bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Falcatifolium (Podocarpaceae) macrofossils from paleogene sediments in south-eastern Australia: a reassessment
Authors: Hill Robert S. , Scriven Leonie J.
Published: August 2004

A re-investigation of macrofossils previously referred to the extantpodocarpaceous genus Falcatifolium Laubenfels shows thatno records can be sustained. Falcatifolium australisD.R.Greenwood from Middle Eocene sediments in Victoria bears littleresemblance to extant species in the genus and is transferred to the newfossil genus Sigmaphyllum R.S.Hill & L.J.Scriven.Specimens from Early Oligocene sediments in Tasmania previously assigned toFalcatifolium are described as a second species ofSigmaphyllum, S. tasmanensisR.S.Hill & L.J.Scriven, and specimens from mid to late Eocene sediments inTasmania previously assigned to Falcatifolium do notbelong to that genus, although their true generic affinities are uncertain.Dispersed cuticle specimens from Late Eocene–Oligocene sediments inSouth Australia referred to Falcatifolium are notreliable records of the genus and require further investigation. However,Dacrycarpus eocenica D.R.Greenwood, from Middle Eocenesediments in Victoria is transferred to Falcatifolium,and is similar to the extant species F. angustumLaubenfels, which has a leaf morphology unusual for the genus.Falcatifolium eocenica (D.R.Greenwood) R.S.Hill & L.J.Scriven is the only reliable record of the genus in the Australian fossilrecord to date.
The Proteaceae record in New Zealand
Authors: Pole Mike
Published: August 2004

Proteaceae pollen appeared in New Zealand during the Late Cretaceous and
increased in diversity until the Early–mid Eocene. Diversity then
decreased, reducing to the present two species in the Early Pleistocene.
Proteaceae macrofossils extend back to the Early Paleocene. Twelve parataxa of
Proteaceae dispersed cuticle are documented. These include two new parataxa of
unknown affinity from the Paleocene, and nine new parataxa from the Miocene
and one previously recorded from Western Australia. Three of these are
identified as species of Helicia,
Macadamia and Musgravea, one has
affinities with Gevuininae–Hicksbeachia, and one
with Tribe Embothrieae.
Elaborating the fossil history of Banksiinae: a new species of Banksieaephyllum (Proteaceae) from the late paleocene of New South Wales
Authors: Vadala Anthony J. , Drinnan Andrew N.
Published: August 2004

Leaf fragments from Late Paleocene sediments at Cambalong Creek in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales are assigned to a new species ofBanksieaephyllum Cookson & Duigan,B. praefastigatum. A study of leaf form andmicromorphological characters of extant Banksieae was carried out to identify possible affinities for the new taxon, and a compendium of the architecturaland micromorphological characters of leaves of all described species ofBanksieaephyllum andBanksieaeformis Hill & Christophel is presented.Banksieaephyllum praefastigatum has characteristicstomatal and trichome features of both extinct and extant species ofBanksiinae, but is dissimilar in leaf morphology to any extant species ofBanksia L.f., Dryandra R.Br., orthe oldest previously described species ofBanksieaephyllum, B. tayloriiCarpenter, Hill & Jordan, with which it was contemporaneous.Banksieaephyllum praefastigatum, with its stronglydeveloped areolation and superficial stomates, is different from extantspecies of Banksiinae and Musgraveinae, and may represent a now-extinct sistertaxon to these subtribes in Banksieae, one which had not changed substantiallyfrom hypothesised mesophytic ancestral Proteaceae. Leaf morphology ofB. praefastigatum indicates that serrate-, lobed-andentire-margined forms of Banksieaephyllum were coeval in many localities throughout southern Australia during the Tertiary, and that Banksiinae had diversified significantly by the Early Tertiary, reflecting diversification of at least several other subtribes of subfamily Grevilleoideae by that time.
Proteaceae: Diverse approaches toward new syntheses
Authors: Briggs Barbara G.
Published: August 2004

The 1996 Commemorative Proteaceae Conference drew attention to the large body
of work proceeding on all southern continents, the extensive and informative
fossil record, and the wide range of studies in ecology and reproductive
biology. DNA sequence data and organogeny are producing major insights at the
upper taxonomic levels, new phylogenetic hypotheses and classifications are
emerging in respect of the recognition of subfamilies and the relationships
and composition of tribes, and there is also evidence from morphology and DNA
sequence data that several genera are paraphyletic.
A cladistic analysis of Boronia section Valvatae (Rutaceae)
Authors: Duretto Marco F. , Ladiges Pauline Y.
Published: August 2004

