and restore Healthy Country. Specifically, we aim to detect change in mammal populations in response to management actions such as feral cat eradication, the reintroduction of cultural fire management, habitat restoration, and the reintroduction of locally extinct mammal species. The survey will specifically test whether populations of white-footed dunnart, swamp antechinus, and long-nosed potoroo remain on the island.
Maximum likely numbers of individuals involved:
Based on previous surveys elsewhere (Taylor & Comfort 1993, Lunney and Ashby 1987, Frankham et al. 2011) we expect far fewer than 102 dunnarts, 155 antechinus, and 32 potoroos affected per survey, with two surveys planned per year. Actual rate are likely to be very low. We anticipate by-catch to be similar to rates described in Natural and Cultural Heritage Division (2014): house mouse (33), metallic skink (7), common froglet (7), and black rat (6) per survey.
Activities undertaken and methods: Live trapping via Elliot traps, Sheffield cage traps, and pitfall traps, plus passive observation methods using wildlife camera traps at multiple sites across the island.
Fate of animals: All captured animals will be released at point of capture.
Likely impact on species involved (including any by-catch): Minimal disturbance.