Recovery plan for the Julia Creekdunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) 2000–2004Prepared by Geoff Lundie-Jenkins and Alison Payne for The Julia Creek DunnartRecovery Team

Recovery plan for the Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) 2000–2004

Prepared by: Geoff Lundie-Jenkins and Alison Payne for the Julia Creek Dunnart RecoveryTeam

© The State of Queensland, Environmental Protection Agency

Copyright protects this publication. Except for purposes permitted by the Copyright Act,reproduction by whatever means is prohibited without the prior written knowledge of theEnvironmental Protection Agency. Inquiries should be addressed to PO Box 155, BRISBANEALBERT ST, QLD 4002.

Copies may be obtained from the:Executive DirectorQueensland Parks and Wildlife ServicePO Box 155Brisbane Albert St QLD 4002

DisclaimerThe Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service publishes recovery plans to detail the actionsneeded for the conservation of threatened native wildlife.

The attainment of objectives and the provision of funds may be subject to budgetary andother constraints affecting the parties involved, and may also be constrained by the need toaddress other conservation priorities. Approved recovery plans may be subject tomodification due to changes in knowledge and changes in conservation status.

Publication referenceLundie-Jenkins, G. and Payne, A. 2000. Recovery plan for the Julia Creek dunnart(Sminthopsis douglasi) 2000–2004. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Brisbane.

This plan was prepared under contract to and in support of an application for funding toEnvironment Australia (formerly the Australian Nature Conservation Agency). The viewsexpressed in it are those of the authors.

Information in the plan is accurate at November 1999.

This plan has included significant public input through the representatives on the recoveryteam.

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Recovery plan for the Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsisdouglasi) 2000–2004

Contents

Summary 3

1. Introduction 5

1.1 Description of species 5

1.2 Distribution 5

1.3. Habitat 5

1.4. Life history/ecology 7

1.5. Reasons for listing 7

1.5.1 Introduced predators 7

1.5.2 Weed invasion 7

1.5.3 Current land use 7

1.6 Existing conservation measures 7

1.6.1 Reservation/listing 7

1.6.2 Captive breeding 8

1.7 Strategy for recovery 8

2. Recovery objective and criteria 8

2.1 Objective 8

2.2 Recovery criteria 8

3. Recovery actions 9

Action 1.0. Negotiate voluntary conservation agreements for future conservationand management of known dunnart populations

9

Action 2.0. Identify and protect areas of critical habitat for the Julia Creek dunnart 10

Action 3.0. Identify and implement on-ground management of key threats anddevelop effective management prescriptions for know dunnart populations

11

Action 4.0. Develop Community Nature Conservation initiatives to promote andencourage community involvement in the recovery of the dunnart within thecontext of sustainable land management

11

Action 5.0. Investigations to guide future management of the Julia Creek dunnart. 12

Action 6.0. Continuation of captive populations at La Trobe University, David FleayWildlife Park and other appropriate institutions

14

Action 7.0. Continue maintenance of the recovery team 14

4. Implementation schedule 15

5. Acknowledgements 16

6. References 16

3

Summary

Current species statusEndangered (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999), Endangered(ANZECC Threatened Species List), Endangered (EN B1 + 2bd + 3d, IUCN Red List ofThreatened Animals and Australian Marsupials and Monotremes Action Plan), Endangered(Schedule 2 Division 5 Mammals Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994Queensland).

Habitat requirements and limiting factorsThe Julia Creek dunnart is restricted to the Mitchell grass downs country of north-westQueensland. The region is characterised by predominantly grass-covered cracking clay soilsof two types (ashy and stony). No specific habitat requirements or correlations have beendetected for the species within its known range. It is found on both soil types in areas ofsparse and dense ground cover and in areas where there are no cracks or holes in theground.

Recovery plan objectiveTo secure and enhance the species’ status through an integrated program of investigations,on ground conservation management, public awareness raising and capacity building duringthe life of this plan.

Recovery criteria1. Voluntary agreements for future conservation and management of five known dunnart

populations on private lands negotiated and executed within five years including knownpopulations at Proa and Toorak Research Station.

2. Broadscale surveys to identify critical habitat and clarify species distribution and statuscompleted within two years.

3. Five additional trappable populations of dunnarts (trapping success rate greater than fourpercent) identified within five years.

