bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breeding Biology of Brushtail Possums Trichosurus vulpecula (Marsupialia, Phalangeridae) in Captivity.
Authors: Gemmell R.T.
Published: September 2021

The brushtail possum is a common arboreal marsupial that is well adapted to the Australian urban environment and to rearing in captivity. Data obtained from 100 female possums housed in a semi-captive colony over a 7 year period demonstrate the reproductive capability of this marsupial. The main breeding season is from March to June with a declining number of births occurring from July to October. The possums gave birth to 259 single young and one set of twins. The range of the lactation period was from 177 to 200 days with the birth of the subsequent young occurring at 188.4 ± 4.1 days post partum (SD, n = 5). The growth rate of the young female possum varied greatly after day 100 post partum, the mean body weight of possums at day 172, being 753.0 ± 76.2g (SD, n = 5) with a range of 685 to 851 g. Female possums, with a mean body weight of 2171 ± 388g, gave birth to their first litter on day 345.9 ± 69.3 days postpartum (mean, SD, n = 7). Although two female possums trapped in the wild were held in captivity for 64 and 63.4 months and one possum bred in captivity had a life span of 51.5 months, the mean life span was 21.0 ± 12.5 months (SD, n =3D 8), with a range of 14.3 to 51.5 months. This life span is very variable and it is of interest to determine if this is an artefact of captivity or is also observed in the wild.
The Social Behaviour of Captive Northern Quolls, Dasyurus hallucatus.
Authors: Dempster E.R.
Published: September 2021

Thirty-one staged interactions between male-male, female-female and male-female pairs of captive Dasyurus hallucatus were video recorded. No contact-promoting behaviour such as huddling or allogrooming was observed. Animals performed solitary exploration of the test arena, were inactive, performed olfactory investigation and scent-marking, watched or reacted to the opponent with agonistic behaviour. Two threat postures were identified: a "straight threat" was positively correlated with submissive behaviour and indicated a defensive motivation. A "shuffle threat" was associated with aggressive behaviour and indicated an offensive motivation. Hissing vocalizations were associated with threatening behaviour, particularly straight threatening. Sniffing vocalizations were associated with agonistic behaviour. Squawks were always associated with attacking and fighting. Behaviour differed significantly among encounter types. Males performed more agonistic behaviour and less exploratory behaviour than females in same-sex encounters. In male-female encounters, females displayed more submissive and less sniff/marking behaviour than males. D. hallucatus conform to observations that most dasyurid species are solitary and asocial.
Parasites of The Proserpine Rock-wallaby, Petrogale persephone (Marsupialia: Macropodidae).
Authors: Begg M. , Beveridge I. , Chilton N.B. , Johnson P.M. , O'Callaghan M.G.
Published: September 2021

Twenty specimens of Petrogale persephone were examined for parasites. Nineteen species of helminths, one species of tick, one louse, one mite and two species of intestinal protozoans were recovered. The assemblage of helminth parasites encountered more closely resembled those found in Thylogale species than other species of rock-wallaby. The possible origins of the helminth fauna of P. persephone are discussed. The single species of tick, Haemaphysalis petrogalis, and the louse, Heterodoxus sp. 14, are specific to rock-wallabies, while the mite, Thaddeua serrata has a broader host range. Parasites causing significant lesions in P. persephone were the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus and the mite T. serrata. Parasites found in small numbers but considered potential disease agents in this host were Globocephaloides macropodis, Hypodontus macropi, Eimeria petrogale and E. sharmani.
Additional Parts of The Type Specimen of Thylacinus macknessi (Marsupialia: Thylacinidae) From Miocene Deposits of Riversleigh, Northwestern Queensland.
Authors: Muirhead J. , Gillespie A.K.
Published: September 2021

A revised diagnosis and description of Thylacinus macknessi Muirhead, 1992 is presented following recovery of the previously unknown anterior half of the holotype. This provides the most completely represented lower dentition of a species of thylacinid other than T. cynocephalus. The new part of the holotype further confirms the thylacinid nature of this taxon by displaying additional features that in combination are only known in that family. The molar and premolar region suggest that selection pressure to elongate the face and shearing crest system were greater at the front of the dentition. This specialisation differs significantly from that of most dasyurids which appear to have been under pressure to shorten the facial region by premolar Joss.
Electrophoretic Resolution of Species Boundaries in Tube-Nosed Bats (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Authors: Donnellan S.C. , Reardon T.B. , Flannery T.F.
Published: September 2021

Allozyme variation at 19-34 loci is used in the present study to define species boundaries in Australian and Papuan New Guinean tube-nosed bats. Current systematic accounts for these bats are in part contradictory and do not provide an adequate basis for distinguishing the species. Results obtained from the allozyme electrophoretic analysis of 178 individuals show that there are a minimum of five species of Nyctimene and one of Paranyctimene in the region. A single species of Nyctimene was found in Australia and at least four species of Nyctimene in the north coastal ranges of Papua New Guinea. Paranyctimene was genetically uniform and was found in sympatry with up to three species of Nyctimene over most of its range. While the scientific names of several of the species were determined, the nomenclature of the remainder requires a morphological analysis of the available material, including type specimens.
Observations on Activity Patterns, Population and Den Characteristics of The Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster Along Badger Creek, Victoria.
Authors: Gardner J.L. , Serena M.
Published: September 2021

The Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster is Australia's largest amphibious rodent, occupying freshwater rivers, lakes, and coastal and estuarine habitats throughout the continent (Watts and Aslin 1981). Little is known of the species' social organisation or use of space in the wild although Harris (1978) suggested that adults might be intrasexually aggressive. The home ranges of all sex and age classes overlap to some extent but home ranges of adults of the same sex appear to overlap less (Harris 1978). Adult males occupy the largest home ranges which overlap those of one or more females. In captivity individuals kept in groups form hierarchies in which only the dominant females usually breed successfully (Olsen 1982). Fighting occurs primarily among males, with the highest incidence of injuries observed at the beginning of the main September-March breeding season (Olsen 1980, 1982). The results of trapping studies indicate that population density may vary considerably, with the greatest numbers of animals typically occupying man-modified habitats such as irrigation channels or fish farms (McNally 1960, Watts and Aslin 1981, Smales 1984). Aggressive behaviour appears to be related to pelage colour (phenotype) and population density; the higher the density the greater the number of injured individuals (Olsen 1980).
Predation on Pteropus tonganus By A Barn Owl in American Samoa.
Authors: Grant G.S. , Banack S.A.
Published: September 2021

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Observations on Reproduction in Captive Parantechinus biiarni (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae)
Authors: Wooley P.A.
Published: September 2021

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A Comparison of The Detection of Small Mammals by Hairtubing and by Scat Analysis.
Authors: Lindenmayer D.B. , Wong D.A. , Triggs B.E.
Published: September 2021

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Digestive Tract Characteristics of The Spinifex Hopping-mouse, Notomys alexis and the Sandy Inland Mouse, Pseudomys hermannsburgensis In Relation to Diet.
Authors: Murray B.R. , Hume I.D. , Dickman C.R.
Published: September 2021

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Sonographic Analysis of Vocalisations in Captive Dunnarts, Sminthopsis crassicaudata.
Authors: Bishop N. , Bulbert M. , Carr S. , Kroker S. , Millikan J.
Published: September 2021

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Trapping Techniques and a Pen Design for The Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis.
Authors: Southgate R. , McRae P. , Atherton R.
Published: September 2021

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Home Range and Movement Patterns of Sminthopsis leucopus (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) In Coastal Dry Heathland, Anglesea, Victoria.
Authors: Laidlaw W S. , Hutchings S. , Newell G R.
Published: September 2021

Sminthopsis leucopus is a small dasyurid distributed in south-eastern Australia. Radiotelemetry in conjunction with live capture trapping was used to investigate home range size and habitat utilisation of S. leucopus. The average distance moved showed no significant differences between sexes or between seasons. The observed range length and home range area were similar for both sexes. The mean home range area (95% harmonic mean) for S. leucopus was 0.917 hectares. Home ranges of males and females revealed a high degree of overlap. Activity during the day was low and highest in the hours following dusk.
Photic Response Parameters of Circadian Rhythms in The Spinifex Hopping Mouse, Notomys alexis.
Authors: Francis A.J.P. , Coleman G.J.
Published: September 2021

Circadian rhythms are generated endogenously by biological clocks or 'pacemakers', which are responsive to significant environmental stimuli termed zeitgebers. Interactions between pacemakers and zeitgebers provide the basis for synchronisation by light-dark (LD) cycles, and the characteristics of each of these elements determines the phase-relations maintained between an animal's circadian activity rhythms and the natural temporal environment. We report here the basic photic response parameters for an Australian native rodent, Notomys alexis. Under controlled conditions of constant darkness or constant light, N. alexis were found to 'free-run', and with periods different from 24 hours. Under LD cycles N. alexis were strictly nocturnal although, compared to other rodents, entrainment to LD cycles was relatively unstable. This may indicate that N. alexis are not strongly dependent on the LD cycle as a zeitgeber.
New Evidence Concerning the Extinction of The Endemic Murid Rattus macleari From Christmas Island, Indian Ocean.
Authors: Pickering J. , Norris C.A.
Published: September 2021

Recently rediscovered material from the collections and archives of the Oxford University Museum throws new light on the disappearance of the endemic rat Rattus macleari from Christmas Island (Indian Ocean), thought to have gone extinct between 1898 and 1908 as a result of diseases introduced by infected individuals of R. rattus. A collection of rats made by H.E. Durham in 1901-1902 reveals that R. macleari was present on Christmas Island at this time, although in lesser numbers than had been the case when the species was described in 1887. Also present in the collection are specimens of R. rattus, together with a number of rats which exhibit a mixture of characters from both R. rattus and R. macleari. Durham's notes on blood parasites in the Christmas Island rats reveal that in 1901-1902 both R. rattus and some specimens of R. macleari were heavily infested with trypanosomes. Notes deposited in the University Museum archives by Hanitsch (1923) show that R. macleari was no longer present on Christmas Island after 1904. As a result of the authors' observations on the Durham collection and the Hanitsch manuscript, it is proposed that the extinction of R. macleari occurred between 1901 and 1904. During this period, there is evidence for extensive interspecific hybridisation between R. macleari and R. rattus. The selective pressure for such hybridisation may have been parasitisation, resulting from the introduction of trypanosome-infected individuals of R. rattus in a cargo of hay in 1899.
The Distribution of The Dunnart Sminthopsis butleri.
Authors: Woinarski J.C.Z. , Woolley P.A. , Andyck S.V.
Published: September 2021

