Distribution and habitat requirements of the Yellow-Footed Antechinus Antechinus flavipes at multiple scales: a review

This review synthesises present knowledge of the distribution patterns and habitat requirements of the Yellow-footed Antechinus<i> Antechinus flavipes</i>. Factors influencing the distribution of <i>A. flavipes</i> are examined at several spatial scales ranging from the broad climatic conditions prevalent over the species’ entire range to the characteristics of nest sites used by individual animals. Analysis of the literature suggests that: 1) at the broad-scale, <i>A.</i> <i>flavipes</i> distribution is largely determined by warm, dry climatic conditions, the distribution of dry forests and woodlands and competition with closely related species; 2) at the landscape-scale the determinants of <i>A. flavipes</i> distribution are largely unknown, although initial investigations suggest some tolerance of fragmented landscapes; and 3) at a local-scale the distribution of <i>A. flavipes</i> is largely determined by the presence of large diameter trees, tree hollows, coarse woody debris, rocky crevices and leaf-litter. Directions for future research are suggested throughout the review. <br>