bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does dingo predation control the densities of kangaroos and emus?
Authors: Caughley G. , Grigg G. C. , Caughley J. , Hill G. J. E.
Published: June 2005

The density of red kangaroos in the sheep country of the north-west corner of New South Wales is much higher now that it was last century. It is also much higher than the present density across the dingo fence in the adjacent cattle country of South Australia and Queensland. The picture is similar for emus. Farther east, about halfway along the New South Wales–Queensland border, no difference in density between the two States could be detected for red kangaroos, grey kangaroos or emus. We examine and discard several hypotheses to account for the density contrasts in the west and the lack of them farther east, deeming it unlikely that the pattern reflects environmental gradients, or differences in plant composition and growth, hunting pressure or availability of water. Instead, we favour this hypothesis: that the past and present patterns of density are attributable directly to predation by dingoes, which can hold kangaroos at very low density in open country if the dingoes have access to an abundant alternative prey.
Behaviour of the Koala, Phascolarctos cinereus (Goldfuss), in CAptivity V*. Sexual Behaviour
Authors: Smith M
Published: June 2005

At the height of the breeding season male koalas frequently attempted copulation. These attempts were often apparently spontaneous, but many followed bellowing or agonistic interactions. Sexual behaviour began at 3 y old in males, except for penile erections, which sometimes occurred in younger males.
Males performed no courtship behaviour. Behavioural oestrus was brief, and
consisted of four distinct types of activity: jerking, bellowing, mild aggression towards the male, and pseudomale behaviour. Oestrous females could become very excited by the presence of a male, and the four activities were very flexible in their expression. Copulation itself was quite brief and consisted of mounting, thrusting, convulsions, and disengagement. The pair were always in a vertical position in a tree, the male grasping the female's neck in his jaws.
The Use of Eye-Lens Weights for Aging Wild Rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.), in Australia
Authors: Wheeler SH , King DR
Published: June 2005

Eye-lens weight-age relationships were determined for rabbits from a wild population and from an enclosed population (of the same stock) in south-western Australia. Previously published curves of lens weight v. age for rabbits in eastern Australia are not entirely satisfactory models for the western Australian data. However, the differences, though obvious, are minor, and for general aging any of the published curves are adequate. For accurate aging, regional curves may have to be determined.
Ecology of the Little Black Cormorant, Phalacrocorax sulcirostris, and Little Pied Cormorant, P. melanoleucos, in Inland New South Wales II.* Proximate Control of Reproduction
Authors: Miller B
Published: June 2005

Populations of P. sulcirostris and P, melano2eucos at a group of freshwater lakes were sampled approximately monthly between March 1972 and May 1975. Both species displayed strong gonadal cycles.

In P, sulcirostris these were not regularly related to change in any one environmental component, though linear combination of a cyclic factor (temperature or daylength) with water level and food availability accounted for 85.2% of variation in the testis cycle.

In a drought year significantly fewer males produced sperm, and the ratio of those producing much sperm to those producing little was significantly lower than in the two succeeding wet years.
Eggs were laid in the wet years but not in the drought year, when there was no secluded, flooded timber in which to nest. In P. melanoleucos the date of onset of testis maturation was regular but that of regression was variable.
Gonadal maturation was evidently initiated by increasing daylength and regression was initiated by low temperature, falling water level and perhaps lack of social stimulation. Eggs were laid in each year, but in the drought year not until the lakes refilled. Both major breeding seasons concluded abruptly with the widespread abandonment of eggs and young. In both species laying was completely synchronous within and slightly staggered between subunits of a colony, and very different between colonies.
Observations on Development, Nesting Chronolgy, and Clutch and Brood Size in the Australian Kestrel, Falco cenchroides (Aves : Falconidae)
Authors: Olsen P , Olsen J
Published: June 2005

The nesting chronology of three captive and two wild pairs of Australian kestrels and the development of nine captive-bred and five wild-bred nestlings are presented. Clutch and brood sizes and dates when eggs and young were found in nests, collected from a number of sources, are discussed.

Breeding biology was similar to that of other species of kestrel. Wing length of nestlings gave the best estimate of age up to about 6 weeks, and the pulling of a rectrix was found to have potential as a method of sexing nestlings and first-year birds.
Food and Movements of the Short-Billed Form of the White-Tailed Black Cockatoo.
Authors: Saunders DA
Published: June 2005

Food eaten by the short-billed form of the white-tailed black cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus funereus latirostris, was studied in 2 areas in which it breeds; Coomallo Creek, an area with large tracts of uncleared land and Manmanning, an area of extensive clearing with little native vegetation remaining. In both areas the birds relied on native vegetation, particularly the seeds of the Proteaceae, for food. Coomallo Creek appeared to have an adequate food supply whereas Manmanning, with little remaining native vegetation did not. During the non-breeding season, birds from Coomallo Creek wandered locally within 50 km of the breeding area, feeding on native vegetation, relying on seeds of the marri, Eucalyptus calophylla, and the Proteaceae. Birds from Manmanning migrate to the coast where they feed on seeds of the Proteaceae, marri and Pinus spp. which grow in large plantations on the coastal plain.
Occurrence of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Some Australian Seabirds.
Authors: Miller GJ , Connell DW
Published: June 2005

The hydrocarbons occurring in four common species of seabird from the Brisbane River estuary area were isolated and examined by gas chromatography.

