bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First observations of the mountain pygmy-possum Burramys parvus nesting in the wild.
Authors: Heinze DA , Olejniczak AM
Published: November 2018

THE endangered mountain pygmy-possum Burramys
parvus is found only in alpine and subalpine regions
of Australia, and is the only alpine-dependent
mammal in Australia (Mansergh and Broom 1994).
Characteristically, B. parvus is found living among
boulderfields that have a vegetation community of
Podocarpus heathland (Gullan and Norris 1984;
Mansergh et al. 1989).
Development and age estimation of the pouch young of the black-striped wallaby Macropus dorsalis, with notes on reproduction.
Authors: Johnson PM , Delean S
Published: November 2018

Macropus dorsalis was capable of breeding throughout the year. The period of gestation was
33 - 36 days. Birth was usually followed by an oestrus and mating, and a subsequent
lactation-controlled embryonic diapause. The period between loss of pouch-young and birth
was 29 - 30 days. Pouch life was 192 - 225 days and weaning occurred 81 - 159 days after
permanent pouch emergence. Sexual maturity, defined as age at first fertility, occurred at 11.3
months in females and 15.7 months in males. Linear mixed-effects models were used to
describe polynomial growth equations for age determination of pouch young using both head
and pes length. The relationship between error in age prediction and each body measurement
was also defined. Head measurements provided the most accurate estimates of the age of pouch
young.
Distribution of the endangered Pacific sheathtail bat Emballonura semicaudata.
Authors: Helgen KM , Flannery TF
Published: November 2018

The Pacific sheathtail bat (Emballonura semicaudata) is one of few mammal species widely
distributed in the south-west Pacific. However in many island groups its distribution and
abundance remain uncertain and these patterns are obscured by the ongoing decline of many
populations. Here we verify the (formerly disputed) presence of this bat in Vanuatu, provide
the first record from the largest island in Samoa (Savai`i, Western Samoa), and review the
known distribution of the species across the Pacific. A number of sources point to a precipitous
twentieth-century decline of this species over most of its geographic range.
Evidence for male-biased dispersal in a reintroduced population of burrowing bettongs Bettongia lesueur at Heirisson Prong, Western Australia.
Authors: Parsons BC , Short JC , Calver MC
Published: November 2018

The pattern of dispersal of burrowing bettongs (Bettongia lesueur) was studied in a population
reintroduced to a peninsula protected from exotic predators at Heirisson Prong in Shark Bay,
Western Australia. The reintroduced population was growing strongly in numbers and
expanding in area during the study. Young were first marked in the pouch and subsequently
monitored by trapping and radio-telemetry after independence to establish their movements
relative to those of their mothers. B. lesueur on Heirisson Prong dispersed between the ages of
170 and 250 days, coinciding with the period from weaning to sexual maturity. Dispersal was
male-biased. Young males dispersed significantly further than young females with mean
dispersal distances of 4600 m and 1100 m respectively. Male B. lesueur also frequented
significantly more warrens than females, being located at a mean of 0.37 warrens per daily
radio-tracking fix compared with a mean of 0.24 per fix for females. Scarring from intraspecific
aggression occurred in male bettongs only. Males may disperse to the periphery of the
population to escape aggressive interactions with established adult males and visit more warrens
to increase mating opportunities. Dispersal in females may be related to resource quality or
inbreeding avoidance.
Electrophoretic studies of the systematic and biogeographic relationships of the Fijian bat genera Pteropus, Pteralopex, Chaerephon and Notopteris.
Authors: Ingleby S , Colgan D
Published: November 2018

Allozyme variation at 24 - 29 presumptive loci was used to examine the systematic relationships
between Fijian bats and those from neighbouring areas such as Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, New
Caledonia, New Guinea and Australia. Genetic data indicate that the Fijian bat fauna contains
highly divergent taxa as well as some populations that are virtually indistinguishable
electrophoretically from conspecifics in neighbouring islands groups, particularly species shared
with Vanuatu. The endemic Fijian monkey-faced bat Pteralopex acrodonta, had a level of
distinctiveness from two of its congeners in the Solomon Islands comparable to that between
different genera. There was also considerable electrophoretic variation within what is generally
considered a single species, the northern freetail-bat Chaerephon jobensis. The Australian form, C.
j. colonicus, shows levels of divergence from the Fiji/Vanuatu subspecies, C. j. bregullae, consistent
with that of a distinct species. C. j. solomonis from the Solomon Islands appears to represent a third
species within this group. Moderate levels of divergence were found within the one subspecies of
long-tailed flying-fox Notopteris macdonaldii sampled from Fiji and Vanuatu. In contrast to
Pteralopex and Chaerephon, close affinities were found between and within several other southwest
Pacific bat species, in particular, the two different subspecies of insular flying-fox Pteropus
tonganus from Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Low levels of genetic divergence were also
found between P. tonganus and the morphologially similar spectacled flying-fox P. conspicillatus
from Australia and New Guinea. The Samoan flying-fox Pteropus samoensis appeared to be most
closely allied to the Temotu flying-fox Pteropus nitendiensis, from the Solomon Islands.
Prehistoric mammals of Australia and New Guinea: One hundred million years of evolution.
Authors: Nipperess DA
Published: November 2018