Three records of the dunnart Sminthopsis butleri from Bathurst and Melville Islands extend the known range of this species from a single location in the Kimberley, Western Australia, to the Northern Territory. The meagre ecological information on this species is documented.
The Distribution and Status of The New Holland Mouse, Pseudomys novaehollandiae (Waterhouse 1843) In Victoria.
Authors: Wilson B.A.
Published: September 2021

The New Holland Mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae) is an endangered species in Victoria. The aims of this study were to determine the present distribution of the species and to identify processes and habitat modification that threaten the species future status. Survey trapping was carried out in areas where P. novaehollandiae had been recorded previously. The species is in a demonstrable state of decline, and there is evidence that it has been lost from at least three and possibly six localities in the past 10-16 years. The species decline appears to have resulted from a combination of systematic factors, the most important of which is habitat loss due to clearing of native vegetation, and the subsequent fragmentation of populations. Altered fire regimes and the consequent changes to the productivity of vegetation and the diet of the species are also likely to be important factors. The areas where P. novaehollandiae remains extant Anglesea, Loch Sport, Providence Ponds, Wilson's Promontory and possibly Mullungdung now assume much greater importance. Critical habitat should be identified and managed. While research questions concerning the population dynamics of the species and threats to its survival remain unanswered, management actions are required immediately. These include monitoring known populations, ensuring protection of habitats, identifying potential habitat and determining suitable management regimes.
Variation in Body Condition and Diet of The Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) During the Breeding Season.
Authors: Reimer A.B. , Hindell M.A.
Published: September 2021

Body condition and diet of eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii) in southern Tasmania were quantified to investigate lactational strategies of a marsupial with medium-duration lactation and high reproductive output. There was no significant seasonal change in body condition, assessed using isotope dilution, or weight for either females or males. Further, body condition and weight of lactating females did not change with age of the pouch young, suggesting that female P. gunnii are able to cope with the energy demands of lactation without storing and utilising stored body fat. Analysis of faecal samples from April to October 1992 revealed a change of the frequency of occurrence of some prey items.
Are Capture Rates of Free-Living Velvet-Furred Rats, Rattus lutreolus velutinus (Rodentia: Muridae) Influenced by Residual Conspecific Odour?
Authors: Monamy V.
Published: September 2021

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Reproductive Behaviour of The Long-Footed Potoroo (Potorous longipes) In Captivity, With an Estimate of Gestation Length.
Authors: Serena M. , Bell L. , Booth R.J.
Published: September 2021

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Rediscovery of Gilbert's Potoroo, Potorous tridactylus, In Western Australia.
Authors: Sinclair E A. , Danks A. , Wayne A F.
Published: September 2021

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Fossil Bandicoots of Chillagoe (Northeastern Queensland) And the First Known Specimens of The Pig-Footed Bandicoot Chaeropus Ogilby, 1838 From Queensland.
Authors: Muirhead J. , Godthelp Henk.
Published: September 2021

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Taxonomy of Rock-wallabies, Petrogale (Marsupialia: Macropodidae). II. An Historical Review.
Authors: Eldridge M.D.B
Published: September 2021

The indigenous Australian genus Petrogale (rock-wallabies) consists of small to medium sized macropodids that are found throughout mainland Australia. As their name implies, rock-wallabies live in rocky habitats, preferring steep rocky slopes, cliffs, gorges, rocky outcrops and boulder piles (Sharman and Maynes 1983a). Many rock-wallaby species are distinctively marked, brightly coloured and are amongst the most beautiful of all macropods. Although well known to Aboriginal Australians for (at least) tens of thousands of years, rock-wallabies were only "discovered" by European explorers and naturalists in the early 19th century. Considerable variation in size, pelage characteristics and skull morphology has lead to the formal scientific description of 26 taxa in the last 170 years. The history of the scientific "discovery" of Petrogale in Australia and their subsequent taxonomy is long and fascinating. It is a story dominated by uncertainty and considerable speculation surrounding the inter-relationships of many taxa. It is in this historical context of confusion and contradiction that the current comprehensive genetic studies of rock- wallabies have both their significance and their genesis.
A Review of The Distribution, Status and Conservation of Rock-wallabies in Western Australia.
Authors: Pearson D.J. , Kinnear J.E.
Published: September 2021

