Activity and movement of small mammal tick hosts at the urban fringes of Sydney, Australia

Context Small mammals may traverse the urban fringe and use both natural anthropogenic resources. In Australia, human commensal black rats (Rattus rattus) native long-nosed bandicoots (Perameles nasuta) are important tick hosts, which can be found persisting at fringe, leading to human–wildlife conflict.Aims We aimed (1) determine relative activity of small in yards associations with yard attributes, (2) compare bushland (3) proportion that crossed fringe. predicted would more active habitats yards.Methods used camera trapping 56 residential yards, 18 were paired adjacent measure mammal two habitats. recorded attributes examined these using generalised linear models. isodar analysis investigate rat preferences habitat compared we Rhodamine B baiting movement fringe.Key results most detected than other mammals, followed by bandicoots. Black was greater bushland, but no associated bandicoot activity. Overall, tended higher locations.Conclusions Our findings suggest likely provide high-quality resources for Low rates (6%), a preference low densities suggests synanthropic rather commensal, occupying an niche not depending on as expected.Implications Residential properties located exposed increased yards. Future work should consider how introduced controlled assist control efforts avoid non-target impacts. persistence environments.