Identifying factors that affect species’ distributions in highly modified landscapes, especially threatened species, is a key issue for conservation worldwide. Three types of factors commonly are considered important: the extent and pattern of suitable habitat at a landscape scale; the availability of key resources at a local scale; and interactions with other species. The brush-tailed phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa) has undergone range contractions and regional extinctions in Australia and falls within the critical weight range of mammal species with high risk of decline. Yet, in some regions, it persists despite marked habitat loss and disturbance. We investigated the distribution of the brush-tailed phascogale in a highly modified region in central Victoria where it is a ‘flagship’ for community conservation. At 50 sites, stratified geographically and in relation to topography and surrounding forest cover, we carried out surveys using remotely sensed cameras (in parallel with nest box inspections). We used an occupancy modelling framework and information-theoretic approach to analyse factors influencing detectability and occupancy. The brush-tailed phascogale was widespread, recorded at 84% (42/50) of sites. The environmental space occupied by sites with camera records matched that of nest boxes containing established nests of this species. Detection probability was influenced by survey effort and site-level measures of habitat quality (logs, litter, topographic position) likely reflecting population abundance. Dry forested slopes were favoured compared with gullies. The study area, with its dry forests of rough-barked eucalypts, is a stronghold for this species. The broad distribution of the brush-tailed phascogale in this highly modified region can be attributed to retention of ˜36% regional forest cover and a relatively high level of structural and functional connectivity. In such modified landscapes, complementary actions by land managers to sustain remaining large tracts of forest and also a mosaic of wooded vegetation across the rural landscape will help such species to persist.

中文翻译：

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是什么决定了受威胁物种，刷尾 phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa（有袋动物：Dasyuridae）在高度改造的地区的分布？

确定影响物种在高度变化的景观中分布的因素，尤其是受威胁的物种，是全球保护的一个关键问题。通常认为三类因素很重要：景观尺度上适宜栖息地的范围和模式；本地范围内关键资源的可用性；以及与其他物种的相互作用。刷尾 phascogale ( Phascogale tapoatafa) 在澳大利亚经历了范围缩小和区域灭绝，属于具有高下降风险的哺乳动物物种的临界体重范围。然而，在某些地区，尽管栖息地明显丧失和受到干扰，它仍然存在。我们调查了刷尾 phascogale 在维多利亚州中部一个高度改造的地区的分布，这里是社区保护的“旗舰”。在 50 个地点，根据地理和地形以及周围森林覆盖情况进行分层，我们使用遥感相机进行了调查（与巢箱检查同时进行）。我们使用占用率建模框架和信息论方法来分析影响可检测性和占用率的因素。刷尾 phascogale 很普遍，记录在 84% (42/50) 的地点。有摄像记录的地点占据的环境空间与包含该物种已建巢穴的巢箱的环境空间相匹配。探测概率受调查工作和栖息地质量（原木、枯枝落叶、地形位置）的现场级测量的影响，可能反映了种群丰度。与沟壑相比，干燥的森林斜坡更受欢迎。研究区拥有干燥的粗皮桉树林，是该物种的据点。刷尾 phascogale 在这个高度改造的区域中的广泛分布可归因于约 36% 的区域森林覆盖率的保留以及相对高水平的结构和功能连通性。在如此变幻的风景中，