based on genetic/taxonomic distinctiveness (notably for the subspecies endemic to the Tiwi Islands), relative population size and trends, geographic representation and degree of conservation security. Given the near pervasive decline of this species, and the limited number of known subpopulations, all extant subpopulations are considered important for the long-term recovery or survival of the species, and areas of recent extirpation may be important for should the critical threats be managed more successfully. Table 1. Extant and recently extirpated subpopulations of brush-tailed rabbit-rats, in priority order. location Tenure significance population size population trends Tiwi Aboriginal land probably largest no overall estimate, Melville Islands remaining but locally abundant declining; (Bathurst, subpopulation; (and abundance compared to Melville) endemic subspecies; indices available 2002 but still in isolation may give from >300 quadrats) relatively high some greater security numbers (Davies in prep.). Bathurst persisting; trend unknown but present from surveys in 2014 (DENR unpublished) North Mix of Aboriginal North Kimberley is relatively few Populations Kimberley land and National recognised as a refuge records and appear to be Park for declining north locations, suggesting stable (though Australian mammals; low population; fluctuating) conservation reserve surveys from 2011 during the to 2016 showed survey period local areas of high from 2011 to abundance (Mitchell 2016 (see Fig. 6 Plateau & Prince & 7). Regent NP) Cobourg Aboriginal land, largest mainland no overall estimate, Declined Peninsula managed as subpopulation; but can be locally between 2004 Gunak Barlu conservation reserve; abundant (and and 2005; National Park type locality abundance indices appears to be available from >100 stable at low quadrats) numbers Groote Aboriginal land, IPA; isolation may give recent camera Unknown; Eylandt managed as some greater security trapping (2016) knowledge on Anindilyakwa study shows distribution has Indigenous rats present in four increased with Protected Area woodland areas, targeted survey including a (J. Heiniger pers significant location comm 2016) not previous recorded
based on genetic/taxonomic distinctiveness (notably for the subspecies endemic to the Tiwi Islands), relative population size and trends, geographic representation and degree of conservation security. Given the near pervasive decline of this species, and the limited number of known subpopulations, all extant subpopulations are considered important for the long-term recovery or survival of the species, and areas of recent extirpation may be important for should the critical threats be managed more successfully. Table 1. Extant and recently extirpated subpopulations of brush-tailed rabbit-rats, in priority order. location Tenure significance population size population trends Tiwi Islands (Bathurst, Melville) Aboriginal land probably largest remaining subpopulation; endemic subspecies; isolation may give some greater security no overall estimate, but locally abundant (and abundance indices available from >300 quadrats) Melville declining; compared to 2002 but still in relatively high numbers (Davies in prep.). Bathurst persisting; trend unknown but present from surveys in 2014 (DENR unpublished) North Kimberley Mix of Aboriginal land and National Park North Kimberley is recognised as a refuge for declining north Australian mammals; conservation reserve relatively few records and locations, suggesting low population; surveys from 2011 to 2016 showed local areas of high abundance (Mitchell Plateau & Prince Regent NP) Populations appear to be stable (though fluctuating) during the survey period from 2011 to 2016 (see Fig. 6 & 7). Cobourg Peninsula Aboriginal land, managed as Gunak Barlu National Park largest mainland subpopulation; conservation reserve; type locality no overall estimate, but can be locally abundant (and abundance indices available from >100 quadrats) Declined between 2004 and 2005; appears to be stable at low numbers Groote Eylandt Aboriginal land, managed as Anindilyakwa Indigenous Protected Area IPA; isolation may give some greater security recent camera trapping (2016) study shows present in four woodland areas, including a significant location not previous recorded Unknown; knowledge on distribution has increased with targeted survey (J. Heiniger pers comm 2016) rats