bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproduction in captive and wild dingoes (Canis familiaris dingo) in temperate and arid environments of Australia
Authors: Catling PC , Corbett LK , Newsome AE
Published: June 2005

The dingo (Canis familiaris dingo) had one breeding period per year. Most matings took place in
April/May and most births in June/July. All males in their first year exhibited a testis response similar
to that in older males, but the peak in that response was reached two months later and the prostate
reached only half the weight of the prostate of old males. Some older females did not produce young
and only a small percentage of females bred in their first year. Crossbreed canids [dingo xferal dog
(Canis familiaris familiaris)] did not follow the same reproductive pattern as the dingo. Several testis
parameters did not show the marked seasonal variation seen in the dingo. Also, crossbreeds had larger
litters than dingoes and some bred throughout the year. A major difference in reproductive response
was detected between flush and drought periods in arid central Australia. Males and females responded
one month later during drought periods. During drought, fewer older females and no first-year females
bred and males demonstrated a reduced and delayed reproductive response. Social constraints on
reproduction have been shown in young dingoes, but in this study a lack of food due to drought may
have had a greater influence.
Evaluating Odour Attractants for Control of Wild Dogs.
Authors: Mitchell J , Kelly A
Published: June 2005

Attractants (odours) were assessed for their ability to attract wild dogs (dingoes, feral dogs or their
hybrids) in field trials over three levels of population density and four life-cycle behaviour 'seasons'.
Visitation rates and the elicited behaviour responses were recorded for eight attractant formulations.
Population density exhibited no reliable effect on odour attractiveness. Seasonal factors were shown to
influence the attractiveness of specific attractants. The combination of attractiveness and the correct
behavioural response towards specific odour-based control devices are discussed.
A study of the home ranges, movements and behaviour of the feral cat population at Avonmouth Docks
Authors: Page RJC , Ross J , Bennet DH
Published: June 2005

The feral cat population at a 178-ha dockland site was studied for 18 months by direct observation
assisted by radio-tracking. Although food appeared to be abundant and widely distributed, the
population density was low (10-15 adults km-2). There were few females in the population (7 of
22 cats of known sex) and little breeding success: only one weaned litter was seen during the entire
study. Home range sizes were similar for males and females, and were much smaller (15 +/- 17 ha and
10+/-7 ha, respectively) than would be expected from the low density. The cats were mostly solitary
rather than group-living, with little contact or social interaction. The implications of the findings for
feral cat control are discussed, with particular emphasis on emergency measures for rabies outbreaks.
DNA profilinf of Queensland Koalas reveals sufficient variability for individual identification and parentage determination.
Authors: Cocciolone RA , Timms P
Published: June 2005

M13 probe was used in combination with the restriction enzymes Msp I and Bam HI to produce
DNA profiles of captive and free-range Queensland koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). The Msp I-M13
combination resulted in profiles with an average of 22 clearly resolvable bands in the 1.5-7.6-kb range.
When seven koalas (part of a 40-animal free-range population) were analysed, they exhibited 8-29%
band polymorphism (average variation of 17%). The Bam HI-MI3 combination produced 28 resolvable
bands with an average of 9% band polymorphism. The Msp I-M13 profiling system was also used to
successfully determine paternity in two family groups. Of the 66 total bands produced when mother,
father and offspring were profiled, 11 were common to all three family members, nine were unique
to the mother and four were unique to the father. However, two maternal-specific and eight paternalspecific
bands were inherited by the offspring. DNA profiling of koalas (at least of those from
Queensland) should prove useful for assessing the degree of inbreeding in captive populations, solving
disputed paternity cases in wildlife poaching, determining the social organisation of free-range koalas,
identifying individual koalas and studying the genetics of the koala throughout its range.
Forage Fibre Analyses: a Comparison of Two Techniques.
Authors: Larter NC
Published: June 2005

Forage fibre content is frequently used as index of forage quality where high fibre content indicates low forage quality. Fibre content is usually estimated by the familiar ADF technique. An alternative method, the acid-pepsin digestibility (AP) technique, provides an estimate of forage digestibility where low digestibility indicates a high fibre content. Fibre content estimates in herbaceous forage (Carex atherodes, C. aquatilis, Phalaris arundinacea, Calamagrostis spp., Agropyron trachycaulum [Elymus trachycaulus] and Hordeum jubatum) were compared by the ADF and AP techniques. There was a strong negative correlation between the fibre content, as determined by ADF, and the digestibility, as determined by AP, in a wide variety of herbaceous forages. This suggests that both techniques provide a very similar estimate of forage quality in herbaceous forages. Contrastingly, a similar analysis on Salix spp. and lichen showed a poor correlation between techniques, suggesting dissimilar estimates of fibre content of these forages.
Distribution of mammals in monsoon rainforests of the Northern Territory
Authors: Menkhorst KA , Woinarski JCZ
Published: June 2005