By examination of the patterns of occurrence of the hydrocarbons and by identification of hydrocarbons of recent biogenic origin it was possible to determine the hydrocarbons of petroleum origin (up to 1038 pg g-I in muscle tissue). The evidence indicates that these hydrocarbons have originated from low concentrations of similar petroleum substances in the Brisbane River estuary, a proportion having been transferred to the birds from food organisms, although other mechanisms are possible. The results show that the n-alkanes are degraded or excreted in preference to the branched and cyclic alkanes, either within the birds or before absorption.
Field Observations on Arenophryne Rotunda Tyler, a Leptodactylid Frog of Coastal Sandhills.
Authors: Tyler MJ , Roberts JD , Davies M
Published: June 2005

The leptodactylid frog Arenophryne rotunda was studied on coastal sand dunes in the Shark Bay area of Western Australia. It was active on the surface from 1850 h, overnight and shortly after dawn, travelling up to 27.6 m, then burrowed with its hands about 10 cm downwards to the interface of dry and moist sand for the day. Eggs of A. rotunda probably develop directly, with no tadpole stage. One frog was seen at the entrance of an ants' nest. Ants and small, 4 mm long, curculionid beetles predominated in faecal pellets. In one pellet there were 51, in another 34 head capsules of an ant, Iridomyrmex sp. Captive frogs tracked their prey and picked up small items by darting the very long slender tongue at them a distance of 5 to 10 mm. They did not use their hands or lunge with the body at the prey.
An Isolated and Expanding Population of the Introduced Toad Bufo marinus in New South Wales
Authors: Beurden EK
Published: June 2005

The distribution of Bufo mannus in north-eastern New South Wales (Australia) was surveyed in 1975 and 1978. Hitherto it had been assumed that the toads in New South Wales were derived from a
southward migration from Queensland, but the populations proved to be disjunct, being separated by 25 km of coastal seaboard.

Estimated times of first sightings suggest that the toads have been dispersing for at least 12 y from an initial introduction near Byron Bay. The mean rate of spread from Byron Bay is 1.07 km y-1. The maximum rate, 3 km y-1 is attained across flat or gently undulating rural areas. As there are no major climatological or geographic disjunctions at the present boundaries, the Queensland and New South Wales populations are likely to meet within 4-12y, and further dispersal southwards appears certain.
The Rediscovery of the Bridled Nail-Tailed Wallaby, Onychogalea fraenata (Gould) (Marsupialia: Macropodidae)
Authors: Gordon G , Lawrie BC
Published: June 2005

0. fraenata has been located near Dingo in central Queensland, the first record of this species since the 1930s. It is common over an area of about 11,000 ha and has an extremely restricted distribution
in the district. It occurs in land systems with mixed scrub and eucalypt woodland vegetation and the more fertile soils. Previously unpublished locality records extend the recorded range of the species
to near Charters Towers in north Queensland and to Southernwood in central Queensland. It is suggested that the species has been particularly sensitive to the effects of European settlement because
of a habitat preference for country that is utilized most intensively by the grazing industry.
Breeding of a Captive Colony of Notomys fuscus Wood Jones (Rodentia : Muridae)
Authors: Aslin HJ , Watts CHS
Published: June 2005

Reproductive data were obtained from a captive colony of N. fuscus over 10 years. Females had an oestrous cycle averaging 7.4 days, and a gestation period averaging 34.3 days.

Only three possible instances of post-partum mating were recorded, but. some lactating females returned to oestrus 14-22 days after birth of their young. There was no evidence of delayed implantation due to lactation.

Vaginal bleeding occurred in pregnant females 8-17 days before birth. Seventy-four litters were born, litter sizes ranging from one to five, average 2.7. No breeding season was evident. Both sexes were reproductively mature at 70 days old.

Comparisons are made with other species of Notomys, and their generally low reproductive rate discussed.
Reproduction of Pseudomys novaehollandiae (Muridae) in the Wild
Authors: Kemper CM
Published: June 2005

A total of 291 P. novaehollandiae were observed during a 4-y study in the Nelson Bay and Smith Lake
regions of New South Wales.

Reproductive organs were examined from males and females, May 1972-May 1974; reproductive condition of females was noted during a CMR study, August 1974-July 1976. Breeding seasons (conceptions and births) occurred between August and early January (4-5 months) in the first 3 years and between September and March (7 months) in the last year.

Second-year females produced three or four litters in short seasons, four or five litters in the long season and up to 20 offspring per season. First-year females produced one litter in short seasons and one or two
litters in the long season. Mean litter size was 4.56 (2-6). Ovarian follicles were largest in September
and smallest in May.

Small, inactive CL persisted in parous females until May. Placental scars were present in all sampled months. Vaginae remained closed during the non-breeding season. In mature males testes and epididymides contained sperm from July to March. Vesicular, prostate and preputial glands were enlarged and secretory from September to December.

