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A reduction in vegetation cover by exotic herbivores, primarily sheep and rabbits has been attributed to the decline of many small mammals in the semi-arid and arid regions. A recently reintroduced colony of the endangered greater stick-nest rat (Leporillus conditor) was studied at the 14 km2 Arid Recovery Project enclosed reserve, Roxby Downs, South Australia, from April - October 1999. The aim was to determine the habitat preferences of the species in relation to available floristic and structural habitat attributes. Nest sites were located with the aid of radiotelemetry.
Location of nest sites showed that floristic association preferences were correlated with the presence of species that provide preferred structural characteristics. Eragrostis setifolia - Maireana aphylla shrublands were found to be strongly preferred. Maireana aphylla was strongly selected for nesting purposes and is the most structurally compact species available in the study area, having a very dense structure from ground level to a minimum height of 40 cm. The study highlighted the importance of vegetation cover to the species during re-introduction programs, particularly in the arid regions where there is dispersed nature of suitable shelter.