The unusual observation of a live brushtailed phascogale in Kyneton was captured on day one of nest box monitoring across the Macedon Ranges last week.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s annual program typically records animal scats and vacant nests, with phascogale activity a strong interest.
Biodiversity projects officer Tanya Loos said phascogales were a vulnerable species and were a key biodiversity indicator of healthy ecosystems in the shire.
Three other species used as indicators of broader ecosystem health are powerful owl, greater glider and the brown treecreeper.
“The presence of phascogales in our roadsides and reserves means that critical habitat needs are being met – coarse woody debris, hollows for nesting, and importantly connectivity across the landscape,” she said.
The small carnivorous marsupial, with a distinctive tail, is found in the woodlands of eastern and south-eastern Australia and have large home ranges of up to 100 hectares in low density.
All male phascogales die synchronously in about July-August after a brief but intense mating period.
“It’s a combination of species-ecological factors with habitat loss and fragmentation and predation by foxes and cats has resulted in their decline,” Ms Loos said.
She said the nest box program provided much-needed habitat for phascogales and allowed their populations to be monitored.
There are 144 nest boxes across 48 sites on council land. Also using the nest boxes are species like the sugar glider – the two have distinctive nest habits.
“Nest boxes are checked by council staff and volunteers in autumn (March to May) when phascogales are active and looking for breeding partners,” Ms Loos said.
“We use a pole camera and a monitor to inspect the nest boxes – this way we don’t have to climb a ladder to inspect, and it minimises disturbance to the animals.”
Data is recorded and uploaded to Victorian Biodiversity Atlas including information about the nest box and tree types and signs of animals present, and repairs needed.
The council is monitoring nest boxes one to three days a week throughout March.
Limited volunteer places are available for those who would like to join the team.
Contact the council on 5422 0333 for details.
