bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The activity of Sand Goannas Varanus gouldii and their interaction with reintroduced Greater Stick-nest Rats Leporillus conditor
Authors: Bolton Julia , Moseby Katherine
Published: May 2016

The activity pattern of the Sand Goanna Varanus gouldii in northern South Australia was estimated by radio telemetryduring the summer months. Individuals were located within the Arid Recovery Reserve where introduced European Rabbits Oryctolagus cunniculus, Feral Cats Felis catus and European Foxes Vulpes vulpes were removed. Interaction between the re-introduced Greater Stick-nest Rat Leporillus conditor and the Sand Goanna, a potential significant predator in the absence of cats and foxes, was examined. Mean activity area for Sand Goannas was 5.9 ha (�1.0, n = 9), and their summer activity was concentrated on sand dunes rather than the adjacent inter-dunal swales. Tracks of Sand Goannas were found more often around Greater Stick-nest Rat nests than control sites. However, Sand Goanna predation on re-introduced Greater Stick-nest Rats could not be confirmed and most deaths of radio-collared Greater Stick-nest Rats coincided with a period of exceptionally high maximum temperatures and were probably due to heat and dehydration. Sand Goannas scavenged Greater Stick-nest Rat carcasses, and analysis of scats and stomach material revealed that although invertebrates were the most common prey item, mammal material (hair and bones) was present in 20% of scats.
Characteristics of Brown Treesnakes Boiga irregularis removed from Guam's transportation network
Authors: S. Vice Daniel , L. Vice Diane
Published: May 2016

The accidental introduction of the Brown Treesnake Boiga irregularis to Guam led to catastrophic ecological and economic consequences, including the extirpation of most native forest birds and millions of dollars in damages to the island's power distribution system. Since colonizing the island in the late 1940s, Brown Treesnakes associated with cargo from Guam have arrived at numerous locations throughout the world. Concerns for the potential establishment of other populations have led to intensive control efforts, aimed at the prevention of snake dispersal from the island. Information regarding snakes entering the outbound cargo flow is critical in the development and implementation of both operational control strategies and research necessary to improve available control technologies. Data collected from 31 snakes removed from the outbound cargo network on Guam reveal the typical snake in cargo is smaller in snout-vent length than the average snake captured using traps or hand capture in support of operational control. Potential reasons for small snakes in cargo include the presence of a snake cohort refractory to capture methods, and/or the nomadic behaviour of sub-adults. Additionally, snakes have been found in nearly every location that handles or processes cargo, indicating the need for containment efforts throughout the outbound shipping process. Intensive containment, coupled with the continued development of techniques that effectively capture small snakes, is necessary for successful interdiction efforts.
Rediscovery of an endangered frog Platymantis vitianus, on mainland Fiji: implications for conservation and management
Authors: Morrison C. , Naikatini A. , Thomas N. , Rounds I. , Thaman Niukula B.
Published: May 2016

Many herpetofauna species in the Pacific region have undergone dramatic declines due to invasive species, primarily introduced predators. Fiji has two species of endemic frogs (Family Ranidae, Genus Platymantis) one of which, the Fiji Ground Frog, P. vitianus, has been extirpated from much of its original range due to the mongoose Herpestes javanicus. We conducted a short-term follow up survey to confirm an earlier report (September 2003) of the co-existence between mongoose and the ground frog on mainland Fiji (Vanua Levu). We used systematic nocturnal and diurnal surveys to census the frog fauna of Waisali Reserve and described microhabitat and threatening processes. A series of key management actions are outlined to facilitate the long-term conservation of this frog in the reserve.
An experimental investigation of the effects of human intrusion into breeding colonies of Bridled Terns Sterna anaethetus in the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Gyuris Emma
Published: May 2016

Many studies have demonstrated that recreational visitors impede the breeding success of nesting seabirds, although recently some authors challenged the view that human visitation is always detrimental to the breeding birds. This emerging lack of consensus, as well as the fact that almost all disturbance studies to date were conducted in habitats and on species of high latitudes, presents a challenge to managers of Australia's Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The present study used an experimental approach to examine the impact of recreational visitors on aspects of the reproductive biology of a tropical tern, the Bridlled Tern, Sterna anaethetus, at Rocky Islets in the Far Northern Section of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Two levels of human disturbance schedules were implemented over five experimental sites and over three breeding seasons. The dependent variables were hatching success, body mass and bill length of chicks at both 12-13 and 21-22 days of age. Chicks at 12-13 days of age were significantly heavier and hatching success was higher at sites exposed to higher level disturbance than at sites exposed to lower level disturbance. The results suggest that the early development of Bridled Tern chicks may be adversely affected by non-lethal human disturbance and that such adverse effects may be ameliorated by habituation to human intrusion into nesting areas.
The occurrence of hollows in eucalypts and Ironwood Erythrophleum chlorostachys in the Gulf region of the Northern Territory and its implications for timber harvesting
Authors: J. Taylor R. , A. Chisholm R.
Published: May 2016