4. Management programs for key threats implemented at five sites within five years.5. Ecology and habitat requirements of the species documented and management

prescriptions developed within five years.6. Genetically diverse self-sustaining captive dunnart populations maintained in three

appropriate institutions within three years.7. Develop interpretative material and involve community groups and amateurs in the

identification of potential habitat and monitoring of populations within two years.

Actions needed1. Negotiate voluntary conservation agreements for future conservation and management

of known dunnart populations.2. Identify and protect areas of critical habitat for the Julia Creek dunnart.3. Identify and implement on-ground management of key threats and develop effective

management prescriptions for known dunnart populations.4. Develop Community Nature Conservation initiatives to promote and encourage

community involvement in the recovery of the dunnart within the context of sustainableland management.

5. Support Investigations to guide future management of the Julia Creek dunnart.6. Continuation of captive populations at La Trobe University, David Fleay Wildlife Park and

other appropriate institutions.7. Continue maintenance of the recovery team.

4

Biodiversity benefitsProtection of remnant vegetation in the Mitchell Grass Downs biogeographic region.Promotion of improved land management practices in these areas to enhance conservationvalues.

Estimated cost of recovery (2000 prices in $/year)

Action (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) Total20002001200220032004

35,60024,78026,01011,01011,580

60,29063,30066,4503,6003,780

25,66026,96028,30030,32031,830

31,90033,49035,16013,87014,570

37,52039,40035,840

NILNIL

13,19013,84014,52015,25016,000

8,5809,0009,440

11,91010,400

212,740210,770215,720 85,960 88,160

Total 108,980 197,420 143,070 128,990 112,760 72,800 49,330 813,350

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1. Introduction

The Julia Creek dunnart belongs to the subfamily Sminthopsinae (dunnarts and kultarr) of thefamily Dasyuridae which contains most of the Australian carnivorous marsupials.

There are 19 species of dunnarts in Australia with two of those species extending into PapuaNew Guinea. Sminthopsis douglasi is the only species confined entirely to Queensland. Itwas described in 1979 by Archer from museum specimens lodged between 1911 and 1972.Until recently it was known only from four specimens that were obtained from threeproperties lying between the Queensland towns of Julia Creek and Richmond (Woolley1995). It was found in another eight localities in the downs country of Queensland in 1992(Woolley 1995) and is now known from 25 sites.

Sminthopsis douglasi is listed as endangered under the Environment Protection andBiodiversity Conservation Act 1999, under Schedule 2 Division 5 (Mammals) of the NatureConservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994 of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 Queensland,on the ANZECC Threatened Species List and Endangered (EN B1 + 2bd + 3d) on the IUCNRed List of Threatened Animals. The Kangaroo Island dunnart S. aitkeni and the sandhilldunnart S. psammophila are also listed as endangered at the national level.

1.1 Description of speciesThe Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) is the largest member of its genus and isbrown, speckled with grey, above and buffy white below. It is morphologically similar to thered-cheeked dunnart S. virginiae and has a prominent facial stripe like the stripe-faceddunnart (S. macroura) but is distinguished by dark hairs in rings around the eyes and on theouter mesial edge of the ears (Woolley 1995). It has rufous hairs on the cheeks and at thebase of the ears and dark hairs towards the tip of its long tapering tail that is fattened at thebase and slightly shorter than the head and body (Woolley 1995).

1.2 DistributionThe Julia Creek dunnart is restricted to the Mitchell grass downs country of north-westQueensland. However, recent work has extended its range in both north-south (to over200km north-south) and east-west directions around the original known range between JuliaCreek and Richmond, and the number of known localities has been more than doubled usingindirect survey methods (Woolley 1998, Figure 1)1. This distribution closely matches thatpredicted by BIOCLIM analysis despite there being other areas of apparently suitable habitatto the south and south-east in Queensland, and to the west on the Barkly Tableland in theNorthern Territory (Woolley 1998).

1.3 HabitatThe Mitchell grass downs where S. douglasi occurs are characterised by predominantlygrass-covered cracking clay soils of two types (ashy and stony). There is typically a newgrowth of grasses and forbs following the summer rain and the ground swells and thencracks as the soil dries out. No specific habitat requirements or correlations have beendetected for the species within its known range. It is found on both soil types in areas ofsparse and dense ground cover and in areas where no cracks or holes remained in theground. The dunnart may shelter in

1 In May 2000 a number of Julia Creek dunnarts were trapped on Bladensburg National Park. The size and relative importanceof this population is not clearly understood at this stage and it has not been considered in this version of the recovery plan.Should there be implications for the future direction of the recovery program, a revised plan will be submitted in associationwith the annual funding applications.

