bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Temperature Protection of Marine Turtle Eggs During Long-Distance Relocation
Authors: Harry JL , Limpus CJ
Published: June 2005

Movement of marine turtle eggs, between about 3 hours and 3 weeks after oviposition, often results
in substantial embryonic mortality. Eggs of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), which were cooled
to 7-10�C within a few hours of oviposition, were relocated 1077 km in 14 h before being set at
temperatures within the normal incubation range (26, 28 and 32�C). The percentage of viable embryos
and hatchlings produced from these eggs was comparable to that of undisturbed eggs laid in natural
nests. The incubation period and the sex ratio of the hatchlings, observed for each temperature regime,
were unaffected by the initial cooling. Cooling C. caretta eggs effectively arrests early embryonic
development, thereby extending the period during which eggs can be relocated without causing
movement-induced mortality. This procedure is applicable in situations where turtle eggs must be
transported for research or hatchery management purposes.
The Effects of Grazing by Kangaroos and Rabbits on the Vegetation and the Habitat of Other Fauna in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Australian Capital Territory.
Authors: Neave HM , Tanton MT
Published: June 2005

Exclosures established in 1979 at 3 grassland sites in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve kept out kangaroos and rabbits, kangaroos only or rabbits only, at each site. The occurrence of some plant species changed over time in all treatments as a result of natural plant succession, but other changes were caused mainly by grazing by the grey kangaroo [Macropus giganteus]. The 3 sites were different floristically mainly in the percentage cover of Themeda australis, Bromus molliformis, Hypochoeris radicata and Trifolium spp. The frequency of occurrence of moss, Haloragis tetragyna, Rumex acetosella, B. molliformis and Trifolium spp. also differed between sites. Compared with ungrazed plots, exclosures grazed by kangaroos had decreased percentage cover of Glycine clandestina, Aira caryophyllea and Haloragis tetragyna whereas moss species increased. Bothriochloa macra, which occurred only at 1 site, increased on plots grazed by kangaroos and produced a significant site-treatment interaction. The plots grazed by kangaroos had increased frequency of occurrence of dicotyledonous seedlings, A. caryophyllea, Danthonia sp. and H. radicata. Since 1982-83, the frequency of occurrence of G. clandestina, Lomandra filiformis and Verbascum thapsus decreased where the grey kangaroo grazed. New species recorded in 1986, that appeared only in sites grazed by the grey kangaroo, included B. molliformis, Eriochilus cucullatus, Trifolium campestre, Luzula sp. and Silene gallica. Species such as Hibbertia obtusifolia, Plantago lanceolata, Lactuca serriola, Conyza bonariensis, Danthonia sp. and Hydrocotyle laxiflora were not present on plots grazed by the grey kangaroo. Height of Acrotriche serrulata, dicotyledonous seedlings, G. clandestina, H. laxiflora, Hypericum gramineum, H. radicata, L. filiformis, Poa sp., Sorghum leiocladum and T. australis was reduced markedly in plots grazed by the grey kangaroo, although grazing did not always appear to be the reason. The reduction in the height of the vegetation made the areas unsuitable for stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis) and Richard's pipit (Anthus novaeseelandiae), and also affected certain invertebrates.
The Effect of Hunting With Dogs on the Numbers and Movements of Feral Pigs, Sus-Scrofa, and the Subsequent Success of Poisoning Exercises in Namadgi-National-Park, Act
Authors: Mcilroy JC , Saillard RJ
Published: June 2005

A week-long hunting trial with dogs, Canis familiaris, to control feral pigs, Sus scrofa, in Namadgi
National Park, A.C.T., did not cause the pigs to disperse from the area or adversely affect the success
of two subsequent poisoning exercises. Hunting was generally not as effective in reducing pig numbers
as poisoning with warfarin, but could be useful for obtaining samples of pigs for monitoring disease
during the first few days of an exotic disease outbreak, and also for killing pigs that have survived
other control methods.
Feeding Ecology of Fruit Pigeons in Subtropical Rainforests of South-Eastern Queensland.
Authors: Innis GJ
Published: June 2005

In a 5-yr (1979-84) study of 6 species of fruit pigeon in lowland (dry) and upland (wet) subtropical rain forests in the Jimna and Conondale Ranges, the effects of forest phenology on pigeon abundance were investigated. The pigeons utilized 89 species of plants from 39 families of trees, palms and vines. The seasonal availability of fruit was similar in each forest type: most plant species bore crops during the wet season (Dec.-Mar.) and held crops into the early dry season (April-May); the late dry season (June-Oct.) was a time of general fruit shortage. More than 60% of the species of food plants present in upland forest were rare or absent in lowland forest. In general, each species of pigeon utilized a distinct suite of plant species in each forest type. Certain species of fig (Ficus spp.) fruited asynchronously and were the most important food for sedentary wompoo fruit-doves (Ptilinopus magnificus magnificus) in both forest types. These and other species of fig were the most important food for topknot pigeons (Lopholaimus antarcticus) and rose-crowned fruit-doves (P. regina regina) in lowland forest. An influx of flocks of up to 200 topknot pigeons into upland forest occurred each year in response to the fruiting of Archontophoenix cunninghamiana. The foraging habits of rose-crowned fruit-doves were largely opportunistic in upland forest, utilizing whatever fruit was available at particular times. White-headed pigeons (Columba leucomela) foraged solely in Olea paniculata during irregular visits to lowland forest. A regular summer influx into upland forest occurred in response to the fruiting of a vine, Piper novae-hollandiae. In each forest type, brown cuckoo-doves (Macropygia amboinensis) had a distinct foraging preference for plant species characteristic of disturbed forests; important plant families were the Solanaceae, Ulmaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Araliaceae. Superb fruit-doves (P. superbus) were seldom found in either forest type.
The Effect of Drought on Duckling Survival of Maned Ducks
Authors: Kingsford RT
Published: June 2005

