Prior to European pastoral settlement in the semi -arid and arid hinterland of Australia around 140 yearsago, the mitika or burrowing bettong (Bettongia lesueur) had the widest mainland distribution of any ofthe native mammals (Finlayson 1958). The species had virtually disappeared from semi -arid easternAustralia by the end of the 19th century however in central Australia, mitika appeared to have survivedmuch longer and senior Pitjan ja jara can recall hunting them with their parents up until the early1950s. Today, wild populations remain extant only on islands off the NW coast of West Australia.Recent studies in extensive mulga (Acacia aneura) communities across semi -arid Australia haveprovided clear evidence of their past occupation in the form of distinctive warrens characterised bysemi- circular perimeter mounds surrounding a partially exposed `lens' of calcrete. ...
Anderson, L., van Klinken, R. D., and Shepherd, D. (2008). Aerially surveying Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) in the Pilbara. In: 'A Climate of Change in the Rangelands. Proceedings of the 15th Australian Rangeland Society Biennial Conference'. (Ed. D. Orr) 4 pages. (Australian Rangeland Society: Australia).
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.