Mulgara - Threats & Predators
Prior to European Settlement, the Mulgara, along with
other Dasyurids, were apparently quite abundant according to examination
of skeletal remains in caves.
However, subsequent to European Settlement,
population numbers have shown a marked decline across most of its
habitat, although the Northern territory seems to be still a stronghold.
The exact causes for this decline are unsure, but it
would seem evident that European Settlement with its ensuing
environmental affects would be largely to blame. Habitat range has been
reduced through the encroachment of agriculture, mining and forestry,
and even the expansion of suburbs on the fringes of the Mulgara's range.
Introduced animals also play a part in a number of
ways, both directly and indirectly. Herbivores change the ecosystem by
altering the balance of the floral species and vegetation structure.
Larger animals also compact the soil affecting the growth of the local
flora. This changes the structure of the Spinifex for habitation and
also affect food sources by changing the available floral matter for
possible prey species.
Introduced carnivores upset the balance by predating
on these and other native animals which had previously not had to defend
against such attacks.
However,
research would suggest that the loss of habitat itself is less of a
threat to the Mulgaras, rather the reduction of biomass as a result of
decreased vegetation would have an impact on the available food sources
for the animal.
