bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fire modelling in Tasmanian buttongrass moorlands. IV. Sustaining versus non-sustaining fires
Authors: Marsden-Smedley Jon B. , Catchpole Wendy R. , Pyrke Adrian
Published: September 2002

Buttongrass moorlands are widespread in western Tasmania. In these moorlands,
the ability to conduct burning without having to rely on hard fuel boundaries
(e.g. vegetation which is too wet to burn, water courses, mineral earth breaks
and/or roads) would be a major advantage to land managers. Such burning
relies on fires self-extinguishing and is normally referred to as unbounded
burning. The aim of this project was to model the probability of fires
extinguishing using the data from 156 buttongrass moorland fires. The
variables used were wind speed, dead fuel moisture and site productivity. The
model, derived from a combination of logistic regression and classification
tree modelling, predicts that fires will self-extinguish over a wide range of
conditions in low productivity moorlands but, in medium productivity
moorlands, the conditions within which fires will self-extinguish will be much
more restrictive. As a result, the technique of unbounded burning should be
widely applicable in low productivity moorlands, but will be of marginal
utility in medium productivity moorlands.
Toward a national fuels mapping strategy: Lessons from selected mapping programs
Authors: Loveland Thomas R.
Published: September 2002

This paper was presented at the conference ‘Integrating spatial technologies and ecological principles for a new age in fire management’, Boise, Idaho, USA, June 1999
The establishment of a robust national fuels mapping program must be based on
pertinent lessons from relevant national mapping programs. Many large-area
mapping programs are under way in numerous Federal agencies. Each of these
programs follows unique strategies to achieve mapping goals and objectives.
Implementation approaches range from highly centralized programs that use
tightly integrated standards and dedicated staff, to dispersed programs that
permit considerable flexibility. One model facilitates national consistency,
while the other allows accommodation of locally relevant conditions and
issues. An examination of the programmatic strategies of four national
vegetation and land cover mapping initiatives can identify the unique
approaches, accomplishments, and lessons of each that should be considered in
the design of a national fuel mapping program. The first three programs are
the U.S. Geological Survey Gap Analysis Program, the U.S. Geological Survey
National Land Cover Characterization Program, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Survey National Wetlands Inventory. A fourth program, the interagency
Multiresolution Land Characterization Program, offers insights in the use of
partnerships to accomplish mapping goals. Collectively, the programs provide
lessons, guiding principles, and other basic concepts that can be used to
design a successful national fuels mapping initiative.
Spatial data for national fire planning and fuel management
Authors: Hardy Colin C. , Schmidt Kirsten M. , Menakis James P. , Sampson R. Neil
Published: September 2002

This paper was presented at the conference ‘Integrating spatial technologies and ecological principles for a new age in fire management’, Boise, Idaho, USA, June 1999
Spatial data products are most often developed to support resource management
decisions. Rarely can the data stand by themselves as spatially-explicit risk
assessments. We discuss the technical aspects of true risk assessments, and
the contrast between risk assessments and the underlying spatial data that an
agency might use to perform one. We then present the development methodology
and results from a comprehensive, national effort at creating resource data
products that may be useful in agency- or geographically-specific risk
assessments.
We have produced a suite of spatial data layers, each a continuous coverage
for the conterminous United States, to support national-level, programmatic
planning efforts for fire and fuel management. This document describes the
development of seven data layers: (1) Potential Natural Vegetation Groups; (2)
Current Cover Types; (3) Historical Natural Fire Regimes; (4) Current
Condition Classes; (5) National Fire Occurrence; (6) Potential Fire
Characteristics; and (7) Population Density Groups. This paper documents the
methodology used to develop the spatial products. We used a Geographic
Information System (GIS) to integrate biophysical and remote sensing products
with disturbance and succession processes. We then assigned attributes
developed from succession diagrams to combinations of biophysical, current
vegetation, and historical fire regime data layers. Regional ecologists,
silviculturists, and fire managers developed the succession diagrams, reviewed
and refined the data layers, and assigned condition classes.
None of these data layers were developed to stand alone as an integrated risk
assessment. Technically-robust risk assessments require quantification not
only of the probability of an event occurring—wildland fire in this
case—but also of the values at risk of damage or loss. The
‘values’ component of a risk assessment is highly dependent on the
resource management policies and objectives of the responsible agency. The
data presented here were developed for integration by individual agencies into
agency-specific plans and risk assessments. For example, planners will use the
Current Condition Class data to allocate resources for fire and fuel
management. These data are posted on the national, USDA Forest Service website
http://fs.fed.us/fire/fuelman.
Analysis of the patterns of large fires in the boreal forest region of Alaska
Authors: Kasischke Eric S. , Williams David , Barry Donald
Published: September 2002