Regular brood surveys on a population of maned ducks, Chenonetta jubata, in south-eastern Australia
provided information on the timing of breeding, brood sizes, duckling survival and production for this
species. Over three years (1981-83), most breeding was during the spring, ducklings hatching between
late August and late November. Some autumn (March-May) breeding also occurred. Timing of breeding
appeared to be more closely related to the abundance of food than to rainfall alone. There were clear
differences in reproductive success between the drought year of 1982 and the two years of similar
weather, 1981 and 1983. Breeding began later in 1982, with a mean hatch date of 18 � 5.1 November,
compared with 7 � 3.6 October in 1981 and 21 � 5.1 September in 1983. Broods hatched over 43 days
in 1982 compared with 69 days in 1981 and 101 days in 1983. Also, duckling survival was lowest in
1982, with about a 20% probability of survival to fledging compared with 89% in 1981 and 82% in
1983. Only six broods were found in 1982 compared with 33 in 1981 and 30 in 1983. An estimated
158 and 176 ducklings survived to fledging compared with seven in 1982. Brood sizes at hatching did
not show the same clear annual differences. In 1981 and 1983 there were seasonal differences in brood
size at hatching. Broods were smaller late in the season (4.1) compared with early (7.2) and mid-season
(7.2). Broods were also larger in 1983 (7.2) than in 1981 (5.4). Brood size at hatching in 1982 was 6.0.
Roosting and Foraging Behavior of the Queensland Tube-Nosed Bat, Nyctimene-Robinsoni (Pteropodidae) - Preliminary Radio-Tracking Observations
Authors: Spencer HJ , Fleming TH
Published: June 2005

The roosting and foraging behaviour of Nyctimene robinsoni (Chiroptera : Pteropodidae) was studied
at Cape Tribulation, far north Queensland, in November and December 1987 using radio-tracking
techniques. Bats under and around fruiting sourcop (Annona muricata) trees in a fruit orchard and
under cluster fig trees (Ficus spp.) in abandoned pastures were captured with mist nets. Females
dominated the captures in the orchard, but the sex ratio was 1 : 1 under cluster fig trees (their presumed
normal food). Distances between day-roosting sites and places of capture ranged from 63 to 1012 m.
During the day, bats roosted solitarily in the foliage of canopy or understorey trees, usually in primary
forest, and most individuals roosted in the same small area for several consecutive days. Except for
occasional visits to isolated fruiting trees, individuals foraged at night within 200m of their day roost.
The high density of fruiting cluster fig trees in November and December could account for the sedentary
behaviour ot this bat at this time of year.
The Use of Dyes in Bait for Wallaby Control
Authors: Statham M
Published: June 2005

Carrots dyed with one of three pigments-ICI green GNA, ICI blue BXA, or lissamine green-were
compared with undyed carrots as wallaby bait in two field trials. There were no significant differences
between any of the treatments in either trial, indicating that wallabies accept both dyed and undyed
carrots equally well. A later series of monitored 1080 poisonings with blue-dyed bait resulted in no
apparent reduction of kills, showing that the blue dye is a suitable material for marking toxic bait in
wallaby control operations.
Identifying the Sex of Fallow Deer From Jawbone Measurements
Authors: Nugent G
Published: June 2005

Multivariate discriminant analyses based on five jawbone measurements are used to identify the sex of
fallow deer (Dama duma). This procedure was prompted by evidence that hunters were reporting the
sex of deer incorrectly when contributing jawbones for a demographic study. Deer more than 2 years
old could be sexed reliably from jawbone measurements, but measurements in younger deer overlapped
between the sexes.
Other keywords: sexual dimorphism, Blue Mountains, Otago, New Zealand.
Factors Affecting the Diet of Crested Terns, Sterna-Bergii
Authors: Hulsman K , Langham NPE , Bluhdorn D
Published: June 2005

For crested terns, Sterna bergii Lichtenstein, changes in the accessibility of prey may cause changes in
the composition of the terns' diet during the course of the tidal cycle, or in where and when the terns
hunt. Some active selection of prey may also occur, for the terns feed fish of different sizes to chicks
of different ages. Furthermore, some adults may hunt in specific places at specific times since many
of the prey species are site-specific and are accessible only at certain times during the tidal cycle.
More skill may be required to catch prey species that dwell on the bottom or in mid-water than those
that dwell at or near the surface. We did not find a strongly consistent pattern in the times at which
the terns feed their chicks, which may reflect the terns' opportunistic foraging habits.
Ecology of Frillneck Lizards, Chlamydosaurus-Kingii (Agamidae), in Tropical Australia
Authors: Shine R , Lambeck R
Published: June 2005