The mammal fauna of 50 patches of monsoon rainforest in the Northern Territory, Australia, was
surveyed. No mammal species is restricted to this habitat, and most of the region's marnmal fauna uses
it at least occasionally. Mammal species composition within monsoon rainforests undergoes substantial
variation along an extensive environmental gradient reflecting moisture condition and rockiness. For
most mammal species, variation in abundance among patches was related more to the position of the
patch on this environmental gradient than to patch size or extent of disturbance. Disturbance was
positively correlated with the richness and abundance in quadrats of three taxonomic groupingsrodents,
'other' native species, and all native species (other than bats)-and negatively correlated with
richness and abundance of macropods.
Compared with surrounding (open forest and savanna woodland) vegetation, monsoon rainforests
have few grazing herbivores and small granivorous rodents, but more species that eat fleshy fruits and
seeds from woody plants. The mammal fauna of monsoon rainforests in the Northern Territory is
similar to that of monsoon rainforests of the Kimberley (to the west) but unlike that of wet tropical
rainforests in Cape York (to the east). These differences, and the current impoverishment of the
mammal fauna of the Northern Territory monsoon rainforest, are attributable to historical processes
and the current small area of this highly fragmented monsoon rainforest estate. Three bat species may
be important for pollination and dispersal of monsoon rainforest plants.
Helminth parasite communities of macropodoid marsupials of the genera Hypsiprymnodon, Aepyprmnus, Thylogale, Onychogalea, Lagorchestes and Dendrolagus from Queensland
Authors: Beveridge I , Speare R , Johnson PM , Spratt DM
Published: June 2005

Helminth parasites were examined from 4 Hypsiprymnodon moschatus, 18 Aepyprymnus rufescens,
13 Thylogale stigmatica, 13 Onychogalea unguifera, 2 0. fraenata, 8 Lagorchestes conspicillatus and
7 Dendrolagus lumholtzi from north and central Queensland. In all, 63 species of nematodes, ten species
of cestodes and a single species of trematode were encountered. Helminth communities in H. moschatus
and A. rufescens were characterised by few, highly specific parasites; D. lumholtzi similarly harboured
few parasites; those of Onychogalea spp. and L. conspicillatus were more diverse and included a number
of taxa shared with other macropodine hosts. The helminth community of T. stigmatica was extremely
diverse and was dominated by helminths specific to Thylogale spp. The helminth communities of the
various host genera showed little similarity to one another, even in the case of host species that were
broadly sympatric. This lack of similarity is probably due to a mixture of factors, some related to host
phylogeny and others ecological, particularly habitat type and feeding behaviour. The data presented
illustrate a wider range of types of helminth communities in macropodoids than reported to date, and
little evidence of exchange of parasites with rock-wallabies, Petrogale spp., examined from the same
regions of Queensland.
Estimating Kangaroo Damage to Winter Wheat Crops in the Bungunya District of Southern Queensland.
Authors: Barnes A , Hill GJE
Published: June 2005

In Bungunya district, on the inland fringe of the winter wheat belt in SE Queensland, 2 approaches to estimate crop losses attributable to eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) were assessed during dry conditions. In 1986, an early-season survey established indices of kangaroo usage and crop damage within 250 m of paddock edges. The relationship between these data and final grain yield suggested a minimum reduction in yield associated with kangaroos of 8% for the district. In 1987, yields from exclusion and open plots were used to obtain a direct estimate of kangaroo-associated yield reductions. These indicated a difference in yield of between 10% and 17% for the study area, although not all of this may be associated with kangaroos. Results suggest significant crop losses attributable to kangaroos. However, because of the nature of the research and the assumptions relied upon, the findings provide a guide to the magnitude of losses rather than highly reliable estimate.
Estimating diet composition of the Australian sea lion (Neophoa cinerea) from scat analysis: an unrliable technique
Authors: Gales NJ , Cheal AJ
Published: June 2005

Knowledge of the diet of the Australian sea-lion (Neophoca cinerea) has been restricted to anecdotal,
qualitative accounts. In this study, we tested the validity of using identifiable prey remains in scats to
quantify the diet of N. cinerea by analysis of scats from free-ranging sea-lions and feeding trials on
captive sea-lions. Identifiable remains in the scats of free-ranging animals occurred infrequently: otoliths
(n = 8) were present in only 9% of scats, cephalopod beaks (n = 23) in only 24% and lobster (Panulirus
cygnus) remains in 7%. These limited data, combined with analysis of contents of five stomachs,
indicated that N. cinerea has a broad diet and feeds on some benthic species. Feeding trials on two
captive sea-lions demonstrated that scats were not representative of the diet. Fewer than 2% of ingested
otoliths (by number) were recovered in scats. Otoliths less than 5 mm long were absent from scats;
recovery of larger otoliths increased with their size. Defaecated otoliths were eroded by at least 28%
(by length) during digestion. Transit of cephalopod mouth parts in two captive animals was variable
(98% and 9% recovery), with only beaks of small cephalopods passing through the pyloric canal.
The complete digestion of otoliths in transit through the gut tract and the variable recovery of
cephalopod beaks indicated that scats cannot be used even for a qualitative description of the diet of
N. cinerea.
Estimation of tag loss in marine turtle research
Authors: Limpus CJ
Published: June 2005