Analyses of the patterns of fire in Alaska were carried out using three different data sets, including a large-fire database dating back to 1950. Analyses of annual area burned statistics illustrate the episodic nature of fire in Alaska, with most of the area burning during a limited number of high fire years. Over the past 50 years, high fire years occurred once every 4 years. Seasonal fire statistics indicated that high fire years consist of larger fire events that occur later in the growing season. On a decadal basis, average annual area burned has varied little between the 1960s and 1990s. Using a geographic information system (GIS), the spatial distribution of fires (aggregated by ecoregions) was compared with topographic, vegetation cover, and climate features of Alaska. The use of topographic data allows for a more realistic determination of fire cycle by eliminating areas where fires do not occur due to lack of vegetation above the treeline. Geographic analyses show that growing season temperature, precipitation, lightning strike frequency, elevation, aspect, and the level of forest cover interact in a complex fashion to control fire frequency.
An effective wind speed for models of fire spread
Authors: Nelson, Jr. Ralph M.
Published: September 2002

In previous descriptions of wind-slope interaction and the spread rate of wildland fires it is assumed that the separate effects of wind and slope are independent and additive and that corrections for these effects may be applied to spread rates computed from existing rate of spread models. A different approach is explored in the present paper in which the upslope component of the fire's buoyant velocity is used with the speed and direction of the ambient wind to produce effective values of wind speed and direction that determine the rate of spread vector. Thus the effective wind speed can replace the ambient wind speed in any suitable fire spread model and provide a description of the combined effects on the fire behavior. The difference between current and threshold values of the effective wind speed also can be used to determine whether fire will spread in a given fuel type. The model is tested with data from experiments reported by Weise (1993) in which fire spread was in response to variation in both wind speed and slope angle. The Weise spread rate data were satisfactorily correlated using dimensional methods and the observed spread rate was reasonably well predicted with an existing rate of spread model. Directional aspects of the model were not tested because the Weise (1993) study did not include winds with a cross-slope component.
Point-source fire growth in Jack Pine slash
Authors: McRae Douglas J.
Published: September 2002

A series of experimental fires was conducted to document point-source fire
growth burning on full-tree harvested jack pine
(Pinus banksiana Lamb.) sites with a feathermoss
(Pleurozium schreberi (B.S.G.) Mitt.) duff layer.
Results showed that the time for any of the fires to reach equilibrium spread
rates was constant despite the fuel moisture codes and fire behavior indices
of the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index (FWI) System calculated at the time
of the fires. Two relationships were developed (linear and nonlinear) for
average (wind lulls included) and peak wind conditions. The linear prediction
for peak wind conditions estimates that equilibrium spread rates may be
achieved as quickly as 22.3 minutes after ignition. The fire depended upon a
continuous feathermoss duff layer, and not the slash fuel component, for its
spread. Hydraulic (moisture dependent) and thermal properties of the
feathermoss surface layer contributed to the rapid drying experienced even
after large amounts of precipitation had fallen.
Seasonal changes in the diet, food availability and food preference of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) in south-western Queensland
Authors: Gibson Lesley A.
Published: September 2002

Diet and food availability of the greater bilby
(Macrotis lagotis), was examined at two sites and over
two summer and two winter seasons in Astrebla Downs National Park in
south-western Queensland. The presence of both invertebrate and plant material
in almost all faecal pellets (99.6% and 98.5%, respectively)
indicated that bilbies in south-western Queensland are omnivorous. The plant
component of the bilby diet consisted predominantly of
Dactyloctenium radulans seeds (frequency of occurrence:
94.4%). The major invertebrate prey items were Isop-tera (termites,
73.1%) and Formicidae (ants, 77.6%). The frequency of occurrence
of invertebrates in faecal pellets was higher during summer than winter, but
the frequency of occurrence of plants was relatively constant regardless of
season. Within the invertebrate categories, Isoptera and Acrididae
(grasshoppers) displayed the greatest seasonal difference, with a
significantly higher proportion of both categories in the diet during summer
than winter at both study sites. The availability of invertebrate prey items
also varied with season, and for most taxa, frequency of oc-currence was
significantly higher in summer than winter. In contrast, the frequency of
occurrence of seeds and bulbs (Cyperus bulbosus) varied
only slightly with season. Seasonal changes in food availability were
reflected by variation in dietary composition; however, relative proportions
of some dietary items differed from their proportional availability.
Therefore, bilbies were considered to be qualitatively opportunistic;
selecting more invertebrates when their apparent availability increased, but
continually exploiting the available seeds and bulbs. Additionally, although
bilbies appeared to have some preferences for particular food items, several
food items were selected almost randomly, and therefore bilbies were also
considered to be dietary generalists. Such an opportunistic feeding strategy
is advantageous to an arid-zone species as it permits the continuous
exploitation of food resources that are unpredictable in their availability
both spatially and temporally.
Population ecology of Ningaui yvonneae (Dasyuridae : Marsupialia) in the Middleback Ranges, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
Authors: Bos D. G. , Carthew S. M.
Published: September 2002

A population of the southern ningaui (Ningaui yvonneae)
was studied in the semi-arid regions of South Australia. Data were collected
on the population ecology of the species, including capture success, breeding
biology and life history. Between August 1996 and December 1998, 307 captures
were recorded from 11 016 trap-nights. Most individuals were caught only once
and males were caught more frequently than females. Capture success varied
greatly between seasons, with lowest captures being recorded in winter. Winter
is a time of stress for N. yvonneae – mean weights
stabilised between March and June. N. yvonneae is
polyoestrous, with mating recorded from September to February. However, most
matings took place in mid-October. The population was dominated by a single
cohort, with the life span for N. yvonneae being
approximately 14 months.
Trapping and demographics of feral cats (Felis catus) in central New South Wales
Authors: Molsher R. L.
Published: September 2002

