bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The macrofossil record of Proteaceae in Tasmania: a review with new species
Authors: Jordan Gregory J. , Carpenter Raymond J. , Hill Robert S.
Published: August 2004

About 10 taxa of Proteaceae are known from the Early Eocene in Tasmania, onefrom a Late Eocene site, 22 from four Early Oligocene sites, one from a LateOligocene–Early Miocene site, 12 or 13 from two Early Pleistocene sites,and five or six from the Middle and Late Pleistocene. Most of the Tertiaryfossils are of extinct species, but the extant speciesLomatia fraxinifolia andTelopea truncata as well as apparent close relatives ofthe subalpine rainforest species Orites milliganii, andthe subtropical rainforest species O. excelsa have beenrecorded from the Early Oligocene. None of the Early Oligocene species areknown from more than one site, implying very high regional diversity, andfloristic differentiation among the sites. High diversity of Proteaceae atsome sites may be associated with oligotrophic soils. There is no evidence ofany of the modern species-rich scleromorphic groups of Proteaceae exceptBanksiinae. Scleromorphy was well established in Oriteae, Embothrieae andBanksiinae by the Early Oligocene. The Early Eocene fossils have very smallstomata, sparsely distributed on the leaf, which may have been due to elevatedatmospheric CO2. All extant Tasmanian genera and manyextant species as well as some extinct species were present by the EarlyPleistocene. The specific diversity within the region was probably higher thanit is now. In order to resolve a nomenclatural problem within the genusProteaciphyllum, EuproteaciphyllumG.J.Jord., R.J.Carp & R.S.Hill, gen. nov. is proposed and this name isapplied to 10 previously described species. The Tasmanian fossil taxa includethree new records, and nine new species:Euproteaciphyllum brookerensis G.J.Jord., R.J.Carp.& R.S.Hill, sp. nov., and E. tasmanicum G.J.Jord.,R.J.Carp. & R.S.Hill, sp. nov. from Early Eocene sediments; andOrites milliganoides G.J.Jord., R.J.Carp. & R.S.Hill, sp. nov., O. scleromorpha G.J.Jord., R.J.Carp.& R.S.Hill, sp. nov., E. papillosumG.J.Jord.,R.J.Carp. & R.S.Hill, sp. nov., E. polymorphumG.J.Jord., R.J.Carp. & R.S.Hill, sp. nov.,E. microlobium G.J.Jord., R.J.Carp. & R.S.Hill, sp.nov., E. falcatum G.J.Jord., R.J.Carp. & R.S.Hill,sp. nov., and E. serratum G.J.Jord., R.J.Carp. & R.S.Hill, sp. nov. from Early Oligocene sediments.
Molecular systematics of subtribe Banksiinae (Banksia and Dryandra; Proteaceae) Based on cpDNA and nrDNA sequence data: Implications for taxonomy and biogeography
Authors: Mast Austin R.
Published: August 2004

Despite considerable research interest in the subtribe Banksiinae
(Banksia L.f. and Dryandra R.Br.),
no strongly supported phylogenetic hypothesis for the relationship between the
genera exists, nor have molecular characters been sampled for phylogenetic
reconstruction at any level. In this study, DNA sequence characters were
sampled from chloroplast DNA (cpDNA; the trnL intron,
the trnL 3′ exon, and the spacer between the
trnL 3′ exon and trnF) and
nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA; both internal transcribed spacers) of 18 species
of Banksia and five of Dryandra,
with six outgroup taxa from the subfamily Grevilleoideae. The molecular
characters provided the opportunity to code taxa outside of
Banksia for cladistic comparison with the genus—an
opportunity not previously provided by morphological characters. Cladistic
analyses, using parsimony, explored the effects of various weightings of
transition to transversion events and base substitution to insertion and
deletion events to determine which relationships in the cladograms were
robust. The trnL/trnF and ITS
characters strongly supported a paraphyletic Banksia
with respect to a monophyletic Dryandra. The molecular
results supported a single root for Thiele and Ladiges’(1996) unrooted
morphological cladogram along the branch between the
Isotylis to B. fuscolutea clade
and the Grandes to B. tricuspis
clade. George’s (1981) subgenus Banksia and
section Banksia appeared dramatically non-monophyletic.
The distribution of eastern taxa at derived positions on the molecular
cladograms suggested considerable cladogenesis in the the genus prior to the
formation of the Nullarbor Plain during the Tertiary.
A review of the systematics and phylogeny of the African Proteaceae
Authors: Rourke J. P.
Published: August 2004

