Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 7.2:
Farms which are highly modified are more likely to support larger populations of the Eastern
Brown Snake. (Photo by Suzi Bond)
are not particularly welcomed by landholders, like the Eastern Brown Snake, are
less likely to occur on heterogeneous farms and appear to be more common in
areas which are highly cultivated, that is, where paddock trees, native pastures and
patches of remnant woodland have been removed. Highly modified farms are also
more likely to support populations of the introduced House Mouse, a favoured
prey item of the Eastern Brown Snake.
The characteristics of farms are important not only for birds and reptiles, but
also for mammals. For example, we have found that the Common Ringtail Possum
responds strongly to particular attributes of farms which we have yet to clearly
elucidate.
2
We have been able to identify 'good' and 'poor' farms for possums but
not the reasons underlying these effects. It seems likely, however, that farm-level
practices, like excluding widespread firewood removal, benefit animals such as the
Common Ringtail Possum.
Conserving biodiversity on farms - impediment or opportunity?
Some people in the Australian community consider conserving biodiversity to be
an impediment to doing business - something that gets in the way of making
money and getting on with agricultural production. There is another perspective
