The diet of the yellow-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus) and dietary overlap with sympatric herbivores in semi-arid South Australia
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Context The yellow-footed rock-wallaby (YFRW; Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus) is found in rocky ranges, gorges and isolated rocky outcrops in semi-arid South Australia and western New South Wales, regions likely to be affected by vegetation changes induced by climate change. Aims This study examined the diet of YFRWs and two sympatric herbivores (the feral goat, Capra hircus, and the euro, Osphranter robustus erubescens) in two different habitat types: steep, highly connected mountain range habitat, and a low, isolated outcrop habitat. Methods Plant DNA was extracted from scat samples (n = 170) collected across multiple time points in 2020–2022 at Italowie Gap (steep, connected habitat) and Bimba Hill (low, isolated habitat). Plant DNA was genetically sequenced using hybridisation capture with custom myBaits®. Key results The number of plants in the diet of YFRWs varied between sites and with season, with 86 plant species detected at Italowie Gap, 76 at Bimba Hill and 47 species synonymous at both sites. Dietary diversity was commonly related to season at both sites, with plant diversity increasing during dry times. The number of shrubs detected also increased during dry periods at both sites, decreasing during more favourable conditions. Dietary overlap between YFRWs, feral goats and euros was evident throughout, and pronounced at both sites during dry conditions. Conclusions YFRWs are currently resilient to dry times and drought through an ability to alter dietary diversity; however, our data suggest that competition for food resources from both feral goats and euros is heightened during and following unfavourable conditions (i.e. drought, low rainfall periods). Implications Critically, long-term monitoring of YFRW diet is required to determine how diet selection changes with the progression of climate change. Additionally, the continued control of competitor species is required to ensure future persistence of the YFRWs in these regions.
Source: Wildlife Research
DOI: 10.1071/wr25017
Authors: Lauren Elizabeth Werner, Shannon Leilani Kleemann, Korjent Van Dijk, Edward Biffin, Michelle Waycott, David Augustine Taggart
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7106703598