From the results from long-term multiple tagging studies of marine turtles in eastern Australia, the
probability of tag loss was estimated for standard monel and titanium turtle tags applied at different
tagging positions on Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas in nesting and feeding-ground studies. Tag loss
was variable, being a function of tag design, tagging position, species, study type and tag age. Tag
loss was greatest from the more distal tagging positions on the trailing edge of the front flippers.
Rear flipper tags were lost at a higher rate than tags in the axillary-tagging position on the front-flipper.
Tag loss was greater for turtles tagged in nesting studies than in feeding-ground studies. Monel tags,
in general, were lost at a greater rate than titanium tags. There was a species contribution to titanium
tag loss but not to monel tag loss. The probabilities of tag loss calculated for this study can be
used as correction factors for tag loss in those marine-turtle studies where recapture rates have been
measured.
Estimating the home ranges of sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) (Marsupialia: Petauridae), from grid-trapping and radiotelemetry
Authors: Quin DG , Smith AP , Green SW , HInes HB
Published: June 2005

In this study, we examined the number of captures and radio-locations of sugar gliders (Petaurus
breviceps) necessary to give reasonable estimates of home ranges. Using home ranges determined by
radiotelemetry (RTHR) as a standard, we compared nine methods of estimating trap home range (THR)
from grid-based mark-recapture data. Correlation analysis was employed to determine which method
of estimating THR most closely correlated with RTHRs.
A minimum of 12 captures appears to be adequate for reasonable long-term THR estimates derived
from the harmonic mean measure (HMM, 50% isopleth). When RTHRs were estimated by either the
minimum convex polygon method (MCP) or the HMM (95% isopleth) from loci collected every 30min,
a minimum of 36 radio-locations was adequate. Mean RTHR estimates for identical data sets were
53 775m*2 and 35 333m*2 calculated from the MCP and the HMM (95% isopleth) respectively. A
number of methods for analysing grid-trapping data produced THR estimates that were significantly
correlated with RTHR estimates. Correlations were highest when RTHRs were estimated with the
HMM as opposed to the MCP. RTHR estimates derived from the MCP were most strongly correlated
with THR estimates derived by the minimum area method, HMM (50% isopleth) and observed range
circle (r*2>0.48). When RTHR estimates were derived from the HMM (95% isopleth), the same
correlations were higher (r*2>0.88) and THRs estimated by the boundary-strip methods and the
adjusted range circle were also highly correlated (r*2>0.65). The significance of the correlations
suggests that reasonable short-term THR estimates may be obtained from small capture samples by these
above-mentioned methods of calculation. The HMM appeared to exhibit the greatest overall utility, with
both radio-tracking and grid-trapping data. The success of the HMM in describing home range appears
to be in its ability to depict centres of activity. The technique is most appropriate for animals such as
sugar gliders which use concentrated but patchily distributed food resources, and consequently display
uneven patterns of use of space.
The hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, in Queensland: population structure within a southern Great Barrier Reef feeding ground.
Authors: Limpus CJ
Published: June 2005

Hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelys imbricata, live at low density on coral reefs in the southern Great
Barrier Reef. The biomass of the species on Heron Reef was estimated at 0.82 kg ha-1. This is
equivalent to 3.34 turtles km-1. The nesting beaches used by these E. imbricata are unknown.
However, within the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea region, no regular nesting by the species occurs
within 1200 km of these reefal feeding grounds. E. imbricata take up long-term residence in these
feeding grounds at a minimum curved carapace length of 35.0cm. The E. imbricata feeding over these
reefs ranged in size from these small immatures up to adults with curved carapace length of 87.5cm,
but the maturity ratio was very strongly biased toward immatures (maturity ratio=0.01 adults).
The sex ratio of all size classes was significantly skewed in favour of females (2.57 : 1 females : male
overall) while 2% of the turtles were identified as intersex. Growth data from these turtles indicate
that they will be decades old at first breeding.
A key for sexing and assessing reproductive maturity of E. imbricata is provided. Regression
equations for converting between curved carapace length and other standard measures including straight
carapace measures, weight, head length and width and plastron length are described.
Dingoes in North-Western Australia.
Authors: Thomson PC , Rose K , Kok NE
Published: June 2005

This issue comprises 8 papers by P. C. Thomson (some in collaboration with K. Rose and N. E. Kok) on the dingo in North Western Australia. They cover the behavioural ecology including activity patterns, diet, hunting behaviour, social organization, population dynamics, dispersal, age determination and immobilization using darts fired from an aircraft.
The behavioural ecology of dingoes in north-western Australia. III. Hunting and Feeding behaviour, and diet.
Authors: Thomson PC
Published: June 2005

Observations from aerial radio-tracking were used together with analysis of scat and stomach samples
to investigate the feeding ecology of dingoes, Canis familiaris dingo, on the lower Fortescue River in
Western Australia. Between 1977 and 1984, 1948 records of hunting and feeding were obtained, and
352 scats and 119 stomachs were collected. Dingoes preyed predominantly on kangaroos, Macropus
robustus and M. rufus, the most abundant and widely distributed of the larger native mammals in the
area. In one site dingoes partially switched to alternative food (smaller prey and cattle carrion) when
kangaroo abundance declined. However, they continued to hunt and kill kangaroos even when easyto-
obtain cattle carrion was available. The increased utilisation of smaller prey by dingoes coincided with
changes in sociality (disintegration of packs and an increased number of solitary dingoes). In a sheepgrazing
area, sheep were 'easy' prey and dingoes killed sheep and kangaroos in excess of their needs
for food, although kangaroo remained a major component of their diet. Dingoes cooperating in groups
were more successful than solitary dingoes in hunting large prey (kangaroos, calves). Cooperative effort
was not required for dingoes to catch or kill sheep.
The behavioural ecology of dingoes in north-western Australia. IV. Social and spatial organistaion, and movements
Authors: Thomson PC
Published: June 2005