In Africa the Proteaceae are represented by 16 genera of which two
(Dilobeia Thouars. and Malagasia
L.Johnson and B.Briggs) are endemic to Madagascar and one
(Faurea Harv.) is common to both Madagascar and Africa
where it is widespread in forest and savannah woodland from the southern Cape
to Eritrea. The remaining 13 genera are Cape-centred (10 are endemic to the
western Cape) and with the exception of the monotypic riverine
Brabejum L. (Grevilleoideae), are confined to fynbos
(heathland) communities on oligotrophic soils. These 12 Cape heathland genera
currently assigned to two subtribes (Proteinae and Aulacinae) within the
subfamily Proteoideae have all been recently revised or are in the final
stages of revision. Preliminary cladistic studies now suggest that they could
be arranged in several new subtribes within the subfamily Proteoideae to
reflect more accurately their phylogenetic relationships. Using morphological
characters in a cladistic analysis, the South African Proteoideae (tribe
Proteeae) resolve into two broad groups; Aulax Berg.,
Faurea Harv. and Protea L. form a
weakly supported group while the second, large, well-supported group resolves
into two clades in which the heterogeneous Leucadendron
R.Br. stands apart while the other clade underpinned by
Vexatorella Rourke resolves into two further groups, the
‘Leucospermum group’ and the ‘Serruria group’. The
dioecious genera Leucadendron and
Aulax previously united in the subtribe Aulacinae have
been shown to differ markedly and should probably be placed in separate
subtribes. Selection pressure, especially from fire and pollinators, has
resulted in major morphological modifications in the 12 fynbos genera from the
western Cape.
Floral development in Melaleuca and Callistemon (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Orlovich D. A. , Drinnan A. N. , Ladiges P. Y.
Published: August 2004

Floral development of seven species of Melaleuca and
four species of Callistemon is compared. The
multistaminate fascicles of Melaleuca develop from
stamen primordia initiated on antepetalous pre-staminal bulges (PSBs); the
resultant bundles of stamens become separated by hypanthial expansion as the
flower bud enlarges. In most species of Callistemon
examined the stamen primordia are initiated directly on the floral apex, and
the stamens are distributed evenly around the hypanthium at anthesis. The
possession of large and prominent PSBs, and thus stamen fascicles, is a
feature of most species of Melaleuca and their total
absence is a feature of most species of Callistemon;
however, there is a continuum between these two extremes. Several taxa of both
genera exhibit intermediate morphology. In C. glaucus
(Bonpl.) Sweet, small but distinct PSBs develop, which influence antepetalous
stamen groups that remain contiguous at anthesis. This also occurred in
M. leucadendra (L.) L. This variable expression of PSBs
is the result of differences in the timing of stamen initiation. Other
variable features are determined by the space available for primordium
initiation and the patterns of growth and expansion of the developing flower.
Did ‘Paleo-polyploidy’ Really occur in Proteaceae?
Authors: Stace Helen M. , Douglas Andrew W. , Sampson Jane F.
Published: August 2004

Cytological data for 188 species in 65 genera of Proteaceae were collated from
the literature. Excluding the occasional infrageneric polyploid, Proteaceae
have seven confirmed character states for chromosome number
(n = 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 7, 5). Genera of
subfamily Persoonioideae are x = 7, and, on a
cytoevolutionary doctrine of ‘paleo-polyploidy’ in angiosperm
families, these low chromosome number taxa were hypothesised to represent the
ancestral genome of Proteaceae. Chief supporting evidence for this hypothesis
is the ancient origin of Persoonioideae in Proteaceae phylogeny. However all
current genomes in Proteaceae have features that suggest that they are
derived, including those of Persoonioideae with their ‘genomic
obesity’, and by reference to the chromosomes of Bellendenoideae
(n = 5) and the outgroup Platanaceae
(n = 21), quite probably their number is also a
derived character state. Furthermore the high chromosome number genera of
Proteaceae in subfamilies Proteoideae and Grevilleoideae
(n = 14, 13, 12, 11, 10) have genomic lengths
that are far smaller than would be expected from a doubling of the chromosomes
of Persoonioideae, and, so far as any information is available, these genera
are also genetic diploids. This paper questions ‘paleo-polyploidy’
as a general cytogenetic mechanism for plant macroevolution at the levels of
genus, tribe and sub-family in Proteaceae. It is proposed that diploid
cytoevolutionary processes of chromosome number increase and decrease from a
primitive genome of FN = 24, with specific examples of
x = 12 and x = 21,
can explain the cytological phenomena in the family.
Phylogeny of the Proteaceae based on atpB and atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer region sequences
Authors: Hoot Sara B. , Douglas Andrew W.
Published: August 2004

Parsimony analyses were conducted for 46 genera representing all subfamilies
and tribes within Proteaceae using two chloroplast sequences: the gene
atpB and the noncoding spacer region between
atpB and rbcL. The spacer region
was more variable than atpB and provided insertion and
deletion data as well as nucleotide substitutions. The
atpB and spacer region data sets were highly congruent
(as indicated by the partition homogeneity test) and were analysed separately
and combined. Both unweighted and weighted character states (3 : 1 correction
for transition bias) for the atpB data resulted in very
similar strict consensus trees. In addition, the large subfamilies Proteoideae
and Grevilleoideae were analysed separately, using appropriate outgroups
determined by the analyses with complete sampling. The results from the
combination of data were better resolved and supported than the results from
each separate data set, although the Grevilleoideae were highly unresolved in
all analyses. Most subfamilies in the Proteaceae were essentially
monophyletic, but most tribes and subtribes were not.
Bellendena is weakly supported as the sister group to
all remaining members of the Proteaceae. Monotypic Eidotheoideae is well
supported as a member of Proteoideae. Carnarvonioideae and Sphalmioideae are
strongly supported as closely allied to the Grevilleoideae, but their
positions in relation to this subfamily are unresolved. Other unusual
alliances supported by our molecular data are:
Isopogon–Adenanthos–Leucadendron–Protea,
Petrophile–Aulax,
Cardwellia–Euplassa–Gevuina,
and
Opisthiolepis–Buckinghamia–Grevillea.
The tree resulting from the combined data showed limited congruence with
morphological characters (flower pairs, stylar pollen presentation, and ovule
number). Congruence with chromosome number was minimal, but our tree does
support previous hypotheses of multiple aneuploidy and chromosome doubling
events. The African and South American genera included in our analysis are
dispersed among various clades with taxa from Australia and Asia, suggesting a
former Gondwanian distribution for Proteaceae.
A Survey of the South Australian Glossy Black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus) and its Habitat
Authors: Pepper John W.
Published: August 2004

