Untangling the influences of fire, habitat and introduced predators on the endangered heath mouse

Globally, species extinctions are driven by multiple interacting factors including altered fire regimes and introduced predators. In flammable ecosystems, there is great potential to use for animal conservation, however most fire-based conservation strategies do not explicitly consider factors. this study, we sought understand the interrelationships between endangered heath mouse Pseudomys shortridgei, fire, resource availability fox Vulpes vulpes in southeast Australia. We predicted that heath-mouse relative abundance would respond indirectly post-fire age class (recently burnt; 0–3 years since early; 4–9 years, mid; 10–33 late; 34–79 years) via mediating effects of resources (shrub cover plant-group diversity) abundance. used structural equation modelling determine strength hypothesized pathways variables, mediation analysis detect indirect effects. Both shrubs (0–50 cm from ground) were associated with class. Shrub was highest 0–9 after while recently burnt vegetation (0–3 fire). Heath mice positively correlated shrub diversity, negatively did a direct relationship class, but they its influence on both Our findings suggest will benefit regime promoting dense regeneration combination predator control. Understanding animals may help identify complementary management practices can be applied concurrently vulnerable species. Analytical frameworks include drivers recognize assist conservation.