Radiotelemetric monitoring of 18 free-ranging frillneck lizards in Kakadu National Park, combined with
dissection of museum specimens, provided extensive data on the natural history and general ecology of
this large and spectacular lizard. Activity patterns and reproductive cycles are highly seasonal, with
lizards inactive during the drier (and cooler) months of the year. Frillnecks are primarily arboreal
and are relatively unselective with regard to the species of tree used except that one common species,
Eucalyptus confertyora, is avoided. Telemetered lizards usually clung to branches high in the canopy.
During the mating season (November-December), males had larger activity ranges than did females
(means of 2.5 vs 0.7 ha) and made longer daily movements (means of 69 vs 23 m). Frillneck lizards
bask briefly in the morning, but body temperatures follow ambient temperatures for most of the
day. Thermal heterogeneity in the lizards' habitat is low, so opportunities for behavioural regulation
(especially reduction) of body temperature are limited. Body temperatures are highly correlated with
air temperatures and are often close to 40�C.
Female frillnecks are considerably smaller than males, and they produce 4-13 eggs during the wet
season. Chlamydosaurus are apparently unique among reptiles in using bipedal locomotion during
routine foraging. These lizards are 'sit and wait' predators, descending from arboreal vantage points to
seize lepidopteran larvae or massed swarms of hymenopteran or isopteran alates. Many different types
of insects are eaten, but vertebrate prey items are rarely taken.
The Diet of the Rufous Hare-Wallaby (Marsupialia, Macropodidae) in the Tanami Desert
Authors: Pearson DJ
Published: June 2005

The summer diet of a population of the rufous hare-wallaby, Lagorchestes hirsutus, was studied by
survey of grazed plants and microscopic analysis of faecal pellets following a season of above-average
rainfall. The fibre and nitrogen contents of food plants were examined and the abundance of food
plants in the habitat was determined to assess dietary selectivity.
L. hirsutus had a diverse diet but selectively grazed the seeds and shoots of certain grasses and
sedges as well as some dicotyledons. High- and low-fibre food items occurred in faecal samples,
suggesting that L. hirsutus possesses considerable dietary adaptability. Individuals may travel appreciable
distances into saline interdune and recently burnt areas to feed. The future survival of the only known
mainland population appears to be largely dependent on continued mosaic-burning of its habitat to
maintain mature spinifex for shelter adjacent to areas of regeneration that provide a range of preferred
food items.
Feeding Ecology of the Whiskered Tern, Chlidonias-Hybrida, in the Alligator Rivers Region, Northern-Territory
Authors: Dostine PL , Morton SR
Published: June 2005

Prey from stomachs of 55 whiskered terns collected on a freshwater floodplain in the monsoonal
Northern Territory were identified and counted. The terns ate a wide variety of invertebrate animals,
most of them aquatic or with aquatic affinities. The most important prey in terms of dry weight were
small fish, particularly Eleotridae, and insects, particularly Coleoptera, Odonata and Hemiptera.
Vertebrates constituted 51% by dry weight of the diet. Numerically, dominant groups were Coleoptera,
Odonata and small fish. Sexual differences were evident in morphology and diet. Males were heavier,
had longer bills and wider gapes, and consumed more fish; females ate more invertebrates.
Seasonal Incidence of Myxomatosis in New-South-Wales
Authors: Parer I , Korn T
Published: June 2005

We analysed monthly records of the presence or absence of myxomatosis in the 59 Pasture Protection
Board Districts of New South Wales for 1959-64 and 1980-86. These periods respectively precede and
follow the introduction of the European rabbit flea, Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale), into New South Wales.
Throughout New South Wales during the two periods, myxomatosis was reported more frequently in
summer than in winter. The seasonal trend was more pronounced on the western and central plains than
on the slopes, tablelands or coastal regions. The incidence of myxomatosis was positively related to
rainfall on the western and central plains and slopes, but not on the tablelands and coast. After the
introduction of the rabbit flea, the reported incidence of myxomatosis increased more on the tablelands
than in the other regions.
Evaluation of the Stag-Watching Technique for Census of Possums and Gliders in Tall Open Forest
Authors: Smith AP , Lindenmayer D , Begg RJ , Macfarlane MA , Seebeck JH , Suckling GC
Published: June 2005

Stagwatching involves direct counts of nocturnal animals emerging from tree hollows at dusk. This
technique is described and compared with spotlighting and trapping for census of possums and gliders
in the tall open forests of the Victorian Central Highlands. Stagwatching detected Leadbeater's possum,
the mountain brushtail possum, the sugar glider and the yellow-bellied glider, in greater numbers and
at more sites than did spotlighting. Stagwatching was most effective for survey of Leadbeater's possum.
Fine weather in spring, summer, or autumn appear to be the best time to stagwatch for this species.
All other species were detected by spotlighting at a portion of sites where they were not detected
by stagwatching. Underestimation of density by stagwatching was attributed to emergence of some
individuals after dark. Further information on activity patterns is required before either stagwatching
or spotlighting can be used to estimate the densities of most possum and glider species.
Dietary Segregation of Macaroni and Rockhopper Penguins at Heard Island
Authors: Klages NTW , Gales RP , Pemberton D
Published: June 2005