A total of 76 feral cats (Felis catus) (29 individuals;
47 recaptures) was trapped during 6027 trap-nights using both cage and
leg-hold traps from November 1994 to August 1996 at Lake Burrendong in central
New South Wales. No significant difference was found in the relative capture
efficiency between cage and leg-hold traps (P > 0.05). Overall capture
efficiency was 1.3 cats per 100 trap-nights, although this varied seasonally,
being higher in late autumn and early winter. Most cats were caught with
rabbit as bait, and visual and olfactory lures added to baits did not appear
to increase capture efficiency, although the power of the test was limited.
Most captured cats were adult males weighing 4.37 0.14 kg; these were larger
than the females (3.34 0.06 kg). Litters, comprising 2–5 kittens, were
born between September and March.
Status, ecological attributes and conservation of native rodents in Queensland
Authors: Dickman C. R. , Leung L. K.-P. , Van Dyck S. M.
Published: September 2002

In total, 41 species of native rodents have been recorded from Queensland,
more than for any other State or Territory in Australia. Assessments of status
for these species, using information on patterns of distribution and
abundance, indicate that 21 species remain common, 3 are rare, 2 are
vulnerable, 7 are endangered and 8 are presumed extinct. Comparisons of body
weights, habits and habitats revealed no differences between common and
threatened species, but species with broad diets have tended to remain common
compared with dietary specialists. South-eastern Queensland has relatively
more threatened and extinct species combined than the richer north-east, while
species that occur or occurred in two or more regions are more likely to have
remained common than those that occurred in one region only. All 12 extant
rare and threatened species appear to be afflicted by one or more threatening
processes, with only seven of these having ranges that coincide with reserved
land. Although native rodents have fared better in Queensland than in other,
principally southern States, their status leaves no room for complacency for
future management. We propose several measures for survey, research,
management and education to assist progress toward conservation goals.
Observer error in counts of macropod scats
Authors: Bulinski J. , McArthur C.
Published: September 2002

The accuracy of faecal pellet, or scat, count
data can be reduced by observer error. Two experiments were carried out to
determine what proportion of Bennett’s wallaby
(Macropus rufogriseus) and Tasmanian pademelon
(Thylogale billardierii) scats were misidentified by
observers and what proportion of scats were overlooked during counts.
Observers did not always correctly identify the species from which scats
originated. For each species, this affected estimates of the proportion of
scats that were present. Observers still made errors even when they did not
attempt to make identifications for any scats that they felt were not distinct
in form. On average, there was no significant difference in the proportion of
scats that were misidentified by inexperienced and experienced observers.
Between 3% and 12% of scats were overlooked during standard
counts. The probability of overlooking a scat was positively related to
vegetation height and negatively related to vegetation cover.
A new technique for measuring size distributions of fine ingesta/digesta particles
Authors: Logan Murray , Sanson Gordon D.
Published: September 2002

Techniques were developed to enable
convenient, high-power image analysis of (ingested) food material. A constant
volume of diluted gut sample was delivered to a large microscope slide before
being slowly evaporated in still air to leave all particles statically on the
same focal plane. Evaporation also allowed a meniscus to develop around each
particle, forcing them to separate and thereby preventing overlap and
aggregation of particles. Sub-samples were measured under four high-power
magnifications (2050, 1290, 510 and 190) to permit precise estimates of size
distributions of the very small particles. The techniques developed avoid the
need for large ingesta/digesta samples, sieving, and filtering, all of
which have limited previous studies.
Habitat use, temporal activity patterns and foraging behaviour of raptors in the south-west of the Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: Aumann Tom
Published: September 2002

On the basis of opportunistic observations, the preferred habitats of diurnal
raptors in the south-west of the Northern Territory are quantified in terms of
their vegetation structures and composition, and linked with foraging methods
and information on local diets. Broad interspecific differences in diel
activity patterns are also described. The evidence suggests that raptor
species in this part of arid Australia differ with respect to their foraging
times, habitats and methods, and that these differences relate to their
partitioning of food resources.
Do fragmented coastal heathlands have habitat value to birds in eastern Australia?
Authors: Martin Tara G. , Catterall Carla P.
Published: September 2002