Testes were smallest and least developed in May and June. Males were divided into five categories depending on age and overall reproductive condition. Sexual maturity was reached in the breeding season of birth by some males (33%) and females (13-88%). More females matured early when population density was low. Food abundance and quality may have been important variables in regulating the timing of the breeding season.
Probabilities of House Mouse (Mus Musculus) Plagues and Their Use in Control.
Authors: Hone J
Published: June 2005

Estimates are made of the probabilities of plagues of house mouse in south-eastern Australia. The
probabilities are then used in decision analysis to decide whether a farmer should adopt a control
or no-control strategy in a hypothetical situation.
Age, Sex and Season: Factors which Determine the Trap Response of the European Wild Rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus
Authors: Daly JC
Published: June 2005

Factors determining the trap-response of the rabbit, investigated in a natural population at Urana,
N.S.W., included the age and the sex of the rabbit and the season in which it was trapped. Differences
were also observed between rabbits living in two adjacent habitats. Mark-recapture data, derived from
52 trips undertaken over 30 months, did not show a uniform probability of capture within the adult
population. Adult rabbits were most trappable when they were not breeding (late summer to
midwinter); at this time males and females were equally trappable but individual differences were
noted. During the breeding season all adults were difficult to trap, males more so than females. Trappability increased with age in young rabbits and declined at sexual maturity. Trap-response was random
with respect to the animal's genotype as determined by four polymorphic enzyme loci. Markrecapture-
analysis is unlikely to be an accurate means of estimating the parameters of rabbit populations;
full enumeration of the population is necessary.
A Description of Developmental Stages in Crocodylus porosus, for Use in Aging Eggs in the Field*
Authors: Magnusson WE , Taylor JA
Published: June 2005

Descriptions and measurements of two series of known age embryos of C. porosus are given. Eggs
for one series were incubated at temperatures ranging between 27.5 and 29,5"C, the other between
30.5 and 31.5D C. Comparison with these series should allow estimation of the approximate time when
eggs were laid in the field when the temperature of the nest is known.
The Distribution, Habitat and Status of Pseudomys fumeus Brazenor (Rodentia : Muridae)
Authors: Menkhorst PW , Seeback JH
Published: June 2005

A review of the distribution, habitat and status of the smoky mouse Pseudomys fumeus is presented.
The species is endemic and widespread in Victoria but its distribution has been drastically reduced
from the former range as indicated by subfossils. It inhabits heathy open-forest and heath in the ranges
and on Quaternary sands in coastal east Gippsland. Population densities are low at all sites.
Habitat Distribution and Species Diversity of Small Mammals in South-east Queensland in relation to Vegetation Structure
Authors: Hockings M
Published: June 2005

Two measures of vegetation structure and density failed to show any relationship ta species diversity
of small mammals in a series of south-east Queensland coastal habitats. However, the distribution
of some species appears to be related to the responses of the animals to vegetation density. Two groups
of small mammal species, a rainforest group and a heathland group, are evident. The distribution
of these groups is discussed in relation to the habitat responses of the constituent species.
Temporal Changes in the Suburban Avifauna of an Inland City
Authors: Jones DN
Published: June 2005

The suburban bird community of Wagga Wagga, N.S.W., was surveyed during December 1978-January
1979 and May 1979, at nine sites selected to cover all ages of residential areas from predevelopment
to oldest suburbs and to demonstrate how the bird community will change with time in response to
changing habitat. Non-residential sites were also sampled. Sites were censused by foot transect. House
sparrows which were present in all sites, were the first species to colonize new residential areas and
made up over 95% of the individual count of four sites Of native species, 40% were found in
undeveloped sites only. The population density of undeveloped sites was only half that of developed
sites, but the greatest species diversity was found in undeveloped sites and the lowest in the most altered
sites. There was strong evidence for a steady linear increase in numbers of individuals, numbers of
species, biomass and population density with increasing age of residential area, reaching a peak at
about 30 years.
Conservation of Cape BArren Geese, Cereopsis novaehollandiae, in Tasmania
Authors: Eberhard IH , Pearse RJ
Published: June 2005

'Cape Barren geese are restricted to the coastline of southern Australia; the Furneaux Group of islands, at the eastern end of Bass Strait, is one of two principal population centres. Population size has fluctuated since Europeans first settled in the Group at the end of the 18th century, as a result of variable predation on birds and eggs and of changes to habitat. Population monitoring began in 1957; numbers of geese appear to have at least doubled up to 1973. During this period large flocks of geese have grazed paddocks of improved pasture on Flinders I., the largest island of the Group, and this had led to outcry from local farmers. Because these geese are widely considered to be a rare species, shooting has prompted significant public concern. This paper describes the development and implementation of a management program to conserve Cape Barren geese in the Furneaux Group, while minimizing real hardships experienced by farmers and improving public understanding of the problem.
Aging Stubble Quail, Coturnix pectoralis Gould, by using Measurements of Lengths and the Moulting Stages of the Primaries
Authors: Crome FHJ , Carpenter SM , Rushton DK
Published: June 2005

