Eucalypt Forests as Refuge for Wildlife

SUMMARY

The Tall Open and Open Eucalyptus forests of southeastern and southwestern Australia and of Tasmania sustain 57 species of indigenous mammals. Between 10 and 20 of the species are wholly dependent on these forests for their survival and have evolved adaptations to suit a stable environment. The rest are less dependent and use the forests mainly as shelter. Compared to southeastern Australia the mammal faunas of the other two regions are depauperate, and the missing species are generally those considered to be wholly dependent. It is suggested that their dependence on the forests prevented them crossing non-forested barriers during the Pleistocene.

The effects of forestry practices on the mammal species is directly related to the degree of dependence of the species on forest and for some it is suggested that reserves larger than 6,000 ha are the only means to ensure their long-term survival.