The endangered South Australian glossy black-cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus) occurs only on
Kangaroo Island, South Australia. A 1993 survey investigated the size,
structure and distribution of the population, the quantity and quality of
foraging habitat, and the effects of a 1991 fire that burned most habitat on
the Island’s west coast. A total of 136 birds was counted, mostly on the
island’s western north coast. Among birds identified by age and sex,
90% were adult and there were 1·4 adult males per female.
Woodland of drooping sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata)
covered about 0·3% of the island, primarily on the western north
coast. Grazing by sheep in much of the habitat reduced but did not prevent
sheoak regeneration. Most habitat patches showed foraging signs, but most
individual sheoak trees did not. The best predictor of foraging intensity
across habitat patches was average seed mass per cone. The 1991 fire burned
14% of the island’s foraging habitat, and no cockatoos were found
in the burned areas. The fire killed most sheoaks but not most eucalypts;
burned sheoak woodland was regenerating from both seedlings and basal shoots.
The results confirm that the population is critically small, and vulnerable to
local events such as wildfires. They also suggest that both habitat quantity
and quality are limiting factors for the subspecies.
Uptake of Baits by Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes): Implications for Rabies Contingency Planning in Australia
Authors: Fleming Peter J. S.
Published: August 2004

Baits containing the bait marker iophenoxic acid were used to quantify bait
uptake by red foxes in a rural environment in north-eastern New South Wales.
Baits were distributed at a mean density of 4·4 baits
km-2. Serum iodine levels were analysed from a sample of
29 foxes shot on two baited sites and a nil-treatment site. The mean
percentage of foxes with elevated seral iodine, indicating the consumption of
at least one bait, was 58·3%. This rate of bait uptake would not
consistently deliver reductions in fox densities or immunisation levels
considered necessary for the control of rabies enzootics in Europe and North
America. The minimum number known to be alive (MNA) method overestimated
population reduction and underestimated abundance. Indirect estimators of
population abundance, such as bait-station indices, are of more use in rabies
contingency planning and modelling. This is because they are more reliable,
are likely to overestimate abundance, and are more precautionary. Shooting of
foxes at night was an inefficient method of reducing fox populations.
Modelling the relative efficacy of culling and sterilisation for controlling populations
Authors: Barlow N. D. , Kean J. M. , Briggs C. J.
Published: August 2004

Simple logistic models are used to investigate and compare the effects of continuous control by culling or sterilisation on population density. The models consider populations regulated by density-dependent mortality or density-dependent recruitment, with monogamous or polygamous mating systems, and with one or both sexes sterilised. For the first time, an analytical solution is presented for the effect of sterilisation on density-dependent population growth.
The models suggest that the mating system has a considerable effect on the relative efficacy of sterilisation, and that previous models for sterilisation may have overestimated the impact of sterilisation by assuming idealised monogamous mating. In general, and except for populations with monogamous mating or 'harem' systems and both sexes sterilised, culling gives a more rapid reduction in density than does sterilisation. However, the long-term degree of suppression obtained with the same levels of control applied is likely to be similar. Populations with density-dependent mortality will be reduced by sterilisation more quickly than those regulated by density-dependent recruitment, and the effect on the steady-state density of a given proportion that is sterile is greater in the first case than in the second. However, the effect of a given continuous sterilisation rate (e.g. baiting effort) on density is the same in both cases. We compare our model results with those of others and question previous conclusions about the circumstances under which sterilisation is most effective.
Breeding Habitat Preferences of the New Zealand Fur Seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) on Banks Peninsula
Authors: Ryan Christine J. , Hickling G. J. , Wilson Kerry-Jayne
Published: August 2004

Colonies of New Zealand fur seals
(Arctocephalus forsteri) on Banks Peninsula, New
Zealand, were surveyed between March and August 1993 to compare breeding and
non-breeding habitat features. Breeding habitat was characterised by large
angular boulders, beaches that were steeper than those of non-breeding
habitat, and numerous escape zones, crevices and ledges. Non-breeding habitat
was less steep, had smaller rounder boulders and was less exposed to the sun.
Multivariate analyses confirmed that overall habitat differences were
statistically significant (P < 0·05). A linear
discriminant function was calculated for the two habitat types. The resulting
classification rule suggested that crevices, ledges and slope were
particularly useful predictors of breeding status. The rule had 96%
success in classifying the original sites as breeding or non-breeding and now
requires validation by further field surveys in areas with different climate,
geology and latitude. If establishment of breeding colonies at sites currently
used only by non- breeding seals can be predicted from habitat features, this
could provide useful information for managers of coastal sanctuaries.
Movements and Home Ranges of Crocodylus johnstoni in the Lynd River, Queensland
Authors: Tucker A. D. , Limpus C. J. , McCallum H. I. , McDonald K. R.
Published: August 2004