'Measurements of the primaries at the first prebasic moult of captive stubble quail were used to assess their usefulness as aging criteria. The data from juvenile primaries 1-7 were fitted by a logistic curve, and the data from juvenile primaries 8-10 and adult primaries 1-7 by a piecewise regression model. Birds could be aged using these models up until the end of the first prebasic moult (90 days approx.). Birds could arrest primary replacement at the second prebasic moult and this complicated the assigning of birds to age classes based on the presence or absence of retained juvenile primaries 8, 9 and 10 and juvenile primary coverts. A key and tables are provided to assign birds to age classes and to calculate hatching dates of very young birds. The tables should not be used without being checked against known-age birds bred in captivity under local conditions.
Honeyeaters and Their Winter Food Plants on Granite Rocks in the Central Wheatbelt of Western Australia.
Authors: Hopper SD
Published: June 2005

In the winters of 1978 and 1979 at 32 granite rocks in the central wheatbelt of Western Australia 11 honeyeater species were encountered. Brown honeyeaters Lichmera indistincta were the most widespread and locally common; white-fronted honeyeaters Phylidonyris albifrons and New Holland honeyeaters P. novaehollandiae were also locally common. Red wattlebirds Anthochaera carunculata and spiny-cheeked honeyeaters A. rufogularis, the largest species seen, were very few on the rocks where they occurred. A number of the dominant shrubs and mallees in the vegetation fringing granite rocks, including species of Calothamnus, Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae), Grevillea and Hakea (Proteaceae), constituted the winter food plants of, and appeared to be pollinated by, the honeyeaters. The possible advantages of bird pollination to these plants are briefly considered.
Carcass Muscle Weight Distribution and Yield: a Comparison between Grey Kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, and Red Kangaroos, M. rufus
Authors: Hopwood PR
Published: June 2005

Information is presented from which the carcass muscle yield as well as muscle yield from forequarter,
hindquarter, tail and nine other carcass regions may be predicted for grey and red kangaroos of both
sexes. Carcass muscle weights from grey and red kangaroos of the same body weight were found to
be similar. Grey kangaroos were found to have a relatively greater proportion of their carcass muscle
in the hindquarter, whereas red kangaroos were relatively heavier muscled in the forequarter and tail.
Female kangaroos of both species were found to be relatively heavier muscled in the hindquarter,
whereas males were relatively heavier muscled in the forequarter.
Confidence Intervals for Ages of Marsupials Determined from Body Measurements
Authors: Wood JT , Carpenter SM , Poole WE
Published: June 2005

Fitted growth curves for several individual animals for a measurement such as head length will often
differ significantly from each other, even though the curves all have the same general form. For construction
of a confidence interval for the age of an animal of unknown age with a particular head
length, account should be taken of between-animal variation as well as within-animal variation. This
paper gives methods for estimating the components of the variation from observations on animals of
known age, and for combining them to give approximate confidence intervals for the age of animals
of unknown age. The methods are illustrated using data from grey kangaroos.
Age in relation to Breeding to Status of the Male Southern Elephant Seal, Mirounga leonina (L.), at Macquarie Island
Authors: Jones E
Published: June 2005

Records of the breeding status of known-age male southern elephant seals at Macquarie I. were kept
during five breeding seasons between 1969 and 1976. The seven status categories used were: beachmaster,
secure assistant, medium harem owner, insecure assistant, small harem owner, attending bachelor,
avoiding bachelor. There was a progressive increase in breeding status with age; none younger than
10-y-old bred: 16% of 10-y-olds, 30% of 11-y-olds and 55% of 12-y-olds did so; none younger than
12-y-old attained secure assistant status. At the earliest, beachmaster status may be attained at 14 y
old, but no beachmasters of known age were recorded. Due to mortality and competition, most males
do not breed and few breed for more than two seasons. Problems associated with the precise definition
of status categories are discussed.
Observations on Variations in the Sex Ratios of Wild Rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.), in Victoria
Authors: Shepherd RCH , Edmonds JW , Nolan IF
Published: June 2005

There was a preponderance of females in wild rabbits collected in Victoria before 1974. This preponderance
was established in subadults; in adults the sex ratio tended towards equality or a preponderance
of males. The preponderance of females was most marked after the breeding season. A change to
male preponderance in the Mallee region coincided with the establishment of the European rabbit
flea.
Egg Dimensions and Egg Weight Loss during Incubation in Five Species of Cockatoo, and the Use of Measurements to Determine the Stage o Incubation of Birds' Eggs
Authors: Saunders DA , Smith GT
Published: June 2005

The linear dimensions are presented of 302 eggs of 5 species of cockatoo (Cacatuidae : Psittaciformes)
occurring in the south-west of Western Australia: red-tailed black cockatoo, white-tailed black cockatoo,
long-billed corella, little corella and galah. Forty-four of the eggs were weighed throughout incubation
and, by means of the calculated regression lines for loss of weight on time of incubation, the weight
at laying of each of these eggs was determined. The weight constant Kw, was determined for each
egg by the formula: Kw= W/LB*2; its mean value was 0.554�0.015. Weights at laying of the entire
sample of eggs were calculated by use of this value of Kw, the daily loss of weight during incubation
was determined, and a general formula based on linear measurements and weight derived for determining
the stage of incubation of birds' eggs. This is:
T = [(KwLB*2) - Wt]/[a(KwLB*2)*b],
where T is the number of days of incubation; Wt is the known weight of the egg at time T; L, B
are the length and diameter of the egg in centimetres; and Kw, a and b are constants which may
be determined for the species studied (alternatively, general values may be substituted).
Terrestrial Breeding in the Australian Leptodactylid Frog Myobatrachus gouldii (Gray)
Authors: Roberts JD
Published: June 2005

