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Mating system and local dispersal patterns of an endangered potoroid, the northern bettong (Bettongia tropica)

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 16:54 authored by Pope, LC, Vernes, K, Goldizen, AW, Christopher JohnsonChristopher Johnson
The northern bettong (Bettongia tropica) (Potoroidae), is an endangered macropod with a restricted distribution. We combined radio-tracking and trapping data with microsatellite genotypes to infer the mating system and local dispersal patterns of this species, and discuss their relevance to translocations. We defined the mating system as ‘overlap promiscuity’ (sensu Wittenberger 1979), though we cannot rule out serial monogamy. We found significant effects of proximity (average distance between parents = 190 m) and male weight, but not size, on the likelihood of paternity, suggesting that closer, heavier males have greater mating success. The average distance between putative pairs of relatives suggested that most dispersal occurred over short distances, with the distance between ‘related’ females significantly lower than that between related males (0.9 km versus 1.3 km). A spatial autocorrelation analysis showed high female relatedness across distances of up to 435 m, equivalent to half an average home range width. Conversely, male pairs had low relatedness across 0 to 870 m. These results suggested that female young often settle next to their mother, while males avoid nesting within their father’s home range. Both limited natal and ‘mating’ dispersal may have contributed to the strong genetic structure previously reported for this species.

History

Publication title

Australian Journal of Zoology

Volume

60

Issue

4

Pagination

278-287

ISSN

0004-959X

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

CSIRO Publishing

Place of publication

Collingwood, Australia

Rights statement

Journal compilation ? copyright CSIRO 2012

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Assessment and management of freshwater ecosystems

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