Western Australia has five species of rock-wallabies. Petrogale brachyotis, Petrogale burbidgei and Petrogale concinna occur in wet-dry tropical habitats in the Kimberley region. Petrogale rothschildi is a Pilbara region endemic, while Petrogale lateralis has the largest distribution, extending from the south-west Kimberley to islands off the southern coastline. There have been few collections of the three species restricted to the Kimberley. Their small size, secretive disposition and variable pelage have hampered field identification, and thus, understanding of their distribution and status. The populations of all three are currently believed to be stable and their status is considered secure. Petrogale rothschildi is known from the Hamersley and Chichester Ranges, the east Pilbara, the Burrup Peninsula and four islands in the Dampier Archipelago. It is abundant on three of these islands but has declined on Dolphin island. The status of the mainland populations is uncertain. Petrogale lateralis is a diverse species, with two subspecies and two chromosomal races occurring in WA. Petrogale lateralis hacketti is restricted to three islands in the Archipelago of the Recherche. Petrogale lateralis lateralis has declined throughout its mainland range, with extant populations known from six localities in the Wheatbelt; Cape Range; the Calvert Range; and Barrow and Salisbury Islands. It may still be extant in Kalbarri National Park. Petrogale lateralis West Kimberley race has a restricted distribution but appears secure, while P. lateralis MacDonnell Ranges race has declined markedly in recent years. Fox predation has been implicated in the decline of some populations of P. lateralis and P. rothschildi. The impact of factors such as competition from introduced grazers (stock, rabbits, goats), fire and habitat clearing have not been examined. Increased control of exotic predators, taxonomic research to clarify the identity of unsampled populations and field surveys are needed to improve the conservation outlook for WA rock-wallabies.
The Queensland Rock-wallabies - An Overview of Their Conservation Status, Threats and Management.
Authors: Clancy T.F. , Close R.L.
Published: September 2021

Recent investigations of the taxonomic relationships of Petrogale in Queensland have led to the recognition of eleven distinct taxa within the State, representing some two thirds of the species diversity of this group. The assessed conservation status of the various species ranges from those considered to be vulnerable to extinction, through species that are locally rare, to those currently considered to be common. The specialised habitat requirements of the group presents challenges to the conservation management of individual species. Further research is required into census techniques, population dynamics, genetic processes and the impacts of purported threatening processes to assist in the conservation management of this diverse and unique macropod group.
Distribution and Status of Rock-wallabies in The Northern Territory.
Authors: Lundie-Jenkins G. , Findlay E.
Published: September 2021

Three species of rock-wallabies are currently known from the Northern Territory (N.T.). The Black-footed Rock-wallaby Petrogale lateralis is listed by ANZECC as vulnerable and N.T. populations are known to have declined over the past 40 years. The conservation status of the other two species from the N.T., the Short-eared Rock-wallaby Petrogale brachyotis and the Nabarlek Petrogale concinna is uncertain. Both species are officially listed as common however their ranges appear to be highly fragmented and populations have declined in several locations. Whilst there are populations of all three species represented in the N.T. reserve system there are currently no formal programs to monitor or manage these populations. The factors of most concern in relation to conservation of rock-wallabies in the N.T. are changes in fire regimes, grazing by feral and domestic stock and introduced predators.
Development and Application of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Marsupials: Their Value for Conservation of Rock-wallabies.
Authors: Taggart D.A. , Schultz D. , Temple-Smith P.D.
Published: September 2021

Assisted reproductive technology is used routinely in management to treat infertility and in domestic species in basic husbandry. In eutherian mammals application of this technology is also well established in wildlife conservation programs. The development and application of this technology in marsupials, however, is a relatively new field. The reproductive techniques currently available for marsupial studies, their benefits and implications for conservation are discussed in order to remove any previous misconceptions and provide an insight into how these techniques might be applied. The potential of this technology for maintaining genetic variability and enhancing reproductive output of threatened marsupial species is highlighted, with particular reference to the conservation of rock wallabies.
The Habitat Utilisation and Social Behaviour of Captive Rock-wallabies: Implications for Management.
Authors: Bulinski J. , Goldney D. , Bauer J.
Published: September 2021

As part of a breeding program a small group of Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies, Petrogale penicillata, was captured within the Jenolan Caves reserve and transferred to a nearby enclosure. This study examined the social behaviour and habitat utilisation of these captive rock-wallabies. The subjects were observed in slightly over half (52.2%) of the area available within the enclosure. Sightings were concentrated around a small cliff line. Frequency of sightings within grid cells was significantly correlated with scat density but unrelated to a measure of visibility suggesting the rock-wallabies exhibit strong preference for certain habitats. A Poisson analysis indicated that preferred habitat was characterised as having a northerly aspect, high levels of rock coverage and high shrub density. There was only a small amount of this habitat type within the enclosure which may account for the high levels of aggression which we observed (23.9% of all social behaviour). Aggression was particularly prevalent between adult females (64.8% of all aggressive interactions). The subordinate female was the only animal observed to use resting sites to the south of the cliff line. We suggest that aggression from the dominant female forced the subordinate female to use these less preferred areas.
Insights into The Dispersal Patterns of Yellow-Footed Rock-wallabies, Petrogale xanthopus.
Authors: Sharp A.
Published: September 2021