Dingoes, Canis familiaris dingo, were studied on the lower Fortescue River during a period when
minimal natural or artificial disturbances occurred. From 1975 to 1978, 34 radio-collared dingoes were
tracked and observed from aircraft for 2-36 months (mean 11 months). Tracking yielded 9179 daytime
and 2229 night-time locations. In all, 25% of dingoes sighted were alone, 21% were in pairs, and 54%
were in groups of three or more. Most dingoes were members of five discrete packs (mean monthly
pack size 3-12 members) that occupied long-term essentially non-overlapping territories. Territory size
(44.5-113.2km*2) was not correlated with pack size. Between-pack encounters were extremely rare.
Members of packs were most often seen in smaller groups of variable size (mean 2.2, range 1-12);
the largest observed groups of pack members were associated with feeding and hunting activities
involving large prey. Dingoes were most gregarious during the prebreeding season. Lone dingoes (n = 3)
displayed no pack affiliations, occupied large ranges that overlapped the mosaic of pack territories, and
avoided encounters with packs. Dingoes utilised some habitats more heavily than others, with activity
often being centred on riverine areas. The greatest seasonal influence on movement patterns occurred
during the nursing period when breeding females were mostly confined to den areas. Implications for
the control of dingoes, including the strategy of confining control work to buffer zones, are discussed.
The behavioural ecology of dingoes in north-western Australia. V. Population dynamics and variation in the soical system
Authors: Thomson PC , Rose K , Kok NE
Published: June 2005

Between 1975 and 1984, 105 radio-collared dingoes, Canis familiaris dingo, were tracked and observed
from aircraft on the Fortescue River in Western Australia. The majority of dingoes were members
of 18 territorial packs, including four pairs. Five packs were monitored for more than three years.
Most bitches became pregnant, including those 9-10 months old, although not all litters were raised.
Packs raised an average of 1.1 litters per year. Instances of packs raising the litters of two bitches in
a year were recorded. The area (up to 400km*2) was covered initially (1975-78) by a mosaic of stable
pack territories. Little emigration occurred and population density rose to a peak of 22.2 dingoes per
100km*2 in 1978 due to an increase in pack size. Perturbations to the social system, including disintegration
of some packs, an increase in emigration, shifts of pack territories and contraction of
territories into the most favoured areas, coincided with high population density and a reduced food
supply. After aerial baiting in 1980 killed all the dingoes from the study site, immigrants from
surrounding areas established a new population. The increase in density was moderated by the formation
of new pairs or packs that occupied surrounding vacant areas. The dispersal strategy of pack members
was a major factor affecting the population density of dingoes in the study area.
The behavioural ecology of dingoes in north-western Australia. VI. Temporary extraterritorial movements and dispersal
Authors: Thomson PC , Rose K , Kok NE
Published: June 2005

Between 1975 and 1984, 105 radio-collared dingoes, Canis familiaris dingo, were tracked and observed
from aircraft on the Fortescue River in Western Australia. Dingoes maintained strong site fidelity and
seldom travelled far beyond their territories. In total, 81 forays (moves > 2km beyond territory
boundaries) were identified from 6598 independent locations of pack members; 80 were < 10km from
territory boundaries. Forays involved individuals as well as small groups; 68.2% of 22 confirmed
individual forays were made by males. Forays occurred in all seasons and years. Some forays appeared
to be related to subsequent dispersal. A total of 25 dingoes dispersed as solitary individuals. Mean
dispersal distance beyond known pack territories was 20.1km (n = 19, range = 1-184 km). Males tended
to disperse further than females and had a higher incidence of dispersal. Five groups of pack members
and one entire pack also dispersed. The incidence of dispersal was highest when population density
was high and food supply was low. Dispersal was facilitated by the availability of vacant areas.
Humans caused much of the mortality of dispersing dingoes. The patterns of dispersal by individuals
and groups, and the factors that influence them are similar for dingoes and the related canid, the
wolf, Canis lupus. Control work in buffer zones must provide a satisfactory dispersal sink to minimise
the risk of incursions by dingoes into livestock-grazing areas.
Effect of fertility control on a population's productivity
Authors: Caughley G. , Pech R. , Grice D.
Published: June 2005

The effect of a sterilising agent upon the productivity of vertebrate pests, such as feral horses, feral dogs, wild rabbits or fruit-eating birds, depends upon the population's social structure and mating system. We investigated the theoretical effect on productivity of three forms of dominance, two effects of sterilisation on dominance, and four modes of transmission. Seventeen of the possible 24 combinations are feasible but lead to only four possible outcomes. Three of these result in lowered productivity. The fourth, where the breeding of a dominant female suppresses breeding in the subordinate females of her group, leads to a perverse outcome. Productivity increases with sterilisation unless the proportion of females sterilised exceeds (n–2)/(n–1) where n (>2) is the number of females in the group. A knowledge of social structure and mating system is therefore highly desirable before
population control by suppressing female fertility is attempted or even contemplated.
USe of morphometric parameters for the determination of sex of Adelie penguins.
Authors: Kerry KR , Agnew DJ , Clarke JR , Else GD
Published: June 2005