This paper reports on the first quantitative study of the diet of macaroni and rockhopper penguins
(Eudytes chrysolophus and E. chrysocome) undertaken on sub-Antarctic Heard Island. Stomach contents
were sampled during the late incubation and early chick-rearing phase. Both penguin species generally
fed on euphausiids and fish, albeit in different proportions and frequently on different species and
sizes. In particular, macaroni penguins consumed considerably more fish on a per cent mass basis
(23.2 v. 8.0%), selecting larger sized prey than rockhopper penguins did. It is hypothesised that these
dietary differences provide macaroni penguins with a broader feeding niche leading to a greater
availability of food and are thus an important factor contributing to the numerical dominance of
macaroni penguins on the island.
Morphological Prediction of Body Condition in Maned Ducks
Authors: Briggs SV
Published: June 2005

Best-fit regression equations for estimating body-fat levels from morphological measurements of maned
ducks (Chenonetta jubata) were developed. The cube of [body weight/(sternum x tarsus x bill length)]
plus the square of skinfold thickness was the best predictor of body fat in females (r*2=0.81). The
cube of (body weight x skinfold thickness) was the best predictor in males (r*2=0.75). These regression
equations accurately estimated fat level in all seasons except females in winter, when estimated values
were significantly higher (paired t test, P<0.02) by 18% than actual levels. Body weight alone
predicted protein content well in males (r*2=0.81) and less well in females (r*2= 0.61). These equations
enable long-term and relatively cheap monitoring of body condition in trapped maned ducks.
An Assessment of the Potential Target Specificity of 1080 Predator Baiting in Western-Australia
Authors: Calver MC , King DR , Bradley JS , Gardner JL , Martin G
Published: June 2005

The potential hazard of 1080 baiting for predators to 14 species of non-target mammals in the pastoral
areas of Western Australia and a further six from Western Australia's Fitzgerald River National Park,
was assessed by comparing projected doses of 1080 (based on consumption of non-toxic bait by captive
animals in the absence of alternative food) with the approximate lethal dose of 1080 for each species.
These figures suggested that individuals from 12 species were potentially at risk from crackle baits, while
only individuals from Dasyurus hallucatus, Ningaui spp., Sminthopsis crassicaudata, Planigale maculata,
one population of Leggadina forresti and one population of Sminthopsis ooldea were potentially
endangered by meat baits.
Tests using the native mammals Zyzomys argurus and Pseudomys hermannsbergensis and laboratory
mice (Mus musculus) and laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) showed that individuals of all species
reduced their consumption of toxic bait relative to non-toxic bait, although this did not prevent three
of five rats and one of three P. hermannsbergensis from being killed.
Mouse Plagues in South Australian Cereal-Growing Areas .1. Occurrence and Distribution of Plagues From 1900 to 1984
Authors: Mutze GJ
Published: June 2005

Information on the occurrence and distribution of plagues of house mice, Mus domesticus, in South
Australia was obtained from scientific literature, agricultural reports, rural and suburban newspapers,
and personal observations. In all, 580 separate reports from the cereal-growing areas of South Australia
in 20 years between 1900 and 1984 were collated to determine the extent of each plague. Some plagues
were widespread, affecting nearly all 22 000 km2 of the cereal-growing areas; others were restricted
to specific areas or isolated sites. Maps showing the extent and relative severity of mouse infestations
are presented for 20 years between 1904 and 1984.
Associations Between Individuals and Classes in Groups of Different Size in a Population of Western Gray Kangaroos, Macropus-Fuliginosus
Authors: Arnold GW , Steven DE , Grassia A
Published: June 2005

Associations between different classes of animals, and between individuals, were analysed in a population of 150-170 western grey kangaroos living in a 300-ha remnant of wandoo woodland and adjacent farmland. The commonest group size was one, and 71% of groups were of three or fewer individuals. Females with juveniles at foot were seen in a significantly different distribution of group sizes than females without juveniles, or males. The associations between classes in groups of 2, 3 and 4 changed with the size of group. In groups of two, but not in groups of three and four, males were seen together more frequently than expected. Females without juveniles at foot associated with their peers more frequently than expected in groups of two and three, but those with juveniles at foot associated with their peers less frequently than expected. Other associations between classes were significantly different from expectation. About 70% of the sub-adult and adult animals were individually identifiable by numbered collars. The highest frequency of association of one individual with another was less than 40% of the times the two were seen on the same night. However, nearly all individuals had statistically significant associations with one or more individual in each year, and dissociations with others. The associations did not persist from year to year. The overall group social structure, as shown by single-linkage cluster analysis, was for individuals to associate with others of the same sex, although sub-adults were more generally associated with adult females. The overall level of association was lower in males than in females and juveniles.
Status of Australian and New-Zealand Fur Seals at Maatsuyker Island, Southwestern Tasmania
Authors: Brothers N , Pemberton D
Published: June 2005

Surveys were carried out between 1987 and 1989 on Maatsuyker I. and nearby Needle Rocks off southern Tasmania to establish the status and identification of the seals present. New Zealand fur seals, Arctocephalus forsteri, were found on Maatsuyker I. There were at least 15 pups born on the island in 1987/88. Australian fur seals, Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus, use the islands as a haulout site but do not breed here. The distribution of New Zealand fur seals can now be amended to include Tasmanian waters. Records discussed here also alter aspects of the status of Australian fur seals because the Maatsuyker group is not a breeding site for this species and breeding colonies are therefore restricted to Bass Strait waters.
Comparative Field Energetics of Two Macropod Marsupials and a Ruminant.
Authors: Nagy KA , Sanson GD , Jacobsen NK
Published: June 2005