The occurrence of hollows in eucalypts and Ironwood Erythrophleum chlorostachys was examined in different habitats in Limmen National Park in the Gulf Falls and Uplands bioregion of the Northern Territory. For each tree sampled, the diameter of the trunk at breast height (DBH) and numbers of hollows in three size categories were recorded. It was found that the riparian zone had the highest density of hollows per unit land area, followed by the rocky hill zone, and then the sandy flat zone. The relationship between hollows per tree and DSH was compared for four species: Eucalyptus camaldulensis (the dominant riparian tree), Eucalyptus leucophloia (the dominant tree on rocky hills), Eucalyptus miniata (the dominant tree on sandy flats), and Ironwood. E. miniata and Ironwood were found to have fewer hollows for a given DBH. It is suggested that the low incidence of hollows in Ironwood is a result of the species' know resistance to termites. The low number of hollows per Ironwood tree, the scarcity of Ironwood in the study area, and the small size of Ironwood trees relative to most of the eucalypts resulted in very few Ironwood hollows overall. This considered, harvesting of Ironwood (a preferred timber species) in this area is unlikely to have an impact on the availability of hollows to fauna. Further research is required to clarify discrepancies with other studies, and assess whether these results apply more broadly, for instance to wetter areas with larger Ironwood trees.
Re-establishing the endangered grassland herb Trioncinia retroflexa (Asteraceae)
Authors: J. Fensham R. , J. Fairfax R.
Published: May 2016

The endangered perennial herb Trioncinia retroflexa was re-established within suitable grassland habitat in central Queensland. The trial included direct seeding and transplanting nursery-grown seedlings during the wet season. Successful establishment may be contingent on moist surface soils at the time of planting and the maintenance of this moisture by adequate follow-up rain in the month after planting. Five years after planting there were a total of 22 mature plants and eight infertile plants within two small areas of the re-establishment trial. The established plants are now reproducing and several generations of seedlings have become established. Topographic position (ridges or swales) and post-planting fires had no significant effect on the density of the re-established population. There have been substantial fluctuations in the re-established population in concert with seasonal rainfall patterns. A patchy and small fe-established population could be expected given the patchiness of the largest natural population and the relatively low rainfall of the introduction site.
The butterfly fauna of the Griffith district, a fragmented semi-arid landscape in inland southern New South Wales
Authors: F. Braby Michael , D. Edwards Ted
Published: May 2016

Thirty-three species of butterflies are recorded from the Griffith district in the semi-arid zone of inland southern New South Wales. The butterfly community comprises the following structure: 19 species (58%) are resident; 7 (21 %) are regular immigrants; 2 (6%) are irregular immigrants; 5 (15%) are vagrants. Except for a few migratory species, most occur in relatively low abundance. Lack of similar studies elsewhere in western New South Wales precludes generalizations regarding the species richness, composition and structure of semi-arid butterfly communities. Comparison of the butterfly fauna with that from five other inland regions on the slopes and foothills of the Great Diving Range, revealed that the Griffith district is most similar in species richness and composition to that of Deniliquin and to a lesser extent Wagga Wagga and Cowra in the south, than with two regions in the higher summer rainfall area of the north of the State (Coonabarabran-Mendooran, Narrabri-Bellata). Overall, the butterfly fauna of inland New South Wales (total of 73 species, of which 49 occur in the southern regions) is depauperate compared with that recorded from the coastal/subcoastal areas east of the Great Dividing Range. Attention is drawn to the conservation significance of several vegetation types and habitat remnants in the Griffith district. Much of the native vegetation in the district has been extensively modified since European settlement due to excessive clearing for agriculture, resulting in a highly fragmented landscape for the conservation of native flora and fauna. With the exception of the lycaenid Candalides hyacinthinus Simplex, which is considered threatened locally, there is a general absence of narrow range endemic butterflies associated with mallee-heathland or mallee-woodland, possibly as a result of widespread land clearing practices of mallee vegetation in the past.
Avian translocations and disease; implications for New Zealand conservation
Authors: A. Parker Kevin , H. Brunton Dianne , Jakob-Hoff Richard
Published: May 2016