The sex of Addie penguins, Pygoscelis adeliae, may be determined by cloacal examination during the
early part of the breeding season. Later in the season it becomes increasingly difficult to determine the
sex of penguins by this method as the structures used for identification regress. Discriminant analysis
of morphometric characters has been suggested as an alternative. This technique was examined for
breeding birds of known sex near Mawson Station, Antarctica. The sex of 89% of breeding birds
could be correctly determined by comparing the discriminant score D = 0.582 Bl + 1.118 Bd + 0.219Fw,
where Bl is bill length, Bd is bill depth and Fw is flipper width, with a mean discriminant score (MDS)
of 55.39. In all, the sexes of 87% were correctly determined by means of length and depth only
(D=0.601Bl+ 1.154Bd, MDS=44.96). The sex of juvenile birds could not be determined. Determination
of sex by discriminant analysis is shown to give acceptable estimates of morphometric
characters divided by sex where only the mean and variance of these variables but not the sexual
identity of individual birds is required. Where absolute accuracy in sex determination is required,
80% of the birds in our samples would have to be discarded to be 90% confident of the sex of the
remainder.
Feral Cats (Felis Catus L.) On New Zealand Farmland. Ii. Seasonal Activity.
Authors: Langham NPE
Published: June 2005

The activity patterns of a resident population of 15 feral cats (Felis catus L.) on New Zealand farmland
were investigated from March 1984 until February 1987 by radiotelemetry. Females could be
divided into two separate groups: (1) those denning in barns and (2) those denning in the swamp and
willows. Females denning in barns were mainly nocturnal except in spring and summer when rearing
kittens. Barn cats moved significantly further between dusk and dawn, except in autumn-winter,
than those denning in swamp and willows which were active over 24 h. When not breeding, related
females occupied the same barn. In both groups, the home range of female relatives overlapped.
Males ranged over all habitats, and dominant adult males moved significantly further and had larger
home ranges than other males in all seasons, except in summer when they rested, avoiding hot summer
days. Only adult males were active during the day in spring and autumn-winter. The importance of a
Zeitgeber in synchronising cat activity with that of the prey is examined. The significance of female
den site is discussed in relation to proximity of food, predators, social behaviour and male defence.
Habitat requirements of the spectacled hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes conspicillatus) in the Northern Territory and Western Australia
Authors: Ingleby S , Westoby M
Published: June 2005

Fourteen sites occupied by Lagorchestes conspicillatus in the Northern Territory were examined from
July to September 1986. The abundance of possible food items at each site was estimated by measuring
the percentage cover of herbs, grasses and shrubs with foliage below one metre. Also recorded was
the abundance of potential shelters, including grass tussocks, spinifex hummocks (Plectrachne and
Triodia spp.) and low shrubs and trees. All sites possessed trees (more than 10 per ha) and shrubs
(more than 5 per ha) together with more than 0.5% cover of green grass foliage.
A model of suitable habitat was constructed using the 1986 results, and this was tested within the
species' range in the Pilbara, Western Australia, and near Daly Waters in the Northern Territory in
1987. The abundance of L. conspicillatus was scored at control sites (sites with all features considered
essential on the basis of 1986 data) and test sites (sites lacking 1-2 'essential' features). These data
indicated that L, conspicillatus can occur at sites with as little as 0.2% cover of green grass provided
there is more than 1.5% herb cover. Sites with no green grass (less than 0.2%) were usually not
occupied. All sites occupied by L. conspicillatus had potentially suitable shelters, either shrubs, grass
tussocks or spinifex hummocks within 50m of the feeding areas.
Diet selection by L. conspicillatus during the 1986 and 1987 dry seasons was as follows: (a) herbs
were eaten in preference to other food items except certain seeds; (b) grass formed at least 10% of
faecal contents irrespective of herb cover; and (c) at sites with less than 0.5% herb cover the levels of
grass in the faeces increased to compensate for the low availability of herbs.
The effects of season, sex and habitat on the diet of the mountain pygmy-possum (Burramys parvus)
Authors: Smith AP , Broome L
Published: June 2005

The mountain pygmy-possum (Burramys parvus) is a rare marsupial (approximately 2300 individuals)
with a restricted distribution (10 km*3 confined to isolated patches of heath in the Australian Alps
that are vulnerable to clearing and modification for ski-run development. In Mt Kosciusko National
Park the diet of Burramys averaged 71% arthropods, 27% seeds and berries, and 2% other material.
The diversity of arthropod prey was low and dominated by a single species, Agrotis infusa (the Bogong
moth). The diversity of seed and berry intake was high (8 species) and dominated by the seed and fruit
of Podocarpus lawrencei (8%) and fruit of Leucopogon montanus. The relative proportion of arthropod
to seed and berry in the diet changed significantly with sex, age, reproductive state, body weight,
season, elevation and habitat (Podocarpus lawrencei cover, boulder cover and moth abundance).
Females had a higher intake of arthropod than males in all seasons and locations. This result is
consistent with their higher protein requirement for reproduction and the need to ensure that young
grow rapidly enough to gain sufficient weight to survive their first winter in hibernation. Patterns of
spatial and seasonal variation in food availability explain the unique patterns of sexual segregation and
daily and/or seasonal migration exhibited by Burramys. Nightly or seasonal movement is necessary to
optimise exploitation of Bogong moths on high-elevation peaks in summer and seeds and berries in
lower-elevation heaths during late summer and early autumn. These results signify the importance of
protecting migration corridors along boulder screes, between low- and high-elevation habitats, from
destruction or modification during ski-run development.
New records of the Julia Creek dunnart, Sminthopsis douglasi (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae)
Authors: Woolley PA
Published: June 2005