M. gouldii is widespread in south-west Western Australia. Males call on the soil surface after rain
in spring and in early and late summer. Females orient to calling males but amplexus does not occur
on the surface. Egg size and number, and egg deposition sites 1 m deep in sand, are described; the
male call and the distribution of calling males are documented, with preliminary data on breeding
seasons and surface activity. M. gouldii is a terrestrial breeder with probable intracapsular, direct
development, as has long been suspected.
Habitat Selection by Sex, Age and Reproductive Class in the Red Kangaroo, Macropus rufus, in Western New South Wales
Authors: Johnson CN , Bayliss PG
Published: June 2005

The kangaroo populations of Kinchega National Park respond differently to shifts in pasture productivity,
red kangaroos Macropus rufus being mobile and unevenly distributed with respect to soil
and vegetation types, by comparison with the more evenly dispersed western grey kangaroos M.
fuliginosus and the sedentary and localized euros M, robustus erubescens. Red kangaroo population
classes tend to be differentially distributed, so that large males and heavily lactating females predominate
on the seasonally preferred pastures, while other classes tend to predominate elsewhere. This finding
has several implications for the management of red kangaroos and for our understanding of their resource
ecology and mating systems.
Diet and Habitat Preference of the Silky Desert Mouse, Pseudomys Apodemoides (Rodentia).
Authors: Cockburn A
Published: June 2005

The diet and habitat selection of Pseudomys apodemoides were studied at 2 mature heathland localities in western Victoria. This species ate seeds during summer, and seeds, cockroaches and Banksia flowers during winter. Habitat preference was for diverse heathland communities within patches of Banksia ornata. P. apodemoides showed spatial separation from Notomys mitchellii, which ate similar foods during its short period of residency within the study area.
Population Processes of the Silky Desert Mouse Pseudomys apodemoides (Rodentia), in Mature Heathlands
Authors: Cockburn A
Published: June 2005

The population ecology of P. apodemoides was examined at two mature heathland localities in western
Victoria. At the more mesic Little Desert site animals bred in spring and summer, but at the xeric
Big Desert site they bred in winter. Such a discrepancy may arise from phenological differences between
the two sites, rather than successional or climatic differences. Both populations were characterized by
high levels of transience, and one instance of long-term dispersal was recorded. The breeding system
may be promiscuous, and large; unstable groups of animals of both sexes may occupy individual burrows.
The sex ratio at breeding was female-biased, which generates a capacity for rapid response to
fluctuations in food resources. This is valuable in habitats frequently perturbed by fire and drought.
Bettongia and Fluoroacetate: a Role for 1080 in Fauna Management
Authors: King DR , Oliver AJ , Mead RJ
Published: June 2005

The tolerance of the three species of Bettongia to fluoroacetate has been determined. B. gaimardi is
comparable with most species of herbivorous mammals, B. lesueur is highly tolerant and B. penicillata
has an exceptionally high tolerance. These differences reflect the past distribution of these species in
relation to plants containing fluoroacetate. The relevance of these tolerance levels in the management
of Bettongia populations (by the control of introduced predators) is discussed. A more general role
for 1080 in the conservation of threatened fauna in Western Australia is suggested.
Ecology of the Feral Cat, Felis catus (L. ), in South-Eastern Australia I. Diet
Authors: Jones E , Coman BJ
Published: June 2005

Diets were determined for feral cats from the Victorian Mallee, Kinchega National Park in western
New South Wales, and the Victorian eastern highlands. The percentages by weight of introduced mammals
eaten (mainly European rabbit and house mouse) were 85, 64 and 45 for Mallee, Kinchega and
eastern highland cats, respectively, of which rabbit contributed 74, 56 and 43% respectively to the total
diets. The weights of native mammals eaten were 2% and 4% for Mallee and Kinchega cats; the species
found were common brushtail possum, planigales and bats. For eastern highland cats the weight of
native mammals eaten was 40% and at least 11 species were represented: the most important being
southern bush rat (16%), common ringtail possum (8%), common brushtail and/or mountain brushtail
possums (5%), brown antechinus (470) and sugar glider (4%). The weights of birds eaten were 9, 18
and 13% for Mallee, Kinchega and eastern highland cats. Less important foods were reptiles, amphibians,
fish, arthropods and annelids; some food, both carrion and human food scraps, was scavenged.
Seasonal changes in composition of the diet were evident in Mallee cats.
Some Biological Characteristics of a Feral Rabbit, Oryctolagus Cuniculus (L.), Population of Wild and Domestic Origin.
Authors: Edmonds JW , Backholer JR , Shepherd RCH
Published: June 2005