There is little published information on the pathogens present in New Zealand passerines. We report here on a preliminary survey of selected pathogens and haematology profiles for seven species in the Auckland region. Avian translocations are commonly used for the recovery of threatened species. Translocations may increase the risk of spreading disease to immunologically na�ve populations. It is therefore important to take every opportuntty to gather baseline disease data and test hypotheses associated with disease. Blood, cloacal and faecal samples were collected from Fernbird Bowdleria punctata, Tui Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae, Bellbird Anthornis melanura, Tomtit Petroica macrocephala, New Zealand Robin Petroica australis, Whitehead Mohua albicilla and Starling Sturnus vulgaris during four translocations to and from Tiritiri Matangi Island. Birds (n = 137) were also examined for external lesions typical of avian pox. Blood samples (n = 40) were screened by microscopy for Plasmodium spp., Atoxoplasma spp. and other blood parasites and a differential white blood cell count was made. Cloacal swabs (n = 38) were cultured for Yersinia spp., Salmonella spp. and Campyobaeter spp. Faecal samples were screened for coccidia spp. (n = 28). An unidentified coccidian sp. and a Haemoproteus sp. were detected in one Fembird and one robin respectively. No other organisms with the potential to cause disease were detected. Despite the effort required to complete disease screening, we argue that disease samples and baseline haematology normal values should be collected at an opportunities. We make recommendations for future disease screening, and discuss the importance and potential significance of disease to the conservation of New Zealand's biodiversity.
Hematozoa of forest birds in American Samoa - evidence for a diverse, indigenous parasite fauna from the South Pacific
Authors: T. Atkinson Carter , C. Utzurrum Ruth , O. Seamon Joshua , F. Savage Amy , A. Lapointe Dennis
Published: May 2016

Introduced avian diseases pose a significant threat to forest birds on isolated island archipelagos, especially where most passerines are endemic and many groups of blood-sucking arthropods are either absent or only recently introduced. We conducted a blood parasite survey of forest birds from the main islands of American Samoa to obtain baseline information about the identity, distribution and prevalence of hematozoan parasites in this island group. We examined Giemsa-stained blood smears from 857 individual birds representing 20 species on Tutuila, Ofu, Olosega, and Ta'u islands. Four hematozoan parasites were identified ? Plasmodium circumflexum (1%, 12/857), Trypanosoma avium (4%,32/857), microfilaria (9%, 76/857), and an Atoxoplasma sp. {<1%, 21857). Infections were found in seven indigenous bird species from the archipelago. Overall prevalence of infection varied significantly among bird species, individual islands, and between Tutuila and the more isolated Manu'a group of islands. Infections with Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, and filarial worms occurred throughout the archipelago, including islands without introduced birds. There was a statistically significant difference in the overall prevalence of infection before and after Hurricane Olaf in February 2005, suggesting that catastrophic hurricanes may influence the dynamics of parasite infections. Given the central location of American Samoa in the South Pacific, it is likely that avian malaria and other hematozoan parasites are indigenous and widespread at least as far as the central South Pacific. Their natural occurrence may provide some immunological protection to indigenous birds in the event that other closely related parasites are accidentally introduced to the region.
Magic bullet misses possum target
Authors: Baillie Heidi
Published: May 2016

For New Zealand forests, possums are the Black Death. Sadly, a plague of furry gluttons was unleashed on the New Zealand environment in the mistaken view that they would sustain a fur industry and therefore the economy. As with so many 19th century introductions, the few protesting voices were ignored in what was fatefully thought to be the greater interest. A bright idea went catastrophically wrong, crushing a unique fauna and flora through sheer weight of numbers.
Diet composition of the invasive cane toad (Chaunus marinus) on Rota, Northern Mariana Islands
Authors: N. Reed Robert , A. Bakkegard Kristin , E. Desy Glenn , M. Plentovich Sheldon
Published: May 2016

The cane or marine toad (Chaunus marinus, formerly Buto marinus) was introduced to the Northern Mariana Islands starting in the 1930s. The effects of this exotic predator on native vertebrates (especially lizards) are largely unknown. We analysed the stomach contents of 336 cane toads collected from the island of Rota, with the goal of estimating the level of toad predation on native vertebrates. Beetles, ants, millipedes, and grasshoppers/crickets comprised the majority of prey classes consumed by toads. The introduced Brahminy blindsnake (Ramphotyphlops braminus; N = 6) and conspecific cane toads (N = 4) were the vertebrates most commonly found in toad stomachs. Skinks (Emoia; N = 2) were the only native vertebrates represented in our sample. The small numbers of nocturnal terrestrial vertebrates native to Rota likely translates to relatively low rates of predation by cane toads on native vertebrates.
Conservation and the Genetics of Populations
Authors: Armstrong Graeme
Published: May 2016

I am sure many readers have experienced the excruciating situation of being involved in a conservation project that makes no effort to include a genetic component in the methodology. This is often due to a lack of understanding by managers compounded by an inability of biologists to remedy this situation by demonstrating the importance of genetics to the desired conservation outcome. The authors of Conservation and the Genetics of Populations have aimed their text at ?broadly trained biologists? to enable an understanding and application of genetic principles to conservation problems. If successful this would go a long way to alleviating this problem.
Lost from our landscape: Threatened species of the Northern Territory
Authors: Woinarski J. , Pavey C. , Kerrigan R. , Cowie I. , Ward S. , Winnard A.
Published: May 2016

The Northern Territory Government has produced Lost from our landscape: threatened species of the Northern Territory as part of their commitment to maintaining threatened plant and animal species. The book aims to educate Territorians about their threatened plants and animals so that they understand the problems they face and assist in maintaining them.
Forum on Conservation
Authors: F. Recher Harry
Published: May 2016