Movements of Australian freshwater crocodiles,
Crocodylus johnstoni, were examined by a
mark–recapture study spanning 20 years in the Lynd River, Queensland.
After adjustment for detection bias, there was a minor upstream direction to
movements. Seasonal changes of location were not evident from field trips
taken only twice yearly. Annual movements averaged less than 1 km except for
those of pubescent males, which appeared to be nomadic. Creche dispersal was
randomly directed but associated with a threshold in mass/length ratio. On
average, males were found further from previous capture sites than were
females. Adults of both sexes moved shorter distances than did immature
crocodiles with a clear reduction in movements occurring as mass/length
ratios approached 0·17 kg per cm snout–vent length. Reduced
movement at that general size ratio probably indicated the onset of
territoriality associated with maturity. Females usually remained near
breeding sites even in years when they did not breed. Nomadic tendencies of
pubescent males are probably associated with unsuccessful attempts at entering
local dominance hierarchies. Linear home ranges were estimated to be
1·5–1·9 km for immature animals, 1·2 km for
pubescent females, 30·3 km for pubescent males, 0·6 km for
mature females and 1·6 km for adult males.
Distribution and Abundance of Dugongs, Turtles, Dolphins and other Megafauna in Shark Bay, Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia
Authors: Preen A. R. , Marsh H. , Lawler I. R. , Prince R. I. T. , Shepherd R.
Published: August 2004

Strip-transect aerial surveys of Shark Bay, Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth Gulf
were conducted during the winters of 1989 and 1994. These surveys were
designed primarily to estimate the abundance and distribution of dugongs,
although they also allowed sea turtles and dolphins, and, to a lesser extent,
whales, manta rays and whale sharks to be surveyed. Shark Bay contains a large
population of dugongs that is of international significance. Estimates of
approximately 10000 dugongs resulted from both surveys. The density of dugongs
is the highest recorded in Australia and the Middle East, where these surveys
have been conducted. Exmouth Gulf and Ningaloo Reef are also important dugong
habitats, each supporting in the order of 1000 dugongs. The estimated number
of turtles in Shark Bay is comparable to the number in Exmouth Gulf plus
Ningaloo Reef (7000–9000). The density of turtles in Ningaloo Reef and,
to a lesser extent, Exmouth Gulf is exceptionally high compared with most
other areas that have been surveyed by the same technique. Shark Bay supports
a substantial population of bottlenose dolphins (2000–3000 minimum
estimate). Exmouth Gulf and Ningaloo Reef were not significant habitats for
dolphins during the winter surveys. Substantial numbers of whales (primarily
humpbacks) and manta rays occur in northern and western Shark Bay in winter.
Ningaloo Reef is an important area for whale sharks and manta rays in autumn
and winter.
The Shark Bay Marine Park excludes much of the winter habitats of the large
vertebrate fauna of Shark Bay. In 1989 and 1994, more than half of all the
dugongs were seen outside the Marine Park (57·4 and
50·7%, respectively). Approximately one-third to one-half of
turtles and dolphins were seen outside the Marine Park (in 1989 and 1994
respectively: turtles, 43 and 27%; dolphins, 47 and 32%). Almost
all the whales and most of the manta rays were seen outside the Marine Park.
Expansion of the Shark Bay Marine Park, to bring it into alignment with the
marine section of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, would facilitate the
appropriate management of these populations. This would also simplify the
State– Commonwealth collaboration necessary to meet the obligations of
World Heritage listing. The coastal waters of Western Australia north of the
surveyed area (over 6000 km of coastline) are relatively poorly known and
surveys of their marine megafauna are required for wise planning and
management.
Dispersal of Juvenile Brushtail Possums, Trichosurus vulpecula, after a Control Operation
Authors: Cowan P. E. , Brockie R. E. , Smith R. N. , Hearfield M. E.
Published: August 2004

Long-distance movements of juvenile brushtail possums
(Trichosurus vulpecula) from three habitats on farmland
in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, were studied by radio-tracking after a
poisoning operation. In the five years after the possum population on the
study site had been reduced by 90%, the population recovered to about
half its initial density. During that time, about 25% of radio-tagged
juveniles dispersed 2 km or more, a maximum of 12·8 km from their natal
area, with no significantly preferred direction. A greater proportion of males
dispersed than females. All but one of the juveniles dispersing did so before
they were one year old, and most made several moves before settling. The
bimodal timing of dispersal in summer and late winter–early spring
reflected an underlying similar pattern of breeding. A higher proportion of
possums dispersed from the low-density pastoral and cropping habitat than from
the higher-density habitats of swamp and willows. The dispersal behaviour of
juveniles after the control operation differed little from that before,
suggesting that dispersal of possums is not strongly influenced by
density-dependent factors at the natal site.
Effect of the Weed Chrysanthemoides monilifera (Bitou Bush) on Bird Communities
Authors: French Kristine , Zubovic Anita
Published: August 2004

