Ecological history can inform current conservation actions: lessons from an Australian rodent

Context Many Australian terrestrial mammal species occupy relictual distributions that represent only a small proportion of their original distribution and habitat breadth.Aim To illustrate how examination of the historical records of a taxon, and their interpretation in an ecological context, can benefit conservation programs by counteracting the pervasive effects of generational memory loss (recency bias) and shifting baselines.Methods Historical records including recent detailed mapping of the routes used by two European exploration parties in the mid-19th century, were used to investigate and interpret the localities and environments previously occupied by Mitchell's Hopping Mouse (Notomys mitchellii).Key results In south-eastern Australia, the current realised niche of Mitchell's Hopping Mouse is a subset of the historical niche occupied in the mid-1800s. It formerly occurred in two bioregions and four sub-regions that are currently not known to support the species. Understanding these contractions is important in developing the full range of conservation strategies for the species.Conclusions This case study provides a valuable example of the potential effects of recency bias; for example, the tendency to focus conservation actions within the current realised niche and neglect consideration of other potential sites and habitats. Not recognising such distortions may restrict consideration of the full range of options for conservation strategies and actions.Implications Understanding the ecological history of a taxon has potential to play an important role in species conservation programs and should be a priority early in the development of conservation plans. Recent mapping of the activities of two European exploration parties in south-eastern Australia in the mid-19th century has provided greater detail about the collection localities of some important fauna specimens. Using Mitchell's Hopping Mouse as a case study, this refined information about the breadth of the historical niche was compared with the current distribution and habitat (contemporary niche). The results suggest a greater range of conservation sites and actions for the species in south-eastern Australia.