When Malcolm Jones and I taught first year students in Resource Management at the University of New England early in the 1990s, we set a major project based on an analysis of media coverage of environmental issues. I particularly remember a report on water pollution on Sydney?s beaches. Using column inches, size of headlines, location in the newspapers, and frequency of reporting, the report showed with considerable statistical certainty that Sydney?s ocean waters were pristine prior to the start of the swimming season (no or few reports in the papers), became increasingly polluted as summer progressed (more column inches, bigger headlines), reached its highest levels at the height of summer (front page coverage) and then returned to purity as the summer waned and people returned to work and school (no or few reports in the papers). Total nonsense of course. In those days, before the deep water outfalls, beach pollution was a year round problem for Sydney, but the media reported the pollution only in summer when the maximum number of people were likely to be at the beaches and therefore interested in beach conditions and more likely to buy papers highlighting water quality issues. The media report events, whether they are politics, conflict, carnage, sex or the environment, which sell newspapers or attract viewers and listeners to television and radio. Our term project at UNE was designed not only as an exercise in data gathering, analysis and reporting, but was part of our programme of producing media savvy graduates.
Rock anchoring in Karimun Jawa, Indonesia: Ecological impacts and management implications
Authors: A. Maynard J. , R. N. Anthony K. , Afatta S. , F. Anggraini L. , Haryanti D. , Ambariyanto A
Published: May 2016

Coral reefs everywhere are under increasing pressure from a suite of stressors. Recently, threats associated with climate change have been brought closer into focus and now dominate discussions and debate relating to the coral reef crisis (Hughes et al. 2003, Hoegh-Guldberg et al. 2007). Indeed, mitigating local stressors on coral reefs has been given less priority and publicity than the global need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Interestingly though, recent surveys demonstrate that most reef scientists agree that coral reefs are under greater threat from impacts associated with human population growth, coastal development, and overfishing than from global climate change (Kleypas and Eakin 2007). This is especially true for the reefs in SE Asia and the Pacific, which make up the bulk of the reefs in the world (Bryant et al. 1998). In these areas, regulations to ensure that anthropogenic activities near and on coral reefs are conducted sustainably, such as development, sanitation, fishing and even tourism; either do not exist or are rarely enforced due to a lack of resources. Here, we present one such example from Indonesia, one of the most densely populated countries in the world, a country where over 60% of the population relies in some way on marine resources.
Integrated pest management: an under-utilized tool for conservation and the management of invasive ants and their mutualistic Hemiptera in the Pacific
Authors: J. Lester Philip
Published: May 2016

Intergrated pest management (IPM) is a well-developed technology applied primarily in agroecosystems. In many situations, IPM, with associated biological control agents, can stop the need for pesticide applications and results in pest densities being sustained below economic or ecological thresholds. My thesis is that IPM is a highly functional tool that is largely being ignored in conservation, and specifically that it is critical for the sustained control of invasive ants in many Pacific island and atoll systems.
A Re-evaluation of Queensland?s Wet Tropics based on ?Primitive? Plants
Authors: J. Metcalfe D. , J. Ford A.
Published: May 2016

The diversity of angiosperms in primitive families, which occur in the Wet Tropics of Queensland, is frequently cited as evidence of the ancient nature of the Australian rain forests, but appears to be based on flawed taxonomic assumptions. We point out the error of identifying species as being primitive rather than representing families with ancient origins, list the families from near-basal lineages using a current molecular phylogeny, and compare their diversity with other areas of rain forest in Australia, and with other tropical areas in the Pacific. Twenty-eight dicot families below the eudicot clade may be regarded as near-basal; 16 of these are present in rain forest habitat in the Wet Tropics. The diversity of near-basal families, and of the species and endemics within these families, is similar in New Caledonia, and the family diversity similar to Costa Rica. We suggest that these data are consistent with other evidence that rain forest has persisted on the Australian continent for a long time, and that the role of Australian rain forests in harbouring a significant near-basal component has been underestimated. We also suggest that ongoing management might be focussed at conserving the evolutionary history present in the near-basal lineages, especially in the face of changing climatic patterns.
Nesting ecology of the critically endangered Fijian Crested Iguana Brachylophus vitiensis in a Pacific tropical dry forest
Authors: F. Morrison Suzanne , S. Harlow Peter , Scott Keogh J.
Published: May 2016