This study investigated the effects of habitat clearance and fragmentation on
birds of coastal heathlands in subtropical eastern Australia. Abundance and
species composition were compared among two types of cleared habitat
(residential suburbs and sugar cane cropland) and four sizes of heathland
remnant (1–2 ha, 5–10 ha, 20–50 ha and >500 ha) in summer
and winter. Cleared land contained a distinctly different bird species
assemblage from heathland remnants. Residential sites contained a distinct
suite of species consistent with that described for ‘open/developed
land’ habitat elsewhere in the region. In contrast, cane cropland
supported very few species. Heathland remnants >500 ha contained high
densities of ‘natural-vegetation-dependent’ species, whereas
species of open/developed land were absent. Remnants of 1–2 ha had
lowered densities of many natural-vegetation-dependent species, and a
relatively high abundance of open/developed land species. Some of the
avifaunal differences in the >500-ha remnants and 5–50-ha range are
probably due to confounding of remnant size with habitat, resulting from
selective clearing of the landscape. Most of the heathland birds were
intolerant of the matrix habitat (residential and cane cropland), but tolerant
of decreased remnant area, down to a threshold of about 5 ha. However, the
distinctive floristic associations of heathland vegetation are dependent on an
environmental regime (low nutrient, low pH, fire, in some cases inundation)
that is unlikely to persist in remnants tens of hectares in size, and
longer-term declines in heathland birds, are predicted.
The biology of banded (Lagostrophus fasciatus) and rufous (Lagorchestes hirsutus) hare-wallabies (Diprotodontia : Macropodidae) on Dorre and Bernier Islands, Western Australia
Authors: Richards J. D. , Short Jeff , Prince R. I. T. , Friend J. A. , Courtenay J. M.
Published: September 2002

Sex ratio, reproduction, body condition and morphology of banded
(Lagostrophus fasciatus) and rufous
(Lagorchestes hirsutus) hare-wallabies were assessed on
Dorre and Bernier Islands. Data are derived from 236 banded hare-wallabies and
161 rufous hare-wallabies captured between 1959 and 1999.
The sex ratio of captured banded hare-wallabies tended to be female-biased
(0.79: 1 male: female) but was not a significant departure from parity. In
contrast, pouch young tended towards a male bias at 1.35: 1. Females produced
1–2 young per year. They were capable of producing young at 1000 g, but
the incidence of females carrying pouch young or lactating increased from
39% for females of 1000–1400 g to 80% for females of
1401–1800 g, then decreased slightly to 76% for females
>1800 g. Births occurred throughout the year but there was some
indication of a decline in the latter half of the year. Captured banded
hare-wallabies ranged in weight from 850 to 2300 g. Animals on Dorre Island
were in significantly better body condition than those on Bernier Island,
although this could be an artefact of their shorter pes length. There was no
evidence of sexual dimorphism and no differences in morphological measurements
taken, other than pes length, between the two island populations.
The sex ratio of captured rufous hare-wallabies was close to parity at 0.99: 1
and for pouch young tended to be male-biased at 2: 1. The smallest female with
young weighed 1215 g, but the incidence of females carrying pouch young or
lactating increased from 43% for females of 1215–1660 g to
61% for females of 1661–2015 g and 100% for females
>2015 g. Females carried pouch young in all months sampled
(March–September) and one incidence of twinning was noted. Captured
rufous hare-wallabies weighed 600–2550 g. Body condition was similar for
males and females and between islands, but smaller females of reproductive age
were in poorer body condition than larger females. There was no evidence of
sexual dimorphism but pes lengths of animals on Dorre Island were
significantly shorter, head lengths longer and tail lengths shorter, than
those on Bernier Island. Rufous hare-wallabies appear to show regional
variation in body size, being smaller in the wetter and warmer
Tanami/Alice Springs region and larger on the drier and cooler Shark Bay
islands.
Transmitter attachment and its effects on Australian brush-turkey hatchlings
Authors: Göth Ann , Jones Darryl N.
Published: September 2002

Behaviour of free-ranging megapode hatchlings is best studied by
radio-tracking because these superprecocial birds receive no parental care and
therefore cannot be followed by the tracking of their parents. In preparation
for a study of the behaviour of free-ranging Australian brush-turkey
(Alectura lathami) chicks, we investigated methods of
transmitter attachment and assessed possible effects on the behaviour and
condition of captive hatchlings. We attached transmitters to
2–10-day-old chicks by gluing the tag to the skin on the back with
eyelash-glue. Rapid-setting glues (such as Superglue), often used for gluing
transmitters to other birds, were found to damage the skin and were not used.
Retention of transmitters was 3–4 weeks. We detected no difference in
the time spent preening, feeding, resting and moving between captive
radio-tagged chicks and a control group. Flight of tagged chicks was not
hindered by the radio-package and tagged chicks gained mass at the same rate
as the control group. Free-ranging chicks with radio-tags showed no obvious
signs of a negative effect of the transmitters on behaviour: they flew without
obvious impediment, walked more than 100 m per day and, except for a single
chick, did not become entangled in vegetation. We recommend our attachment
method for studies of precocial and superprecocial chicks where transmitter
attachment is deemed essential.
Evaluation of bait stations for control of urban rabbits
Authors: Twigg Laurie E. , Gray Garry S. , Massam Marion C. , Lowe Tim J. , Kirkpatrick Winifred , Bendotti Gerard , Chester David R.
Published: September 2002

