As the western ringtail possum is a relatively elusive species and is difficult to trap or detect at low numbers there are several areas where knowledge of the abundance and distribution of is lacking. A full understanding of the distribution of the species including low density populations and reasonable measures of population size will enable a more accurate assessment of the species conservation status and provide data and information to determine status and trends. This information can then be used to evaluate management effectiveness and ensure that decisions and strategies are evidence-based. Action Description Swan Southern South Performance Criteria Responsibility Coastal Forest Coast Plain Zone Priority Zone Priority Priority Develop consistent and reliable protocols for 1 1 1 Monitoring protocols are developed to DPaW, monitoring population size, extent and area of evaluate population changes over time. Researchers occupancy to ensure that data are comparable Consultants over time, while noting that different areas may require different techniques. Standardise monitoring protocols for other 1 1 1 Monitoring protocols are developed for DPaW variables known, or suspected, to influence influencing factors. western ringtail possums such as brushtail possum density, predator density, climatic variables, site productivity and habitat condition, quality and variability. Establish a long-term monitoring and 1 1 1 Monitoring, evaluation and reporting DPaW evaluation program to detect population program established that can reliably changes, within defined detect rates and magnitudes of population change. Develop information management system for 1 1 1 Information management system used to DPaW storing, retrieving and analysing data, including store, retrieve and analyse data as per recording absences and survey effort. monitoring protocols.
As the western ringtail possum is a relatively elusive species and is difficult to trap or detect at low numbers there are several areas where knowledge of the abundance and distribution of is lacking. A full understanding of the distribution of the species including low density populations and reasonable measures of population size will enable a more accurate assessment of the species conservation status and provide data and information to determine status and trends. This information can then be used to evaluate management effectiveness and ensure that decisions and strategies are evidence-based. Action Description Swan Coastal Plain Zone Priority Southern Forest Zone Priority South Coast Priority Performance Criteria Responsibility Develop consistent and reliable protocols for monitoring population size, extent and area of occupancy to ensure that data are comparable over time, while noting that different areas may require different techniques. 1 1 1 Monitoring protocols are developed to evaluate population changes over time. DPaW, Researchers Consultants Standardise monitoring protocols for other variables known, or suspected, to influence western ringtail possums such as brushtail possum density, predator density, climatic variables, site productivity and habitat condition, quality and variability. 1 1 1 Monitoring protocols are developed for influencing factors. DPaW Establish a long-term monitoring and evaluation program to detect population changes, within defined 1 1 1 Monitoring, evaluation and reporting program established that can reliably detect rates and magnitudes of population change. DPaW Develop information management system for storing, retrieving and analysing data, including recording absences and survey effort. 1 1 1 Information management system used to store, retrieve and analyse data as per monitoring protocols. DPaW
recovery-plan-western-ringtail-possum.docx