Tropical dry forest (TDF) ecosystems occur throughout tropical and subtropical zones and one of their primary characteristics is that they are structurally and functionally constrained by seasonal fluctuations in moisture levels. Organisms within them synchronize growth and reproduction with water availability and many exhibit adaptations to drought conditions. We examined the previously unknown nesting ecology of the Critically Endangered Fijian Crested Iguana Brachylophus vitiensis a TDF specialist, on the Fijian island of Yadua Taba over two field seasons. In Fiji, the TDF and the endemic Crested Iguanas are threatened on a national level by anthropogenic factors and Yadua Taba Island remains the only protected site. Evaluation of adult female reproductive status revealed that only 52% of adult females reproduced in a given year. We suggest that female Crested Iguanas have adopted a biennial mode of reproduction in response to resource limitation.We found no evidence for communal nesting or nest site defence by females. All nest burrows were constructed on the forest floor in shaded areas. Mean nest temperatures (24.5�C), levels of site openness (10.9%) and total incident radiation (2.57 MJ m2 day) recorded at nest sites were less than those reported for other Iguaninae. Mean egg size (17.9 g) was large relative to most Iguaninae and was independent of the small mean clutch size (2.9 eggs). Mean incubation period was extremely long (256 days) and spanned the eight-month dry season. Mean hatching success also was high (87%). We examine reproductive strategy in relation to the environmental conditions of the TDF habitat on Yadua Taba. This research provides a broader understanding of Crested Iguana nesting ecology and is a step towards the successful implementation of the Species Recovery Plan for this species.
Effects of Ungulate Management on Vegetation at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Hawai?i Island
Authors: C. Hess Steven , J. Jeffrey John , W. Pratt Linda , L. Ball Donna
Published: May 2016

We compiled and analysed data from 1987?2004 on vegetation monitoring during feral ungulate management at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, a tropical montane rainforest on the island of Hawai?i. All areas in the study had previously been used by ungulates, but cattle (Bos taurus) were removed and feral pig (Sus scrofa) populations were reduced during the study period. We monitored six line-intercept transects, three in previously high ungulate use areas and three in previously low ungulate use areas. We measured nine cover categories with the line-intercept method: native ferns; native woody plants; bryophytes; lichens; alien grasses; alien herbs; litter; exposed soil; and coarse woody debris. Vegetation surveys were repeated four times over a 16-year period. Vegetation monitoring revealed a strong increase in native fern cover and slight decreases in cover of bryophytes and exposed soil. Mean cover of native plants was generally higher in locations that were formerly lightly grazed, while alien grass and herb cover was generally higher in areas that were heavily grazed, although these effects were not statistically significant. These responses may represent early seral processes in forest regeneration following the reduction of feral ungulate populations. In contrast to many other Hawaiian forests which have become invaded by alien grasses and herbs after ungulate removal, HFNWR has not experienced this effect.
Bird assemblages in remnant and revegetated habitats in an extensively cleared landscape, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.
Authors: Martin Warren K , Eldridge David , Murray Patricia A
Published: May 2016

Extensive loss and degradation of native vegetation in the agricultural landscape of inland south-eastern Australia
has resulted in significant losses in bird diversity and abundance. Native vegetation continues to be lost through the
attrition of paddock trees, which constitute a large component of the remaining vegetation. The planting of native trees
and shrubs is being undertaken as a means of halting the loss of biodiversity. However, the effectiveness of revegetation
activities is still being assessed. A study in the Wagga Wagga area of New South Wales was undertaken to examine
the relative value of remnant vegetation, farm plantings, paddock trees, and pasture for bird diversity. Species richness
was highest in remnant vegetation, and was similar in planted vegetation and paddock trees. Relative abundance was
similar across these three vegetation types. Species composition differed among all vegetation types, with planted and
paddock tree sites having predominantly different sub-sets of the bird assemblage characteristic of remnant vegetation.
The protection of remnant vegetation is essential for the conservation of the region’s avifauna, but plantings and paddock
trees also have important values for birds. However, plantings and paddock trees support different bird assemblages
and complement each other. While important in their own right, the current plantings of native vegetation should not
be considered as off-setting the continued loss of paddock trees. Retention of the avifauna of the Wagga Wagga area
would be assisted if remnant vegetation and paddock trees were protected and integrated with appropriately designed
revegetation.
A field evaluation of a trap for invasive American bullfrogs.
Authors: Snow Nathan P , Witmer GAry W
Published: May 2016

Native to the eastern United States, American bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana [Lithobates catesbeianus]) have been
introduced in many countries throughout the world. There have been relatively few effective and efficient control methods
developed to manage bullfrogs. Particularly in the Hawaiian Islands, Pacific coast of North America, and Japan, finding
effective methods for controlling invasive bullfrogs is needed with special emphasis on low impacts for sensitive native
species. We conducted a field study to examine the efficacy of a newly designed live trap for capturing invasive
bullfrogs. We found that our trap was successful at capturing bullfrogs because we captured up to seven in a single
trap overnight. Fishing lures, live crickets, and lights were used as attractants and all capture bullfrogs, however more
research is needed for finding effective attractants. We captured one known non-target frog that was released. Our
findings suggest that the multiple capture traps could effectively be used as part of an integrated pest management
strategy for controlling invasive bullfrog populations.
Dry rainforests have a distinct and more diverse assemblage of epigaeic invertebrates than eucalypt woodlands: implications for ecosystem health monitoring.
Authors: Houston Wayne A , Melzer Alistair
Published: May 2016