Some biological characteristics of a population of rabbits on a small island off Victoria, Australia, are described. The common ectoparasites of the rabbit in Australia, Leporacarus gibbus (Pgst.), Cheyletiella parasitivorax (Megn.) and Haemadipsus ventricosus (Denny), were found on all 24 rabbits examined in detail. The occurrence of Ctenocephalides canis (Curt.), Ixodes cornuatus Roberts and I. tasmani Neum. has already been reported. Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale) was not found, although it had been released on an island nearby 2 years earlier.
Bird Distributions on Small Rainforest Remnants in New South Wales.
Authors: Howe RW , Howe TD , Ford HA
Published: June 2005

We studied bird distributions on 15 small patches of subtropical rainforest, ranging from 0.08 to 2.5
ha, in north-eastern New South Wales. Three-quarters of the bird species found in an extensive area
of nearby rainforest were recorded in one or more of these isolated patches. Species that were not
recorded, generally were rare in the extensive forest or are characterized by large home ranges. Several
species more typical of open country were also found in the isolated patches. The number of resident
species per patch ranged from one to 19; these were added in a rather predictable order from small
to larger areas. Additional species observed in the patches either were transient or had home ranges
encompassing several discontinuous areas. Although area is the best single predictor of species richness,
isolation, disturbance by livestock and distance from water all tend to reduce the number of resident
bird species. We propose that high dispersal abilities of rainforest birds near Dorrigo reflect the geographical
and palaeogeographical distribution of Australian rainforest. The small total area and discontinuity
of original tracts of rainforest, perhaps accentuated during the Pleistocene, have generally
prevented persistence or colonization of highly sedentary, specialized bird species.
Seasonal Differences in the Diet of Small Birds in the Karri Forest Understorey.
Authors: Calver MC , Wooller RD
Published: June 2005

Insectivorous birds in Eucalyptus diversicolor forest in Western Australia.
A Comparative Study of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Tissues of the Crested Tern, Sterna bergii, Breeding Near Industrialized and Non-Industrialized Areas
Authors: Howarth DM , Hulbert AJ , Horning D
Published: June 2005

Tissues taken from crested terns were analysed for cadmium, lead, copper, chromium, manganese, zinc
and iron. The birds were taken from a breeding colony in a non-industrialized region (North Solitary
I., NNE. of Coffs Harbour, N.S.W.) and from one near an industrialized region (Big I., Port Kembla,
N.S.W.). The birds from the industrialized region did not show any consistent evidence of significant
heavy metal contamination when compared to those of the non-industrialized region. The individual
tissues were also compared to assess the distribution of the various metals, and the relative degree
to which each tissue accumulates the metals. Some accumulation of chromium, copper, manganese,
lead and, to a lesser degree, cadmium and zinc was found in the salt glands. The kidneys had a relatively
large cadmium content.
The Capture of Fauna other than FIshes in Eel and Mesh Nets
Authors: Beumer JP , Burbury ME , Harrington DJ
Published: June 2005

The effects of eel (fyke) and mesh nets on fauna other than fishes were studied over 21 months from
July 1975 to March 1977, at Macleods Morass, Vic. Tortoises were caught 272 times, birds five times
and mammals twice in nets set to catch fishes. All fauna except two tortoises, two birds and the two
mammals were released unharmed. Methods for preventing such animals being caught are suggested.
Predictors of Vertebrate Species Richness in Nature Reserves in the Western Australian Wheatbelt
Authors: Kitchner DJ
Published: June 2005

Species of mammals (excluding bats), passerines and lizards in 20 nature reserves in the Western Australian
wheatbelt were grouped according to whether they were recorded only in natural vegetation
(u-species) or whether they also ocurred in disturbed situations (d-species). Species richness in the u-and
d-groups related differently to reserve variables: for u-species it tended to be principally influenced
by variables of reserve area and extent of associated uncleared land; for d-species by vegetation floristic
and structure variables. Generally, u-species have a more vulnerable conservation status than d-species
and are the major group of species for which nature reserves are established. The different pattern of
response of the u- and d-species to variables in nature reserves highlights the need for more knowledge
on the ecological, particularly habitat, requirements of species before ecological prerequisites for conservation
measures are evaluated.
Reproduction of the Red-Bellied Pademelon Thylogale billardierii, and Age Estimation of Pouch Young
Authors: Rose RW , McCatney DJ
Published: June 2005

Growth and development of the pouch young in a captive population of T. billardierii are described.
The least variable measurement at different ages was head length; the relationship between head length
in centimetres (H) and age, up to 30 weeks (A) of young in the pouch was given by: H = 0.8643 +
0.2452A.
Reproductive Biology and Development of the Water Rat, Hydromys chrysogaster, in Captivity
Authors: Olsen PD
Published: June 2005