IF this book had been written fifty years ago, it
would have been rather short. In 1953, the fossil
record of Australasian mammals consisted almost
entirely of large-bodied taxa from a handful of Plio-
Pleistocene localities (up to 5 million years old).
Since then, our knowledge of Australasia's fossil
mammals has increased exponentially, not only in the
number of described taxa, but also in the spatial and
temporal spread of known fossil deposits. The fossil
record is now estimated to be over 100 million years
in extent (hence the subtitle of the book) with over
120 extinct genera so far described and many more
known to exist but awaiting formal taxonomic
circumscription. These taxa are known from many
deposits spread across the Australian continent and
also in New Guinea. The authors of this book have
all had significant roles in this renaissance in
Australasian vertebrate palaeontology.
A modified draw-string trap for capture of kangaroos at fences.
Authors: Coulson G , Poiani A , Nave CD
Published: November 2018

We modified an earlier design of a draw-string trap to capture free-ranging eastern grey
kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, at Portland Aluminium, Victoria, Australia. The trap consisted
of a tunnel of netting suspended from a metal frame erected at a narrow gateway in a fence,
which was constructed where kangaroos had established runways between paddocks and
shelterbelts. We set up five traps on different fences and operated them from a hide 20 m away.
A team of 2 ? 6 people drove kangaroos from the paddocks into cover, and the reverse. When a
target individual entered a trap, we closed the netting at each end with hand-operated drawstrings,
thereby restraining the kangaroo for examination and treatment. We captured 28
individuals a total of 59 times, and encountered few problems. The technique has potential for
use with kangaroos and other species that habitually push under fences.
Practical infra-red illumination and observation techniques for wildlife studies using ICI-962 perspex
Authors: Marks C , Busana F , Gigliotti F , Lindeman M
Published: November 2018

MAMMALS do not normally visually perceive infrared
(IR) or ultra-violet (UV) light that exists on either
side of the visual spectrum from 390 to 760
nanometers (nm) (Wolken 1975). There is no
evidence to suggest that nocturnal mammals have
become more sensitive to long wavelength light as an
adaptive response (Lythgoe 1979), although some
reptiles can sense longer wavelength, thermal IR
radiation (Barrett et al. 1970). Because it is not
perceived, and is unlikely to affect animal behaviour,
IR observation can be an invaluable tool for wildlife
researchers. This paper describes the construction
and use of simple IR radiation sources that can be
used for non-invasive behavioural observations of
captive and free-ranging mammals.
Updating biological reviews: the Hastings River mouse Pseudomys oralis as a case history.
Authors: Pyke GH , Read DG
Published: November 2018

TO be most useful, biological reviews should be able
to cope with taxonomic uncertainty and change,
should be comprehensive with regard to topics and
available information, sufficiently detailed,
repeatable, easy to keep up-to-date, logical and
accurate, should include anecdotal observations, and
should indicate the nature and extent of support for
each statement concerning a species (Pyke 2001). In
addition to collating information, a review should
also provide a focal point to which others can
contribute new information as it becomes available,
thus updating the review. In this way we can all learn
and improve our knowledge about a species. We
attempted to achieve these goals in reviewing the
biology of the Hastings River mouse (Pseudomys
oralis) (Pyke and Read 2003).
Predators with Pouches. The Biology of Carnivorous Marsupials. M. Jones, C. Dickman AND M. Archer (Eds) A Review by M.L. Augee
Authors: Augee ML
Published: November 2018

THIS book arose from a symposium on ?Carnivorous
Marsupials? held by the Australian Mammal Society
in 1999. However it is not a symposium volume in
the usual sense of being a compilation of papers
presented at the symposium. Research papers on
specific topics from the symposium have been hived
off to the Australian Journal of Zoology 48(5) and to
Wildlife Research 28(5). Predators with Pouches is
comprised of review papers, some from the
symposium but most apparently solicited. Like
traditional symposium volumes, the papers included
are of very different levels of coverage and quality of
presentation. Most however present solid data and
thoughtful reviews.
Mammalian metabolism: insights from arid zone reptiles.
Authors: Hulbert AJ , Else PL
Published: November 2018

Mammals, being endotherms have very high metabolic rates compared to ectothermic reptiles.
Similarly, small mammals have high rates of mass-specific metabolism compared to larger
mammals. This review examines the mechanistic basis of why particular mammal species have
a specific metabolic rate. Initial studies compared mammals with arid zone reptile species of the
same size and Tb. Mammals have larger internal organs, with more mitochondrial membrane
surface area than the reptiles. The cells of mammals are leakier to Na+ ions and their
mitochondrial membranes are leakier to H+ ions than in reptile cells. These leakier membranes
have membrane lipids that are polyunsaturated and less monounsaturated than their less leaky
counterparts. Examination of the cellular basis of allometric variation in metabolism in
mammals reveals very similar findings with polyunsaturated membranes associated with the
high mass-specific metabolic rates of small mammal species and monounsaturated membranes
with low rates of metabolism of large mammals. These findings have resulted in the
development of the ?membrane pacemaker? theory of metabolism, which proposes that
membrane bilayer composition is regulated in animals and that highly polyunsaturated
membranes result in enhanced molecular activity of membrane proteins and in turn this results
in an elevated metabolic rate of cells, tissues and consequently whole animals. This theory is
also supported by the recent examination of the basis of body-size variation in the metabolic
rates of birds. The ?membrane pacemaker? theory of metabolism is currently the only
explanation of the mechanisms determining the metabolic rate and thus the cost of living of
animals. It has implications for the effect of food habits on metabolism and the relationship
between metabolism and lifespan.
The role of torpor in the life of Australian arid zone mammals.
Authors: Geiser F
Published: November 2018