Inter-colony and within-colony dispersal was monitored in a large colony of P. xanthopus (central-western Queensland) for a period of 34 months, utilising radio-telemetry and regular surveys for tagged individuals. Trap shyness limited the collection of information on juvenile wallabies (n=15). Of the 120 wallabies monitored, only one juvenile male was found to undertake inter-colony dispersal (0.8%). Movement of wallabies between groups within the colony was relatively high (29%), with the majority of movement undertaken by males (21%). Evidence was found that suggests a relationship between the timing of inter-group dispersal and the availability of positions within the social hierarchies of adjacent groups. No relationships were found between the timing of inter-group dispersal and population size or levels of resource availability. In a meta-population context, the low levels of inter-colony dispersal detected in this study suggest that colonies in decline will receive little input of individuals from outside sources and that the establishment of new colonies may occur at a low rate.
Possible Causes of Mortality in The Yellow-Footed Rock-wallaby, Petrogale xanthopus Gray (Marsupialia: Macropodidae).
Authors: Hornsby P.
Published: September 2021

The causes of mortality were analysed for 23 Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies, Petrogale xanthopus found on or near the dry bed of the Hamilton Creek in the North Flinders Ranges of South Australia. The results showed the Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes to be the more frequently identified predator. On the basis of size, 13 of the wallabies were classed as adult and seven were immature, while the remaining three were unknown. Three were male; seven were female, and 13 were of unknown sex. 15 of the 23 were found during the period April - July; the time of year when there is a peak of young leaving the pouch.
Use of Rock-wallaby Faecal Pellets for Detecting and Monitoring Populations and Examining Habitat Use.
Authors: Jarman P.J. , Capararo S.M.
Published: September 2021

Counts of faecal pellets are commonly used to measure dispersion of medium to large, herbivorous mammals, including macropods. Rock-wallabies, Genus Petrogale, are relatively difficult to observe in the daytime, so indirect techniques for survey and measurement of dispersion and population size are attractive. Faecal pellets of rock-wallabies are easy to identify and to detect, often being rapidly dried and well preserved on rock substrates. Pellets have been used in surveys to detect past and recent presence of rock-wallabies in refuge habitat. Their measured distribution can also indicate limits to foraging range away from refuge habitat, information that is important for their management. By making careful correction for the expected form of distribution of rock-wallaby foraging away from refuge habitat, pellet sampling can be used to measure their habitat preferences. Pellet sampling can be used, with careful survey design, to monitor change in colony size over time; but it could be used only with difficulty to indicate absolute population size accurately. In some circumstances it will be more efficient to attempt to observe and count the wallabies directly.
The Sources and Uses of Genetic Material in The Study of Petrogale (Rock-wallabies) and Other Mammals.
Authors: Eldridge M.D.B. , Spencer P.B.S.
Published: September 2021

The application of molecular genetic techniques has the potential to greatly increase our knowledge of rock-wallaby (Petrogale) natural history, ecology, behaviour, evolution and conservation. Although several have recommended the use of molecular techniques on Petrogale (Kennedy 1992; Hall and Kinnear 1992; Maxwell, Burbidge and Morris 1996), relatively few studies have been published (e.g., Sharman, Close and Maynes 1990; Bee and Close 1992; Spencer, Odorico, Jones, Marsh, and Miller 1995; Pope, Sharp and Moritz 1996; Eldridge 1997; Eldridge and Close 1997). However many more studies are currently in progress. As the molecular genetic study of Petrogale is still in its infancy most of the examples used in this review concern investigations of other marsupials and eutherians. This however has the advantage of illustrating the universality of these techniques and will also make this review of interest to those working with other mammals.
Microsatellite DNA Fingerprinting Confirms Dizygotic Twinning and Paternity in The Allied Rock-wallaby, Petrogale assimilis (Marsupialia: Macropodidae).
Authors: Spencer P.B.S. , Marsh H.
Published: September 2021

Since 1986, 306 pouch young births have been recorded from 69 females in a long-term study of Petrogale assimilis at Black Rock (19°05' S, 144°27' E) on Lyndhurst Station, 250km west of Townsville. Three sets of twins were recorded, representing 0.98% of births.
An Ecological Interpretation of The Historical Decline of The Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallaby Petrogale penicillata in New South Wales.
Authors: Lunney D. , Law B. , Rummery C.
Published: September 2021

Widely based historical research was conducted in an attempt to construct a timetable of the decline in the abundance of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Petrogale penicillata in New South Wales. The discovery of 24 new locality records extended its historical range to the coast and provided greater continuity in its distribution than previously recorded. Historical references indicate that P. penicillata was abundant last century but it had declined in most districts by 1915. Protection was declared in 1908 at Bombala and Cooma, in 1912 at Braidwood and in 1913 at Picton and Hartley. Intense hunting pressure on P. penicillata, which resulted in some local extinctions, generally preceded and overlapped with its decline. Hunting for bounties was largely replaced by hunting for the commercial fur trade, which continued until at least 1927. At least 144,000 P. penicillata skins were sold in the 1890s, when their price was lowest. The fox Vulpes vulpes arrived well after the onset of the period of prolonged and sustained hunting pressure, but was in some areas from 7-16 years before P. penicillata was officially declared protected for that area. The time interval between the year when 100+ fox bounties were first paid in the district to the year when P. penicillata was locally protected varied from 5-10 years. Both of these periods of overlap are likely to be overestimates. This paper identifies the extent and relevance of commercially driven hunting to the early and steep decline of P. penicillata in NSW. Concurrent arrival of rabbits, together with the fox and possibly goats, is likely to have contributed to the decline and suppression of P. penicillata populations.
Habitat Use, Distribution and Conservation Status of The Nabarlek, Petrogale concinna, and Sympatric Rock-Dwelling Mammals, in The Northern Territory.
Authors: Churchill S.
Published: September 2021