A phylogenetic analysis, using 55 morphological and anatomical characters, of
all 58 species of Boronia section
Valvatae was completed. On the basis of this analysis
B. alata, B. algida and
B. edwardsii are removed from section
Valvatae and it is proposed that two new sections be
erected to accommodate them. Boronia section
Valvatae s. str., apart from valvate and persistent
petals, is defined by the of presence stellate hairs, valvate sepals and
axillary inflorescences. An infrageneric classification, based on the
cladogram, of Boronia section Valvatae s. str. is proposed and includes four
subsections, nine series and five subseries. Of the four subsections,
Ternatatae is endemic to the south-west of Australia,
Bowmaniae to Cape York, and
Grandisepalae to the ‘Top End’ of the
Northern Territory (including north-west Queensland) and the Kimberley Region.
Subsection Valvatae is widespread but is predominantly
found in the south-east of Australia
Floristics and biodiversity research in Australia: the 21st century
Authors: West J. G.
Published: August 2004

Australian botany has reached the point where the vascular flora of this
country is relatively well documented; we have sound basic information on what
species are present, and where they occur (geographically and ecologically).
The real challenge facing plant systematists now is to grasp the inspiring
opportunities that exist in the areas of floristics and biodiversity research.
The time has come to capitalise on the enormous existing knowledge base. This
includes ‘mobilising’ the data we have and promoting potential
usage by making clients aware of the quality and nature of the information.
Australia has the international-level expertise and the institutional
mechanisms to make this happen. We need to build political goodwill within
State and Commonwealth agencies to develop strong national linkages. This
would enhance the accessibility and applicability of existing baseline
datasets, e.g. specimen and taxon databases should be transparently
interchangeable and readily available to all potential clients. Although our
basic floristic knowledge is good, our understanding of phylogenetic,
evolutionary and biogeographic patterns of major Australian plant groups is
lacking. Such analyses will ensure accurate predictions and advice on
conservation and exploitation of elements of the flora. Future research should
concentrate on understanding the processes operating at the genetic and
species level in order to answer critical questions about ecosystem
functioning. Modern technology will be utilised, particularly in information
systems and molecular techniques. Systematists have a clear obligation under
the National Biodiversity Strategy to contribute information essential to
conservation of biodiversity and to land-use decision making.
Vegetative and reproductive morphology of Nemastoma damaecorne (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) from Western Australia
Authors: Huisman John M.
Published: August 2004

The vegetative and reproductive morphology of the red alga
Nemastoma damaecorne Harvey (Gigartinales) have been
examined. Thalli are flattened and variously branched, either foliose with
marginal proliferation or deeply incised. Structurally, the thallus is
multiaxial, with a filamentous medulla and cortex, the latter subdichotomously
branched, anticlinally directed, and incorporating large, intercalary gland
cells. Plants are monoecious, with spermatangia formed on outer cortical
cells. Carpogonial branches are three-celled and borne on an inner cortical
cell. Following presumed fertilization, the carpogonium fuses with nearby
subsidiary auxiliary cells—the latter producing several branched
connecting filaments. Generative auxiliary cells are transformed intercalary
cortical cells. Connecting filaments fuse with generative auxiliary cells and
continue growth. The gonimoblast initial arises from the upper surface of the
generative auxiliary cell and forms a carposporophyte composed entirely of
carposporangia. Tetrasporophytes are unknown, but the germination pattern of
carpospores in culture suggests a crustose habit. These results indicate that
the species is incorrectly placed in Nemastoma and
conforms more closely to the genus Platoma. Furthermore,
a comparison between N. damaecorne and published
descriptions of Platoma cyclocolpum (Montagne) Schmitz
suggests that the two species are conspecific, and as such the former is
regarded as an heterotypic synonym of the latter.
Proteus in Australia. An overview of the current state of taxonomy of the Australian Proteaceae
Authors: George Alex S.
Published: August 2004

With the Proteaceae completed for the ‘Flora of Australia’, we now
have a reasonably accurate picture of its alpha systematics. Currently the
family world-wide contains some 1769 species in 80 genera. In Australia there
are 1093 species (c. 61.7 % of the world total) in 46 genera (57.5
%); about 99% of the species are endemic. Where do we go now?
For many small genera (e.g. Franklandia,
Austromuellera) the alpha taxonomy is settled, but in
some small and all larger genera further research at specific and infrageneric
level is needed, especially into highly variable ‘species’ (e.g.
Banksia marginata) and species-complexes (e.g. the
Grevillea biternata group). Much field work is required
for some groups, not only to explore under-collected areas (where new taxa
will undoubtedly be found) but also to study variation and such aspects as
root systems, response to fire, seedlings, flower and fruit development,
predation, seed dispersal and dormancy. There will be some further refinement
of generic delimitation. Phylogenetic relationships and infrageneric
classifications require further elucidation; even well studied genera (e.g.
Banksia) contain problematic taxa. This will involve new
data from such fields as anatomy (including developmental anatomy), molecular
studies, DNA analysis and gene sequencing. As data improve, so will
understanding world-wide relationships. Despite the use of computer
technology, intuition and interpretation will continue to generate different
classifications and evolutionary models.
Temporal and Spatial Variation in the Distribution and Abundance of the Magpie Goose, Anseranas semipalmata, in the Rockhampton Region of the Queensland Coast
Authors: Wilson Robyn
Published: August 2004