The acceptability of four different bait station designs (drum, slab, tyre,
corrugated iron) to rabbits was tested in the field using unpoisoned oat bait.
The drum (200 L, cut longitudinally) and the raised concrete slab (60
× 60 cm) designs were the most acceptable to rabbits. The raised
tyre design was unacceptable, and this was supported by later field efficacy
trials that compared the drum and tyre designs using 1080 One-shot oats. The
efficacy of three of these designs (drum, slab, tyre) against
‘urban’ rabbits was assessed more fully using pindone oat bait.
The tyre stations were again found to have little impact on rabbit numbers.
With the exception of one drum site where pindone bait stations were totally
ineffective, the proportional reductions in rabbit numbers for the remaining
sites were similar between the drum (69%, n
= 3) and slab (70%, n = 5)
designs. However, the slab design provided much easier access to bait by
non-target species (particularly birds), and we therefore recommend that the
drum design would be the best bait station for controlling rabbits.
The overall proportional reduction in rabbit numbers achieved with pindone
bait stations was 48% (range 0–80%,
n = 13), which is less than that usually
achieved during broadacre control programs with pindone
(60–90+%). In addition, these kills took 30–60
days to achieve, and as rabbit damage still occurred over this period, the use
of pindone bait stations did not always result in damage mitigation or,
ultimately, an economic benefit. Some potential problems associated with the
use of pindone bait stations, such as the possibility of the development of
‘resistance’ to pindone bait and the risk to non-target species,
are also discussed. The combined use of track counts and a ‘digs’
index proved a reliable indicator of changes in rabbit abundance.
Seasonal field energetics and water influx rates of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis)
Authors: Gibson Lesley A. , Hume Ian D.
Published: September 2002

Water and energy requirements of free-living male and female greater bilbies
(Macrotis lagotis) were measured over two summers and
two winters on Astrebla Downs National Park in far south-western Queensland,
Australia, by means of the doubly labelled water method. Mean water influx
rate of the bilby (mean body mass: summer 928 g; winter 848 g) did not differ
between summer (63.1 mL day–1) and winter (53.1 mL
day–1), but mean field metabolic rate was
significantly higher during summer (617.2 kJ
day–1) than in winter (480.3 kJ
day–1). The comparatively low water influx rate of
the bilby (significantly lower than that predicted for a 887-g marsupial:
P < 0.001) indicated that bilbies have the ability to
conserve water in the wild. In contrast, field metabolic rate of the bilby did
not differ significantly from that predicted for a marsupial of its body mass
(P = 0.999). Bilbies were able to obtain
sufficient food and water to satisfy energy and water requirements in three
out of the four study periods. However, they were in negative energy and water
balance during one study period, suggesting that they are susceptible to
nutrient and water stress. The relatively low body fat stores of bilbies in
the wild also indicate that they are vulnerable to periods of low food
availability. The metabolic strategies of the bilby are only partly suggestive
of adaptation to arid conditions.
Small dasyurid marsupials - are they effective pollinators?
Authors: Goldingay Ross L.
Published: September 2002

The evidence that several species of dasyurid marsupial commonly visit flowers
and therefore act as pollinators is reviewed. Three species of
Antechinus have frequently been trapped visiting
flowering banksias. Several studies provide compelling evidence that
Antechinus stuartii is an effective pollinator. It was
recorded visiting flowering banksias at eight locations, where it carried
abundant pollen on its snout and in its faeces. At one site, regular flower
visitation was demonstrated by automated photography and by spool-and-line
tracking. Pollen load data for Sminthopsis murina and
Sminthopsis griseoventer suggest that these species may
also act as pollinators. Evidence for pollination by
Phascogale tapoatafa is anecdotal but studies at three
locations report extended bouts of nectar feeding, and heavy pollen loads were
directly observed at one site. Some 38 plant species are known to be visited
by 10 dasyurid species, with 4–10 plant species being visited by each of
five dasyurid species. These observations suggest that several species of
dasyurid are likely to be important pollinators. Further studies are needed to
clarify the extent of their role. This review highlights the types of data
that should be sought.
Juvenile behaviour and dispersal of chuditch (Dasyurus geoffroii) (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae)
Authors: Soderquist Todd R. , Serena Melody
Published: September 2002

We examined the dispersal chronology and movement patterns of wild juvenile
chuditch (Dasyurus geoffroii) using radio-tracking and
trapping. Juveniles first began exploring outside the natal den when 17 weeks
old and rapidly increased their foraging duration and distance. By the time
weaning was completed during Weeks 22–24, at least 6 h was devoted to
the initial foraging bout and juveniles were travelling over 500 m from their
dens each night. The initial phase of dispersal occurred soon after weaning,
with juveniles denning separately from their mothers yet remaining in the
maternal home range. Mothers sometimes instigated this phase by abandoning
their litters in the natal den. The second phase of dispersal away from the
natal area was strongly male-biased, occurring when juveniles were 25 weeks
old on average and covering long distances (>10 km). Most females were
philopatric or settled in vacant areas near the maternal home range.
Observation of captive chuditch during the weaning period provided further
insights on dispersal, indicating that social play among littermates may be an
important factor at this time. Aggressive wrestling rapidly escalated during
the initial weeks of weaning, when wild juveniles were active yet in close
proximity for most of the night. The intensity of wrestling declined before
weaning was complete. Wild juveniles apparently participated in similar
wrestling bouts, although possibly on a more limited scale than captives. This
play behaviour potentially facilitates social cohesion among the litter at a
time when juveniles are first capable of harming each other, and provides
practice for fighting techniques used by adults to defend territories and
secure mates.
Activity budget of the regent honeyeater, Xanthomyza phrygia, in northern New South Wales
Authors: Oliver Damon L.
Published: September 2002

