Abstract
Background/question/methods: Two translocated populations of golden bandicoots (Isoodon auratus) were monitored following relocation from one island to another and to mainland Australia. We compared skeletal and mass measurements of the new populations to long-term monitoring data from the source populations.
Results/conclusions: Bandicoots born at translocation sites were approximately 130% of the size of founder island population within 18 months of establishment. Translocated males increased in condition and females had a greater reproductive output at both new sites. The time of effectiveness took place in a single generation of at both mainland and island translocation sites, suggesting that the response is not one of evolution by natural selection. We conclude that ‘island dwarfism’ is driven by ecological processes of resource limitation in I. auratus.