Approximately half of the Australian continent is arid and is characterised by low primary
productivity, limited supply of food and pronounced daily fluctuations of ambient temperature
(Ta). Despite these adverse conditions the diversity of small mammals in the Australian arid
zone is high, although their abundance is generally low. The most successful groups of small
arid zone mammals are the dasyurid marsupials, native rodents, and insectivorous bats. A
probable reason for the success of the insectivorous dasyurids and bats, which must cope with
strong fluctuations in food and water availability, is their extensive use of torpor. Mammalian
torpor is characterised by substantial reductions of body temperature (Tb) metabolic rate (MR)
and water loss. Small arid zone dasyurids use exclusively daily torpor, some even during the
reproductive season, when most mammals maintain strict homeothermy. Dasyurids reduce Tb
from ~ 35�C during normothermia to ~ 15�C during torpor, the MR during torpor (TMR) is
~ 30% of basal metabolic rate (BMR). Mass loss, and thus water loss, is related to the duration
of torpor bouts. Dasyurids usually enter torpor at night or in the early morning and arouse
around midday or in the afternoon. Recent evidence shows that desert dasyurids may bask in the
sun during rewarming from torpor. This can minimise energetic cost of arousal to a fraction of
that required for endogenous warming. Arid zone bats are also likely to use torpor extensively,
but few species, specific to the arid zone, have been studied. Nevertheless, widely distributed
bats that occur in the arid zone, such as Nyctophilus geoffroyi, enter brief torpor for part of the
day in summer and prolonged torpor (hibernation) for up to two weeks in winter and can reduce
Tb to a minimum of 2 - 3�C and TMR to ~ 3% of BMR; mass loss and water loss are minimal
during torpor. Patterns of torpor similar to those in bats also have been observed in the
insectivorous echidnas and two species of insectivorous / nectarivorous pygmy-possums, which
have distribution ranges that include semi-arid and arid areas. In contrast to these species, no
detailed information is available on torpor in native Australian rodents, because little work with
respect to torpor has been conducted in Australia. However, many arid zone rodents on other
continents employ torpor and it is likely that Australian rodents do as well. In addition to
reducing energy expenditure and water loss, use of torpor also appears to prolong life span. This
is important for bridging adverse conditions and for subsequent re-colonization of areas after
droughts and fires in inland Australia. Thus it appears that the success of small
insectivorous/nectarivorous mammals and perhaps rodents in the Australian arid zone is
partially due to their use of torpor.
Is the energetics of mammalian hopping locomotion advantageous in arid environments?
Authors: Webster KN , Dawson TJ
Published: November 2018

Although hopping is a relatively rare mammalian gait, hopping mammals are common in arid
environments. Arid environments are open, with patchy resources, and the widespread use of
hopping by arid zone mammals appears to be related to the benefits of fast locomotion. In
several species, fast hopping is economical in comparison to fast quadrupedal running. These
hopping species can reach greater maximum aerobic speeds than similarly sized runners. Faster
locomotion can reduce predation risk and increase opportunities to exploit open microhabitats.
More economical locomotion may improve a hopping mammal's ability to adopt alternative
foraging strategies. The disadvantages of hopping include an increased cost of slow locomotion,
reduced manoeuvrability at slow speeds and reduced ability to exploit densely vegetated
patches.
Diets and foraging behaviour of red and eastern grey kangaroos in arid shrub land: is feeding behaviour involved in the range expansion of the eastern grey kangaroo into the arid zone?
Authors: Dawson TJ , McTavish KJ , Ellis BA
Published: November 2018

Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) have expanded into arid areas usually the habitat
of red kangaroos (Macropus rufus). Extra watering sites for domestic stock is the suggested
reason. However, changes in vegetation also have occurred due to grazing from domestic stock.
We investigated the foraging strategies of M. giganteus and M. rufus in arid rangeland to see if
these are involved in the range changes. Foraging patterns were similar, with both species
mostly foraging at night; total feeding times were the same. M. giganteus and M. rufus had
differing diets, though there was considerable overlap of 81 - 87%. Both species were highly
selective, having similar narrow dietary niche breaths. Differences in plant preferences occurred
and though both species had a preference for grass that of M. giganteus was higher. A larger
foregut in M. giganteus reinforces its focus on grass. M. rufus also selected dicot forbs and
malvaceous sub-shrubs. Both kangaroos showed avoidance of abundant chenopod shrubs
(saltbushes and bluebushes) and trees. It is likely that the changes to arid-zone vegetation, with
a shift to grass and annual dicot forbs, has been important for the expansion of M. giganteus,
possibly combined with the greater availability of water.
Adaptations of the short-beaked echidna Tachyglossus aculateus for sperm production, particularly in an arid environment.
Authors: Jones RC , Djakiew D , Dacheux JL
Published: November 2018