Field metabolic rates (FMRs) and water influx rates were measured via the doubly labelled water method in wild Tasmanian pademelons and grey kangaroos living in the Jock Marshall Reserve at Clayton, Victoria, and in wild black-tailed deer free-ranging within a nature reserve at Davis, California. Deer expended more than 3 times more energy per day than similar sized grey kangaroos. Feeding rates required to achieve energy balance were estimated from FMRs along with an estimate of metabolizable energy content of the food. The estimated feeding rates for pademelons and kangaroos were combined with similar values for 5 other species of macropods to calculate an allometric (scaling) relationship for food requirements of macropod marsupials. Feeding rate had the following relationship to body mass: g food (DM) consumed per day = 0.20 g body mass0.79 (r2 = 0.94). The findings reported herein should be useful for predicting the approximate food requirements of free-ranging macropods and deer for purposes of ecological modelling, conservation efforts and management programmes.
Feeding Strategies of the Swamp Wallaby, Wallabia Bicolor, on North Stradbroke Island, Queensland. I: Composition of Diets.
Authors: Osawa R
Published: June 2005

Species composition of plants present in the stomach contents of 34 road-killed swamp wallabies, W. bicolor, on North Stradbroke Island, SE Queensland, was investigated, and related to seasonal variation in N and fibre contents of plants in the study area. W. bicolor consumed a wide range of plant categories including shrubs, forbs, grasses, ferns and fungi. Among these, grasses, followed by shrubs, were the major component of the stomach contents. These dietary plants had higher N contents than those non-dietary plants of the corresponding plant category, which were present in the study site but never found in the stomach contents. Individual grass species of high occurrence in the stomach contents were Melinis minutiflora, Cynodon dactylon and Cyperus spp. Although more fibrous, these species had similar or relatively high N levels compared with native shrubs, except during summer. This suggests that W. bicolor selected dietary plants of high N content rather than low fibre content.
Home Range of the Common Wallaroo, Macropus-Robustus-Erubescens, in Far Western New South Wales
Authors: Clancy TF , Croft DB
Published: June 2005

Aspects of the home range and space-use patterns of the common wallaroo or euro (Macropus robustus erubescens) were studied over a three year period in arid New South Wales. Thirty-five adults (19 males and 16 females) were captured and fitted with radio-transmitters and their movements followed. The home ranges of the majority of animals were significantly different from that of a bivariate normal distribution, indicating a heterogeneity of space use. Home ranges were small and essentially stable over time. There were significant differences between the sexes in all parameters of home range measured due to differences in ecological and social requirements. Males had significantly larger weekly home ranges in winter than females (77.2 +/- 47.5 ha and 30.5 +/- 16.5 ha, respectively) but in summer home ranges were similar (30.2 +/- 20.4 ha and 27.6 +/- 15.0 ha). On a yearly basis males ranged over an area approximately three times the size of that used by females. Yearly home-range size in males was positively correlated with body size when conditions were poor.
Reproduction in Pseudantechinus macdonnellensis (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae): Field and Laboratory
Authors: Woolley PA
Published: June 2005

Pseudantechinus macdonnellensis has a wide distribution within the arid zone of Australia. Observations
have been made on reproduction in both newly captured and laboratory-maintained animals obtained
from widely separated localities. They have a short annual breeding season; animals from the more
westerly part of the range breed later in the year. Males are potentially capable of breeding in at least
three seasons, and females in at least four. Females are monoestrous and the gestation period, timed
from mating to birth, is from 45 to 55 days. The young are suckled for about 14 weeks in the
laboratory and are capable of breeding in the season following that in which they were born, when
they are approaching 1 year of age.
Movements of Feral Pigs (Sus Scrofa) at Sunny Corner, New South Wales.
Authors: Saunders G , Kay B
Published: June 2005

This study describes the movements of feral pigs at Sunny Corner in eastern New South Wales.
Population density at this site was 2 pigs km-2. Twenty-two pigs (12 males and 10 females) were
captured and fitted with telemetry transmitters. Aggregate home range for males (10.7 � 6.9 km2)
was significantly greater than for females (4.9 � 1.4 km2) as was 24 h home range (1.4� 1.1 km2,
males and 0.8 � 0.4 km2, females). Seasonal home ranges were greatest in the winter and smallest in
the autumn. These differences were attributed to variations in food availability. During all seasons there
was a preference for creeklines that had vegetative cover. This was the result of thermoregulatory needs,
refuge availability and food supply. Peak activity throughout the study occurred between 1900 and
2400 hours with little movement during the middle of the day. The implications of these results to
management programs are discussed.
Models for the Control of Feral Water Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) Using Constant Levels of Offtake and Effort.
Authors: Boulton WJ , Freeland WJ
Published: June 2005