One of the suggested reasons for the decline of the endangered regent
honeyeater, Xanthomyza phrygia, is a decrease in
foraging efficiency and increase in competition for resources due to the loss,
fragmentation and degradation of woodlands and other habitats in south-eastern
Australia. This study investigated the general behaviour of regent honeyeaters
over 26 months during breeding and non-breeding seasons at three distinct
locations in northern New South Wales. At the three locations, regent
honeyeaters spent, on average, 43–52% of total time foraging,
22–40% resting, 6–10% flying, and
1.8–2.9% involved in aggression. In the Bundarra–Barraba
region, regent honeyeaters spent 24% of total time breeding. In 1994 in
the Warrumbungle National Park, birds that fed primarily on nectar spent more
time in aggressive acts than birds that fed mostly on lerp. In 1995 in the
Bundarra–Barraba region, nectar-feeding birds spent significantly less
time foraging and more time in aggressive acts than lerp-feeding birds. In
1994, regent honeyeaters at Howes Valley spent less time foraging and in
aggression and greater time resting in the afternoon than at other times of
the day. In 1996 in the Bundarra–Barraba region, birds spent the
greatest amount of time in aggressive acts and the least amount of time
resting in the morning compared with other times of the day. Non-breeding
regent honeyeaters in the Bundarra–Barraba region spent more time
foraging, less time resting and less time in aggression in 1995 than in 1996.
Non-breeding birds, on average, chased other birds 12.5 times per hour
compared with an average of 20 times for breeding birds. Regent honeyeaters
displayed a behavioural repertoire and proportion of time in different
activities that is typical of other honeyeaters. Overall, this study showed
that regent honeyeaters are not consistently or frequently suffering from a
lack of, or problems with access to, food.
Comparative morphology of the Australian lynx spiders of the genus Oxyopes (Araneae : Oxyopidae)
Authors: Townsend Jr Victor R. , Felgenhauer Bruce E. , Grimshaw Judy F.
Published: September 2002

We examined the morphology of the genitalia and cuticular scales of eight
species of Australian lynx spiders of the genus Oxyopes
and compared them with those of representative species from Africa, Asia and
North America. Our results indicate that the eight species examined are
representative of two distinct species groups of Oxyopes
in Australia. The first group consists ofO. amoenus,
O. dingo, O. gracilipes,
O. molarius, O. rubicundus, and
O. variabilis. The evolutionary origin of these spiders
is difficult to discern as they share multiple genitalic characters with
African and Asian taxa. However, these six species display two characters, leg
scales and internal cuticular elements in the opisthosomal scales, that are
exhibited by African, but not Asian, taxa. The second group consists of
Oxyopes macilentus and
O. papuanis. These taxa exhibit many of the same
morphological features, exhibited by Asian, but not African, species.
A phylogeny for the genus Isoodon and a range extension for I. obesulus peninsulae based on mtDNA control region and morphology
Authors: Pope Lisa , Storch Daryn , Adams Mark , Moritz Craig , Gordon Greg
Published: September 2002

Short-nosed bandicoots, Isoodon, have undergone marked
range contractions since European colonisation of Australia and are currently
divided into many subspecies, the validity of which is debated. Discriminant
function analysis of morphology and a phylogeny of
Isoodon based on mtDNA control region sequences indicate
a clear split between two of the three recognised species,
I. macrourus and
I. obesulus/auratus. However, while all previously
recognised taxa within the I. obesulus/auratus group
are morphologically distinct,I. auratus and
I. obesulus are not phylogenetically distinct for mtDNA.
The genetic divergence between I. obesulus and
I. auratus (2.6%) is similar to that found among
geographic isolates of the former (I. o. obesulus and
I. o. peninsulae: 2.7%). Further, the divergence
between geographically close populations of two different species
(I. o. obesulus from Western Australia and
I. a. barrowensis: 1.2%) is smaller than that
among subspecies within I. auratus
(I. a. barrowensisand I. auratus
from northern Western Australia: 1.7%). A newly discovered population
of Isoodon in the Lamb Range, far north Queensland,
sympatric with a population ofI. m. torosus, is shown to
represent a range extension of I. o. peninsulae (350
km). It seems plausible that what is currently considered as two species,
I. obesulus and I. auratus, was
once one continuous species now represented by isolated populations that have
diverged morphologically as a consequence of adaptation to the diverse
environments that occur throughout their range. The taxonomy of these
populations is discussed in relation to their morphological distinctiveness
and genetic similarity.
The energetics of burrow excavation by the inland robust scorpion, Urodacus yaschenkoi (Birula, 1903)
Authors: White C. R.
Published: September 2002

