Desert Ecology Plot Network: Mammal Abundance Plot-data, Simpson Desert, Western Queensland, 1990-2018

Abstract: This mammal abundance trap data package comprises capture data for a specified duration of trapping nights (usually 3 night session) in the Simpson Desert, Western Queensland between 1990 and 2018. Captured mammal fauna were identified and recaptures during the same session were removed (i.e. individuals were only counted once). Date, site and grid number were recorded for all captures, and captured animals were also marked by a unique ear notch prior to their release to identify recaptures. The network program uses a core of 12 sites which are sampled every April-May. The trapping survey aims to quantitatively track long-term shifts in biodiversity and ecological processes in relation to key drivers, including unpredictable rainfall and droughts, fire, feral predators and grazing.

A synopsis of related data packages which have been collected as part of the Desert Ecology's full program is provided at http://doi.org/10.25911/5c13171d944fe

Sampling methods: The network program uses a core of 12 sites which are spaced at least 15 km apart, each comprising two 1-ha trapping grids, or plots which are spaced between 0.5-2 km apart. Thirty-six traps were arrayed in a grid covering 1 ha; each grid comprised 6 lines of 6 traps spaced 20 m apart. The top line of traps extended along the dune crest where consecutive numbering starts, and finished along the sixth line 100 m distant in the dune valley or ‘swale’. Traps on each grid were opened for 3 nights once per year and checked in the mornings and sometimes afternoons. The core of 12 sites are sampled every April-May, however in 2012 there was not a complete survey, and so there are only 2 (Field River South and Main Camp) sites represented in this table. Other elements of the plot network’s full program share the sampling structure and core sites/plot/grid configuration of the study design.

Study extent: The network program uses a core of 12 sites, sampled every April-May, however in 2012 there was not a complete survey - only 2 (Field River South and Main Camp) sites are represented in this table for that year. Note Dasycercus cristicauda should be D. blythi, however the former name is used in these data for consistency with previous data packages.

Project funding: Between 2012 and 2018 this project was part of the Long Term Ecological Research Network (LTERN). This work was supported by the Australian Government’s Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Network (www.tern.org.au) – an Australian research infrastructure facility established under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy and Education Infrastructure Fund–Super Science Initiative through the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education.