A survey of the distribution of the Nabarlek (Petrogale concinna) in the Top End of the Northern Territory found the species to be trap shy, secretive and often difficult to distinguish from sympatric Petrogale brachyotis in the field. The small number of records for the species is probably attributable to these characteristics. Habitat preferences appeared to be broad with the species utilising a range of rocky environments from the steep and rugged cliffs of the Arnhem Land escarpment to the low granite boulder hills of the Mary River region. The presence of P. concinna was correlated primarily with the availability of steep slopes and the presence of a large number of caves. The presence of P. concinna was examined in relation to the presence and abundance of 18 species of sympatric mammals. During the study P. concinna was recorded from 8 localities, and although further work is required, the species conservation status appears to be secure.
Rock-wallaby Biology and Management: Synthesis and Directions for Future Research.
Authors: McCallum H.I.
Published: September 2021

This paper is a summary and overview of the National Rock-wallaby Symposium held in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia in November/December 1994. Whilst no rock-wallaby taxon of full specific rank is critically endangered, many distinct populations are at immediate risk of extinction. In particular, there is a strong north-south gradient in the conservation status of rock-wallabies. Southern taxa are more threatened than northern taxa, and within species, southern populations are more threatened than northern ones. A clear agenda for future research emerged. Much of this agenda can usefully be placed in the "declining population paradigm" recently identified by Caughley (1994). The threatening process most clearly indicated is predation by foxes, but whether this applies to rock-wallaby populations throughout Australia needs to be determined. Until it is, any manipulations of predation pressure should be treated as experiments. To measure the success of such manipulations, improved methods of population monitoring must be developed. Finally, the level of knowledge about rock-wallabies must be improved, both at the broad scale of taxonomy and distribution, and at the fine scale of detailed studies of the ecology and behaviour of particular populations.
Rock-wallaby Conservation: Essential Data and Management Priorities. Proceedings of the 1994 National Rock-Wallaby Symposium Workshops.
Authors: Eldridge M.D.B.
Published: September 2021

Workshops held at the 1994 National Rock- wallaby Symposium aimed to identify the gaps in knowledge that hinder the effective management and conservation of rock-wallabies. They also sought to identify research and management priorities for rock- wallabies at both the generic and individual taxon level. The requirements and difficulties of ensuring the implementation of research results and management strategies were also discussed.
An integrated approach in gene-expression landscape profiling to identify housekeeping and tissue-specific genes in cattle
Authors: Li Peng , Zhu Yun , Kang Xiaolong , Dan Xingang , Ma Yun , Shi Yuangang
Published: September 2021

Context High-throughput transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) has been widely applied in cattle studies. Public databases such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) contain large collections of gene expression data from various cattle tissues that can be used in gene expression analysis research Aims This study was conducted to investigate patterns of transcriptome variation across tissues of cattle through large-scale identification of housekeeping genes (i.e. those crucial to maintaining basic cellular activity) and tissue-specific genes in cattle tissues. Methods Using data available in the NCBI Sequence Read Archive database, we analysed 1377 transcriptome data sequences from 60 bovine tissue types, identified tissue-specific and housekeeping genes, and set up a web-based bovine gene expression analysis tool. Key results We found 101 genes widely expressed in almost all tissue and screened out five housekeeping genes: RPL35A, eIF4A2, GAPDH, IPO5 and PAK2. Focusing on 12 major organs, we found 861 genes specifically expressing in these tissues. Furthermore, 187 significantly differentially expressed genes were found among six types of muscle tissues. All expression data were made available at our new website http://cattleExp.org, which can be freely accessed for future gene expression analyses. Conclusions The housekeeping genes and tissue-specific genes identified will provide more information for researchers studying gene expression in cattle. Implications The web-based cattle gene expression analysis tool will make it easy for researchers to access large public datasets. Users can easily access all publicly available RNA data and upload their own RNA-Seq data.
Gut sensing of dietary amino acids, peptides and proteins, and feed-intake regulation in pigs
Authors: Müller Maximiliano , Ryoo Michael Che-Kwang , Roura Eugeni
Published: September 2021