The inland robust scorpion, Urodacus yaschenkoi
(Urodacinae, Scorpionidae), is a large (~3 g) semifossorial scorpion that is
widespread in arid regions of Australia. It constructs spiralling burrows up
to 1 m deep in sandy soils. This study determined the net cost of transport
(NCOT) by burrowing, which represents the energy used in horizontally
burrowing a given distance, excluding maintenance metabolism. A mathematical
model generally applicable to semi-fossorial species was developed and used to
estimate the total cost of burrow construction. The model incorporates (1)
horizontal NCOT, (2) the cost of moving spoil and the animal’s mass
along the length of the tunnel, and (3) the cost of working against gravity to
raise spoil and the animal’s mass to the surface. The total cost of
burrow excavation to a depth of 47 cm was estimated to be 350–530 J.
This represents approximately 2% of an adult scorpion’s yearly
energy turnover. Interspecific allometric comparisons of published NCOT data
from phylogenetically diverse burrowers (with body masses spanning over two
orders of magnitude) showed that burrowing method and substrate are important
determinants of NCOT. Specifically, the cost of constructing an open tunnel
through damp or dry sand is higher than the cost of moving through wet sand or
mud without forming a tunnel.
Spatio-temporal interactions among male and female long-nosed potoroos, Potorous tridactylus (Marsupialia : Macropodoidea): mating system implications
Authors: Long Kirstin I.
Published: September 2002

This study investigated the mating system of the long-nosed potoroo,
Potorous tridactylus, by examining temporal associations
between individuals, and patterns of home-range overlap. Six adult females and
five adult males were radio-tracked at intervals throughout the 24-h day from
December 1996 to March 1997 in south-western Victoria. Home ranges of
individuals overlapped with multiple members of each sex; however, intrasexual
overlap was significantly lower than intersexual overlap. When data from
consecutive radio-tracking sessions were examined, the locations of resting or
‘squat’ areas were identified. These were almost entirely
intrasexually exclusive. Male home ranges overlapped the squat areas of one or
more females; however, males did not regularly associate with every female
whose squat area they overlapped. In three of four cases, pairs of a male and
a female associated regularly and spent a greater proportion of time in close
proximity to each other than would be expected if they were moving at random.
In the past it has been assumed that males monitor the sexual status of
females while they rest in squats. If this is the case, the mating system of
long-nosed potoroos will be largely dictated by the number of female squat
areas that a male is able to regularly monitor within his home range.
Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of three nuclear genes in rock-wallabies (Petrogale: Marsupialia: Macropodidae): a search for genic markers to identify taxa within the Petrogale lateralis-penicillata group
Authors: Loupis A. K. , Eldridge M. D. B.
Published: September 2002

Many rock-wallaby (Petrogale) species within the
lateralis–penicillata complex are morphologically
similar and can be distinguished only by their unique karyotypes, frustrating
attempts to identify specimens in the field and in museums. As chromosome
preparations are not always obtainable from specimens, additional diagnostic
molecular markers are required. In this study, restriction fragment length
polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of three nuclear genes was undertaken using 100
Petrogale specimens, including representatives of 12
taxa. Eleven novel diagnostic nuclear DNA markers were identified, which
enabled the identification of four taxa (P. penicillata,
P. purpureicollis, P. lateralis
and P. inornata). No markers were found that could
reliably distinguish amongst five north-east Queensland species
(P. assimilis, P. sharmani,
P. mareeba, P. godmani and
P. coenensis) or the sampled intraspecific taxa of
P. lateralis (P. l . lateralis,
P. l. pearsoni, MacDonnell Ranges race). These results
are consistent with previous studies in demonstrating that
P. penicillata, P. purpureicollis,
P. lateralis and P. inornata are
genically distinct and that the north-east Queensland species and
subspecies/races of P. lateralis form two groups of
very closely related taxa. Future research should target more rapidly evolving
DNA regions, in order to identify specific molecular markers that distinguish
amongst taxa within these two groups. Meanwhile, karyotypic analysis remains
the only definitive technique currently available to unambiguously identify
all taxa within the lateralis–penicillata group.
Phylogeographic structure within Phascogale (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae) based on partial cytochrome b sequence
Authors: Spencer P. B. S. , Rhind S. G. , Eldridge M. D. B.
Published: September 2002

The brush-tailed phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa) is
considered locally rare and vulnerable, despite being found in all mainland
states of Australia. It is rarely detected in faunal surveys and the two most
immediate conservation requirements are a determination of its current range
and clarification of its taxonomic status. Measures of genetic differentiation
amongst Phascogale tapoatafa populations in eastern,
western and northern Australia were estimated using a partial (348 bp)
sequence of mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome b gene).
Observed sequence divergence within P. tapoatafa was
substantial, with an average of 13% separating the allopatric
populations in south-eastern, south-western and northern Australia. In
comparison, an average of 16% sequence divergence separated the two
currently recognised Phascogale species
(P. tapoatafa andP. calura). Thus,
Phascogale comprises four highly divergent lineages,
suggesting that the genus is more diverse than previously thought. These data
indicate that further taxonomic research is warranted.
Spatial variability in the social organisation of the yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis) near Ravenshoe, north Queensland
Authors: Goldingay Ross L. , Quin Darren G. , Churchill Sue
Published: September 2002