A re-examination is made of the old interpretation that the male reproductive system of the
short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculateus), and monotremes in general, is ?primitive?.
There is an emerging concept of the significance of the male reproductive system in relation to
the role of males in conception. Even though some aspects of the male reproductive system of
T. aculateus may be considered primitive and impose limitations on their life style, they
nevertheless display significant specializations present in the male tract of other mammals: an
epididymis with the unique initial segment and a role in post-testicular sperm maturation and
storage, and homologues of the prostate gland and penis. The absence of a descended testis and
scrotum has not restricted the survival of T. aculateus in virtually all habitats in Australia.
However, it may restrict their capacity to breed throughout the year. It is suggested that T.
aculateus is also specialised for sperm competition. An estimate of the rate of spermatogenesis
indicates that it is comparable with other mammals. Consequently, the size of their testes and
number of extragonadal sperm compared with other mammals are indicative that they are
involved in sperm competition. The cooperation involved in the formation of sperm bundles is
also indicative of sperm competition. Further, the formation of ?echidna trains?, in which a
number of males will follow in line behind an oestrous female indicates that there is
competition between males to mate with a female.
The ecology of insectivorous bats in the Simpson Desert central Australia: habitat use.
Authors: Williams AJ , Dickman CR
Published: November 2018

Seven species of insectivorous bats were positively identified within a regional study area in
the Simpson Desert in south-western Queensland. This paper describes habitat use by this bat
assemblage and the degree to which presence of water, food availability and roosting potential
impact on bat activity. Bats predominantly utilised water sources, rock outcrops, dune/swale
areas near woodland, dry creek lines and coolibah woodland habitats. However, they rarely
used open habitats (open plain and dune/swale), acacia scrub and gidgee woodland. The bats
foraged most often over water and on calmer nights, when insects were more active. Although
highly active over water in some areas, bats may survive in the Simpson Desert without access
to permanent water. Food availability in terms of flying insect abundance and biomass did not
appear to significantly determine the use of different habitats. However, activity over the entire
study area was concentrated in areas with a higher roosting potential. Consequently both tree
and cave roost sites may be a limiting resource, resulting in bat activity being restricted
predominantly to oases in the Simpson Desert study area.
The distribution and abundance of Leadbeater?s possum Gymnobelideus leadbeateri in lowland swamp forest at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve.
Authors: Harley DKP , Worley MA , Harley TK
Published: November 2018

In 1986, a small, outlying population of Leadbeater?s possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri)
was discovered inhabiting lowland swamp forest at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve. It
is the only known extant lowland population, and occurs in habitat dramatically different to
that throughout the possum?s core range in the montane ash forests of the Victorian Central
Highlands. As part of an investigation into the species? ecology in lowland swamp forest,
surveys were undertaken to establish the possum?s distribution and abundance at Yellingbo.
The population is estimated to contain 80 - 100 individuals, distributed along a narrow, 6 km
length of riparian forest. Most of the suitable foraging habitat is presently occupied, and
densities are similar to those previously reported for the species in montane ash forest. The
possums are breeding year round, with significant recruitment of young into the population,
and data obtained between 1995-2004 suggest that the population size is currently stable. A
highly targeted revegetation program focused on the floodplain has the potential to improve up
to 85 ha of degraded swamp forest, and in so doing would more than double the area of suitable
habitat for G. leadbeateri in the reserve.
Monsieur Jules Verreaux and the platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus: comments on a naturaliste voyageur.
Authors: Jackson SM , Grant TR , Temple-Smith PD , Bennett G
Published: November 2018

During his 15 month sojourn in Tasmania, Monsieur Jules Verreaux devoted most of his efforts
to studying the platypus, including making observations in the field. While some of his
observations were accurate and original, others were at odds with those of later naturalists and
current scientific findings. Like most other 19th century expatriate naturalists from the Northern
Hemisphere, Verreaux failed to determine that the species laid eggs but he described some
intriguing attributes which remain controversial and/or unsubstantiated by the work of more
recent naturalists and scientists. Perhaps the most controversial was that the newly emerged
young prod the mammary areas of the female and take the exuded milk from the surface of the
water. An annotated summary of Verreaux's findings is presented, along with the full text of his
work in French and a translation of this text into modern English.
Wallaby extinctions at the macropodid frontier: the changing status of the northern pademelon Thylogale browni (Marsupialia: Macropodidae) in New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea.
Authors: Heinsohn TE
Published: November 2018

The northern pademelon (Thylogale browni) is a small to medium-sized macropodid that is
native to northern and central New Guinea, but is also found on some of the islands of the
Bismarck Archipelago, such as New Britain, New Ireland and Lavongai, where it appears to
have been introduced. In New Ireland, archaeological evidence indicates that it may have been
introduced by prehistoric human agency c. 7,000 years ago. In the chain of islands that
constitutes New Ireland Province, historical evidence indicates that the species also recently
occurred in the Tabar, Lihir, Tanga and Feni island groups prior to undergoing a series of local
extinctions and range contractions during the first half of the 20th century. Furthermore T.
browni also appears to have declined on New Ireland and Lavongai, where it is now restricted
to the remote mountainous interior. Much of the sudden range contraction coincided with the
Pacific War (1942-1945), during which time blockaded Japanese troops confiscated local food
produce. It is postulated that the privations of war led to an extended period of over-hunting
which drove the species into local extinction in much of its former range. Furthermore, since
the war, ongoing human pressures and a breakdown in the traditional ethnozoological
translocation / re-stocking regimes which would normally have re-introduced this species to
satellite islands, appears to have prevented T. browni from regaining its former widespread
distribution in the New Ireland Province Archipelago.
Additional records of prey of the fat-tailed false antechinus Pseudantechinus macdonnellensis from central Australia.
Authors: Burwell CJ , Geiser F , Barritt M , May K , Pavey CR
Published: November 2018

