The Vertebrate Fauna of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve: Final

4.2.8 Introduced mammals
Eleven species of introduced mammals are known from JKCR, including three species of rodent
(house mouse, black rat and brown rat), two canids (dog and fox), cat, rabbit, pig, goat, red and fallow
deer. Of these, all were recorded in the current surveys aside from the goat, red and fallow deer,
house mouse and brown rat. One of the key methods used for detecting introduced mammals was the
remote cameras. Ten camera traps were set within JKCR during the current surveys and detection
rates were as follows: pig (40 per cent), black rat (30 per cent), cat (10 per cent), rabbit (10 per cent)
and fox (10 per cent). Hair tube surveys were also undertaken, and dogs were detected at 14 per cent
of sites. No other introduced mammals were recorded using this method.
Pigs, cats, and rabbits are all well established on the reserve and in the surrounding landscape. Dogs
and foxes are common in the region, but are in low numbers at JKCR due to an intensive canid control
program. Deer and goats are sighted occasionally and may be an emerging issue. Further information
on introduced mammals that are listed as KTPs under the TSC Act can be found in the species
profiles in section 5, and management recommendations for prioritising the amelioration of the impacts
of these pests are given in section 7.
Introduced rodents are also well
established on the reserve. The
taxonomy of the black rat is currently
under investigation by the South
Australian Museum. Recent research
suggests that the Asiatic rat Rattus
tanzumi and black rat R. rattus, which
appear superficially similar, have
coexisted for some time in Australia,
probably in sympatry in some locations.
It is currently unclear which species
occurs at JKCR, and throughout this
document it is assumed that the species
found is R. rattus. The brown rat also
occurs (listed in Eddison (2008) as
resident). Introduced rodent densities
are highest adjacent to areas of human
habitation, campsites, picnic areas or
other disturbances, with the brown rat
largely restricted to this environment. In
intact bushland the native bush rat will
typically outcompete the black rat;
Feral cat. Photo © M. Schulz
however, occasional sightings of black rats in forested areas would be expected. House mice are
likely to occur throughout the reserve under favourable environmental conditions, though will generally
be restricted to the settled areas. It is also possible that the brown hare may occur, as suitable habitat
exists in the cleared areas of the reserve.
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The Vertebrate Fauna of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve