bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electric Fencing for the Control of Wallaby Movement.
Authors: Statham M
Published: June 2005

Captive colonies of 2 wallaby species, Bennett's wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) and the Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardieri) were used to evaluate a range of electric fence designs, and the 2 most effective of these were tested in the field in Tasmania. Over a 3-year period, a 10-wire electric fence reduced counts of faecal pellets from M. rufogriseus to 1% and pellets from T. billardieri to 20% of the number in a control plot surrounded with a 7-wire stock fence. Similarly, a 9-wire fence including an outrigger reduced faecal pellets from M. rufogriseus to 12.7% and pellets from T. billardieri to 46.5% of those in the control. In the same period, 5.6% of pasture grown inside the first fence, 16.0% of that in the second and 83.0% of that in the control was eaten.
Population regulation: a dynamic complex of interactions
Authors: Holmes JC
Published: June 2005

Looking for a single, consistent cause for population regulation is not only wishful thinking, but also
hinders our efforts to understand population dynamics. Population regulation is not only multifactorial, but
interactions among those factors are important; single-factor experiments can miss important interactions.
In addition, the ecological context constantly changes, so that regulatory processes track a moving target;
experiments can have different results if the context differs. I focus on interactions among nutrition,
predation and parasites. Parasitic disease can be an important regulatory factor on its own, but indirect
effects through interactions with energy budgets or predation are likely to be more important. Disease may
act as a precipitating mortality factor when energy (and especially protein) budgets are low; under such
circumstances, disease may be important, but which disease may be immaterial. The complex interactions
involved in regulation can be understood only by using all of the tools available: field observations, field
and laboratory experimentation and dynamic modelling.
Does Dingo Predation or Buffalo Competition Regulate Feral Pig Populations in the Australian Wet-Dry Tropics? An Experimental Study.
Authors: Corbett L
Published: June 2005

Dingo (Canis farniliaris dingo) predation on feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in response to experimental changes in
prey populations was measured over seven years in the seasonally wet-dry tropics of northern Australia.
Following the removal of feral swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) from half of the 614-km*2 study area, the
number of pigs doubled and there was a 3-fold increase of pig in dingo diet. The relationship between the
functional response of the dingo and pig abundance was negative and significant for both the treatment and
control areas. This indicated that dingoes were not regulating the pig population. Instead, dingo predation
probably acted in concert with interference competition by buffalo which decreased access to critical
subterranean food for pigs during the dry season and thus limited population growth in pigs.
Testing predator - prey theory by studying fluctuating populations of small mammals.
Authors: Boutin S.
Published: June 2005

Fluctuating populations of small mammals provide an excellent opportunity to study the functional and numerical responses of predators because of the wide range in prey density that occurs. I reinterpret data from six studies that have examined the role of predation in the population dynamics of voles in California, southern Sweden and western Finland, of snowshoe hares in northern Canada, and of house mice and rabbits in Australia. Most studies have measured functional responses by relying on changes in diet as reflected by scat or stomach contents. These methods are probably biased toward showing predator satiation. Contrary to previous conclusions I find that there is little evidence for non-linear (Type 111) functional-response curves or predator satiation at high prey densities. Recent studies indicate that the functional and numerical responses of predators can be rapid and strong enough to initiate cyclic declines, dampen fluctuations, or even cause stable numbers. The exception to this appears to be the irruptions of mice and rabbits in Australia. I propose a general explanation for the role of predation whereby the effect of predation is largely dependent on the entire prey community. When potentially cyclic prey are a small component of the overall prey biomass, generalist predators are able to prevent fluctuations by strong functional or numerical responses. As the prey community becomes dominated by a few species that fluctuate, limit cycles predominate. Limit cycles turn into irruptive population dynamics when seasonal prey reproduction is eliminated because of extended periods of vegetation growth (vegetation flushes following drought). In the future we must test assumptions underlying the way we study predation by telemetric monitoring of prey mortality and by experimentally manipulating predation.
Does risk of predation influence population dynamics? Evidence from cyclic decline of snowshoe hares
Authors: Hik D. S.
Published: June 2005

Like most heavily preyed-upon animals, snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) have to balance conflicting demands of obtaining food at a high rate and avoiding predators. Adopting foraging behaviours to minimise predation risk may also lead to a decline in condition, and hence fecundity. Predictions of three hypotheses (condition constraint hypothesis, predator-avoidance constraint hypothesis, predation-sensitive foraging (PSF) hypothesis) were tested by comparing changes in the survival and condition of snowshoe hares on
four experimental areas in winter during a cyclic peak and decline (1989–1993) near Kluane Lake, Yukon, Canada, where (i) predation risk was reduced by excluding terrestrial predators (FENCE), (ii) food supply was supplemented with rabbit chow ad libitum (FOOD), (iii) these two treatments were combined (FENCE+FOOD), and (iv) an unmanipulated CONTROL was used.
Different pattems of survival and changes in body mass were observed in the presence and absence of terrestrial predators. On the CONTROL area, female body mass and fecundity declined, even though sufficient winter forage was apparently available in all years. A similar decrease in body mass was observed on the FOOD treatment, but only during the third year of the population decline. In contrast, female body mass remained high throughout the decline in the absence of terrestrial predators in the FENCE+FOOD and FENCE treatments. Winter survival declined on CONTROL and FENCE areas during the first year of the population decline (1991), but remained higher on FOOD until 1992 and FENCE+FOOD until 1993. These results generally supported the PSF hypothesis where terrestrial predators were present (CONTROL and FOOD grids). Where terrestrial predators were absent (FENCE and FENCE+FOOD), the results supported the alternative condition constraint hypothesis. The evidence suggests that a cascade of sublethal behavioural and physiological effects associated with increased predation risk contribute to the population decline and delayed recovery of cyclic low-phase populations of snowshoe hares.
Difficulties in assessing population status of ice seals
Authors: McFarlane RA , Flaherty AA , Pahl BC , Haigh SA
Published: June 2005

The best method of monitoring ice seal populations in shifting packice is by aerial censuses. However, there are a number of problems with this method that are difficult to address in the packice and are best addressed on more accessible ice seals such as the Weddell seal. Counts made during the moult are affected by the fact that Weddell seals can leave the fast ice to forage. Seal numbers on the fast ice will therefore differ depending upon the proximity and availability of prey species, with lower numbers being recorded on the fast ice the further the seal has to travel from the ice to find food. In any census the subgroup of the population that is being counted must be known. Southern elephant seals and Weddell seals haul out to moult in sequences on the basis of age, sex and reproductive condition. This leads to periods of high and low counts through the moult. Examination of data on crabeater seals indicates that a putative 60% decline in numbers may have been due to counts being made at different times of the moult and therefore with different subgroups of the population being counted.
Effectiveness and Cost-Efficiency of Control of the Wild Rabbit, Oryctolagus Cuniculus (L.), By Combinations of Poisoning, Ripping, Fumigation and Maintenance Fumigation.
Authors: Williams CK , Moore RJ
Published: June 2005

An experiment compared effectiveness, cost and cost-efficiency of factorial combinations of the four
commonly used methods of rabbit control on grazing properties in the Southern Tablelands of eastern
Australia. Sixteen different treatment combinations were applied to 32 sites. The treatments comprised
initial control, applied over four months, followed by repeated maintenance control on half the replicates,
applied after intervals of 2,6 and 12 months. Initial control comprised no treatment, or poisoning (P) with
sodium monofluoroacetate (1080), or warren-ripping (R), or chloropicrin pressure fumigation (F), or
combinations of these (P+R, P+F, R+F, P+R+F). Maintenance control consisted of phosphine-diffusion
fumigation (M). Indices of rabbit abundance were compared one month before treatments were
implemented. Treatment effects were assessed one month after completion of the initial control, and one
and 5-6 months after the three maintenance controls, and additionally nine months after the second
maintenance control.
Control combinations that were highly effective and cost-efficient included both warren-ripping and
maintenance treatment. Poisoning prior to warren-ripping, or fumigating subsequently, or both, improved
effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Warren-ripping interacted positively with one or more subsequent
fumigations, improving effectiveness and cost-efficiency non-additively.
Control combinations that excluded warren-ripping were ineffective and cost-inefficient, and one
combination interacted negatively. Single treatments of poisoning or fumigation were cost-inefficient,
allowing rabbits to recolonise rapidly to densities higher than original.
Only multiple combination treatments or repeated applications were highly effective and cost-efficient;
single applications of any method were inefficient and costly. The most effective and cost-efficient
combination comprised the maximum six applications including ripping and maintenance treatment,
namely P+R+F+M. The high effort and expenditure on the initial control resulted in high effectiveness and
cost-efficiency, which maintenance control sustained at low cost.
Maintenance treatments sustained or achieved effective control of rabbits; the cost of maintenance
treatments halved on each repetition.
Some demographics of the extirpation from the wild of eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunni) in 1988-91, near Hamilton, Victoria, Australia
Authors: Clark TW , Gibbs JP , Goldstraw PW
Published: June 2005

The threatened, free-ranging mainland poplation, of the eastern barred bandicoot in the Hamilton area of Victoria declined to near extinction in late 1992. Demographic changes associated with the decline were monitored from 1988 to 1992. About 200 different animals were captured in 1988,49 in 1989, 16 in 1990, 3 in 1991 and 3 in 1992; capture rates (number of bandicoots captured per trap-night) displayed a similar
pattern: 0.5 in 1988,O.l in 1989,0.05 in 1990,0.05 in 1991 and 0.02 in 1992. Observed declines lay within
the 5% confidence intervals predicted by a demographic model for a population subjected to a removal rate
of 14 animals per three months (the number removed for captive breeding by managers). Removal of
bandicoots to stock a captive population hastened the demise of the wild population by about seven years;
however, even in the absence of removals of animals, extinction was impending within 5-10 years. Sex
ratios were male-biased in all years except 1988; the bias may have resulted from stochastic events.
Average litter sizes did not differ between the 1988 population and subsequent populations, except for the
1991 population, in which a predominance of non-reproductive females contributed to a strong decline in
average litter size. These demographic trends illustrate how the synergy between stochastic and
deterministic forces can rapidly drive a small population to extinction.
Diet of the Common Wombat, Vombatus Ursinus, in Plantations of Pinus Radiata.
Authors: Rishworth C , Mcilroy JC , Tanton MT
Published: June 2005

Analysis of faeces deposited by common wombats (Vombatus ursinus) in native eucalypt [Eucalyptus spp.] forest and pine (Pinus radiata) plantations of various ages in New South Wales, shows that grasses are the dominant food eaten in both forest types regardless of the varying availability of this type of vegetation. Other vegetation, such as rushes, bark, roots and pine needles, are also eaten, particularly in areas where grasses are less common.
Diet of the tiger quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)
Authors: Belcher CA
Published: June 2005

The diet of the tiger quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) in East Gippsland, Victoria, was investigated by
systematically collecting scats from two latrines between December 1990 and May 1993. From the analysis
of these scats, the tiger quoll was found to be a predator of vertebrate prey, largely dependent on mediumsized
mammals (500 g to 5 kg). The most important prey species were the European rabbit, the common
brushtail possum and the common ringtail possum. Other prey included Antechinus species, bush rats,
echidnas, macropods, wombats, birds, invertebrates and reptiles. Some variation in diet occurred between
seasons, due to seasonal availability of prey. A shift in diet detected between years was attributed to the
variation in rainfall and the effect this had on prey species abundance. Significant differences in diet were
found between adult and subadult tiger quolls. Subadult quolls consumed significantly more small
mammals, ringtail possums, invertebrates and reptiles and significantly fewer rabbits than did adult quolls.
Further analysis of the tiger quolls' diet, by estimating the mass contribution of prey taxa to the diet,
revealed that medium-sized prey contributed more than 80% of the biomass of prey consumed.
Distribution of Nocturnal Forest Birds and Mammals in North-Eastern New South Wales: Relationships With Environmental Variables and Management History.
Authors: Kavanagh RP , Debus S , Tweedie T , Webster R
Published: June 2005

A regional survey of the forests in north-eastern New South Wales recorded eight species of nocturnal forest birds and nine species of arboreal marsupials from 291 sites. Three major environmental gradients accounting for the distribution of these species in north-eastern New South Wales were identified: elevation, forest type (wet forest types having a dense mesic understorey or dry forest types having an open or sparse understorey), and logging intensity. Characteristic assemblages of species were associated with each end of these three gradients. A core group of species occurred across a wide range of environmental conditions, including logged and unlogged forest. Most species occurred with similar frequency in logged and unlogged forest. Implications for forest management are discussed.
Wildlife of Lancewood (Acacia Shirleyi) Thickets and Woodlands in Northern Australia. 1. Variation in Vertebrate Species Composition Across the Environmental Range Occupied by Lancewood Vegetation in the Northern Territory.
Authors: Woinarski JCZ , Fisher A
Published: June 2005

Vegetation dominated by lancewood (Acacia shirleyi) occurs extensively across the Northern Territory and Queensland. The vertebrate species (birds, mammals, reptiles and frogs) composition was sampled at 61 patches of lancewood in the Northern Territory (including 22 patches where quadrats were intensively sampled), and the distribution of species was related to a wide range of environmental characteristics, spatial variables, disturbance and season. Of 165 species recorded from lancewood patches, eight species were recorded from more than half of the sampled patches: Pachycephala rufiventris, Pomatostomus temporalis, Rhipidura leucophrys, Cracticus nigrogularis, Melanodryas cucullata, Geopelia cuneata, G. placida and Macropus robustus. Environmental variation within sampled lancewood sites was described by classification of 51 quadrats into 7 classes, and the 61 patches into 5 classes. Vertebrate species showed limited association with this classification, with a few species associated with the occasional co-dominant tall shrub Macropteranthes kekwickii, other species associated with variation in rockiness or soil texture, and other species associated with variation in the occurrence of Eucalyptus species within lancewood vegetation. An ordination of all quadrats by their vertebrate species composition suggested a loose patterning associated mainly with latitude and, less strongly, soil texture and co-occurring tree/shrub species (notably Eucalyptus and Macropteranthes). Suggesting a depauperate and poorly defined vertebrate community in lancewood, quadrats in small isolated lancewood patches had more species than those in large patches, and this pattern was shown for many individual species. Lancewood patches showed some impact of grazing and logging, but this was generally minor and could not be demonstrated to have any consistent relationship with the abundance of individual species. In contrast, effects of fire were generally more severe, and were negatively associated with the abundance of relatively many species. Lancewood vegetation is not represented in any conservation reserve in the Northern Territory.
Foraging behaviour and habitat use of the feathertail glider (Acrobates pygmaeus) at Waratah Creek, New South Wales
Authors: Goldingay RL , Kavanagh RP
Published: June 2005

Observations were made of the foraging behaviour of the feathertail glider (Acrobates pygmaeus) at
Waratah Creek in south-eastern New South Wales (NSW). Gliders were observed on 164 occasions,
including 42 observations of feeding, 41 observations of moving along a substrate and 68 observations of
gliding to a tree, an understorey plant or to the ground. On the remaining occasions, gliders were lost from
view before any information was recorded. Most (91%) feeding observations occurred in live eucalypts.
When feeding in eucalypts, 61% of observations were of gliders searching under loose shedding bark and
32% were of gliders engaged in foliage gleaning. Foraging amongst loose bark is suggested to represent
feeding on honeydew and arthropods while foliage gleaning is indicative of gliders engaged in feeding on
manna, honeydew, lerps and arthropods. Nectar feeding was uncommon and only 3% of trees in which
gliders were observed were flowering. In contrast, 42% of these trees showed signs of recent bark shed.
Two observations were of gliders foraging on the ground, suggesting that arthropods may also be captured
there. Comparison of the frequency of use of different tree species with the abundance of those species
showed a highly significant preference for E. fastigata, while other species were used in proportion to their
abundance. Analysis also showed that gliders used trees in the smallest of three size classes (<40 cm
diameter at breast height) less often than expected on the basis of the abundance of these trees. Overall,
gliders used the six different habitat types in the study area in proportion to their abundance but showed
significant seasonal differences in the use of these habitats. These results permit consideration of the
management requirements of the feathertail glider in the timber production forests of NSW. It is concluded
that the requirements of this species are catered for by existing management prescriptions.
The Breeding biology of Pseudocheirus peregrinus viverrinus on FLinders ISland, Bass Strait
Authors: Munks S
Published: June 2005

Reproduction in Pseudocheirus peregrinus viverrinus in coastal teatree woodland on Flinders Island was
seasonal. The main birth season was from May to August. The mean duration of lactation was 29 weeks.
The duration of lactation for multiparous females that bred twice in a year was significantly shorter than
that of multiparous single breeders. In general the young left the pouch during early spring and were fully
weaned by the early summer months. In contrast to populations of P. peregrinus inhabiting similar
woodland in Victoria only a few multiparous females (6-9%) gave birth to a second litter in the
springlsummer months on Flinders Island. The mean litter size (1.84) and annual fecundity of the
population (1.91 offspring per female) were lower than those reported for three populations of
Pseudocheirus peregrinus in Victoria. It is suggested that the low occurrence of spring/summer births and
low fecundity of P. p. viverrinus on Flinders Island may be related to the age and nutrient status of their
coastal teatree forest habitat. The body mass of P. p. viverrinus was higher than previously recorded for P.
peregrinus. The adult body mass of females ranged from 948 to 1082 g. Adults showed seasonal variation
in body mass with most females losing weight during the late spring and summer months coincident with
late lactation. It is proposed that the larger body size of P. p. viverrinus on Flinders Island is a result of
release from predation pressure and/or interspecific competition.
Why are red foxes absent from some eucalypt forests in eastern New South Wales?
Authors: Catling PC , Burt RJ
Published: June 2005

The distribution and abundance of red foxes, other mammalian predators and their ground-dwelling
mammalian prey were examined in 29 areas of two major regions of eucalypt forests in eastern New South
Wales. In the southern region, red foxes and cats were abundant. Dingoes (andor wild dogs) were in low
abundance or absent, spotted-tailed quolls were rare and medium-sized mammals (0.2-6 kg) scarce. In the
northern region, red foxes were in low abundance and absent from some areas, such as parts of Chilelundi
State Forest, where dingoes, cats, spotted-tailed quolls and medium-sized mammals were abundant. In both
regions, small mammals (<200g) were widespread, but they varied greatly in abundance, and large
mammals (>6kg) were widespread and generally abundant.
Reasons for the absence or low abundance of red foxes in some areas were examined. Factors assessed
were as follows: (i) relative abundance of other predators; (ii) abundance of mammalian prey; (iii) absence
of European rabbits; (iv) habitat and its structure; (v) proximity to freehold land; and (vi) presence of roads.
Distance from freehold land most adequately explained the absence of red foxes from some forests. Red
foxes were present in all forests less than 2 km from freehold land and were in highest abundance in forests
close (<1km) to freehold land. Severe disturbance such as clearing for grazing or agriculture appears to
play some part in the distribution and abundance of the red fox and the demise of the medium-sized grounddwelling
mammals.
EStimating the age of wild roch-allabies by dental radiography: a basis for quantifying the age structure of a discrete colony of Petrogale assimilis
Authors: Delaney R , Marsh H
Published: June 2005

The teeth of rock-wallabies from a wild population of Petrogale assimilis at 'Black Rock' in north
Queensland were radiographed in the field at intervals over two years in order to estimate their age. The
gross morphology of the dentition conesponds with that of browsing macropodids. The pattern of tooth
eruption conforms to the general macropodid model. Although P. assimilis reach sexual maturity at 18-24
months, full molar eruption apparently does not occur until individuals are at least seven years old. The
plane of the occlusal surface is only slightly curved. Most of the cheek teeth are in occlusion at once. In all,
70% of wallabies examined at 'Black Rock' had a full complement of cheek teeth. P4 is well developed and
rarely lost. These attributes collectively suggest that the small amount of mesial movement of the molars
constitutes advanced mesial drift rather than true molar progression. Molar eruption is a reliable index of
age until full eruption occurs. Molar movement is likely to be of only limited use in estimating the age of
animals with a full complement of cheek teeth. The age structure of the colony at 'Black Rock' suggests a
low rate of recruitment into the adult population of P. assirnilis for most of the 1980s.
Cholecalciferol Toxicity and Its Enhancement by Calcium Carbonate in the Common Brushtail Possum.
Authors: Jolly SE , Henderson RJ , Frampton C , Eason CT
Published: June 2005

The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), an introduced pest in New Zealand, is susceptible
to cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), which is marketed as a rodenticide in many countries. To evaluate
cholecalciferol for possum control we offered 242 caged adult possums cereal pellets containing
cholecalciferol on its own or with calcium carbonate. Mortality was recorded for two weeks after
presentation. For cholecalciferol on its own the LD50 was 16.8 mg kg-1 (95% confidence interval 11.6-21.9
mg kg-1), but the addition of calcium carbonate reduced this to 9.8 mg kg-1 (95% confidence interval
7.0-12.7 mg kg-1). When the sexes were analysed separately, the reduction of the LDS0 by the addition of
calcium carbonate was significant only in females. The addition of calcium carbonate appeared to result in a
more predictable outcome as shown by the reduced confidence intervals. For possum control, adding
calcium carbonate to cholecalciferol bait would improve the bait's efficacy, decrease the amount of toxic
material needed, and reduce the cost of bait production.
Lead Contamination of Waterfowl in Tasmania by Ingestion of Shotgun Pellets From Duck Shooting.
Authors: Smith OL , Goede A , Blackhall SA
Published: June 2005

Shallow-water sediments in duck-shooting areas were sampled to assess availability of shot pellets to
foraging waterbirds by determining pellet densities and relating settlement behaviour to particle size
composition. Sediments dominated by smaller particle sizes were found to inhibit pellet settlement below
the surface layer. Blood samples were obtained from black swans (Cygnus atrata) and more than 17% had
elevated lead concentrations. A small number of gizzards from Pacific black ducks (Anas superciliosa) held
no pellets, but approximately 50% of livers and bones examined showed elevated lead concentrations.
Alternative sources of lead pollution were considered and water and sediment sampling was carried out
near the closest highway, but lead concentrations were very 1~w. The lead residues found in birds, and
pellet densities in sediments, were broadly similar to those reported for areas with documented lead pellet
contamination problems outside Tasmania. This indicates the existence of a lead pellet problem requiring
remedial action. Options for this are briefly considered, as is the likelihood of other species being
contaminated by direct ingestion of pellets, or indirectly by predation.
Niche overlap and competition for habitat between the helmeted honeyeater and the bell miner
Authors: Pearce J , Menkhorst P , Burgman MA
Published: June 2005

This study aimed to investigate the extent of habitat overlap and competition between helmeted honeyeaters
and bell miners at Yellingbo State Nature Reserve by comparing the structural attributes of occupied
habitat, the spatial distribution of suitable and occupied habitat, and the reoccupation of former habitat by
the helmeted honeyeater following bell miner removal. The results suggest that little niche overlap occurs
between the two honeyeaters, at least within the range of structural attributes measured in the study, and
that competition appears to be for space rather than any other limiting resource. It is concluded that, in the
short term, the best way to minimise the conflict between the two honeyeaters and favour the expansion of
helmeted honeyeaters is to remove bell miners from adjacent habitat.
Use of Two Humane Leg-Hold Traps for Catching Pest Species.
Authors: Meek PD , Jenkins DJ , Morris B , Ardler AJ , Hawksby RJ
Published: June 2005

This technical note comments on the use of Victor 'Soft Catch' No. 3 traps and Treadle snare throwers, two
leg-hold devices that have been developed to minimise injuries to captured animals. Both types of traps
were evaluated during more than 1000 nights of use. The numbers of animals caught in each trap type, and
the degree of injury sustained by the trapped animals were recorded. Both these traps were found to be
humane alternatives to the steel-jawed trap currently in common use in Australia. However, the 'Victor'
traps were the more convenient to use. They gave fewer technical problems, minimised injuries, caught
more animals and allowed fewer escapes.
Live-trapping of the northern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii): population-size estimates and effects on individuals
Authors: Hoyle SD , Horsup AB , Johnson CN , Crossman DG , McCallum H
Published: June 2005

The northern hairy-nosed wombat, one of the most endangered large mammals known, occurs only in
Epping Forest National Park, central Queensland. The results of a 3-stage trapping programme, carried out
between 1985 and 1993, were used to estimate population size by means of three separate modelling
approaches: minimum number alive (MNA), mark-recapture, and trapping effort. Trapping procedure
varied among sessions, and each estimator was applied to sessions only where its use was appropriate. The
population-size estimate for 1985-86 was 67 (trap effort) with MNA of 58; for 1988-89 it was 62
(Jolly-Seber mark-recapture estimate), with MNA of 48 and upper 95% confidence limit of 77; and for
1993 it was 65 (Chao mark-recapture and trap effort), with MNA of 43 and upper 95% confidence limit of
186 (Chao mark-recapture). No population trends were observed, although variability in estimates and wide
confidence intervals meant that power to do so was limited.
Trapping affected the health and behaviour of wombats. Animals that were trapped twice within 10
nights lost an average of 0.62 kg (P = 0.006) between captures. Wombats that were trapped twice within the
first four nights of traps being set on a burrow showed less weight loss than those trapped for the second
time after 5-7 nights (0.23 kg v. 1.54 kg). The effects of trapping appeared to remain with animals for some
time, since animals trapped twice more than 30 nights apart and within six months weighed an average of
0.5 kg less (P = 0.013) on second capture. When areas were trapped twice in succession with a 3-week gap,
population-size estimates were lower for the second period of trapping. Thus, some wombats may have
temporarily left areas disturbed by trapping.
The deleterious impact of trapping may be reduced by restricting trapping to periods of four nights.
Trapping effectiveness may be increased by minimising disturbance immediately before trapping and by
moving traps between periods of trapping.
Suitability of Passive Integrated Transponder Tags for Marking Live Animals for Trade.
Authors: Freeland WJ , Fry K
Published: June 2005

Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags were subject to a series of experimental manipulations designed
to simulate conditions operating during the course of trade in animals. Experiments were designed to
determine the effects of tag-wand angle of orientation, various barriers between tags and wands and
different wand-readers on the distance at which a reading could be made. The distances at which readings
can be made are subject to influences by all three variables. The effect of tag-wand angle of orientation is
likely to be trivial under most circumstances. Of more importance to the utility of PIT tags for animal trade
is environmental interference, particularly that due to metallic barriers (plate or mesh). Different wand-readers
produce idiosyncratic results in relation to orientation of the tag and wand and type of barrier. Implantation
of tags in cane toads (Bufo marinus) indicates that tags are long lived and reliable. Loss of tags from the
toads was relatively rare and probably due to error during the insertion of tags. PIT tags proved resistant to
preservation in formalin or ethanol, and to the decomposition of animals in which they had been inserted.
Tags inserted into 14 species of Australian mammal provided reliable identification of individuals, and
were lost only from species that fly (bats) or are arboreal and glide (a petaurid marsupial). PIT tags are
outstandingly reliable and provide for rapid identification of individual animals. Limitations to the use of
PIT tags in trade in animals are the inability to conduct readings from a distance (>50mm), and their
vulnerability to environmental interference. Technological improvements in taglscannerlreader design may
improve the distance from which readings may be made, and cages could possibly be designed in ways that
minimise environmental interference. Until these developments have occurred, the PIT tag does not provide
cost-effective improvements in the ability to identify animals used in trade.
The Paradox of Rattus Tunneyi: Endangerment of a Native Pest.
Authors: Braithwaite RW , Griffiths AD
Published: June 2005

An analysis of mark-recapture data for Rattus tunneyi in Kakadu National Park from a 7-year period was performed. Capture rates declined 500-fold during this period. The species exhibits a strong preference for riparian vegetation. The diet is primarily herbivorous, with little insect material. High-nutrient plant parts are generally chosen. Reproduction is most common in the wet season but some breeding extends throughout the year if unseasonal rain occurs during the dry season. Fire regime seems to have little effect on population numbers. The level of groundwater irrigating the riparian system and to a lesser extent current rainfall have a much stronger influence. Museum records show a contraction since European colonization from a near-total continental distribution to one-seventh of its former distribution along the north-west Australian and southern Queensland coast. The contraction from the more arid regions is likely to be due to the impact of introduced mammalian herbivores on the riparian habitats which previously functioned as refuge areas during periods of low water availability. Historically, R. tunneyi is likely to have fluctuated in distribution and abundance throughout the continent. In recent times, this has included irruptions into commercial crops in some areas. The loss of local refuges plus relatively poor powers of dispersal have resulted in the distribution now being fragmented, with the north-western and central east coasts of Australia providing the most significant habitat for the species.
The effects of fire-driven succession on reptiles in spinifex grasslnads at Uluru National Park, Northern Territory
Authors: Masters P
Published: June 2005

Fire-driven succession had a pronounced effect on the distribution and abundance of reptiles inhabiting
spinifex grasslands in Ulu~u National Park from 1987 to 1990. Forty species of reptiles were trapped during
the study. Of these 14 were common (> 20 captures), 6 were uncommon (11-20 captures) and 20 were rare
(< 10 captures). Species richness and abundance of individuals were greater on plots with mature spinifex
for most species. On most sampling occasions only four geographically widely distributed species were
more abundant on the regenerating plots: Rhynchoedura ornata, Diplodactylus stenodactylus, Ctenophorus
nuchalis and Ramphytyphlops endoterus. Two species, Diplodactylus conspicillatus and Lerista bipes,
showed no significant difference in abundance between plots. This study supports the suggestion that fire
mosaics maximise reptile diversity. Although most reptile species were caught in mature spinifex,
regenerating areas act as fire breaks and ensure that mature spinifex is always present.
Distribution and habitat of the spotted tree-frog, Litoria spenceri Dubois (Anura : Hylidae), and an assessment of potential causes of population declines
Authors: Gillespie GR , Hollis GJ
Published: June 2005

An extensive survey of the distribution and abundance of the spotted tree frog, Litoria spenceri, was
conducted throughout its range in the Central and Eastern Highlands of Victoria and parts of New South
Wales and the Australian Capital Territory between November 1991 and April 1994. Of the 64 streams
surveyed, Litoria spenceri was recorded along 16, 15 in Victoria and one in New South Wales. The species
was located along six streams in which it had not been recorded before, but could not be found along four
streams in which it had previously been recorded. The survey failed to detect L. spenceri at historical sites
on four other streams but located it elsewhere along those streams. Frogs were located predominantly in
association with rocky banks adjacent to fast flowing water. Most populations occurred in dissected
mountainous country, generally in areas with limited access and disturbance. Analysis of disturbance
histories at individual sites and within catchments supporting the species indicates an association between
the contraction in distribution and a number of human disturbances to forest and riparian habitats.
The Impact of Rabbit Control on Predator Sightings in the Semi-Arid High Country of the South Island, New Zealand.
Authors: Norbury G , Mcglinchy A
Published: June 2005

Extensive rabbit-poisoning operations were conducted under the Rabbit and Land Management Programme between 1990 and 1993 in the semi-arid high country of New Zealand. Repeated surveys of 371 km of spotlight transects that initially supported more than 40 rabbits per spotlight km showed a 95% decline in sighted rabbits. This was followed within a year by a 71% decline in sighted cats and ferrets. Wild cats and ferrets harbour bovine tuberculosis (Tb) and have an impact on protected native fauna. The means by which these apparent declines in predator numbers occur is important in assessing the role that rabbit control might play in managing for Tb and nature conservation.
Conflict between Cape (South African) fur seals and line fishing operations
Authors: Wickens P
Published: June 2005

Cape (South African) fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) interact with line-fishermen in South Africa,
particularly during fishing for the migratory species snoek (Thyrsites atun), and mostly when snoek are
specifically being targeted. Loss of fish and tackle as a result of seals is estimated to be between at least a half
and one million Rand (A$l75000-372000) annually or 3.3-7% of the total annual landed value of snoek. The
presence of seals may also disturb fishing operations by causing fish to sound although this is difficult to
quantify. Deliberate killing of seals by fishermen during line-fishing occurs indiscriminately and particularly
during the peak snoek fishing period; however, estimation of this mortality is currently impossible.
A locking mechanism for Elliott mammal traps to improve capture efficiency
Authors: Johnson BW
Published: June 2005

Aluminium Elliott traps are widely used in mammal studies in Australia. They are acknowledged to be
effective on many species of small mammals, but the lack of a locking mechanism to prevent escape is an
apparent limitation. This paper describes a modification to the trap to improve animal retention.
Surveying malleefowl breeding densities using an airborne thermal scanner
Authors: Benshemesh JS , Emison WB
Published: June 2005

When malleefowl, Leipoa ocellata (Megapodiidae), open their incubator-nests (mounds), relatively high
temperatures are exposed, providing the possibility of sensing mounds remotely with an airborne thermal
scanner. The feasibility of using this technique for surveying malleefowl populations was evaluated by
conducting a test scan over four sites where the locations of active mounds were known, and by a groundbased
study that examined the factors associated with the time and frequency of mound opening by the birds.
In all, 26% of known active mounds were detected on 'quick-look prints' produced by the scanner.
Detailed image analysis revealed further mounds and showed that all mounds detected were unambiguously
indicated by maximum pixel temperature. The ground-based study showed that weather conditions in
spring were poor predictors of mound-opening behaviour. However, the opening time of mounds was
positively correlated the date, suggesting that scans would be most successful early in spring. In summer,
the mound-opening behaviour of malleefowl differed markedly from that in spring; fewer mounds were
opened on summer mornings and opening times were later and were strongly correlated to weather
variables (but not with date). Using the ground-based data to model the probable success of scans under
differing conditions, we estimate that scans covering 90 km2 (90 min duration) would detect up to 36% of
active mounds on cloudy mornings in mid-October, compared with about 25% in mid-November and about
15% in summer. Repeated scans would substantially increase detection rates. We conclude that the
technique is feasible, cost-effective and capable of vast coverage, although further development is required
before broad-scale application.
Population model analysis for the loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, in Queensland
Authors: Heppel SS , Limpus CJ , Crouse DT , Frazer NB , Crowder LB
Published: June 2005