Bird communities in native coastal woodland were compared with those in
woodland infested with
Chrysanthemoides monilifera rotundata (bitou bush) in
order to determine the impact of infestations of this weed on birds. Little
evidence was found to suggest that bitou bush negatively affected the bird
communities as a whole. Overall, the total number of birds in each type of
habitat did not differ while numbers of species differed only at one area.
Weed infestations have a differential impact on foraging groups.
Canopy-feeding generalists and understorey insectivores showed differences in
abundance and species richness in a few areas, with greater numbers in weed
sites than in native sites. Temporal variation in weed-site use was also
evident for canopy foragers. For these groups, weed infestations are providing
at least some resources, although the details of resource use need to be
investigated further.
Species richness and abundance of birds relying almost exclusively on plant
material were negatively affected by weed infestations, indicating that this
foraging guild may not be provided with adequate resources in weed-infested
habitats. Similarly, although numbers were low, scavengers and raptors also
showed lower abundances and species richness in weed-infested habitats. For
these foraging groups, management programmes to rehabilitate weed-infested
habitats are likely to have a positive effect on numbers.
Social Organisation and Warren Use of the Burrowing Bettong, Bettongia lesueur (Macropodoidea : Potoroidae)
Authors: Sander Ute , Short Jeff , Turner Bruce
Published: August 2004

This study describes the use of warrens and aspects of the social organisation
of a population of the burrowing bettong, an endangered potoroid. Observations
were made on 14 animals, maintained in a 4-ha enclosure of natural vegetation
at Shark Bay, Western Australia. The population divided into three social
groups, each of one male and one to many females. Individual bettongs used
1–10 warrens over a period of five months. Males changed warrens more
often than females. Some females regularly shared warrens with other females.
Many of these associations appeared to be mothers with their daughter or
daughters. Sharing of warrens occurred regularly until the daughters were
about 10 months old and occasionally after that. Day ranges of males were
larger than those of females, exclusive of other males, and overlapped those
of 1–6 females. Males shared warrens with the females within their day
range. At night bettongs were not constrained to their day range and made use
of the whole enclosure. Equal numbers of agonistic interactions between and
within day-range groups, as well as the absence of feeding associations,
indicated that bettongs operated independently of their day-range groups at
night while feeding. Bettongs formed a weak dominance hierarchy with the
oldest female on top and a young male at the bottom. Male–male
interactions tended to be more aggressive than male–female interactions.
Males were involved in significantly more agonistic interactions, particularly
chases, than were females; chases usually entailed chasing another male away
from a female. Use of space and social behaviour suggested a polygynous mating
system.
Population Ecology and Reproductive Seasonality in Three Species of Antechinus (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae) in the Wet Tropics of Queensland
Authors: Watt Annemarie
Published: August 2004

The population and reproductive ecologies of three sympatric species of
antechinus were examined in upland rainforests in the wet tropics of
Queensland. The three species,
Antechinus stuartii adustus,
A. flavipes rubeculus and
A. godmani, exhibited unusually low trapping success
compared with that of sites in temperate regions of Australia. Spatial
distributions were extremely patchy both between and within study sites.
Comparison with trapping data for temperate populations of
A. stuartii and A. flavipes
suggests that densities in the wet tropics are among the lowest in Australia.
The reproductive season was similar for the three species, commencing during
the mid-dry season with juveniles weaned by the early to mid-wet season. The
phenomenon of male die-off was observed in the three species. However, the
highly synchronous two- week breeding season observed in temperate populations
of A. stuartii and A. flavipes was
not observed in the tropical populations. The breeding season of the tropical
species extended over a six- week period. Timing of reproduction in
A. s. adustus and A. f. rubeculus
was more similar to temperate than to subtropical populations of
A. s. stuartii and A. f. flavipes.
Ecology of the Northern Bettong, Bettongia tropica, a Tropical Mycophagist
Authors: Johnson C. N. , McIlwee A. P.
Published: August 2004

The diet and seasonal ecology of the northern bettong,
Bettongia tropica, was studied at three sites along a
moisture gradient from closed Allocasuarina-Eucalyptus
forest to dry open woodland in north-eastern Queensland. At each site, fungi
(sporocarps of hypogeous ectomycorrhizal species) were the major food, and
most of the remainder of the diet consisted of grass leaf and stem, roots and
tubers, and lilies. Forbs and invertebrates were also eaten, but in small
quantities. Fungus consumption was greatest at the wettest forest type and
least at the driest site. Seasonal variation was insignificant except at the
driest site, where fungus consumption peaked in the late wet season and
dropped during the dry season; this seasonal fall in fungus consumption was
associated with an increase in consumption of grass and roots and tubers.
There was little seasonal variation in body condition, except at the driest
site, where the dry-season decline in the proportional representation of
fungus in the diet was associated with a decline in body condition. Breeding
was continuous and aseasonal. B. tropica is found only
in a narrow zone of sclerophyll forest along the western edge of wet tropical
rainforest in north-eastern Queensland. We suggest that this species (like
bettongs and potoroos in southern Australia) depends on hypogeous fungi, and
that expansion of its geographical range into drier forest types is prevented
by shortages of fungus during the dry season.
Seasonal Reproduction in Musky Rat-kangaroos, Hypsiprymnodon moschatus: a Response to Changes in Resource Availability
Authors: Dennis Andrew J. , Marsh Helene
Published: August 2004