Amino acids (AA) play key metabolic roles in the regulation of feed intake, growth, and immunity among other physiological functions. Dietary AA supplements (i.e. non-protein-bound synthetic AA) and proteins (through peptides and free AA coming from digestion) regulate appetite by stimulating the release of gut hormones from enteroendocrine cells located throughout the gastrointestinal tract, via activation of transmembrane receptors of the G-protein coupled transmembrane receptor (GPCR) family, including calcium sensing receptor, GPCR of the class C Group 6 Member A (GPRC6A), T1R1–T1R3 of taste receptor family 1 and lysophosphatidic acid receptor 5 (GPR92). In addition, growing evidence supports the role of AA transporters in mediating AA sensing in the gut. While most of the current literature available on the topic relates to research undertaken in laboratory rodents, there has been a growing demand on the confirmation of these physiological mechanisms in pigs. In pigs, limiting essential AA L-tryptophan, and branched-chain AA L-leucine and L-isoleucine were shown to stimulate anorexigenic hormones cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide 1 mediated by calcium sensing receptor and T1R1–T1R3, using primary tissue cultures. Tryptophan was shown to stimulate the orexigenic hormone ghrelin in pigs. In addition, L-lysine and L-methionine have also been shown to affect feed intake. Other free AA affecting CCK and glucagon-like peptide 1 levels in pigs are L-phenylalanine and L-arginine. Similar functions have been reported for some dietary proteins such as casein, lectin, or whey and for protein hydrolysates. Overall, this review uncovers recent evidence that dietary non-protein-bound AA are efficient modulators of appetite on the basis of their strong effects on orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones in pigs. However, little has been explored to assess the relevance of essential versus non-essential dietary AA impact on feed intake. Further understanding of the role of AA and proteins on appetite modulation and the mechanisms behind gut hormone release could prove to be a relevant tool to improve swine nutrition and performance.
Field trials to determine the efficacy of aerators to mitigate hypoxia in inland waterways
Authors: Baldwin Darren S. , Boys Craig A. , Rohlfs Ann-Marie , Ellis Iain , Pera Joe
Published: September 2021

Following a series of fish deaths in the lower Darling River in the austral summer of 2018–19, several field trials were undertaken over two summers to determine the efficacy of various aerators to mitigate the effects of hypoxia to prevent fish deaths. The aerators evaluated included: low-powered, solar bubble-plume diffusers; high-flow, single-port Venturi systems; pontoon-mounted multi-port Venturi systems; and an ultra-fine bubble generator. The effectiveness of bubble diffusers appears related to their power, the number of units used and their running time. Pontoon-mounted multi-port Venturi aerators and high-flow, single-port Venturi aerators were much more successful in maintaining oxygen levels and may have prevented fish deaths in the Darling River in early 2019. However, the Venturi aerators were expensive to run, consuming hundreds to thousands of litres of diesel fuel per week. Trial of an ultra-fine oxygen bubble pump showed promise because it supersaturated the water with dissolved oxygen while not elevating total gas pressure to levels that would cause gas-bubble trauma in fish. Although aerators may play a role in emergency responses to hypoxic fish deaths, they have limitations regarding their area of influence (at best thousands of square metres) and their cost to deploy and operate.
Effective detection and identification of sheath-tailed bats of Australian forests and woodlands
Authors: Armstrong K. N. , Broken-Brow J. , Hoye G. , Ford G. , Thomas M. , Corben C.
Published: September 2021

Assessing the risk to threatened species of population decline from anthropogenic disturbances is challenging when there are issues with species identification, and little is known of their biology, distribution, population size, and habitat preference. The bare-rumped sheath-tailed bat (Saccolaimus saccolaimus) is one such species that has a poorly defined distribution over two broad areas of northern Australia. Environmental impact assessments are expected to consider the possibility of its presence in intervening areas outside the known distributions. Our study presents new empirical data that can assist with detection of S. saccolaimus across the entire expanse of northern Australia, provides a critical analysis of acoustics-based identification of the species, and assessed presence within the potentially high value habitat of tall Eucalyptus tetrodonta-dominated forest on the western side of Cape York Peninsula using a combination of trapping and acoustic recordings. Capture of other Saccolaimus species was the greatest of any survey conducted to date in Australia, demonstrating that the capture of these high-flying bat species in tall forest habitats can be relatively effective with mist net arrays hoisted into the tree canopy. In addition, reference echolocation call collections from the focal trapping area plus other locations across northern Australia allowed characterisation and comparison of the calls of most low-frequency-emitting (LFE) echolocating bat species of northern Australia. In addition to separation of species-specific search phase call types using multivariate statistics, a compilation of features from search phase, approach phase and feeding buzz echolocation calls will help distinguish S. saccolaimus from most other LFE species. However, the similarity of the echolocation calls of S. mixtus and S. saccolaimus prevented them from being distinguished from one another. A multi-method approach that emulates the present study and incorporates our recommendations and cautions will lead to robustness in ecological studies and greater clarity in environmental impact assessments.
Predator-induced maternal effects determine adaptive antipredator behaviors via egg composition
Authors: Sharda Sakshi , Zuest Tobias , Erb Matthias , Taborsky Barbara
Published: September 2021