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Figure 1. Locations where Julia Creek dunnarts had been detected as at October 1999. Recordsinclude live captures and remains in owl pellets and predator stomachs.

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cracks in the ground when the soil is dry and ground cover is sparse, and in vegetation whenthe cracks and holes close up after rain and the vegetation sprouts (Woolley 1998).

1.4 Life history/ecologyThe Julia Creek dunnart is nocturnal, sheltering during the day in the cavities in cracking claysoils and in vegetation. It feeds on insects, centipedes, arachnids, scorpions, skinks and thesympatric long-tailed planigale.

Studies of captive individuals suggest that breeding may occur throughout the year. Femaleshave eight teats and are capable of rearing that number of young in one litter. In captivity,female offspring reach sexual maturity between 17-27 weeks and males between 28-31weeks, with females always maturing prior to males of the same litter. This may be animportant mechanism for inbreeding avoidance in wild populations (Woolley 1995, 1998).

1.5 Reasons for listingThe reasons for the decline of this species are given in the 1996 Action plan for AustralianMarsupials and Monotremes as ‘not known but climatic factors, introduced predators(especially cats) and current land use (sheep and cattle) may be implicated’.

1.5.1 Introduced predatorsAn investigation of the stomach contents of feral cats revealed that they were a significantpredator of the Julia Creek dunnart and that predation can be locally high. It has beensuggested that cats may have been responsible for the disappearance of Julia Creekdunnarts on the Lyrian property where they were once readily trapped (Woolley 1998).

Barn Owl will eat dunnarts but it is not a readily available food item for them. Sminthopsisdouglasi was found in 3.2 percent of barn owl scats.

1.5.2 Weed invasionPrickly acacia was introduced to Queensland from Pakistan in the late 1890s to provideshade and fodder for livestock. It was declared a noxious weed in 1957 under the RuralLands Protection Act 1985 and seven million hectares of the Mitchell grass downs are nowinfested (Lands Department brochure). Increased tree density of prickly acacia eliminatesmuch of the ground vegetation because little grows under the canopy and the tree out-competes pasture for water. There is also a gradual change in the botanical composition ofthe pastures as perennial grasses are replaced by short-lived, less stable annual plants(Milson 1995). Prickly acacia is therefore a threat to the Julia Creek dunnart and the manydasyurids that require hummock grasslands, which are thought to be of great importance indetermining dasyurid species richness in arid Australia and are probably a major contributingfactor to the even nature of the dasyurid radiation in this country (Morton 1982). Biologicalcontrols for this weed are now being investigated by the Department of Natural Resources.

1.5.3 Current land useThe property ‘Proa’ is used for sheep and cattle grazing. An exclusion experiment carried outin the Coolibah paddock showed that sheep had no apparent effect on the vegetation and soilcharacteristics, but this may reflect the modest stocking rate of sheep on this property. Theeffect of cattle is unknown.

1.6 Existing conservation measures1.6.1 Reservation / listingThe species listing as Endangered at the state, national and international level provides it withprotection from exploitation and development.

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1.6.2 Captive breedingA captive population of the dunnart was established at La Trobe University in 1995 forconservation and research purposes. A small population of the dunnart has also now beenestablished at David Fleay Wildlife Park, Burleigh Heads, Queensland. A captive breedingmanagement plan is currently being prepared with the assistance of the AustralasianRegional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA).

1.7 Strategy for recoveryThis recovery plan will run for a term of five years from 2000 to 2004 inclusive. Five primarystrategies will be pursued during this term, and are presented below in order of proposedimplementation. However, once commenced many of these strategies will be runconcurrently.

1. Optimisation of known populations by management of predators and protection andrestoration of habitat.

2. Identification of other extant populations of Julia Creek dunnart. Clarification and mappingof the present distribution of the species and habitat variables.

3. Community Nature Conservation initiatives including the development of conservationagreements to protect and enhance the available habitat and the capacity for expansionof remnant populations.

4. Further investigation of the distribution, ecology and habitat requirements of the dunnartand monitoring of dunnart populations and habitat at representative sites.

5. Continuation of captive breeding at La Trobe University and development of a captivemanagement plan for captive populations at La Trobe University and David Fleay WildlifePark.