The Julia Creek dunnart, Sminthopsis douglasi, previously known from only four specimens, the
last of which was collected in 1972, has been found alive. The number of known localities has been
increased from three to eleven, and its range in the 'downs country' of north-west Queensland extended.
Home range, nest use and activity of the Tasmanian bettong, Bettongia gaimardi
Authors: Taylor RJ
Published: June 2005

Home range, nest use and activity of the Tasmanian bettong, Bettongia gaimardi, was investigated in northern Tasmania. During 3-week periods in August and November 1986 and February and May 1987 radio-tracking of six females and three males was undertaken, five of these being tracked in more than one period. Home ranges of males were larger than those of females. There was no indication of any major differences in home-range size or shifts in location of home ranges between seasons. Nightly patterns of movement were essentially random with distances of 500-600 m between half-hourly locations being not uncommon. Males occasionally showed a more regular pattern of movement possibly related to searching for oestrous females. Bettongs became active soon after dark. The number of hours spent active was greatest during May (79% of length of night) and lowest during November (93% of night). Bettongs occasionally rested at night between two bouts of activity. Nests are formed from a hollowed-out bundle of plant material and located under fallen trees, shrubs or logs, or under low shrubs or clumps of ground vegetation such as Lomandra. Individuals used 3-6 nests per 3-week tracking period. Nests were usually only used consecutively for one or two nights, and different nests were used to different extents. A different set of nests tended to be used in different months. Nests showed some tendency to be located at one end of the home range. Nesting areas used by different individuals overlapped.
Reproduction of the spectacled hare-wallaby, Lagorchestes conspicillatus Gould (Marsupialia: Macropodidae), in captivity, with age estimation of the pouch young
Authors: Johnson PM
Published: June 2005

Lagorchestes conspicillatus has a widespread distribution across northern Australia. Observations were
made on reproduction in captive animals and a key produced for age determination of pouch young.
Females commence breeding at about one year of age and males when slightly older. Reproduction
in this species involved an oestrous cycle of 30 days, a gestation period of 29-31 days and a mean
pouch life of 152 days. A postpartum oestrus and mating following a birth was the normal pattern
of reproduction.
Use of heterogeneous habitat by the western grey kangaroo, Macropus fuliginosus
Authors: Coulson G
Published: June 2005

The western grey kangaroo, Macropus fuliginosus, typically occurs at highest population densities
in areas of greatest habitat heterogeneity. Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, in semiarid north-western
Victoria, supports a relatively high density of this species, and has a mosaic of four major vegetation
associations: mallee, woodland, lake bed and grassland. The patterns of habitat use by western grey
kangaroos at Hattah-Kulkyne were examined from March 1983 until May 1985 using line-transect
surveys to estimate population density in each habitat, and radio-tracking to estimate home range.
The population was not dispersed randomly, but generally exhibited either positive or negative
preferences for each of the four habitats in early morning and at midday, and on different bimonthly
surveys. These preferences often reversed between times of day and between surveys. Home ranges of
individuals ranged from 221 to 459 ha (asymptotic MAP[O.95] estimates), each encompassing three
or four habitat types, and there was extensive spatial and temporal overlap between individuals.
Kangaroos at Hattah-Kulkyne thus alternated between adjacent habitats that offered a range of forage
conditions and shelter.
Low genetic diversity and inbreeding depression in Queensland Koalas
Authors: Wilmer JMW , Melzer A , Carrick F , Moritz C
Published: June 2005

The amount of genetic variation in two natural populations of Queensland koalas (Phascolarctos
cinereus adustus) was assessed by analysis of mitochondrial DNA. Levels and any adverse effects of
inbreeding (inbreeding depression) were estimated from the pedigree of a well-characterised captive
colony. Genetic diversity of mitochondrial DNA was found to be exceedingly low both within and
between the two populations, but the variation detected was found to be strongly structured geographically.
Inbreeding levels in the captive colony were moderate to high yet the only apparent
evidence of inbreeding depression was a male-biased sex ratio. There was no evidence for decreased
juvenile survivorship or growth rate with inbreeding. Because of the limited data it would be premature
to conclude that koalas are relatively resistant to the effects of inbreeding. However, we suggest the
hypothesis that koalas have a history of small population size, resulting in reduced susceptibility to
inbreeding depression.
A drive fence for capturing small forest-dwelling macropods
Authors: Vernes K
Published: June 2005