Significance

In dangerous environments, mothers can prepare their offspring to cope with predation risk. Rapid escape responses such as the characteristic “C-start reflex” of fishes improve survival chances of offspring during predator attacks. We found that mothers exposed to predators during egg maturation, by changes to egg composition, produced offspring with faster C-start reflexes, which is an unequivocal demonstration of an adaptive maternal effect on offspring antipredator behavior. Moreover, compared to the control treatment, eggs of predator-exposed mothers were larger and contained more total protein and resulted in offspring with larger initial body size but reduced expression of a growth gene.
The role of concrete in life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of US buildings and pavements
Authors: Gregory Jeremy , AzariJafari Hessam , Vahidi Ehsan , Guo Fengdi , Ulm Franz-Josef , Kirchain Randolph
Published: September 2021

Significance

Changes to concrete production as well as in building and pavements systems—the largest consumers of concrete—can lead to more than 50% reductions in associated GHG emissions by 2050. Over this period, the operational phase of newly constructed buildings and pavements still generates most GHG emissions unless the electrical grid, heating, and transportation are decarbonized aggressively. Meeting decarbonization targets will require lowering the GHG emissions of concrete production as well as innovative uses to lower building and vehicle fuel consumption. Owing to their low abatement costs, several concrete solutions should be prioritized in climate change policies. More than one-third of the embodied impacts of building and pavement construction can be offset by implementing concrete solutions.
Investor memory of past performance is positively biased and predicts overconfidence
Authors: Walters Daniel J. , Fernbach Philip M.
Published: September 2021

Significance

This paper makes several contributions to research in memory, overconfidence, and investment behavior. First, we find that investors’ memories for past performance are positively biased. They tend to recall returns as better than achieved and are more likely to recall winners than losers. No published paper has shown these effects with investors. Second, we find that these positive memory biases are associated with overconfidence and trading frequency. Third, we validated a new methodology for reducing overconfidence and trading frequency by exposing investors to their past returns.
Interleukins 4 and 13 drive lipid abnormalities in skin cells through regulation of sex steroid hormone synthesis
Authors: Zhang Chenlu , Chinnappan Mahendran , Prestwood Courtney A. , Edwards Marshall , Artami Methinee , Thompson Bonne M. , Eckert Kaitlyn M. , Vale Goncalo , Zouboulis Christos C. , McDonald Jeffrey G. , Harris-Tryon Tamia A.
Published: September 2021

Significance

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting 13% of adults and 10% of children worldwide. The inflammation seen in AD is driven by type 2 cytokines, including IL-4 and IL-13. We have an incomplete understanding about how these cytokines impact the epithelial barrier and drive AD pathology. Our study demonstrates that IL-4 and IL-13 promote androgen production and drive lipid abnormalities in sebocytes. These findings deepen our understanding of the impact of the immune system on the skin epithelium.
Structural changes in bacteriophage T7 upon receptor-induced genome ejection
Authors: Chen Wenyuan , Xiao Hao , Wang Li , Wang Xurong , Tan Zhixue , Han Zhen , Li Xiaowu , Yang Fan , Liu Zhonghua , Song Jingdong , Liu Hongrong , Cheng Lingpeng
Published: September 2021

Significance

Many double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses, including the tailed dsDNA bacteriophages and herpesviruses, use molecular machines at a unique vertex of the capsid for genome delivery. Bacteriophage T7 provides a tractable model for the study of dsDNA viruses. Here, we report the structure of the mature bacteriophage T7, as well as the structures of the full and empty T7 particles in complex with their cell receptor lipopolysaccharide. The symmetry-mismatch machines at the vertex, including internal ejection proteins, have been resolved at near-atomic resolutions in our structures. The structures of the T7 particles at different stages reveal a series of structural rearrangements after viral genome delivery.
NMDARs in granule cells contribute to parallel fiber–Purkinje cell synaptic plasticity and motor learning
Authors: Schonewille Martijn , Girasole Allison E. , Rostaing Philippe , Mailhes-Hamon Caroline , Ayon Annick , Nelson Alexandra B. , Triller Antoine , Casado Mariano , De Zeeuw Chris I. , Bouvier Guy
Published: September 2021

Significance

Learning depends on synaptic plasticity. The signaling mechanisms that control induction of plasticity determine the learning rules at the specific synapse involved. Moreover, the relationship between the activity patterns of synaptic inputs and the type, direction, and level of plasticity induced may evolve during development. Here, we establish a key link between receptor activation presynaptic to cerebellar Purkinje cells, downstream signaling mechanisms, and the ability of adult animals to learn a cerebellar motor task.
Optimal ligand discrimination by asymmetric dimerization and turnover of interferon receptors
Authors: Binder Patrick , Schnellbächer Nikolas D. , Höfer Thomas , Becker Nils B. , Schwarz Ulrich S.
Published: September 2021

Significance

Upon viral infection, cytokine signaling molecules coordinate the immune response, but their distributions are highly inhomogeneous due to localized production and degradation in the infected tissue. It is a long-standing question how cytokine receptors can nevertheless decode inflammatory signals reliably. Here, we formulate this question as an inference problem in information theory and show that the molecular architecture of a receptor system determines its ability to discriminate between ligand types. Our results suggest that the type I interferon cytokine receptors have evolved the optimal design to detect and separate the presence of different ligand types in a noisy environment.