THE fat-tailed false antechinus (Pseudantechinus
macdonnellensis) is a medium-sized dasyurid
marsupial (body mass 18-33 g), that is endemic to
central Australia. It is largely confined to rocky
environments in the Northern Territory, Western
Australia and South Australia (Menkhorst and Knight
2001). Despite its specialised habitat, the species is a
generalist insectivore. Ten insect orders and spiders
(Araneae) were recorded in faecal samples of a
population in West MacDonnell National Park,
Northern Territory, during a two and a half year
study (Gilfillan 2001). Isoptera, Coleoptera and
Orthoptera were the major insect orders in the diet.
Here we report the results of the analysis of a small
sample of faeces of P. macdonnellensis collected
from the same location as the population studied by
Gilfillan. Our results are noteworthy because of
additions to the prey taken by P. macdonnellensis
including three new classes and two new phyla.
A soft-walled double-layered trap for capture of swamp wallabies Wallabia bicolor.
Authors: Di Stefano J , Moyle R , Coulson G
Published: November 2018

SINCE the development of soft-walled traps suitable
for the capture of small to medium-sized
macropodids (Kinnear et al. 1988; Pollock and
Montague 1991), traps of similar design have been
used to capture swamp wallabies (Wallabia bicolor)
by a number of workers (Wood 2002; Ben-Ami
2005; Paplinska 2005; B Parker, pers. comm.).
Although immobilising drugs delivered by syringe
darts have also been used to capture W. bicolor
successfully (Troy et al. 1992), this species is
difficult to dart relative to other similar sized
wallabies (Wood 2002), and once darted can be hard
to find within its often densely vegetated habitat
(Pollock and Montague 1991). The difficulty of
locating drugged animals in dense vegetation or steep
terrain also makes the use of bait laced with
diazepam or alpha chloralose (e.g., Norbury et al.
1994) impractical. Other capture techniques, such as
stunning and netting (e.g., Taggart et al. 2003) are
also rendered ineffective due to the habitat selected
by this species.
A new species of hopping-mouse, Notomys robustus sp. Nov. (Rodentia : Muridae), from cave deposits in the Flinders and Davenport Ranges, South Australia
Authors: Mahoney J.A. , Smith M.J. , Medlin G.C.
Published: November 2018

Notomys robustus sp. nov. is described from skulls found in whole and decomposed owl pellets from caves at Chambers Gorge in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. The holotype was contained within a complete owl pellet, as were several paratypes. The species is distinguished by the unique conformation of the cusps of the upper first molar teeth. In adults, the anterodorsal region of the zygomatic arch is much wider than in any known species of Notomys. Since the original discoveries were made in 1976, the species has been found in more sites in the Flinders Ranges and at one other site near Mount Margaret in the Davenport Range, some 350 km northwest of the nearest Flinders Ranges site.
Towards a habitat model for the New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae in Tasmania ? population vegetation associations and an investigation into individual habitat use.
Authors: Lazenby B.T, , Pye T. , Richardson A. , Bryant S.A.
Published: November 2018

Sixteen study sites across the known north-south range of Pseudomys novaehollandiae in Tasmania were live trapped, and measures of floristic presence and abundance were recorded at each site. Multivariate analysis was used to quantify similarities and differences in plant assemblages at each of the study sites; these included historic sites (sites where P. novaehollandiae had been confirmed to be present 12 years previously) and sites supporting vegetation known to have supported the mouse elsewhere in its range, but from which it had not been recorded. A strong association between P. novaehollandiae capture sites and the occurrence and abundance of the plants Aotus ericoides, Hypolaena fastigiata, Lepidosperma concavum and Xanthorrhoea spp. was found. Nine individual P. novaehollandiae were radio-tracked on one study area to investigate whether the apparent habitat preferences of P. novaehollandiae observed at the population/site level were reflected by individual habitat use. Two individuals were on occasion radio-located in a She-oak stand, a habitat type not typically associated with populations of P. novaehollandiae. Burrow sharing and overlap of home ranges were recorded. Results are interpreted with a view to developing an effective predictive habitat model for P. novaehollandiae in Tasmania.
How effective are grid trapping, oil cards and track boards in monitoring bush rat populations?
Authors: Free C.L. , Leung L.K-P.
Published: November 2018

Monitoring populations is a key component of wildlife conservation and management. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of abundance indices used for estimating populations of the bush rat Rattus fuscipes. The study was conducted on Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia. A trapping grid consisting of 5 x 5 trap stations, 20 m apart, was used because this configuration was typical of those used for small mammal trapping in Australia. Capture-recapture data were collected from trapping 18 grids over four consecutive nights, immediately followed by two consecutive nights of conducting oil card and track indices. On 11 grids, model Mb was selected by the CAPTURE model selection procedure, indicating increased capture probability after first capture (trap-happy). The estimated trappable population size (�) on these grids was not precise with the standard error on average being 28% of �. On the other seven grids, the number of animals caught was too small (<3) to estimate model parameters.. The main problem of the grid trapping was that some grids caught too few animals to estimate �. Our data suggest that the minimum grid area for estimating useful � is one that would catch more than 8 individuals. The minimum grid area varies depending on the density of rats and should be determined by a pilot trapping study. The number of trapping occasions can be increased until a specific precision of � is reached. The correlation between track index and � was near the 0.05 significance level indicating tracks are potentially a reliable index for monitoring bush rat populations. The oil card index was not significantly correlated with �.
Diet and breeding of the rufous spiny bandicoot Echymipera rufescens australis, Iron Range, Cape York Peninsula
Authors: Shevill D.I. , Johnson C.N.
Published: November 2018