The distribution, abundance and habitat of the magpie goose,
Anseranas semipalmata, were studied from February 1987
to March 1990 and examined in relation to season, rainfall and evaporation,
and the availability of sedges (Eleocharis spp.) in the
Rockhampton area on the central Queensland coast. Seasonal fluctuations in
abundance of the magpie goose were correlated with the 12-month cumulative
difference between rainfall and evaporation in Rockhampton. Large flocks
(>500 magpie geese) were observed on Eleocharis spp.
and open water during the wet season, and on mud during the dry season.
Does available foraging area, location or colony character control the size of multispecies egret colonies?
Authors: Baxter G. S. , Fairweather P. G.
Published: August 2004

Food supply is commonly regarded as ultimately controlling the size of bird
colonies. Most studies examining this problem have been on seabirds, and all
in the Northern Hemisphere. To search more widely for evidence of the
importance of food as a factor controlling the size of bird colonies, we
investigated egret colonies in a Southern Hemisphere region. We examined the
relationship between colony size and the area of potential feeding habitat
around each colony, compared with variables associated with the location and
the physical characteristics of each colony. All colonies (13 in total) along
800 km of coastline in New South Wales, Australia, were studied. Colony size
ranged from 7 to more than 2000 nests. There were very few correlations
between the number of nests and the areas of different types of feeding
habitat within 20 km of colonies. However, the available area of saltmarshes
proved to be a significant predictor of colony size for great
(Ardea alba), intermediate
(A. intermedia) and little egrets
(Egretta garzetta). Saltmarshes may be stable, long-term
feeding habitats for these three native ‘aquatic feeders’, but not
for the terrestrially feeding cattle egret (Ardea ibis).
Nest numbers of this latter species were related positively to the area of
saltmarshes, and negatively to latitude, suggesting that nest numbers of this
exotic species may be influenced by climate, with proximate factors such as
colonial nesting with the three native species also being important. Because
of the numerical dominance of cattle egrets, the numbers of nests of all
species followed the same pattern as that for cattle egrets.
A Trapping and Immobilisation Technique for Small Macropods
Authors: Lentle Roger G. , Potter Murray A. , Springett Brian P. , Stafford Kevin J.
Published: August 2004

A technique for trapping and immobilising small macropods is described and
tested on forest-dwelling Tammar wallabies
(Macropus eugenii Desmarest). The trapping method uses
wire fencing and a monofilament nylon drop-net. The animals were immobilised
with ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine. Tammar wallabies are reputedly hard
to catch, but our technique produced higher trapping rates, lower
trap-avoidance rates and lower death rates than other methods. In all, 46
Tammars were captured in 29 trap-nights. No deaths occurred during, or in the
four weeks following, trapping.
Habitat Requirements of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Perameles gunnii, on Agricultural Land in Tasmania
Authors: Mallick S. A. , Hocking G. J. , Driessen M. M.
Published: August 2004

In the Midlands and on the east coast of Tasmania, the eastern barred
bandicoot, Perameles gunnii, is restricted to a small
number of isolated populations around townships. Comparable sites with similar
habitat, rainfall, geology, soil type and topography were observed not to
support P. gunnii. We examined four such paired sites
around Tasmania, one site in each pair supporting
P. gunnii, the other without
P. gunnii. Using orthophotos and aerial photographs
(scale 1: 5000), various features of the habitat were quantified for all site
pairs, which were then compared. In the Midlands and north-west, sites with
P. gunnii had significantly greater areas of ground
cover, suitable as nests for P. gunnii and as refuges
from predators, than did areas without P. gunnii. This
association was not observed for the paired sites on the east coast. It is
hypothesised that the remnant populations of P. gunnii
found in the Midlands reflect the availability of pockets of suitable habitat,
in particular the presence of significant ground cover for nesting sites and
refugia. This has implications for management of
P. gunnii in cleared agricultural land, where weed
species may provide the principal cover for bandicoots.
The performance of wild-canid traps in Australia: efficiency, selectivity and trap-related injuries
Authors: Fleming Peter J. S. , Allen Lee R. , Berghout Mani J. , Meek Paul D. , Pavlov Peter M. , Stevens Peter , Strong Kevin , Thompson Jim A. , Thomson Peter C.
Published: August 2004