A technique using a combination of wire cage traps and a drive fence for capturing small forest-dwelling
macropods is described. The fence is positioned inside a forest/pasture boundary, and the traps are set
along the fence. Grazing macropods are chased off the pasture, along the fence and into the traps.
This technique is recommended for small forest-dwelling macropods that are difficult to catch by
conventional methods.
Methods for population control within a silver gull colony.
Authors: Smith GC , Carlile N
Published: June 2005

Silver gulls can threaten the welfare of humans and other wildlife. Current superabundant gull numbers
should be managed to reduce this risk. Denying gulls access to food at artificial sites, combined
with direct population control, may reduce silver gull numbers in the long term. Control measures
implemented at gull colonies overseas were trialled. Human disturbance in the colony associated with
routine visits to study plots led to reduced nesting density. Egg-pricking reduced nesting success; it did
not induce adults to incubate for extended periods even though gulls were recorded sitting on nonviable
(although not pricked) eggs for up to 76 days. Removal of eggs from nests within experimental
plots did not affect overall nesting success for these plots. Habitat modification, by mowing of long
grass at the colony site prior to the commencement of breeding, decreased both the density of nests in
mowed areas and nesting success. Selective culling of breeding adults from experimental plots was
effective in reducing population size immediately and suppressed nesting by other individuals that
attempted to breed later in the breeding season. The combination of habitat modification, culling and
human disturbance reduced breeding success at colonies.
The behavioural ecology of Varanus caudolineatus (Reptilia : Varanidae)
Authors: Thompson G
Published: June 2005

Eleven Varanus caudolineatus, a small Western Australian varanid, were tracked for up to 18 days by
means of a radioactive tracer (22*Na). The lizards foraged extensively on the ground and used trees as
a safe refuge when resting. They were found most frequently in hollows of dead, standing trees, but
they were also found in live trees, and in dead trees and stumps lying on the ground. Upon release
after capture the lizards moved up to 159m, remaining in one tree for 1-15 days (mean 2.93 days)
before moving a mean distance of 33.9m to another tree or a pit-trap. Most of the foraging activity
occurred in late morning or early afternoon, when the ambient temperatures were near their peak.
The movement of lizards from 'resident' trees was significantly positively correlated with daily maximum
temperatures (30-45.5 degrees C).
Use of roadside remnants of softwood scrub vegetation by birds in south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Leach GJ , Recher HF
Published: June 2005

Birds in roadside and remnant patches of vegetation in the Marburg district of south-eastern Queensland
were studied from November 1989 to February 1990. Effects of the length, width and height of the tree,
shrub and herb layers, and their major components, on the bird community were determined.
In all, 43 species of birds were observed in roadside vegetation; 16 of these were abundant and
widely distributed. Silvereyes were most frequently observed (240 observations), followed by superb
fairy-wrens (59), yellow thornbills (53), double-barred finches (26), red-backed fairy-wrens (25) and
Lewin's honeyeaters (20). Apart from silvereyes (20-654 of observations), and superb fairy-wrens on
two roads (12 and 13%) and yellow thornbills on one (15%), no other species constituted more than
10% of observations on any road. In all, 48 species of birds were observed in remnant patches of
vegetation, 14 in all of them. Rates of detection in remnant patches ranged from 2.7 to 5.3 birds per
5 min compared with a mean maximum rate for roadside vegetation of 1.3.
The richness of the roadside avifauna increased significantly (P=0.001) as the volume (length x
width x height) of the tree component, especially the softwood species, increased. The diversity of tree
species in softwood remnants and the greater canopy density appear to be important factors that
enhance the bird community. The number of birds was also correlated (P=0.05) with the volume of
brigalow, Acacia harpophylla. The correlation of the volume of woody weeddshrubs with the number
of birds was low (P=0.05), and with the number of species not significant, even though woody weeds
were a major component of roadside vegetation.
Although supporting fewer birds than remnant patches of vegetation, roadside vegetation contributes
importantly to conservation of the avifauna in the Marburg district. Some simple management practices,
such as maintaining a minimum width of undisturbed vegetation and retaining vegetation diversity,
would ensure or enhance the long-term conservation benefits. Opportunities to regenerate softwood
remnants could also be taken, particularly to enhance the value, and possibly prolong the life, of the
associated remnants of brigalow.
The Relationship Between Cinnamon Fungus (Phytophthora Cinnamomi) and the Abundance of Antechinus Stuartii (Dasyuridae: Marsupialia) in the Brisbane Ranges, Victoria.
Authors: Newell GR , Wilson BA
Published: June 2005

The Brisbane Ranges include areas of National Park, water catchment and freehold land that have a history of infection with the pathogen P. cinnamomi since the late 1960s. A systematic survey of the small-mammal fauna of the Brisbane Ranges National Park and the Geelong and District Water Board catchments in relation to the pathogen was carried out in 1987. A. stuartii was the only species trapped regularly. The volume of vegetation to a structural level of 60 cm was significantly lower at sites where P. cinnamomi was present. The abundance of A. stuartii was also significantly lower at sites infected with P. cinnamomi, and a significant relationship is shown between the capture rate of A. stuartii and the volume of vegetation present up to 40 cm above ground level. This work indicates a possible association between P. cinnamomi and populations of A. stuartii, and the relationships between the pathogen, habitat quality and small-mammal distribution are discussed. These findings have implications for public land management and management of fauna in areas prone to infection with P. cinnamomi.
Iophenoxic Acid as a Quantitative Bait Marker for Foxes.
Authors: Saunders G , Harris S , Eason CT
Published: June 2005