A population of the rufous spiny bandicoot Echymipera rufescens australis was studied for 14 months by live-trapping, and diets were determined by faecal analysis. The population had a high density (approximately 48 individuals on a trapping grid of 2.25 ha). A wide variety of foods were eaten, but fruits and seeds contributed the largest proportion of material to faeces, followed by invertebrates, fungi and dicot plants. Echymipera rufescens may potentially be a significant seed disperser for some plants, such as Pandanus zea. There was a short breeding season, with births occurring between December and March. Females produced one or two litters per year. Mean litter size was just under three, and litter size increased with the mother?s mass. Females produced a mean of 4.9 young per year. We conclude that although E. rufescens is a ?typical? bandicoot in that it is omnivorous and has high fecundity, it is more frugivorous and has a somewhat lower reproductive rate than other Australian bandicoots.
morphometric variation associated with teat-number differences in Antechinus agilis and A. swainsonii ? Observations from the Otway Ranges, Victoria
Authors: Beckman J. , Lill A.
Published: November 2018

That there is intraspecific variation in teat-number in Antechinus agilis (agile antechinus) and A. swainsonii (dusky antechinus) has been known for a long time. Our aim was to determine whether other key morphometric traits differed among individuals with different numbers of teats. External body dimensions and pelage characteristics were measured on live individuals and compared. Within-species variation in some external body dimensions (tail, pes, and snout-vent length) coincided with teat-number differentiation in both antechinus species in the Otway Ranges, Victoria. Disparities in pelage colour and markings were apparent between A. agilis 6- and 10-teat phenotypes, but were not obvious among A. swainsonii teat phenotypes. Although small sample sizes obviated statistical analysis, we tentatively concluded that female A. agilis with 7, 8, or 9 teats in the Otway Ranges probably displayed morphometric and pelage characteristics intermediate between those of 6- and 10-teat individuals. A comparison of morphometric traits among 6-teat A. agilis from different geographic areas (Otways, Portland and Wilsons Promontory) also revealed some variation. This result was consistent with an expectation of clinal variation in external morphology among antechinus. Overall, this study indicates that localized disparities that are associated with teat-number, as well as clinal differences occurring over large geographic distances, contribute to intraspecific variation in external morphology in antechinus.
The fossil distribution of the eastern pygmy-possum Cercartetus nanus.
Authors: Harris J.M.
Published: November 2018

A review of the literature on Cercartetus nanus at 12 fossil sites in NSW. The accumulating agents involved were owls and mammalian predators.
The distribution of three parapatric, cryptic species of rock-wallaby (Petrogale) in north-east Queensland: P. assimilis, P. mareeba and P. sharmani.
Authors: Eldridge M. D. B. , Johnson P. M. , Hensler P. , Holden J. , K. Close R. L..
Published: November 2018

Three morphologically indistinguishable rock-wallaby species (Petrogale assimilis, P. sharmani and P. mareeba) have parapatric distributions in a relatively small area of north-east Queensland. Although problematic to identify in the field, each species can be unambiguously identified by the shape and number of its chromosomes. Here we summarise the known distribution of these three species, based on populations whose identity has been confirmed via karyotypic analysis.
Evaluation of an exclusion plot design for determining the impacts of native and exotic herbivores on forest understoreys.
Authors: Bennett A. , Coulson G.
Published: November 2018

To study the effects of grazing and browsing by Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor), swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) and wombats (Vombatus ursinus) exclosure plots measuring 10 m x 10 m were erected in the Upper Yarra and O'Shannassy water catchments near Melbourne, Victoria. Total exclusion fences and partial exclusion fences were erected. Design details and costs are provided. Operational problems are discussed.
The Distribution of Alkaline Phosphatase in Insects
Authors: Day MF
Published: November 2018

The distribution of alkaline phosphatase in insect tissues has been studied by a histochemical technique. The enzyme is widely distributed in the alimentary tract, storage tissue, nervous tissue, in parts of the reproductive system, in certain muscles, and some glands. It thus appears to be inv~lved in a variety of functions. Many examples of both the histological and cytological distribution are explained by the relation of the enzyme to mechanisms of transport across cell boundaries. But a function of this kind is not evident in such sites as muscles and nerves. The presence of deposits of inorganic phosphate in the alimentary tract and malpighian tubules of some species is recorded.
The Distribution of Zinc in Oat Plants
Authors: Wood J , M Sibly Pamela
Published: November 2018

Three experiments are described in which oat plants (var. Mulga) weregrown in Laffer sand or culture solutions containing varying amounts of addedzinc. In each case, zinc contents of living and dead leaves, stems, roots, inflorescence,and grain were determined at intervals until final harvest.
Studies on the Nitrate Reductase of Escherichia Coli in the Cell-Free State
Authors: Joklik W
Published: November 2018