Dry rainforests have a disproportionately higher diversity of plant species than the eucalypt woodlands that dominate
Australian landscapes. While several endemic vertebrate species have been found in dry rainforests, their values for
invertebrate fauna are relatively poorly known. Epigaeic invertebrates of four patches of dry rainforests in Queensland
were annually compared to those of nearby eucalypt woodlands using pitfall traps between 1998 and 2002. Dry
rainforests had significantly greater Order-level richness, lower dominance, fewer invertebrates and a different
assemblage. Invertebrate composition was characterized by typically shelter- or moisture-requiring taxa, such as earwigs,
pseudoscorpions, gastropods, millipedes, isopods, Diplura and Symphyla. This may reflect the greater prevalence of
moister microhabitats in dry rainforests in comparison to woodlands. Coinciding with several years of low dry season
rainfall, invertebrate abundance declined in dry rainforests but not woodlands, indicating that dry rainforest epigaeic
fauna may be more sensitive to reduced soil moisture compared with woodland fauna. This may reflect differences of
some taxa in evolutionary lineage or the mediation of vegetation phenology and differences in drought susceptibility of
the two vegetation types. Importantly, the study provides evidence that faunal assemblages of drier rainforests may be
more vulnerable to tipping points associated with droughts and changing rainfall regimes than nearby woodlands.
Furthermore, it demonstrated the importance of including a range of vegetation types in any long-term monitoring
programs and that an understanding of ecological responses to environmental drivers is critical to interpreting data.
The relatively greater sensitivity of dry rainforest biota to droughts compared with woodlands indicates that it could
provide a regional “control” for this effect.
Identification of a resident community of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Swan
Canning Riverpark, Western Australia, using behavioural information.
Authors: Chabanne Delphine , Finn Hugh , Salgado-Kent Chandra , Bedjer Lars
Published: May 2016

Identifying appropriate management units is vital for wildlife management. Here we investigate one potential
management unit — resident communities of bottlenose dolphins — using information from ranging, occupancy, and
association patterns. We identify a resident community of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the
Swan Canning Riverpark, Western Australia based on: ranging patterns, sighting rates, Lagged Identification Rates
(LIR), and three measures of social affinity and structure (Simple Ratio Index, preferred dyadic association analyses,
and Lagged Association Rates (LAR)). The analyses yielded an estimated ‘community size’ of 17–18 individuals
(excluding calves). High seasonal sighting rates (> 0.75 sightings per season) and a long mean residence time (ca.
nine years) indicated year-round residency. The model best-fitting the LIR (emigration and mortality) also supported
this. The social structure of dolphins was species-typical, characterized by significant dyadic associations within agesex
classes (permutation test; P < 0.001), stronger associations among adult males than among adult females (LAR
males > LAR females), and temporally stable associations (LAR > null LAR). Constant companions or long-lasting
association models best explained adult male and female LARs. While behavioural information identified a resident
community in the Riverpark, genetic and demographic information is needed to assess its appropriateness as a
management unit.
Videographic evidence of endangered species depredation by feral cat.
Authors: Judge Seth , Lippert Jill S , Misajon Kathleen , Hu Darcy , Hess Steven C
Published: May 2016

Feral cats (Felis catus) have long been implicated as nest predators of endangered ‘Ua‘u (Hawaiian Petrel;
Pterodroma sandwichensis) on Hawai‘i Island, but until recently, visual confirmation has been limited by available
technology. ‘Ua‘u nest out of view, deep inside small cavities, on alpine lava flows. During the breeding seasons of
2007 and 2008, we monitored known burrows within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Digital infrared video cameras
assisted in determining the breeding behaviour and nesting success at the most isolated of burrows. With 7 cameras,
we collected a total of 819 videos and 89 still photographs of adult and nestling ‘Ua‘u at 14 burrows. Videos also
confirmed the presence of rats (Rattus spp.) at 2 burrows, ‘Ôma‘o (Myadestes obscurus) at 8 burrows, and feral
cats at 6 burrows. A sequence of videos showed a feral cat taking a downy ‘Ua‘u chick from its burrow, representing
the first direct evidence of ‘Ua‘u depredation by feral cat in Hawai‘i. This technique provides greater understanding
of feral cat behaviour in ‘Ua’u colonies, which may assist in the development of more targeted management strategies
to reduce nest predation on endangered insular bird species.
Long-haul research: benefits for conserving and managing biodiversity.
Authors: Dickman Chris R
Published: May 2016

SEVERAL times a year, every year for the last two decades, members of the Desert Ecology Research Group at the University of Sydney have made the long trek to the Simpson Desert in central Australia to continue biological monitoring and carry out
experiments on a range of ecological and conservation-related topics. This is long-haul research: long-term biological sampling and experimental work that takes place in distant study sites. This kind of research is unusual in that much ecological inquiry takes place close to home and is completed over short periods — typically three years, which is the duration of most postgraduate projects and research grants from major funding bodies such as the Australian Research Council. If short-term local research is the norm, why should anyone contemplate undertaking multi-year hajjes to remote areas? What are the advantages, the challenges and payoffs from long-haul research? In this essay I argue that long-term research is essential to understand the dynamics and processes that drive ecological systems and provide the insights necessary to conserve them. I then propose that such research is needed most critically in remote areas where losses of species and ecological processes often continue apace, but pass unobserved and unremarked. In Australia, areas that are remote for most of us, both physically and conceptually, are the vast and varied landscapes of the continental interior.
The bark of eucalypt trees: habitat quality for arthropods and impact of fire.
Authors: Croft Peter , Reid Nick , Hunter John T
Published: May 2016

