Survival and recolonisation following wildfire at Moyston West, Western Victoria. 1. Mammals

Wildfire is a common occurrence in south-eastern Australia affecting fauna populations in various ways. Data were collected at a site near Moyston in western Victoria on three occasions before and five occasions after wildfire. Seventeen mammal species were recorded pre-wildfire whilst 23 species were recorded post-wildfire. The diversity of insectivorous bats was not affected by the wildfire, maybe Decause a number of mature River Red Gums Eucalyptus camaldulensis with numerous suitable roosting hollows survived the wildfire. Populations of Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps, Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula and Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus also survived the fire in an area of mature River Red Gums. A small population of Swamp Rat Rattus lutreolus survived the fire and successfully recolonised regenerating habitat. Yellow-footed Antecninus Antechinus Jlavipes and Eastern Pygmy Possum Cercartetus nanus were recorded in regenerating Heathy Woodland after wildfire severely burnt this vegetation. The population of Black Wallaby Wallabia bicolor increased three years after wildfire as regenerating vegetation produced dense cover. Few studies provide pre-wildfire and post-wildfire data, especially on mammals at inland woodland sites.