The mammals of Northern Melanesia: biogeography, systematics and ecology

Abstract

Northern Melanesia's mammals are poorly known, and perceived deficiencies in faunal records and taxonomic descriptions have, until now, hindered detailed analyses. I examined aspects of biogeogra- phy, systematics and ecology in the region's mammalian faunas. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to test for differences in rates of persistence in four orders of mammal on continental shelf islands. Ochiai and endemism indices were used to delineate regions of high endemism and influential biogeo- graphic boundaries. A non-parametric multivariate regression tree and GLMs were used to identify the influences of abiotic variables on mammalian species richness. Genetic sequencing, microsatellite geno- typing, morphological and ecological data were used to determine evolutionary relationships among the widespread insectivorous bat family, Hipposideridae. Northern Melanesia’s islands support mammalian faunas that reflect the poor over-water dispersal abilities of non-volant mammals; lower rates of long- term persistence in dasyuromorphs and diprotodonts; pronounced diversification of the Family Pteropodi- dae; and comparative lack of speciation in insectivorous bat families. Analyses produced a clear hierar- chical classification of Northern Melanesia’s islands based on their physical attributes and mammal assem- blages, providing the first empirical analyses of Northern Melanesia’s and New Guinea’s mammalian zoo- geography, and adding to biogeographic theory at both regional and local scales. Keywords.