A model of population growth of feral water buffalo is presented and used as a basis for simulating
buffalo control exercises. Simulations incorporated annual removal of constant numbers of buffalo,
annual allocations of constant amounts of control effort, or continous application of effort until control
density had been achieved. The models rely on data from helicopter-based shooting and shooting by
shooters on the ground (Bayliss 1986). Approximately 60% of a starting population had to be removed
per annum for control to extinction to be achieved within two years. Annual allocations of constant
levels of control effort resulted in failure to reach the control target within 150 years, control in about
40 years, or control within the first two years of operation, depending on the level of effort expended.
Addition of two helicopters to a team of four helicopters working for 20 days changed the result from
no control to control within two years. Optimal allocation of control effort requires continuous
application of control measures until the objective has been achieved. Lower levels of effort result in
prolonged campaigns that may not achieve desired objectives.
Age Determination in the Dingo and Crossbreeds.
Authors: Catling PC , Corbett LK , Westcott M
Published: June 2005

Growth curves were derived for captive known-age dingoes, Canis familiaris dingo, and their crosses
with similarly sized domestic dogs, C. f. familiaris. Regular body measurements including weight and
dried eye-lens weights were used. Age calibration curves and confidence limits were then produced to
enable age estimation of animals of unknown birth date. Head length was the better predictor of age
up to about 120 days, and eye-lens weight to about 500 days. The only difference in growth patterns
in dingoes and crossbreeds from central and southern Australia was between sexes.
Iophenoxic and Iopanoic Acid as Bait Markers for Feral Goats.
Authors: Eason CT , Batcheler D
Published: June 2005

As part of assessments of the palatability of different formulations for baits to be used for the control of feral goats, iopanoic acid and iophenoxic acid were compared as bait markers. After goats ingested iopanoic acid (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg), peak plasma iodine concentrations (4.86, 17.25 and 19.11 micro g/ml respectively) were reached after 4 to 8 h, followed by rapid excretion. In contrast, iophenoxic acid (1.5 mg/kg) was more slowly absorbed but remained stable in the plasma at concentrations greater than 2.40 micro g/ml for 3months after ingestion. When goats were fed 10 marked leaves smeared with non-toxic petrolatum containing a total of 50 mg iophenoxic acid, plasma iodine concentrations were proportionally and significantly higher than in animals fed on marked leaf smeared with non-toxic petrolatum (total of 5 mg iophenoxic acid), indicating a potential for quantifying the amount of bait ingested. Iophenoxic acid, therefore, shows the greatest potential as a bait marker for goats, particularly for quantitative use in palatability and acceptance studies.
Food Selection by Grey-headed Flying Foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) Occupying a Summer Colony Site near Gosford, New South Wales
Authors: Parry-Jones K , Augee ML
Published: June 2005

A colony site occupied by grey-headed flying-foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) from October to May on
the central coast of N.S.W. was monitored over a 48 month period (1986-1990). Faecal and spat-out
material was collected for microscopic determination of contents. Comparison of food items in the
droppings with the array of possible food sources present in the vicinity of the colony at the same time
showed a marked preference for certain foods, in particular blossoms of the family Myrtaceae and of
the genus Banksia. Cultivated orchard fruits were not a preferred food and were only taken at times
when preferred food items were scarce.
Habitat Use by Arboreal Mammals along an Environment Gradient in North-eastern Victoria
Authors: Bennett AF , Lumsden LF , Alexander JSA , Duncan PE , Johnson PG , Robertson P , Silveira CE
Published: June 2005

A total of 1487 observations of nine species of arboreal mammal, Acrobates pygmaeus, Phascolarctos
cinereus, Petauroides volans, Petaurus australis, P. breviceps, P. norfolcensis, Pseudocheirusperegrinus,
Trichosurus caninus and T. vulpecula, were made during surveys of the vertebrate fauna of northeastern
Victoria. Habitat use by each species was examined in relation to eight forest types that occur
along an environmental gradient ranging from sites at high elevation with a high annual rainfall, to
sites on the dry inland and riverine plains. Arboreal mammals were not evenly distributed between forest
types. Three species (P. australis, P. volans and T. caninus) were mainly associated with moist tall
forests; two species (P. norfolcensis and T. vulpecula) were primarily associated with drier forests and
woodlands of the foothills; the remaining three species (A. pygmaeus, P. breviceps and P. peregrinus)
occurred widely throughout the forests. The composition of the arboreal mammal assemblage changed
along the environmental gradient, but species displayed gradual changes in abundance with forest type
rather than marked discontinuities in distributional pattern. The highest overall frequencies of occurrence
of arboreal mammals were in forests typically dominated by a mixture of eucalypt species. The position
at first sighting of an animal, and the relative height in the forest stratum, were used to describe the
micro-habitats utilised. In general, the microhabitats occupied by each species are consistent with the
distribution of their known food resources.
Diet Choise and Food Availability in the Omnivorous Lizard, Trachydosaurus rugosus
Authors: Dubas G , Bull CM
Published: June 2005