A method of purifying the nitrate reductase obtained by crushingEscherichia coli cells in a ground glass mill is described, involving elution atpH 9.5 and precipitation into slightly acidified acetone, followed by treatmentwith phosphate buffer ( pH 8.0) and dialysis. Methods of estimating theactivity of the enzyme without recourse to coupling with other enzymes areoutlined, viz.: (a) the oxidation time method; (b) the use of photochemicallyreduced methylene blue as hydrogen donor.
The Histology of a Very Large Insect, Macropanesthia Rhinocerus Sauss. (Blattidae)
Authors: Day MF
Published: November 2018

The internal anatomy and histology of a large cockroach, Macropanesthiarhinoceros Sauss. (weight, approximately 20 g.), has been compared with thatof a relatively small one, Blattella germanica (L.) (weight, approximately 0.06g. ). The observations have been considered in the light of Rensch's generalizationsconcerning histological changes in relation to body size and to thefactors which may limit the size of insects. It is concluded that gravity,diffusion, and area for secretion and absorption are not factors limiting thesize of Macropanesthia. The specializations observed in Macropanesthia arerelated to its burrowing habit and its food rather than to its large size.
Digestion of Wool Keratin by Papain-Bisulphite-Urea and Related Systems
Authors: Lennox FG
Published: November 2018

The digestion of wool in papain-bisulphite solutions is greatly enhanced by the addition of urea, t reaching completion within a few hours at 500 or 70�C. Both wool digestion and uptake of papain by wool from urea solutions proceed optimally at pH 7.
Chemical Studies on Eucalyptus Regnans F. Muell.
Authors: Stewart CM , mos GLA , Josephine Harvey L
Published: November 2018

Samples of the outer phloem, inner phloem, cambial zone, developing sapwood sapwood, and heartwood of young Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell. trees have been examined for extraneous materials, lignin, and carbohydrate constituents.
Further Studies on the Digestion of Wool Keratin by Papain-Urea: the Effect of Adding Compounds that Rupture Disulphide Bonds in Alkaline Solution
Authors: Lennoxi FG , M Forss Heather
Published: November 2018

Whereas the optimum pH for digestion of wool by papain-bisulphite-urea is 7.0, a higher pH value is required for optimum digestion when bisulphite is replaced by sodium thioglycollate, cysteine hydrochloride, or potassium cyanide. Thioglycollate at pH 9.5 is superior to cysteine at the same pH or to bisulphite at pH 7.0 in promoting wool digestion by papain solutions containing urea. Cyanide is least effective. When wool is incubated in solutions of bisulphite, thioglycollate, cysteine, or cyanide in the absence of papain and urea, the extent of splitting of disulphide bonds runs parallel with the enzyme digestion observed in the presence of these reagents.
The Temperature Relations of Clostridium Botulinum, Types A and B
Authors: Ohye DF , Scott WJ
Published: November 2018

Ten strains of Cl. botulinum, type A, and 10 of type B have been studied at 12 temperatures between 10 and 50�C., and rates of growth measured nephelometrically on sealed cultures. Growth proceeded from spore inocula at temperatures from 15 through to 42.5�C., but not at 12.5 or 45�C. When young, actively growing cultures were transferred to temperatures outside the range permitting spore germination, rates of growth were measured at 12.5, 45, and 47.5�C. After transfer to 10 or 50�C. no sustained growth was observed
Studies on Aerobaclllus Polymyxa IV. Factors Affecting the Production of Hydrogenase and the Hydrogenlyase Systems
Authors: Crewther WG
Published: November 2018

Once-washed cells of Aerobacillu8 polymyxa harvested from a medium containing peptone, yeast extract, glucose, phosphate, and magnesium sulphate, did not produce hydrogen from formate, glucose, or pyruvate nor was methylene blue reduced in the presence of gaseous hydrogen. Production of hydrogen from formate could be demonstrated in fermenting whole wheat mash and by once-washed cells of A.polymyxa grown on strained 10 per cent. wheat mash.
The Distribution of Nucleic Acids in rat Eggs in Fertilization and Early Segmentation I. Studies on Living Eggs by Ultraviolet Microscopy
Authors: Austin CR , Braden AWH
Published: November 2018

Observations have been made on the absorption of ultraviolet radiation at 260� mft by living rat eggs, as full-grown oocytes and during fertilization and early' cleavage. Precautions have been taken to permit the results to be interpreted in terms of nucleic acid concentrations.
Water Relations of Salmonellae At 30°C
Authors: Christian JHB , Scott WJ
Published: November 2018

Sixteen strains of salmonellae have been grown in various media of known water activity (a..,) at 30�C. The reactions of'15 motile strains were very similar, whereas the single non-motile strain grew more slowly and over a smaller range of a",'s.
The Uptake of Radioactive Phosphorus by Erythrocytic Stages of Plasmodium Berghei (Vincke & Lips)
Authors: Whitfeld PR
Published: November 2018

Radioactive phosphorus ( 32P) was injected intraperitoneally into mice infected with Plasmodium bergoo and the activity of the phosphorus-containing fractions of the parasites. was determined at intervals during the subsequent 48 hr.
Purification and Properties of Thyroid Protease
Authors: T Mcquillan Mary , Trikojus VM
Published: November 2018