In a captive colony of H. chrysogaster most litters were born between September and March, although
some were born in every month except June. Most females had regular oestrous cycles in the breeding
season but there were isolated instances of oestrus in every month. In mature males, testes were scrota1
and there was full sperm production all year. There was some regression in weight of male accessory
reproductive glands in the autumn and winter. Oestrus lasted 10 days (range 7-17), and its stages:
pro-oestrus 1 day, oestrus 2 days, metoestrus 2 days, anoestrus 5 days. Some instances of delayed implantation
were suspected. Gestation length was 34 days (33-41). Parturition was followed the next
day by a postpartum oestrus, lasting 1 day. Lactation anoestrus was at least 3 weeks. Litter size was
3.29 � 1.26 (1-7) and the number of litters per breeding season was 2.6 � 0.97 (1-5). In the latter
half of pregnancy there was a linear relationship between the crown-rump length of foetuses and gestation
length. Young were born naked, blind and with the pinnae folded forward with edges attached
to the head. The upper incisors emerged at 4 days, the lower incisors at 6 days, the auditory meatus
opened at about 10 days, the eyes opened at about 14 days, some solids were eaten and young were
more independent at about 3 weeks of age, and they were weaned at about 29 days. Phases in the
rate of increase in weight were associated with each of these developmental stages. Females were first
capable of breeding at 124 days (433 g); most matured about 240 days in the season following that
of their birth. The testes descended in males between 90 and 120 days (475 g) but full sperm production
did not occur until about 130-140 days. Females could breed for three seasons (until about 3.5 y old).
Placental scars were visible for up to 6 months, but had sometimes disappeared at 4 months post partum.
Growth curves of tail and weight were sigmoid, and those of other body measurements were exponential,
as in the Rattus group of Australian rodents, and differing from the pseudomyine rodents. Body
measurements showed a sigmoid relationship to the linear equivalence of body weight. Developmental
events occurred earlier, in relation to growth, in Hydromys and Rattus lutreolus than in Pseudomys
novaehollandiae.
Ecology of the Feral Cat, Felis catus (L.), in South-Eastern Australia II.* Reproduction
Authors: Jones E , Coman BJ
Published: June 2005

Reproduction was studied in feral cats collected over a 3-y period from south-eastern Australia. Litters
were recorded in all months except April, but most births occurred between September and March; from
October to January inclusive, all adult females collected were either pregnant or lactating. On average,
females dropped two litters per year, the first in spring and the second in summer or early autumn; mean
prenatal litter size was 4.4. For females, sexual maturity was reached at an estimated age of 10-12
months and a minimum weight of 2500 g. For males the onset of sexual maturity, as indicated by a more
rapid increase in testes size, commenced at a mean weight of 3200 g and was completed at a mean weight
of 3800 g and an estimated age of 12-14 months. The lightest males detected undergoing intial spermatogenesis
weighed 2600 g. Adult males showed no significant monthly variations in either combined
whole testes weight or percentage of seminiferous tubules containing spermatids or spermatozoa. However,
significant monthly changes in combined epididymides weight indicated a low-intensity reproductive
cycle.
Food of the Chestnut Teal, Anas Castanea, in the Gippsland Lakes Region of Victoria.
Authors: Norman FI , Mumford L
Published: June 2005

Items of food in gizzards of 124 chestnut teal (Anas castanea) shot in the Gippsland Lakes area, Victoria, between August 1971 and July 1973, were identified as far as practicable, and percentage volumes were estimated. Plant remains formed most (74%) of the material identified in almost all months; members of the Cyperaceae were well represented (22%) and Ruppia sp. were also abundant (5%). Animal material was usually from insects, but molluscs and crustaceans were also recorded. It is concluded that the species feeds opportunistically in, and mainly around the edge of, wetlands in the region.
The Diet of the Powerful Owl, Ninox Strenua, in Victoria.
Authors: Tilley S
Published: June 2005

The diet of the powerful owl was studied, by analysis of regurgitated pellets, at Coranderrk Reserve, Victoria; regional variation in the diet was assessed at 4 other sites: Ironbark Basin Reserve, Point Addis: Gormandale; Beaufort; Philip I. The ringtail possum, Pseudocheirus peregrinus, was the most common prey species. Secondary prey species also formed a major part of the diet. The sugar glider, Petaurus breviceps, was important at Coranderrk Reserve and Gormandale, and the Australian magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen, at Ironbark Basin Reserve and Philip I. At Beaufort, G. tibicen and P. peregrinus were equally preyed on. A marked seasonal variation was found in the diet at Coranderrk Reserve: P. breviceps was the major prey item in autumn and P. peregrinus in winter; a number of other prey species were taken when abundant or easy prey. At Coranderrk the powerful owls were estimated to take one major prey item every 1.4 days or about 260 major prey items each year.
Age Determination in the Kangaroo Island Wallaby, Macropus eugenii (Desmarest)
Authors: Inns RW
Published: June 2005

The reliability of using growth curves obtained from captive M. eugenii for aging pouch young was
assessed. Growth of pouch young in the field was slower in 1978 than in 1977; this may be related to the
mother's nutritional state. The timing and sequence of tooth eruption in animals older than 1 y is
described, and a curve relating age to molar eruption stage of captive animals is presented; this was useful
for aging animals in the field up to 5-6 y old. From skulls of known-age animals that had died in the field
a regression relating age to a molar index was obtained for animals up to 14 y old. The technique of
examining growth rings in the cementum layer of incisors and molars was investigated, but was not useful
for animals over 4 y old.
The Abundance of Kangaroos in Suboptimal Habitats: Wheat, Intensive Pastoral, and Mallee
Authors: Short J , Grigg GC
Published: June 2005