The potential of iophenoxic acid as a quantitative bait marker for red foxes was investigated. Groups
of adult foxes were administered doses of either 20, 40 or 60mg, representing one, two or three baits.
Baseline concentrations of plasma iodine were compared with samples collected one, three, six and
ten weeks after exposure. Plasma iodine levels were elevated by 7-18 times base-line estimates after
six weeks and had returned to pre-treatment levels in approximately half the foxes by ten weeks.
Application of regression analyses provided a relationship that could be used to estimate the number
of baits eaten from post-exposure plasma iodine levels and the number of weeks after bait was offered.
Home range of male lace monitors, Varanus varius (Reptilia : Varanidae), in south-eastern Australia
Authors: Weavers BW
Published: June 2005

Travelling paths and overnight roosts of the lace monitor, Varanus varius, were recorded by radiotracking
during periods of up to 19 months in lowland open forest of south-eastern Australia. Home
ranges were calculated by four methods: convex polygon (without correction for small sample size),
convex polygon (with correction for small sample size), and two 95% probability ellipses. From field
observations, I conclude that the convex polygon method without correction for sample size provides
the most realistic description of the space used by V. varius. By this method, I calculated a mean
(+/- s.d.) home range of 65 +/- 34 ha for 13 male V. varius (mean mass 5.1kg) that were radio-tracked
for 2-19 months.
Lead concentrations in tissues of fruit bats (Pteropus sp.) in urban and non-urban locations
Authors: Hariono B , Ng J , Sutton RH
Published: June 2005

Lead concentrations were measured in tissues from 37 fruit bats from the Brisbane area and 5 bats
from non-urban areas. On the basis of toxicity levels of 25 ug per g of kidney and 10 ug per g of liver,
11 of the Brisbane bats had concentrations consistent with toxicity. Other Brisbane bats had very high
lead concentrations in bone and teeth. The lead concentrations in the non-urban bats were very low.
Lead concentrations in the fur were variable but were highly correlated with concentrations in bones
and teeth, reflecting long-term exposure to lead. High concentrations of lead were recovered from fur
washings, which correlated very highly with the concentrations in kidney and liver, reflecting more
recent and continuing exposure to lead. The source of the lead was not verified but the atmosphere was
the probable source. Measurement of lead concentrations in the fur and its washings would appear to
provide a means of monitoring lead accumulation in the tissues of fruit bats over both the long and
short term. Such measurements could be valuable in monitoring environmental exposure to lead.
The distributionof terrestrial vertebrates and plants in relation to vegetation and habitat-mapping schemes in Stage III of Kakadu National Park
Authors: Woinarski JCZ , Braithwaite RW
Published: June 2005

The abundance of birds, reptiles and frogs was recorded at 370 quadrats and the abundance of
mammals and the basal area of woody plants was recorded at these and a further 10 quadrats in
Stage I11 of Kakadu National Park. Patterns in the distribution of these species were related to two
environmental mapping schemes. The more specific and localised of these was a 1 : 100 000 habitat
map for Kakadu National Park, established by Schodde et al. (1987), based on environmental
attributes considered to be significant for the distribution of wildlife species: floristics, vegetation
structure, substrate and landscape position. The more generalised scheme was that of Wilson et a[.
(1991), which mapped vegetation communities at a 1:1 000 000 scale across the Northern Territory.
The distributions of assemblages of plant, all vertebrate, bird and reptile species were strongly
associated with the distributions of both Schodde habitats and Wilson vegetation units. The associations
were less good, but still highly significant, for distributions of native mammal and frog assemblages.
Patterns in the similarity of species composition between the different habitats or vegetation units
varied between different animal and plant groups. Similarity in vertebrate species composition was high
between most sandstone habitats. Floristic similarity was high between woodland habitats on different
substrates. Melaleuca open forests were distinct from other vegetation units in their composition of bird,
frog, reptile and plant species. Mammal species composition divided the vegetation units into an upland
rocky group and a lowland group.
The distribution and abundance of most individual animal species were significantly related to the
habitat or floristic unit divisions. This association was clearer for species recorded from at least
20 quadrats than for those recorded from 6-19 quadrats. For the latter group of species, association
was more apparent with the Schodde habitat scheme than with the Wilson vegetation classification.
The proportion of native mammals that showed significant associations with either classification was
smaller than that for birds and reptites.
The generally significant associations between distributions of individual species and the mapping
of defined habitats suggests that the Schodde scheme offers a useful template for predicting species
distributions within Stage 111 of Kakadu. However, the restriction of this habitat mapping to the
Kakadu area renders this scheme inapplicable for the prediction of distributions beyond Kakadu, and
therefore handicaps the assessment of the wildlife value of Kakadu National Park in a regional context.
The Wilson vegetation map can be used to extrapolate distributions beyond Kakadu, but because that
~lassification scheme includes many vegetation units that were not sampled within the Kakadu area the
predicted distribution in this case will be very incomplete.