Thyroglobulin, purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by fractional pre. cipitation of hog thyroid extracts with ammonium sulphate, has been shown to retain appreciable proteolytic activity.
Growth of the Mouse Coat II. Effect of Sex and Pregnancy
Authors: Fraser AS , Nay T
Published: November 2018

Cycles of hair growth on Naked mice are described. Effects of sex differences are small. Patterns of hair� wowth are markedly affected by pregnancy and lactation.
The Distribution of Nucleic Acids in Rat Eggs in Fertilization and Early Segmentation II. Histochemical Studies
Authors: Braden AWH , Austin CR
Published: November 2018

Sections of rat eggs in various stages of fertilization and early cleavage were stained with buffered solutions of methylene blue or light green to show the distribution of basophilia and acidophilia respectively, or were treated by the Feulgen technique to show the distribution of desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
The Breakdown of Carbohydrates by Asterococcus Mycoides, the Organism of Bovine Pleuropneumonia
Authors: Rodwell AW , Shirley Rodwell E
Published: November 2018

Cell suspensions of A. mycoides oxidized glucose, fructose, and mannose. Glucose, pyruvate, lactate, and, in the presence of catalase, glycerol were oxidized quantitatively to acetate and carbon dioxide. Anaerobically, pyruvate underwent dismutation to acetate, lactate, and carbon dioxide. Neither glucose nor glycerol were attacked anaerobically by intact cell suspensions. No other pentoses, hexoses, di-, tri-, or polysaccharides, or polyhydric alcohols, were attacked by cells grown in a complex undefined medium.
The Amino Acid Composition of Keratins I. the Amino Acid Analysis of Merino 64?s Quality Virgin Wool
Authors: Simmonds DH
Published: November 2018

The ion exchange chromatographic technique of Moore and Stein (1951) has been used to estimate the amino acids in an aCid hydrolysate of merino 64's quality virgin wool. A complete analysis of one sample of this wool is summarized in Table 3 together with figures for the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur, and ash contents. With the exception of the glycine analyses the results confirm the figures previously accepted as reliable for wool.
Correlation Between the Electric Current Generated by a Bean Root Growing in Water and the Rate of Elongation of the Root
Authors: Scott AL Mcaulay BIH , Jeyes Pauline
Published: November 2018

Methods of measurement of the electric fields produced by plants have been developed which eliminate artefacts commonly present in such investigations.
The Effect of Seed Extracts on the Infectivity of Plant Viruses and Its Bearing on Seed Transmission
Authors: Crowley NC
Published: November 2018

Substances inhibiting infection by cucumber mosaic and tobacco mosaic viruses have been found to occur in the seeds of some of their hosts.
The Molecular Weight At the Air-Water Interface of Some Keratin Derivatives Extracted From Wool
Authors: Harrap BS
Published: November 2018

Using the monolayer technique, number-average molecular weights have been determined for a series of extracts of wool prepared by successive treatments with alkaline sodium thioglycollate. The molecular weights of these extracts have been discussed in relation to their electrophoretic patterns. The change in the number-average molecular weight in the successive extracts has been correlated with the presence of certain electrophoretic components. The possibility of extraction of lipoidal or other non-protein material from the cortical cell walls is discussed. A reversible dissociation of the major electrophoretic component at high pH was observed.
The Surface Structure of Wool and its Components Revealed by Metal Shadowing
Authors: Fraser RDB , Rogers GE
Published: November 2018

Gold shadowing reveals considerable details of surface modifications in damaged wool fibres. when viewed by transmitted light in the optical microscope. The method is more rapid and less likely to introduce artefacts than the replica techniques currently employed in electron microscopy. New evidence of the nature of the inner surface of the cuticle is also described.
Some Interactions Between Plant Roots and Pathogen Soil Fungi
Authors: Kerr A
Published: November 2018

A "Celloplmne" bug teelmique is described whieh onahlps some dwmi"HI intol'aetions betweell ol'ganisms to be studied 1:n situ.
Micromethod for the Estimation of Glycogen in the Genital Organs of the, Mouse
Authors: H Balmain Judith , Biggers JD , Claringbold PJ
Published: November 2018

(i) A micromethod has been described foJ' Lbe estimation of small mnonnts of glycogen in the vagina and uterus of the mouse.
Relationships of Legume Viruses in Australia II. Serological Relationships of Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus and Pea Mosaic Virus
Authors: Goodchild DJ
Published: November 2018

Antisera were prepared to one strain of boan yellow mosaie virus (B.Y.lVLV.) and two strains of pea mosaie virus (P.i\LV. strain 1 and P.lII.V. sLraill 2). By utilizing the aggluLinatioll reaetiol1, the serological activit,y of both straills of P.lVLV. is clemollst,rated for the first timo. The results of erose-agglutination experim81lt,s show the strains of P.M. V. and B.Y.M.V. to be serologically related. Cross-protection tests support tho hypothesis that Lhose are strains of one and the same virlls.
Studies on Marsupial Nutrition I. Ruminant-Like Digestion in a Herbivorous Marsupial (Setonix Brachyurus Quoy & Gaimard)
Authors: Moir RJ , Somers M , Waring H
Published: November 2018

Rome anatomical, digestivc, and mctaholic features of Setonix brachyuru8 (;)noy & Caimard, the Hottnest Island wallaby or "quoklw", have be on invest,igated. Setonii:c is a small maeropod mal'Rnpial weighing 2-5 kg.