The densities of red and grey kangaroos in western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia were
assessed by aerial survey. Much of the 133000-km2 area surveyed was farmed intensively for wheat and
sheep but a significant proportion was largely unaltered mallee woodland or mallee heath. Of the total
area, 85% had a density of less than one kangaroo per square kilometre, and 32% had a density of less
than 0.01 km-2, values considerably lower than those reported for pastoral areas in New South Wales
and South Australia. Low densities in settled areas are attributed to intensive agricultural practices, small
landholdings and lack of tree cover. Low densities in mallee may be due to the lack of palatable grasses
and the absence of permanent watering points.
Group SIze in the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Macropus giganteus, and the Wallaroo, Macropus robustus
Authors: Taylor RJ
Published: June 2005

Data were collected on the occurrence of eastern grey kangaroos and wallaroos in groups on two
properties (Lana and Newholme) in north-eastern New South Wales. The density of both species was
higher on Lana than on Newholme. The frequency of occurrence of groups of different size was
significantly different from that expected if the occurrence was random for both species. For the grey
kangaroo on Lana, mean group size was smaller during early morning than during the rest of the day.
Mean group size was significantly greater on Lana than on Newholme for both species, and smaller for
wallaroos than for grey kangaroos on both properties. For both species, mean group size was significantly
correlated with the density of kangaroos in each habitat.
Habitat Requirements of the Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallaby, Petrogale penicillata, in New South Wales
Authors: Short J
Published: June 2005

The habitat requirements of the brush-tailed rock-wallaby were assessed by comparing areas of rocky
habitat occupied by this species with adjacent unoccupied areas of similar habitat. Sites occupied by
wallabies had twice the number of ledges, three times the number of caves, and a greater number of routes
from the cliff top onto the face, usually via steep, narrow cracks or chimneys. They invariably faced so
that the cliff received sun for much of the day (a northerly aspect). Rock-wallaby sites averaged twice the
number of ledges sheltered by overhangs as did unoccupied sites. Ledges were shorter on occupied sites,
probably reflecting more restricted accessibility to predators. An equation is presented which predicts
with 90% success from five habitat variables whether a given cliff is suitable for brush-tailed rockwallabies.
Reduction of Food Intake and Other Physiological Responses to a Restriction of Drinking Water in Captive Wild Rabbits, Oryctolagus Cuniculus (L.).
Authors: Cooke BD
Published: June 2005

Rabbits given an excess of air-dry food but only small amounts of drinking water had a lower food intake and lost more weight than those given food and water freely. They lost weight because they had less digesta in the gut and less water in the skin, and had catabolized more tissue. Their response to water shortage was similar to that seen in other grazing mammals. With low food intake, gut contents fell and the digestibility of food rose, while the daily mass of and water loss in faeces fell; the moisture content in faeces remaining the same. Dehydrated rabbits produced relatively small amounts of urine, up to 1.9 M urea, which was twice as concentrated as that of rabbits given water freely. The rabbits were not able to reduce their requirement for water to less than 55% of their total intake of food and water. As pasture species in mediterranean-type environments become relatively dry in summer and contain only 10 to 5% water, a shortage of water in natural pastures in those areas may, therefore, limit the amount of food which rabbits can use, and the ability of rabbits to survive in summer would, therefore, depend upon the availability of succulent, drought-resistant perennial vegetation.
A Correction Factor for Counting Emus from the Air, and its Application to Counts in Western Australia
Authors: Caughley G , Grice D
Published: June 2005

We used the mathematics of the mark-recapture model to derive a factor correcting counts of emus
surveyed from the air. The emus were neither marked nor recaptured, the correction factor being derived
from the number of emu groups counted independently by two observers simultaneously scanning the
same transect. The analysis suggests that about 68% of emu groups on the transect are counted by a given
observer during a standard survey, and that his counts must therefore be multiplied by 1.47 before they
estimate true density of groups. Having determined independently the mean size of emu groups as 3.75 at
that time of the year, we applied this factor to counts from a survey of 1480000 km2 in Western
Australia. Overall density was 0.074 emus km-2, being highest in the pastoral zone at 0.103 km-2 and
lowest in unoccupied land at 0.008 km-2. The difference probably reflects availability of drinking water.
Ecological Studies of the Black Swan IV.* The Timing and Success of Breeding on Two Nearby Lakes on the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales
Authors: Braithwaite LW
Published: June 2005

The breeding of black swans on two nearby lakes, 18 km apart, was documented over a 5-year period.
The lakes differed in physiography and in botanical features. The numbers of swans breeding and the
timing of breeding differed markedly between the lakes and coincided with gross differences and changes
in observed abundance in aquatic plants known to be important as food for swans. Important factors
affecting the selection of nest sites were social factors, security, the presence of an adequate substrate and
of materials to construct a nest, and ease of access to water. Within each breeding season the timing of
laying often differed among nesting colonies on the one lake, apparently reflecting an influence from
social factors in synchronizing breeding within a colony. Breeding success was poor, due evidently to
failure of cygnets to survive in the first weeks after hatching and to desertion of eggs in nests. Failure of
food supplies may be the main cause. The reproductive strategy of the black swan appears to be
essentially opportunistic; the female is capable of laying repeatedly over an extended period, so that eggs
are often produced at times that do not necessarily predict suitable conditions for either the survival of
cygnets or even the completion of incubation.