Data from: Greater agility increases probability of survival in the endangered northern quoll

Introduced predators combined with habitat loss and modification are
threatening biodiversity worldwide, particularly the ‘critical weight
range’ (CWR) mammals of Australia. In order to mitigate the impacts of
invasive predators on native species in different landscapes, we must
understand how the prey's morphology and performance determine their
survival. Here we evaluate how phenotypic traits related to escape
performance predict the probability of survival for an endangered CWR
mammal, the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus). We measured mass, body
size, body shape, body condition, and age, as well as maximum sprint
speed, acceleration, and agility of female quolls over two consecutive
years. Those with higher body condition and agility around a 135° corner
were more likely to survive their first 21 months of life but were not
more likely to survive after this period. No other morphological or
performance traits affected survival. Heavier second-year individuals were
more agile than first-years but second-years experienced higher mortality
rates throughout the year. Females with higher body condition and agility
around a 135° corner tended to have shorter limbs and feet but larger
heads. Our findings suggest that higher body condition and agility are
advantageous for survival in female northern quolls. These results can be
used to develop predictive models of predator-prey interactions based on
performance capacities and how performance is affected by habitat, aiding
conservation efforts to predict and manage the impacts of introduced
predators on native species.