The diet of sleepy lizards, Trachydosaurus rugosus, from a population near Tickera, South Australia,
was determined by direct observations, stomach content analysis and food choice trials. They were
found to be opportunistic feeders with a diverse diet of mainly flowers and berries, selected from
27 of the 85 plant species identified on two study plots. They were also found to feed on invertebrates,
mainly the introduced land snail, Thebapisana. Availability of different food types changed with season,
and the lizard diet adjusted to the changes. The spring home ranges of lizards contained a higher
proportion than random, of sampling squares in which common spring food plants were recorded.
However, the abundance of food plants makes it unlikely that food resources influence home range size.
Reproductive Pattern of Captive Boullanger Island Dibbers, Parantechinus apicalis (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae)
Authors: Woolley PA
Published: June 2005

The recent discovery in Western Australia of two island populations of the dibbler, Parantechinus
apicalis, which is rare on the mainland, has provided an opportunity for further study of this species.
Following the finding that all males in an island population died soon after the mating period in March,
in contrast to mainland males which survive beyond their first breeding season in both the field and
the laboratory, a study of the pattern of reproduction in captive island dibblers was made. Like mainland
dibblers, island females were found to be monoestrous, and island males potentially capable of
breeding in more than one season. Island dibblers are smaller than mainland dibblers but the estimated
length of pseudopregnancy was found to be similar. The results of the study on captive island dibblers,
together with observations made on the island population at the time it was discovered, suggest
that the 'die-off' of males observed in each of the three years following their discovery may not
be an inevitable event, as it is for the males of some other species of small dasyurid marsupials
(e.g. Antechinus).
The Biology of the Ground Parrot, Pezoporus wallicus, in Queensland. I. Microhabitat Use, Activity Cycle and Diet
Authors: McFarland DC
Published: June 2005

The microhabitat use, activity cycle and diet of the ground parrot in Cooloola National Park was
examined by flushing birds, plotting call locations, radio-tracking 12 individuals, and sampling crop
contents of trapped birds. Within a heathland, parrots appeared to use all parts of the dry and wet
microhabitats but few of them used sedgelands and shrub- or tree-dominated areas. Birds visited dry
microhabitats between late autumn and early summer, but used wet microhabitats mostly in summer.
The shifts between dry and wet corresponded to changes in seed availability and accessibility, and may
also be linked to climate. Radio-tracked birds were active throughout the day, with peaks just after
sunrise, at mid-morning and in late afternoon. Voluntary flights were recorded only in the dawn and
dusk calling periods. Home range area averaged 9.2 ha during all tracking periods, the smallest ranges
being recorded in spring. Mean adult range (5.6 ha) was smaller than that of subadults (13.9 ha).
There was considerable overlap in home ranges among individuals but little overlap in foraging areas.
Ground parrots in Cooloola fed on seeds from at least 40 different species of monocotyledonous and
dicotyledonous plants. Selection appeared to be based on whatever seeds were available, accessible and
of a size that could be handled.
The Biology of the Ground Parrot, Pezoporus wallicus, in Queensland. II. Spacing, Calling and Breeding Behaviour
Authors: McFarland DC
Published: June 2005

The spacing, calling and breeding behaviour of ground parrots in Cooloola National Park was studied
over three years. Despite having overlapping home ranges, individual parrots maintain a solitary
existence, the inter-bird distance averaging 106 m. No aggressive behaviour was ever recorded. Calling
was restricted to before sunrise and after sunset; it comprised whistling notes mostly in variable
ascending scales. Four call types were used throughout the year, and three others only in the breeding
season. Light intensity appears to be the main factor determining when calling starts and finishes;
parrot density influences the rate of calling by individuals. Calling may be used to advertise dominance
status and location of an individual. The formation of a dominance hierarchy would enable several
birds to use the same area, individual rank determining priority of access to the spatially and temporally
variable seed resources. Ground parrots bred in spring, the clutch size was either three or four. Nests
were found only on the ground under vegetation in dry parts of heathlands that had not been burnt
for at least 3-4 years. Minimum nest density ranged between 1.0 and 1.3 nests per 10 ha. Only the
female incubated the eggs, the male provided all food to both the female and chicks. On average a pair
produced 1.9 fledglings per nest each year. An unusually high rate of egg failure (22-31%) appears to
be typical for this species.
The Biology of the Ground Parrot, Pezoporus wallicus, in Queensland. III. Distribution and Abundance
Authors: McFarland DC
Published: June 2005

Ground parrots in Queensland were found in closed graminoid-heathlands and sedgelands between
Maryborough and Coolum on the mainland, and along the west coast of Fraser I. Parrot distribution,
when compared to historical data, shows a decline which is a result of habitat destruction or degradation
in the northern and southern limits of the species range. The current population is estimated
at 2900 birds, with the majority in the heathlands of Cooloola National Park, Wide Bay Military
Reserve and the State Forest and the Great Sandy National Park on Fraser I. Ground parrot density
varied between sites because of the interactive effects of vegetation type, heathland area, time since and
frequency of fire, microhabitat diversity and proximity to recolonisers. Within sites, parrot numbers
changed in the long term with time since fire (influence of temporal changes in vegetation structure
and seed availability) peaking at 5-8 years after burning, and in the short term with the seasonal effects
of dispersal and breeding. Although predators were present their impact on the main populations was
considered minimal. All of these factors are, to some extent, influenced by human activities, e.g.
clearing and burning of heathlands.
The Ecology of Pseudomys novaehollandiae (Waterhouse, 1843)
Authors: Wilson BA
Published: June 2005