Musky rat-kangaroos had a seasonal reproductive pattern. Males underwent a
dramatic testicular expansion in October and the testes remained enlarged
until April, when they reduced in size again. Females carried 1–3 pouch
young from around March until October; juveniles were suckled until late
December. Two primary food resources, fruits and litter fauna, underwent
regular seasonal changes in abundance. The availability of fruits fluctuated
to a greater degree than did that of litter fauna, both within and between
years, which probably constituted the main selective pressure for a seasonal
pattern of reproduction and high fecundity relative to most other
macropodoids. Variation in the availability of fruits between years correlated
with changes in the reproductive output of both male and female musky
rat-kangaroos during breeding seasons.
Diggings by Feral Pigs Within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of North Queensland
Authors: Mitchell J. , Mayer R.
Published: August 2004

The association of ground-digging activity of feral pigs with a range of
environmental variables was examined in the wet tropics World Heritage Area of
north Queensland. Approximately 4% of the surveyed ground was disturbed
by digging activity of feral pigs. Significant differences in diggings were
detected between highland and lowland areas and between habitat types.
Diggings were more prevalent in lowland areas and coastal swamp habitats.
Diggings were positively associated with roads, tracks and moist drainage
lines.
Application of an Ultralight Aircraft to Aerial Surveys of Kangaroos on Grazing Properties
Authors: Grigg G. C. , Pople A. R. , Beard L. A.
Published: August 2004

A Drifter ultralight aircraft was used as a platform for line-transect aerial
surveys of three species of kangaroo in the sheep rangelands south-east of
Blackall and north of Longreach in central-western Queensland in winter 1993
and 1994. Favourable comparisons between the results of ultralight surveys and
those made from a helicopter flying the same transects and foot surveys along
another set of transects, all within a few days of the ultralight survey,
confirmed the expectation we had that an ultralight would be a satisfactory
and much cheaper vehicle for conducting aerial surveys of kangaroos. The
comparisons are even more favourable when data for the three species surveyed
are combined, pointing to a problem in species identification and underlining
the importance of using only experienced observers for aerial survey of
kangaroos, whatever the platform. The use of an ultralight aircraft could have
particular value where a comparatively small area, such as an individual sheep
or cattle property, is under consideration. In this paper, we present the
numerical comparisons, along with an evaluation of the practicability of using
this type of aircraft. We also describe a possible future scenario in which an
accreditation process could see approved kangaroo surveyors undertaking
property assessments by ultralight, under contract to graziers or other
interested parties.
Control of Feral Cats for Nature Conservation. I. Field Tests of Four Baiting Methods
Authors: Risbey Danielle A. , Calver Mike , Short Jeff
Published: August 2004

Four methods of baiting were evaluated on a radio-collared population of feral
cats on Heirisson Prong, Shark Bay, Western Australia. Dried-meat baits,
baiting rabbits to kill cats through secondary poisoning, a fishmeal-based
bait and a bait coated in the flavour enhancer Digest were tested. All proved
to be ineffective for controlling feral cats. Future research should explore
baits more ‘natural’ in appearance and the effect of visual lures,
and possibly bait over a larger area to increase the number of cats exposed to
baits.
Pup Growth and Maternal Care in New Zealand Fur Seals, Arctocephalus forsteri, at Maatsuyker Island, Tasmania
Authors: Lea Mary-Anne , Hindell Mark. A.
Published: August 2004

The growth, maternal attendance and sucking behaviour of 11 New Zealand fur
seal pups, Arctocephalus forsteri, on Maatsuyker Island,
Tasmania, were studied during the first six months of lactation. Early growth
rates (0–50 days) ranged from 78 to 138 g day-1
and were amongst the highest recorded for any fur seal. Male pups from
Maatsuyker Island in 1993 grew at double the rate reported from Kangaroo
Island in 1989 and 1990. Growth of pups was influenced by the attendance
behaviour of mothers. Mothers that spent relatively long periods at sea had
pups that grew more slowly. The proportion of time spent sucking by pups
decreased during the attendance period of mothers. Distinct interannual
variability was also determined for body masses of pups weighed in March in
five successive years, 1990–94, with mean body mass differing by up to
20% between years.
Fragmentation of a Small-mammal Community by a Powerline Corridor through Tropical Rainforest
Authors: Goosem Miriam , Marsh Helene
Published: August 2004

Trapping was used to investigate small-mammal community composition of a
cleared powerline corridor compared with that of surrounding tropical
rainforest in the wet tropics of north-eastern Queensland and to determine
whether movements from the rainforest across the corridor were inhibited. The
dense exotic grassland of the cleared powerline corridor supported a
small-mammal community composed mainly of the grassland species
Melomys burtoni (73·3%) and
Rattus sordidus (15·0%) with rainforest
small mammals being restricted to woody-weed thickets along the
rainforest–powerline corridor edge. The rainforest species
Rattus sp. (80·3%),
Melomys cervinipes (10·9%) and
Uromys caudimaculatus (8·8%) comprised the
small-mammal community of the forest interior. These rainforest species also
inhabited rainforest edge habitat and regrowth rainforest connections across
gullies. Movements of rainforest species across the grassland corridor were
almost completely inhibited even under bait inducement, a result attributable
to the substantial structural and microclimatic habitat differences within the
clearing and to interspecific competition with the better-adapted species of
the grassland community. Rainforest species used regrowth connections along
gullies to cross the powerline corridor. Mitigation of the fragmentation
effects caused by powerline grassy swathes can best be achieved by
strengthening extant canopy connections in regrowth gullies, and by
establishing new connections across the clearings.
Nest- and refuge-tree usage by squirrel gliders, Petaurus norfolcensis, in south-east Queensland
Authors: Rowston C.
Published: August 2004