A detailed study was conducted over a 12-month period of 10 yellow-bellied
glider groups at Nitchaga Creek in north Queensland. Adult gliders were
sexually dimorphic in body size and were characterised by yellow ventral fur,
which is consistent with southern populations. Gliders lived in groups of
3–6 individuals that occupied exclusive areas of about 50 ha. The
structure of glider groups varied enormously: five contained one adult pair,
three contained one adult male and 2–3 adult females, and two initially
contained 2–3 adult males and one adult female but then persisted as
bachelor groups after the death or disappearance of the adult female. Group
size changed during the year as offspring matured and as individuals died. One
male glider dispersed about 1 km from its natal home-range and became the
dominant male in a nearby group. Young were born throughout the year, with a
peak in the number of pouch-young in June. This study has confirmed the highly
variable social system of the yellow-bellied glider, which appears to be
mediated by local resource abundance.
Disarticulation of kangaroo skeletons in semi-arid Australia
Authors: Reed Elizabeth H.
Published: September 2002

This study presents a natural disarticulation sequence for the western grey
kangaroo, Macropus fuliginosus, from surface bone
assemblages in semi-arid South Australia. Comparison with published
disarticulation sequences for African ungulates reveals significant
differences in the kangaroo sequence, including earlier disarticulation of the
forelimb long bones, carpus and cervical elements, and later disarticulation
of the caudal vertebrae, and hindlimb long bones. These differences closely
correspond to anatomical and morphological features of the kangaroo skeleton.
The results of this study suggest that anatomy plays an important role in
disarticulation and may ultimately control the process even following
utilisation by predators and scavengers. The disarticulation sequence reported
here has useful applications for the interpretation of fossil bone assemblages
containing both extant and extinct kangaroos.
Diet and diet selection of two species in the macropodid browsergrazer continuum— do they eat what they 'should'?
Authors: Sprent J. A. , McArthur C.
Published: September 2002

On the basis of their dentition, species of Macropus are predicted to be grazers and species of Thylogale are predicted to be browsers. We tested these predictions by comparing diet and diet selection of the red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus) and red-bellied pademelon (Thylogale billardierii), by analysing forestomach contents of animals that had fed in the same region of a young pine plantation. Grasses, followed by broad-leafed forbs, were the most abundant plant groups in the field (together comprising 71% of the plant biomass), and were also the main dietary components of both macropodid species (91%). No differences were detected in diet of the two species when summarised in terms of diet diversity, evenness or overlap. When diet selection was compared, however, distinct differences were found between the two species. Red-necked wallabies selected for grasses (74% of the diet compared with 55% in the field) whereas red-bellied pademelons selected for broad-leafed forbs (38% of the diet compared with 16% in the field). Feeding patterns were therefore consistent with dietary predictions, provided diet selection was considered rather than simply diet. Diet selection is more appropriate for testing dietary predictions, because it reflects animals' attempts to consume food items that they prefer, that is, that they are functionally suited to consuming, even when such items are not as abundant as less preferred food.
Maximucinus muirheadae, gen. et sp. nov. (Thylacinidae : Marsupialia), from the Miocene of Riversleigh, north-western Queensland, with estimates of body weights for fossil thylacinids
Authors: Wroe S.
Published: September 2002

An eighth genus and twelfth species of Tertiary thylacinid is described. This
new taxon represents the seventh member of the family from the fossiliferous
Carl Creek limestones of Riversleigh, north-western Queensland. Although
plesiomorphic within Thylacinidae regarding most features and lacking
synapomorphies that unambiguously unite it with specialised taxa within the
family, it possesses two autapomorphies. With an estimated body weight of
around 18 kg it is also larger than any previously known thylacinid predating
the late Miocene. Body-weight estimates for remaining fossil Thylacinidae span
a wide range from just over 1 kg to almost 60 kg. While the smallest species
is comparable to the extant Dasyurus viverrinus in size,
most (i.e. 9 of 12 taxa) are at least twice the average size of the living
Dasyurus maculatus. These results suggest that trophic
diversity among thylacinids is even greater than previously thought and
detract from the argument that reptiles have dominated large terrestrial
carnivore niches in Australia since at least early Miocene times.
Molecular relationships of the cuscuses, brushtail and scaly-tailed possums (Phalangerinae)
Authors: Osborne M. J. , Christidis L.
Published: September 2002

DNA sequence data (1040 base pairs) from the mitochondrial nicotinamide dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene (ND2) was used to elucidate species relationships within the Phalangerinae (cuscuses, brushtail and scaly-tailed possums). Phylogenetic analyses revealed three lineages within this family (Spilocuscus, Phalanger and Trichosurus-Wyulda), which is congruent with the results of other molecular studies. Sequence data also demonstrate that P. orientalis, P. carmelitae, P. vestitus, and P. sericeus are closely related and indicates that P. gymnotis is the sister lineage to the genus Phalanger. Divergence time estimates indicate that the radiation of Phalanger and Spilocuscus occurred during the middle Miocene to Pliocene periods.