A recovery team comprising members from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service(QPWS), Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI), Queensland Department ofNatural Resources, La Trobe University, Queensland Wildlife Preservation Society, Agforceand other organisations as appropriate, will be established to co-ordinate and supervisethese strategies. The recovery team will report annually to Environment Australia (EA).

2. Recovery objectives and criteria

2.1 ObjectiveTo secure and enhance the species status through an integrated program of investigations,on ground conservation management, public awareness raising and capacity building duringthe life of this plan.

2.2 Recovery criteria1. Voluntary agreements for future conservation and management of five known dunnart

populations on private lands negotiated and executed within five years including knownpopulations at Proa and Toorak Research Station.

2. Broadscale surveys to identify critical habitat and clarify species distribution and statuscompleted within two years.

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3. Five additional trappable populations of dunnarts (trapping success rate greater than fourpercent) identified within five years.

4. Management programs for key threats implemented at five sites within five years.5. Ecology and habitat requirements of the species documented and management

prescriptions developed within five years.6. Genetically diverse self-sustaining captive dunnart populations maintained in three

appropriate institutions within three years.7. Develop interpretative material and involve community groups and amateurs in the

identification of potential habitat and monitoring of populations within two years.

3. Recovery actions

Recovery actions for the Julia Creek dunnart are presented below. Costings have beencalculated at 2000 prices. Unless otherwise stated, contributions by participating state andnon-government agencies include salaries for professional and technical staff. Actionsundertaken as normal operations by state agency staff have not been costed.

Action 1.0 Negotiate voluntary conservation agreements for futureconservation and management of known dunnart populationsAs one of the primary objectives of the recovery plan is to secure and maintain existingnatural populations of the Julia Creek dunnart, it is essential to develop and implementmanagement plans which mitigate the primary known threats to the species. Since thecurrently known populations occur on sites outside the state’s protected area estate, the firststep in ensuring effective implementation of such plans will be the development of formalconservation agreements.

Action 1.1 Develop and assist in the implementation of management agreements inrelation to known dunnart populations, commencing with populations on ToorakResearch Station and ProaCurrently trappable populations of the Julia Creek dunnart are known only from sites onToorak Research Station and the nearby pastoral holding of Proa. The development andimplementation of management agreements to ensure the conservation and recovery ofthese populations is a priority. As other populations are located, negotiations will beundertaken to develop management agreements. Funding and resources have beenallocated to assist landholders implement these management programs (Actions 3.1 and3.2).

Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, QDPI Toorak Research Station, landholders.

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Total Cost $7,270 $7,630 $8,010 $8,410 $8,830

Action 1.2 Negotiation of voluntary conservation agreements for other key sitesThe current known distribution of the dunnart is centred on highly productive Mitchell grasscommunities in western Queensland. This region supports a number of important extensiveland uses including pastoralism and mining. Voluntary conservation agreements withlandholders are favoured over land acquisition as the mechanism for securing and managingkey areas of dunnart habitat. Negotiations may lead to the development of Land for Wildlifeagreements, Natural Resource Management Agreements or more formal Nature Refugedeclarations.

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Responsibility: QPWS Southern, Central & Northern Regions.

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Total Cost $28,330 $17,150 $18,000 $2,600 $2,750

Action 2.0 Identify and protect areas of critical habitat for the Julia CreekdunnartThere is an urgent need to identify and map the extent of areas of habitat which are critical forthe conservation of the Julia Creek dunnart and attempt to secure their protection. In light ofthe extensive areas of potentially suitable Mitchell grass habitat available and the recentdetection of dunnart remains in owl pellets and stomach contents of feral cats from a numberof sites, it is highly probable that other extant populations exist. Discovery of additionalpopulations will significantly improve the status of the species. Once located, the full range ofmanagement options can be explored.

Action 2.1 Surveys to identify critical habitat and clarify species distribution andstatusA survey program of areas in the Mitchell Grass Downs biogeographic region will beimplemented during the initial phases of the recovery plan in order to locate areas of criticalhabitat for the Julia Creek dunnart. Survey effort will be guided by the results of BIOCLIManalysis, identification of dunnart remains from owl pellets and predator stomachs andreports from landholders. Service staff will contact landholders in the Mitchell Grass Downsbioregion seeking information on the occurrence of the dunnart and seeking permission toconduct inspections. An ongoing public education and extension program will support thisactivity (action 4.1) and will encourage the reporting of information on the species, andpromote the off-park collaborative conservation focus of the program.

Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, La Trobe University.

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Total Cost $46,030 $48,330 $50,740 $3,600 $3,780

Action 2.2 Spatial mapping and analysis of habitat associations using GIS andsatellite imagerySome preliminary mapping and analysis have been conducted on the basis of historic andcurrent known population records for the species. These analyses have been limited by thesmall number of sites, the limited range of the species, and the limited thematic mapping andimagery available for that region. The quality of this mapping will be enhanced as additionalsites are located, and improved thematic coverages and satellite imagery are incorporated.Spatial modelling will be used to investigate habitat associations and to develop the capacityto generate maps of predicted dunnart habitat which can be used to direct survey efforts.

Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, La Trobe University.

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Total Cost $14,260 $14,970 $15,710 NIL NIL

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Action 3.0 Identify and implement on-ground management of key threats anddevelop effective management prescriptions for known dunnart populations

Action 3.1 Implement predator control programs to protect dunnart populations onToorak Research Station and ProaEcological studies of the Julia Creek dunnart by Greg Mifsud (pers. comm.) have identifiedpredation, principally by feral cats, as a key process threatening the viability of remnantpopulations of the dunnart. Implementation of effective, target specific control programs in thevicinity of known dunnart populations is therefore a critical component of the recoveryprogram for this species. As currently known dunnart populations are restricted to sites onpastoral properties and research stations, baiting programs which reduce the potential forbait uptake by livestock, working dogs and native wildlife must be developed. A pilot programon Toorak Research Station is currently testing felid specific baits developed in WesternAustralia by the Department of Conservation and Land Management delivered from securebait dispensers. Further refinement of these techniques will occur during the recoveryprogram.

Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, QDPI Toorak Research Station, landholders, QldDepartment of Natural Resources.

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Total Cost $25,660 $15,220 $15,970 $16,760 $17,600

Action 3.2 Implement management plans and conduct monitoring of dunnartpopulations revealed during surveys detailed in action 2.1As additional populations of the Julia Creek dunnart are located at other sites assistance willbe provided to landholders in the implementation of management plans to protect andrecover these populations. Monitoring of all known populations of the Julia Creek dunnart willbe implemented at least on an annual basis for the life of the current recovery plan.Community participation in monitoring will be fostered as a means of reducing the futurecosts of monitoring and to encourage community ownership of the program.

Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Total Cost NIL $11,740 $12,330 $13,560 $14,230

Action 4.0 Develop Community Nature Conservation initiatives to promote andencourage community involvement in the recovery of the dunnart within thecontext of sustainable land management

Action 4.1 Education and extension to rural landholdersExtension of nature conservation and threatened species conservation initiatives within thecontext of sustainable production will be undertaken through direct liaison, field days andproduction of information kits. Information presented in this manner will promote the natureconservation values of the region and options for protection of habitat and will includebrochures and displays of the integrated ecology of the Mitchell grass downs - including workon the prickly acacia, locusts, kangaroos and dunnarts.

Responsibility: QPWS Southern, Central and Northern Regions, QDPI Sheep & WoolResearch Institute, AgForce.

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2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Total Cost $27,250 $28,610 $30,040 $8,500 $8,930

Action 4.2 Media and sponsorship campaignsThe recovery plan described here is expensive in terms of both staff and resources and thesupport of the public is essential if the Julia Creek dunnart is to be conserved.

The QPWS, in co-operation with other relevant organisations including the WildlifePreservation Society of Queensland, Greening Australia and the Threatened SpeciesNetwork, will develop and coordinate a campaign to promote and attract sponsorship supportfor the Julia Creek dunnart recovery program.

Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, Queensland Wildlife Preservation Society,Greening Australia, Threatened Species Network

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Total Cost $4,650 $4,880 $5,120 $5,370 $5,640

Action 4.3 Facilitate landholder access to funding and resources to assist inprotection and management of key sites for the Julia Creek dunnartThere are a number of existing schemes which support nature conservation activities onprivate land including devolved grant schemes and volunteer support initiatives. The networkof government and non-government nature conservation extension staff in and around theMitchell Grass Downs Bioregion will facilitate landholder access to these schemes andassist in the development of applications for support. The current programs operated byGreening Australia (Advancing On-ground Nature Conservation in the Mitchell Grass DownsBioregion) and the Threatened Species Unit (Threatened Species Community Grants) areparticularly relevant to the objectives of the Julia Creek dunnart recovery plan.

Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, Greening Australia, Threatened Species Network,Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Total Cost NC NC NC NC NCNC = Not costed as normal operations by state agency and non-government staff

Action 5.0 Investigations to guide future management of the Julia Creekdunnart

Action 5.1 Investigations to determine the ecology and habitat requirements of thedunnart and determine abundance and population dynamics at known sitesAs only two trappable populations of the Julia Creek dunnart are currently known and thesepopulations can occur at extremely low densities, there has been little in the way of detailedecological study undertaken on the species to date. Investigations are required to determinethe habitat requirements and establish the main factors influencing population dynamics anddispersal. This would incorporate some investigation of the impacts of fire on dunnarts as ameans of developing appropriate fire management strategies. The work would be undertakenby a postgraduate student from La Trobe University. Logistical support and moderate projectcosts have been budgeted.

Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, La Trobe University

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

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Total Cost $10,630 $11,160 $8,960 NIL NIL

Action 5.2 Investigation of the impact of introduced predators and competitors inareas where the dunnart is known to occurWhile it is apparent that predators pose a direct threat to dunnart populations, the manner inwhich this impact is influenced by habitat features, including ground cover, soil structure,seasonal conditions and alternate prey availability is unclear. This information will assist indesigning targeted control campaigns to mitigate the impact of predators on remnantpopulations. The role of competitors, including domestic stock, rabbits and other dasyurids,in the dynamics of dunnart populations is poorly understood. The work will be undertaken bya postgraduate student from La Trobe University. Logistical support and moderate projectcosts have been budgeted.

Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, La Trobe University

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Total Cost $8,130 $8,540 $8,960 NIL NIL

Action 5.3 Investigate the life history of the dunnart and reproduction in the wildWhile laboratory based studies have been completed in relation to the life history strategy andreproduction of the Julia Creek dunnart there is limited information in relation to these aspectsof the species’ ecology in the wild. The work will be undertaken by a postgraduate studentfrom La Trobe University. Logistical support and moderate project costs have been budgeted.

Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, La Trobe University

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Total Cost $10,630 $11,160 $8,960 NIL NIL

Action 5.4 Investigate interactions between the dunnart and sympatric species ofsmall mammals including Planigale ingrami, S. macroura, S. crassicaudata, Rattusvillosissimus and Leggadina forrestiThe Julia Creek dunnart occurs sympatrically with a number of other small native mammalsincluding Planigale ingrami, S. macroura, S. crassicaudata, Rattus villosissimus andLeggadina forresti. The relative abundance of these species is known to fluctuate betweensites and under different seasonal and environmental conditions. The different responses byeach species suggest different strategies are being pursued by each species and/or thatthere may be competitive exclusion occurring at particular densities. Understanding theseinteractions will enhance our capacity to effectively design management to recover andprotect dunnart populations. The work will be undertaken by a postgraduate student from LaTrobe University. Logistical support and moderate project costs have been budgeted.

Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, La Trobe University

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Total Cost $8,130 $8,540 $8,960 NIL NIL

Action 6.0 Continuation of captive populations at La Trobe University, DavidFleay Wildlife Park and other appropriate institutions

Maintenance of captive populations of the Julia Creek dunnart will be undertaken to achievefour principal aims:

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• Act as an Ark population to safeguard against extinction.• Provide captive animals to investigate cryptic aspects of the species biology.• Educate the public about the species.• Provide stock in the event that translocation were to be considered as a future

management strategy for the species.

Action 6.1 Continuation of captive breeding at La Trobe University and developmentof a captive management plan for captive populations at La Trobe University andDavid Fleay Wildlife ParkA captive population of the dunnart was established at La Trobe University in 1995 forconservation and research purposes. A small population of the dunnarts has also now beenestablished at David Fleay Wildlife Park, Burleigh Heads, Queensland. A captive breedingmanagement plan is currently being prepared with the assistance of the AustralasianRegional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA).

Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, David Fleay Wildlife Park, La Trobe University,ARAZPA.