The types of nest trees used by squirrel gliders and the tree types available
in the environment were compared. Non-eucalypt trees and smooth-barked
eucalypts were significantly under-utilised as nest trees, and iron-barked
eucalypts and stags were used as nest trees to a greater degree than would be
expected from their availability in the environment. Stags used as nest trees
could be of a significantly smaller tree diameter than other tree types,
whereas smooth-barked trees used as nest trees were of a significantly larger
diameter than all other tree types.
Control of Feral Cats for Nature Conservation. II. Population Reduction by Poisoning
Authors: Short Jeff , Turner Bruce , Risbey Danielle A. , Carnamah Reg
Published: August 2004

A feral cat population was substantially reduced by poisoning at a semi-arid
site in Western Australia. The control programme was designed to protect two
species of endangered native mammals that had recently been reintroduced to
the site. Feral cats were poisoned with carcasses of laboratory mice, each
impregnated with 4.5 mg of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080). Baits were placed
at 100-m intervals along the track system each night for four consecutive
nights. Kill rates were assessed by monitoring survival of radio- collared
cats and by spotlight counts of cats before and after baiting. All
radio-collared cats were killed and there was a 74% reduction in
spotlight counts of cats after baiting. Bait removal varied with the abundance
of rabbits, the primary prey item for cats in this area. Effectiveness of
control operations against feral cats is maximised by baiting at times of low
prey abundance. Monitoring the changing abundance of the primary prey species
provides important information for timing control operations against feral
cats.
Helminth Parasite Communities of the Water-rat, Hydromys chrysogaster, from Queensland
Authors: Smales L. R. , Cribb T. H.
Published: August 2004

The helminth fauna from 124 water-rats,
Hydromys chrysogaster, collected from 33 localities in
Queensland was analysed. A total of 45 species of helminths was found,
comprising 2 acanthocephalans, 2 cestodes, 13 nematodes and 28 trematodes. The
helminth community of the water-rats in the region north of latitude 18˚
(far north) was different from that of water-rats south of 18˚ (central);
Sorensen’s Index 45·8% similarity, whereas Holmes and
Podesta’s Index gave 32·1% similarity. Comparisons with
data from water-rats from southern and Tasmanian regions showed that they were
different from each other and from both Queensland regions. The helminth
communities were characterised by high diversity, dominated by trematodes in
the central and Tasmanian regions, but with nematodes becoming more prominent
in the far northern and southern regions. No core or secondary species were
found in the Queensland helminth communities, the southern community was
suggestive of a bimodal distribution and the Tasmanian had two core species. A
checklist of helminth species occurring in water-rats from eastern Australia
is provided.
Initial Changes in the Avian Communities of Remnant Eucalypt Woodlands following a Reduction in the Abundance of Noisy Miners, Manorina melanocephala
Authors: Grey Merilyn J. , Clarke Michael F. , Loyn Richard H.
Published: August 2004

It has been postulated that aggressive honeyeaters like the noisy miner,
Manorina melanocephala, may contribute to rural tree
decline by excluding small insectivorous birds from remnant patches of
woodland, thereby reducing the level of predation upon defoliating insects.
Previous studies provide correlational evidence that avian diversity and
abundance is lower in remnant patches of woodland occupied by noisy miners
than in those without noisy miners. Noisy miners were removed from three small
remnant patches of woodland in north-eastern Victoria. The removal of the
majority of noisy miners from a site, or even the removal of only part of a
noisy miner colony from a site, resulted in a major influx of honeyeaters and
other insectivorous birds to these sites in the following three months. Such
major invasions were not observed on matching control sites. At two of the
three removal sites, this led to an increase in both the abundance and
diversity of birds on the site. At the third site, there was an increase in
the diversity, but not the abundance of birds. These experiments are the first
to demonstrate that noisy miners affect avian diversity and abundance by
aggressive exclusion of small birds. They also showed that if domination by
noisy miners is reduced, small, degraded woodland remnants can support
significant populations of some small insectivorous birds and honeyeaters.
Noisy miners did not reinvade the experimental sites during the following 16
months and avian diversity and abundance remained higher at the experimental
sites than at the paired control sites. Long-term monitoring is needed to
determine whether the small invading bird species have a lasting effect upon
insect populations and tree health.
Palatability of Bufo marinus Tadpoles to a Predatory Fish Decreases with Development
Authors: Lawler Karen L. , Hero Jean-Marc
Published: August 2004