The distribution, habitat preferences and population ecology of Pseudomys novaehollandiae in the
Eastern Otways, Victoria, were studied from 1985 to 1989. The species has a patchy distribution and
was captured at only four sites in heathy woodland-open forest. The population density of the species
was low (0-3.1 ha-1) and the breeding season was from spring to summer. The vegetation on two
trapping grids was classified into five floristic groups. Four small mammal species (Rattus lutreolus,
Antechinus stuartii, Mus musculus and P. novaehollandiae) exhibited preferences for different floristic
groups. There was evidence that P. novaehollandiae interacted, or competed, with M. musculus in one
floristic group. Pseudomys novaehollandiae preferred two floristic groups which had high floristic
diversity. Within these groups the species was associated with low dense vegetation cover. The decline
of populations of P. novaehollandiae in this study is likely to be related to post-fire successional
changes in the vegetation: either to loss of plant species diversity, or to loss of particular species
or to low vegetation cover. Strategic burning of small areas within the preferred floristic vegetation
is recommended to maintain a mosaic of suitable successional ages for the conservation of this
endangered species.
Impact of Wildfire on the Nesting behaviour of Birds in Heathland
Authors: Brooker MG , Rowley I
Published: June 2005

This paper describes the effects of wildfire on the nesting behaviour of some species of birds in a
heathland community at Gooseberry Hill, Western Australia. The most severe fire during the nine year
(1981-89) study was a hot summer burn in January 1985, which destroyed 95% of the study area.
In the spring following that fire, 81% of the species previously known to breed in the area were still
able to nest. The nesting substrate, height, site and aspect for three of the most abundant species
(splendid fairy-wrens, western thornbills and yellow-rumped thornbills) were examined in detail.
In the immediate post-fire year, all three used as nest sites only those plant species which regenerate
by sprouting. The mean height of splendid fairy-wren nests in shrubs was lower than in unburnt habitat,
although the wrens also built some nests in unusually high sites in trees in the first two seasons after
fire. The mean height of western thornbill nests did not change but nest placement in a favoured
substrate, Xanthorrhoea preissii, varied according to time since fire. Yellow-rumped thornbill nests
built in burnt habitat tended to be higher and in a more restricted range of substrates than previously.
Breeding of splendid fairy-wrens was delayed by three to five weeks in the first year after fire and the
number of nests built per group had almost doubled by the second season. Only 59% of adult female
western thornbills attempted to nest in the season immediately following the 1985 fire and the onset of
breeding in burnt habitat was up to five weeks later than in unburnt. The delay by splendid fairy-wrens
and western thornbills was attributed to a shortage of nesting material and adequate food for egg
production, respectively, whereas the increase in the number of nests built by splendid fairy-wrens was
attributed to a high rate of nest failure.
At least two species (white-browed scrubwren and white-cheeked honeyeater) did not nest for two
years after the 1985 fire and Acanthiza apicalis has not nested up to the present time (five years).
The fire-modified habitat appeared beneficial to little button-quail and elegant parrot, which nested on
the study area only after fire. White-winged triller and dusky woodswallow were more numerous
breeders after fire than previously.
Our findings highlight the importance of detailed long-term studies for estimating adequate fire-free
intervals necessary for the conservation of resident avian species. A minimum period of at least 10 years
is suggested for heathlands of south-western Australia.
Evaluation of Bromadiolone Against House Mouse (Mus Domesticus) Populations in Irrigated Soybean Crops. Ii. Economics.
Authors: Singleton GR , Twigg LE , Weaver KE , Kay BJ
Published: June 2005

The economics of controlling house mice [M. musculus] using 0.005% bromadiolone-treated wheat placed in bait stations within soyabean crops was evaluated in New South Wales during 1989 when mouse densities were approx. 200-300/ha. Damage by mice to soyabean crops was assessed up to 200 m into 2 crops (1 with bait and 1 without) on each of 2 farms just before baiting, and 22 and 42 d after baiting. Mouse damage in each crop was always <10%, and was greatest in patches of high crop density. Damage was similar at the crop perimeters and up to 100 m into the crops, but 200 m from crop perimeters, damage was less prevalent. By 42 d after baiting, the differences in crop losses relative to pre-baiting damage levels were minimal. Estimates of losses caused by mice in 3 of the principal soyabean growing regions of New South Wales were obtained from all farmers who grew soyabeans in 1988-89. The combined losses caused by mice to growers in these regions in 1989 was about $A2 million.
Distribution, abundance and roost slection of the orange horseshoe-bat, Rhinonycteris aurantius, a tropical cave-dweller
Authors: Churchill SK
Published: June 2005

Temperature and humidity were recorded from roost sites used by nine species of cave bats in northern
Australia. The 10 sites containing R. aurantius exhibited the narrowest range of roost conditions of
any species, this species having a strong preference for hot and humid roosts (28-32�C and 85-100%
RH). R. aurantius colony sizes ranged from 20 to 25 000, and varied seasonally, almost all colonies
abandoning their cave roosts during the wet season. Colony size was strongly related to mean minimum
monthly temperature and rainfall, populations being greatest during the coolest and driest period of
the year. Other sympatric species also exhibited preferences for specific roost conditions, indicating
interspecific partitioning of roost resources. Species that utilised a broad range of roost humidity
occupied a larger geographic range than those with more specific requirements.