Worldwide declines of marine turtle populations have forced a need for sound conservation policies to
prevent their extinction. Loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, are declining rapidly at eastern Australian
nesting beaches, which are visited by females from all feeding areas for the stock. In some feeding areas of
eastern Australia, loggerheads have been protected from deleterious anthropogenic effects. Using long-term
mark-recapture data from one such protected group of turtles feeding on Heron Island Reef, Queensland, we
created a matrix model to analyse loggerhead demography. We also produced a model for the females
nesting at Mon Repos, Queensland, a major rookery where the annual nesting population has declined at
rates approaching 8% per year. As indicated by a similar model for loggerheads in the USA, our models
predicted that small declines in annual survival rates of adult and subadult loggerheads can have a profound
impact on population dynamics. A loss of only a few hundred subadult and adult females each year could
lead to extinction of the eastern Australian loggerheads in less than a century. Survival in the first year of life
is relatively less important in these long-lived and slow-maturing animals. At Mon Repos, nesting female
survival is apparently so low that even beach protection efforts resulting in 90% hatchling emergence success
would not prevent population decline. Our research suggests that continued mortality pressure on subadult
and adult turtles in their dispersed feeding areas of eastern and northern Australia is a major threat to the
eastern Australian loggerhead turtle population. Measures that protect adult and subadult loggerhead turtles
should be supported, including the use of turtle excluder devices (TEDs) on prawn trawls.
Preliminary investigation of nocturnal habitat use by migratory waders (Order Charadriformes) in northern New South Wales
Authors: Rohweder DA , Baverstock PR
Published: June 2005

Nocturnal and diurnal habitat use by migrant waders was studied at three sites in the Richmond estuary,
northern New South Wales. Numerous species of migrant wader showed significant differences in habitat
use between night and day. Sanderling (Calidris alba), red-necked stint (Calidris ruficollis) and, possibly,
double-banded plover (Charadrius bicinctus) foraged on mudflats during the day but moved to ocean
beaches to forage during night low tides. Pacific golden plover (Pluvialis fulva), greater sandplover
(Charadrius leschenaultii), eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) and bar-tailed godwit (Limosa
lapponica) displayed less significant differences in habitat use, although densities increased at night on
moist sandy mudflats. The numbers of terek sandpiper (Xenus cinereus) and curlew sandpiper (Calidris
ferruginea) decreased on sandy mudflats at night although where these birds went is unknown. Nocturnal
foraging by X. cinereus may be restricted to moonlit nights. Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) also displayed
differences in habitat use by foraging more on moist sandy mud at night and less in sea grass. No
significant differences were found for whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus). Habitat use by both N.
madagascariensis and N. phaeopus appears related to lunar phase. Six hypotheses are postulated to explain
the observed differences: (1) exploitation of changes in prey behaviour and availability; (2) predator
avoidance; (3) human avoidance; (4) increased light on mudflats from urban areas; (5) avoidance of
roosting flocks of gulls and terns; and (6) relationship with prevailing environmental conditions. The data
presented provide a basis from which further work will be undertaken.
Characteristics of Arboreal Marsupial Habitat in the Semi-Arid Woodlands of Northern Queensland.
Authors: Munks SA , Corkrey R , Foley WJ
Published: June 2005

The distribution of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) within the Prairie-Torrens Creek Alluvials province of the Desert Upland region of north-western Queensland was examined. The optimum habitat for each species as indicated by the occurrence of faecal pellet groups was found to be that associated with creek-lines. However, other land types were also used by each species to varying degrees. The relationship between various habitat variables and pellet group counts was investigated using Multiple regression and a Generalised linear model. Proximity to creek-bed, total basal area of trees, species richness and Acacia basal area (negative) best explained the occurrence of koalas. Proximity to creek-bed, Acacia basal area (negative), total basal area of trees, and available water (negative) best explained the occurrence of brushtail possums. In contrast to studies of arboreal species in the moist-south-eastern forests of Australia no relationship was found between foliar nutrient concentrations and the occurrence of koalas or brushtail possums. However, a significant relationship was found between leaf water concentration and the occurrence of koalas. It is suggested that water availability is the paramount factor defining preferred arboreal habitat in arid and semi-arid woodlands.
Evaluation of three relative abundance indices for assessing dingo populations
Authors: Allen L , Engeman R , Krupa H
Published: June 2005

Three methods of assessing relative abundance of wild canids were evaluated on a population of dingoes,
Canis lupus dingo (Corbett), on a cattle station in south-westem Queensland. The tested indices relied on
measurements of activity based on spoor. Two of the techniques attracted the target species to tracking
stations through the use of a novel (fatty acid scent) or food-based (buried meat) attractant. The third index
(activity) measured the number of dingo tracks crossing tracking stations placed at 1-km intervals along a
road transect.
All three indices had a high level of agreement for detecting differences in relative abundance, with
correlation coefficients exceeding 0.85. When the stations were analysed in 1-km segments, the activity
index proved the most sensitive, producing proportionally more positive responses than either of the other
two indices irrespective of whether the tracking stations were assessed at 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-day intervals.
Inconsistencies between indices existed, with the derived abundance indices not showing the anticipated
reduction following population reduction. The effect of season and the interaction between dingo activity
and index methodology are discussed.