Más de 10.000 trampas revelan sólo 1 pookila en el sureste de Queensland

Over 10,000 traps were deployed during a three-year survey in southeast Queensland in an effort to locate the elusive pookila, a small native mouse. Despite extensive efforts, only one individual was captured. This finding highlights a concerning decline in the species’ presence in the region. The survey took place in areas west of Brisbane, focusing on seven locations where pookila had previously been recorded. Researchers spent up to five nights at each site, setting and checking traps regularly throughout the 31-month study. Each day began before dawn, with teams preparing traps filled with peanut butter balls to attract small mammals. They carefully placed the traps in suitable habitats, often covered with leaf litter to mimic natural conditions. The team encountered various native rodent species, such as the eastern chestnut mouse, but the focus remained on locating the pookila. Despite favorable conditions on some days, others saw no signs of activity. Weather varied widely, ranging from sunny afternoons to torrential rains, which occasionally forced researchers to retreat to their tents, drenched and fatigued. Some days yielded multiple captures, while others brought nothing but frustration. Possums proved to be persistent thieves, frequently stealing peanut butter balls from the traps. These incidents, though frustrating, added a touch of humor to the otherwise challenging work. The researchers maintained a consistent routine, repeating the trapping process daily, hoping to uncover more evidence of the pookila’s presence. Despite the rigorous effort, only a single pookila was captured during the entire study. This low number raises questions about the current status of the species in Queensland. Historical records indicate that since 1996, approximately 125 pookila have been captured in the state, suggesting a possible decline in population over time. Without sufficient data, it is difficult to determine the exact trajectory of the species’ survival. The pookila, also known as the New Holland mouse, is a small rodent measuring roughly the size of a small chocolate bar and weighing less than 20 grams. It inhabits forested areas and spends its nights foraging for seeds and fungi, retreating to burrows during the day. While the species is found along the east coast of Australia, from Queensland to Tasmania, its distribution in Queensland remains poorly understood. Environmental pressures, including habitat loss, climate change, and predation, threaten the pookila’s survival. Similar challenges affect populations further south, leading to localized declines and even extinctions. The findings from this survey suggest that the pookila may be experiencing similar issues in Queensland, potentially making them increasingly rare or altering their range. Researchers emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring to better understand population trends and assess the impact of environmental changes. Future resurveys of the study sites and additional locations across Queensland could provide valuable insights into the species’ status. Capturing more individuals would allow for genetic analysis and behavioral studies, contributing to conservation strategies aimed at protecting the pookila.