The bark of eucalypt trees is a significant habitat attribute of forests and woodlands, with different bark types
supporting varying populations of invertebrate and vertebrate fauna. Bark also contributes to fuel load in wildfires and
hazard reduction burning, with a concomitant loss of habitat and modification of habitat resources. We compared the
composition and abundance of tree trunk invertebrates inhabiting four eucalypt bark types and determined the impact
of burning the bark on population abundance and community composition. Trees of four bark types (gum, box,
stringybark, ironbark) were selected at three sites and arthropod traps placed on burnt and unburnt trees of each type.
Traps were left in place for 12 days and arthropod preferences for the four bark types (burnt and unburnt) were analysed.
The total number of arthropods differed between bark types, with stringybark and ironbark supporting the largest numbers
of invertebrates and the most diverse communities. Burnt stringybark and gum bark had reduced arthropod abundance
compared to unburnt bark. The study highlights an ecological consequence of fire on an aspect of invertebrate habitat,
with flow-on effects for vertebrates, that should be considered in fire management, as greater areas of land are subject
to frequent hazard reduction burning in eastern Australia.
Responses of Eastern Yellow Robins Eopsaltria australis to translocation into vegetation remnants in a fragmented landscape.
Authors: Debus S J S , Ford H A
Published: May 2016

Many species of Australian robins (Petroicidae) are declining in wooded landscapes across southern Australia,
perhaps because they are unable or unwilling to disperse across the matrix between remnants, or because they
experience high mortality while doing so. Eastern Yellow Robins Eopsaltria australis have declined in parts of southeastern
Australia, and have gone extinct in some woodland remnants. We translocated adult Yellow Robins to remnants
from which they had disappeared, and followed their survival and behaviour. Nine Yellow Robins were translocated to
a 100 ha remnant in 2001 (seven birds) and 2002 (two birds). One bird disappeared immediately and a second after 2
weeks, but the rest stayed for at least 2 months, with two birds surviving to at least 4 and 5 years. One reintroduced
pair bred each year from 2001 to 2005, producing six fledglings. Two colour-banded Yellow Robins also arrived unaided
from another remnant 7 km away. Fifteen Yellow Robins were translocated to nine small remnants (<60 ha) in 2005–
06. Seven birds disappeared within 3 days of their release, apparently killed by predators. The remainder survived for
up to 7 weeks, but none was found breeding. Translocated Robins moved up to 3 km from their release sites through
natural or planted corridors, and up to 1 km through a matrix of scattered trees. Small remnants, which surviving Robins
ultimately vacated, had fewer shrubs than sites where they bred. The results suggest that Eastern Yellow Robins can
disperse through a landscape with corridors or scattered trees. However, they may suffer predation and reject sites
that are too small or of poor habitat quality. Management to retain Eastern Yellow Robins in a fragmented landscape
should enlarge remnants, protect scattered trees, plant or regenerate strategic clumps of trees and shrubs in gaps
between remnants, and allow shrubs to regenerate within remnants.
The birds of “Koobabbie” in the northern wheatbelt of Western Australia (1987–2011) and the contribution of the farm to conservation of the region’s avifauna
Authors: Saunders Denis A , Doley Alison
Published: May 2016

The avifauna of Koobabbie, a 7 173 ha wheat and sheep property in the northern wheatbelt of Western Australia
with 41.5% the property under remnant native vegetation, was monitored on a weekly basis from May 1987 to December
2011. Recorded during this period were 131 species, comprising 55 residents, seven regular visitors, 14 irregular visitors
and 55 vagrants. Fifteen species declined over the 25 years, with one species being extirpated and two species
increased. Two other species increased until early this century and then declined. The avifauna of Koobabbie was
compared with that of the Northern Agricultural Catchment Council region, in the middle of which region the property is
located. Koobabbie comprehensively represented the region’s avifauna and contributed significantly to conservation of
the region’s avifauna. This study demonstrates the importance of continuous long-term datasets from a single locality.
The need to set up a network of such monitoring sites over much of Australia in order to provide information for
management of natural resources is discussed.
Publication models in a changing environment: bibliometric analysis of books and book chapters using publications by Surrey Beatty & Sons
Authors: Calver M C , Fontaine J B , Linke T E
Published: May 2016

