Nest use by western pygmy-possums (Cercartetus concinnus) (Marsupialia: Burramyidae) at Innes National Park, South Australia

Abstract

We examined the nest use of 15 radio-tracked western pygmy-possums (Cercartetus concinnus) throughout one year for up to nine nights each at Innes National Park, South Australia. At least one pygmy-possum was followed in each of 12 months. Nest type and nest fidelity varied greatly; shallow burrows under debris were the most frequently used. Nest preferences of females with young remain unknown. The ability of C. concinnus to use a diversity of nest types over relatively short periods is likely to be an important survival strategy.