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Total Cost $13,190 $13,840 $14,520 $15,250 $16,000

Action 6.2 Establish additional captive populations at appropriate institutionsOnce the captive breeding management plan has been finalised and a species studbookdeveloped other institutions will be invited to participate. Expressions of interest will be soughtfrom ARAZPA institutions in order to best develop other captive holdings. Initial interest hasbeen shown by the Territory Wildlife Park (Darwin) and Pearcedale Conservation Park(Melbourne).

Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region, David Fleay Wildlife Park, ARAZPA TerritoryWildlife Park, Pearcedale Conservation Park, other ARAZPA Institutions.

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Total Cost NC NC NC NC NC

Action 7.0 Continue maintenance of the recovery teamThe recovery team will contain representatives from each of the Queensland state agenciesrelevant to issues pertaining to the objectives of the recovery program. In addition memberswith particular expertise shall be drawn from other areas. Funds will be required to enablecore members of the recovery team to meet on at least an annual basis to review theprogress of the recovery plan. Venues will be chosen to minimise travel expenses and non-core members will be required to meet their own attendance costs.

Responsibility: QPWS Southern Region

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004Total Cost $8,580 $9,000 $9,440 $11,910 $10,400

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4.0 Implementation schedule

Task Description Priority Feasibility Cost Estimate ($s)2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Total

1 Negotiate voluntary conservationagreements

1.1 1 100 7270 7,630 8,010 8,410 8,830 40,1501.2 1 90 28,330 17,150 18,000 2,600 2,750 68,8302 Identify critical habitat2.1 1 100 46,030 48,330 50,740 3,600 3,780 152,4802.2 2 90 14,260 14,970 15,710 NIL NIL 44,9403 Identify and manage key threats3.1 1 100 25,660 15,220 15,970 16,760 17,600 91,2103.2 1 90 NIL 11,740 12,330 13,560 14,230 51,8604 Community initiatives4.1 1 100 27,250 28,610 30,040 8,500 8,930 103,3304.2 2 100 4,650 4,880 5,120 5,370 5,640 25,6604.3 2 90 NC NC NC NC NC NC5 Investigations to guide

management5.1 2 90 10,630 11,160 8,960 NIL NIL 30,7505.2 2 90 8,130 8,540 8,960 NIL NIL 25,6305.3 2 90 10,630 11,160 8,960 NIL NIL 30,7505.4 2 90 8,130 8,540 8,960 NIL NIL 25,6306 Captive breeding6.1 1 100 13,190 13,840 14,520 15,250 16,000 72,8006.2 2 90 NC NC NC NC NC NC

7.0 Recovery team management 2 100 8,580 9,000 9,440 11,910 10,400 49,330

Total Cost 212,740 210,770 215,720 85,960 88,160 $813,350

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Acknowledgements

Much of our current knowledge of the Julia Creek dunnart owes its origin to the individualefforts of Associate Professor Pat Woolley and the generosity of various funding bodies. Theauthors gratefully acknowledge this extraordinary work by Dr Woolley and the supportprovided by these groups in our efforts to conserve the Julia Creek dunnart.

Appreciation is also extended to the landholders who have provided information and accessto their properties which has been critical in accumulating the knowledge we now have aboutthis cryptic small mammal. Thanks also to Greg Mifsud, Dr Chris Dickman and Dr JeremyThompson for their comments, criticisms and thought provoking discussions during therevision of this recovery plan

Bibliography

Beckman, J.L. and Woolley, P.A. 1997. Growth and development of the Julia Creek dunnart,Sminthopsis douglasi. Bulletin of the Australian Mammal Society.

Mifsud, G. and Woolley, P.A. 1997. The diet of Feral Cats Felis catus in north-westernQueensland: implications for the conservation of the Julia Creek Dunnart Sminthopsisdouglasi. Bulletin of the Australian Mammal Society.

Milson, J. 1995. Plant Identification in the Arid Zone. Department of Primary Industries,Queensland.

Morton, S. R. 1982. Dasyurid marsupials of the Australian arid zone: an ecological review. Pp117-130 in M. Archer (ed.) Carnivorous Marsupials Vol 1. Royal Zoological Society of NewSouth Wales, Sydney.

Woolley, P.A. 1992. Distribution of the Julia Creek Dunnart, Sminthopsis douglasi. Bulletin ofthe Australian Mammal Society.

Woolley, P.A. 1992. New records of the Julia Creek Dunnart, Sminthopsis douglasi(Marsupialia: Dasyuridae). Wildlife Research 19, 779-783.

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