Broad-toothed Rat Mastacomys fuscus distribution in Buccleuch, Bago and Maragle State Forests, NSW

Buccleuch, Bago and Maragle State Forests were surveyed for the broad-toothed rat Mastacomys fuscus as part of a strategic survey program for threatened species. Wetlands were surveyed for broad-toothed rats during summer-autumn 2003 and summer-autumn 2004. Broad-toothed rats were recorded from 15 of the 50 sites surveyed in Buccleuch, 9 of 34 sites in Bago and eight of eight sites surveyed in Maragle. Grazing, particularly by feral horses, appeared to be a major factor in the absence of broad-toothed rats from a number of sites. Drainage of large sites, with the associated changes in vegetation was also recorded from several sites.