This investigation showed an ontogenetic shift in the palatability of
Bufo marinus tadpoles by measuring consumption of
tadpoles at three different developmental stages (newly hatched, intermediate
and pre- metamorphic) by an Australian predatory fish,
Lates calcarifer (barramundi). A known-palatable
tadpole, Limnodynastes ornatus, was used as the control.
B. marinus tadpoles at all developmental stages were
unpalatable relative to a palatable alternative, with the later stages being
the least palatable. Choice experiments further demonstrated that
L. calcarifer were able to recognise and choose
L. ornatus tadpoles in preference to those of
B. marinus. Our experiments demonstrate that at all
stages of development, B. marinus tadpoles were
unpalatable to L. calcarifer. Contrary to the model
proposed by Brodie and Formanowicz (1987), our results suggest an ontogenetic
shift in palatability of B. marinus tadpoles to a
vertebrate fish predator, with the later stages being less palatable.
Movements and Habits of Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus vulpecula Kerr) in an Urban Area
Authors: Statham M. , Statham H. L.
Published: August 2004

Brushtail possums were studied in an urban area of Launceston, Tasmania, with
23 individuals being radio- tracked over a 12-month period. These animals used
a total of 80 different day sites mainly in or under buildings. Convex-polygon
home-range areas averaged 10·9 ha for males and 2·0 ha for
females, with average nightly movements of 411 and 315 m, respectively. Births
occurred in all months of the year, with a major peak between January and May
and a smaller one between August and October. Nine of the 23 individuals were
killed and another two injured on roads by cars. It was concluded that
total-removal trapping of urban possum populations is not feasible.
Social Structure and Patterns of Movement of the Western Pebble-mound Mouse, Pseudomys chapmani, at Marandoo, Western Australia
Authors: Anstee S. D. , Roberts J. D. , O'Shea J. E.
Published: August 2004

Mounds of the western pebble-mound mouse,
Pseudomys chapmani, are found throughout the
species’ Pilbara range in areas with iron-ore deposits of economic
significance. Translocation techniques are being examined as a means of
minimising the impact of mining on this species. In the absence of detailed
information on the biology of Pseudomys chapmani,
translocation is inadvisable. To provide such basic information, animal
densities, mound demographics and population sizes, and home-range and
core-area sizes were obtained by a combination of trapping and radio-tracking.
Mounds of Pseudomys chapmani were found to be inhabited
by social groups of up to 12 animals. Estimates of home-range size gave mean (
s.e.) values of 14·4 6·7 ha and 4·6 2·7 ha for
males and females, respectively; core areas were recorded at 0·93
0·29 ha for males and 0·29 0·16 ha for females.
Considerable overlap of home ranges was recorded between individuals from the
same and different mounds. Overlap at the core-area level occurred only
between individuals from the same mound. The high level of social complexity
and mound fidelity indicates that translocations should be directed at the
level of the social group rather than at the level of the individual.
Efficacy of Fox Control in Reducing the Mortality of Released Captive-reared Malleefowl, Leipoa ocellata
Authors: Priddel David , Wheeler Robert
Published: August 2004

The effectiveness of localised, high-intensity fox baiting in reducing the
incidence of fox predation was examined after captive-reared malleefowl were
released and their survival monitored. Malleefowl released into baited areas
survived longer than those released into nearby areas that had not been
baited. Survival in both baited and non-baited areas was greater than that
prior to any fox control. Of those malleefowl released, 29% were still
alive three months later, whereas prior to fox control almost all were killed
by foxes within a month of release. Despite the improvement in survival of
malleefowl, fox predation remained the primary cause of malleefowl mortality.
The number of baits taken by foxes indicated a large fox population and a high
level of reinfestation. A more widespread, but less intensive, regime of
baiting failed to further enhance the survival of malleefowl. Malleefowl were
also particularly vulnerable to predation by raptors in habitats where the
mallee was interspersed with areas of open woodland, and where the understorey
was sparse. Fox baiting will need to be frequent, intensive and widespread to
reduce fox density to levels where predation no longer threatens the survival
or recovery of malleefowl populations.
Relative abundance, diet and roost selection of the tube-nosed insect bat, Murina florium, on the Atherton Tablelands, Australia
Authors: Schulz Martin , Hannah David
Published: August 2004

The relative abundance, diet and roost selection of the tube-nosed insect bat,
Murina florium (Vespertilionidae), was investigated at
Mt Baldy and Ravenshoe State Forests in north-eastern Queensland. In all, 34
M. florium were captured in 263 trap-nights; this was in
the middle range of microchiropteran bat species captured. Faecal analysis
indicated that the major prey items of M. floriumwere
Coleoptera and Araneida. The presence of the latter prey item in faecal
pellets suggests that the species is a partial gleaner. Low levels of
predominantly myrtaceous pollen collected from head and throat fur indicated
only incidental exposure. M. florium used a variety of
external roosts in rainforest, with the only communal roost being located in a
fallen Archontophoenix leaf suspended from a liana.
Other roosts occupied by single M. florium were nests
(n = 7) of yellow-throated scrubwrens,
Sericornis citreogularis, and fernwrens,
Oreoscopus gutturalis, and vertically suspended dead
leaf clusters (n = 3). All roosts were located in
the rainforest understorey at a mean height of 4.2 m, positioned from close to
watercourses up to ridgelines. Bird nests utilised had been modified; the
possibility of tent-making behaviour in this species is discussed.