Expectations and patterns of publication have changed markedly with evolving online availability and associated
development of new citation gathering databases. Perhaps the most vulnerable components of the scientific literature
to ongoing change are books and book chapters, given their elongated publication timelines and generally more limited
online availability. To test this, we applied citation analyses and assessments of library holdings to determine the
use of the natural history books published by Surrey Beatty & Sons between 1987 and 2010. We (i) evaluated the
relative use of book chapters and journal papers by comparing citations to chapters in the five books of the Nature
Conservation series by Surrey Beatty & Sons to citations of journal chapters in four Australian journals published in
the same years, (ii) determined the efficacy of four different databases in retrieving citations to book chapters by
comparing their recovery of citations to the five books of the Nature Conservation series, and (iii) quantified noncitation
measures related to library holdings to evaluate the use of the books on the entire Surrey Beatty & Sons list.
Mean citations/chapter to the first three books in the Nature Conservation series were similar to the mean citations/
paper in four Australian journals published in the same years. However, the mean citations/chapter of the last two
books declined relative to citations/paper for the journals, suggesting a fall in book use evident by early this century.
Citation retrieval varied across databases; Google Scholar retrieved most citations, followed by Scopus, Web of Science
(Cited Reference Search) and Web of Knowledge. Contrary to published concerns, no citations retrieved by Google
Scholar were in questionable sources such as contents pages - many were from highly ranked journals.
Each book in the full Surrey Beatty & Sons list was held by an average of 45.3 libraries in Australia and 36.1 in
the USA, and less than five in each of the UK, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Canada, Germany and South Africa. This
was a similar coverage to another Australian publisher, the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, and indicated
strong markets in Australia and the USA. It was less, though, than the number of libraries with current or past
subscriptions to five Australian journals publishing nature conservation content.
We conclude that citation data for books and book chapters are available and that library holdings provide another
measure of use. The online ‘visibility’ of books may be a problem, but can be improved through better marketing and
improved author search techniques.
Biodiversity and systematics: the use and misuse of divergence information in assessing taxonomic diversity
Authors: P. Faith Daniel
Published: May 2016

Limited resources for conservation highlight the need for placing priorities on species or other taxa. While priorities or "weightings" based on taxonomic information are now well-established in principle, there is no agreement on a preferred approach. One set of methods attempts to use phylogenetic branch length or divergence information, when available. The "phylogenetic diversity" measure of Faith (1992) uses sums of branch lengths from phylogenetic estimates in order to predict underlying patterns of feature diversity among taxa. An alternative approach suggested by Altschul and Lipman also uses divergence information and would appear to yield results similar to phylogenetic diversity. However, it is demonstrated here that their method in fact can give results opposite to those required if feature diversity is to be maximized. A simple conservation management example, based on mtDNA variation at the population level, illustrates the relative advantage of using phylogenetic diversity to set conservation priorities.
Genetic variation in fragmented populations of an Australian rainforest rodent, Melomys cervinipes
Authors: K.-P. Leung Luke , R. Dickman Chris , A. Moore Leslie
Published: May 2016

Small, isolated populations of an Australian rodent, Melomys cervinipes, occur in rainforest fragments on the Atherton Tableland in northeastern Queensland. We studied the genetic structure of four of these populations: one island (4.3 ha; isolated in 1960), three fragments (2.5, 7.5, 97.5 ha; isolated between 1920 and 1930) and a control population in continuous rainforest. The relative density of M. cervinipes did not differ among the populations, hence population size was approximately proportional to the forest area. Electrophoresis was performed on blood samples taken from the populations. Average heterozygosity (H) was estimated from the allelic distribution of 24 loci for each population and varied from 0.01 to 0.05. The island population had reduced heterozygosity compared to the control population, but the fragment populations were not significantly less heterozygous than the control. Although the fragment populations were markedly different in size, they did not differ in heterozygosity among themselves. The ability of fragment populations to maintain genetic viability is probably due to migration. The rainforest fragments exist in an extensive grassland containing a variety of habitat corridors which could facilitate movement and gene flow. Following the electrophoretic work, spool-and-line and radio tracking and live-trapping were carried out in the corridors; the presence of M. cervinipes in the corridors and its use of the corridors for movement was confirmed. The island population appears to be substantially more isolated than the fragment populations as water is likely to be a much more effective barrier to movement in M. cervinipes than is heterogeneous grassland. The genetic viability of the island population has probably been reduced through drift, leading to fixation of alleles: six of eight polymorphic loci being fixed in the island population. We therefore suggest that retention or establishment of habitat corridors is an important means of sustaining the genetic variability of populations in fragmented systems.
Rebuttal
Authors: B. Lindenmayer David
Published: May 2016

Mr. Macfarlane and Mr. Loyn have failed to recognize the main thrust of the recent article comparing the development of management strategies for the conservation of the Northern Spotted Owl in the Pacific Northwest of the USA and Leadbeater's Possum in Central Victoria (Lindenmayer and Norton 1993). The key issue was not to compare the biology of the respective taxa; that would be nonsensical. Rather, it was to highlight that, unlike the management of Leadbeater's Possum (Macfarlane and Seebeck 1991), conservation strategies for the Northern Spotted Owl have now been developed that are ecologically defensible and scientifically valid (Murphy and Noon 1992).