Wild dogs and European red foxes are considered pest animals in Australia.
Restraining devices to capture these wild canids are sometimes required by
wildlife managers. However, the use of traps is controversial. This paper
discusses the efficiency, selectivity and injuries inflicted by some leg-hold
traps that are available in Australia for capturing wild canids. The trapping
of feral cats with wild-canid traps is also briefly discussed.
The most commonly used leg-hold trap in Australia is the toothed, steel-jawed,
leg-hold trap. Alternative traps, including offset- and padded-jawed traps
(similar to the Victor Soft Catch®), and steel-jawed
traps that have been modified to incorporate padding and off-setting of jaws,
were shown to be preferable. The alternative traps were as efficient and
selective as toothed, steel-jawed traps, but were less injurious. The Treadle
snare, although more likely to miss target animals, was also shown to be less
injurious than unmodified, steel-jawed leg-hold traps. It is difficult to
justify the continued use of unmodified, steel-jawed leg-hold traps for the
capture of wild canids in Australia.
Field Evaluation of Olfactory Lures for Feral Cats (Felis catus L.) in Central Australia
Authors: Edwards G. P. , Piddington K. C. , Paltridge R. M.
Published: August 2004

Field trials were conducted in central Australia to evaluate the ability of
various olfactory lures to attract feral cats
(Felis catus L.). Ten food-based lures, one plant
extract and two scent-based lures (anal-gland preparations from male and
female cats) were evaluated on the basis of visitation rates and elicited
behavioural responses. A visual lure composed of bird feathers was also tested
in conjunction with the scent-based lures. One food-based lure (sun-rendered
prawn) and both of the scent-based lures were found to attract feral cats. The
visual lure did not enhance the attractiveness of the scent-based lures. The
possible uses and relative advantages of these lures in control programmes and
in ecological studies of cats are discussed.
Evaluation and Cost-effectiveness of Strychnine for Control of Populations of Wild House Mice (Mus domesticus) in Victoria
Authors: Brown Peter R. , Singleton Grant R. , Kearns Brian , Griffiths John
Published: August 2004

The efficacy and cost-effectiveness of strychnine baiting was tested at sowing
in May–June 1994 in two cereal-grain-growing regions of Victoria, when
numbers of house mice (Mus domesticus) were high (up to
1000 mice ha-1 in the Mallee) and moderate
(100–250 mice ha-1 in the Wimmera). In each
region, there were four replicates of baited and unbaited sites. Strychnine
was applied once by ground spreaders to 40% of each stubble paddock and
to all fencelines at each treated site. Treatments did not significantly
affect the demographics (size cohorts, breeding status or sex ratio) or
abundance indices of mouse populations. The most pronounced reduction occurred
in stubble paddocks (harvested five months earlier) in the Mallee region,
where there was a 57% reduction in mean mouse density two days after
baiting. This difference was not significant because of high variation between
sites within treatments. Moreover, three weeks later the mean density of mice
in treated stubble paddocks was approximately double that in the untreated
sites. The Wimmera study indicated that strychnine had a minimal effect on
mouse populations when ample other food was available. The application of
strychnine was inexpensive: $A0.45 ha-1 in the
Wimmera and $A0.61 ha-1 in the Mallee; however,
mouse damage to crops after sowing was minor. Unfortunately, we could not
accurately assess damage to crops because of compensation at an early stage of
growth and problems with assessing damage caused by mice. Overall, our results
suggest that although strychnine may be an effective palliative method of
control when a mouse plague has occurred, its effectiveness as a strategic
rodenticide for preventing plagues is questionable.
Predation by House Cats, Felis catus (L.), in Canberra, Australia. I. Prey Composition and Preference
Authors: Barratt D. G.
Published: August 2004

Studies of predation by house cats in Australia have not attempted to compare
the composition of prey taken by cats with the relative availability of prey.
Information on the composition of vertebrate prey caught by house cats in
Canberra was collected by recording prey deposited at cat owners’
residences over 12 months. A total of 1961 prey representing 67 species were
collected or reported. In all, 64% of prey were introduced mammals,
especially mice and rats, with birds comprising 27% (14% native,
10% introduced, 3% unidentified), reptiles 7%, amphibians
1% and native mammals 1%. Predatory behaviour by house cats
appeared largely opportunistic with respect to spatial (habitat) and temporal
(daily and seasonal) prey availability and accessibility, although there is
mounting evidence from this and other studies that small mammals are the
preferred prey. While this means that introduced mice and rats are common prey
of house cats in urban and suburban environments, it also suggests that in
relatively undisturbed environments adjoining new residential developments,
predation by house cats may have a substantial impact on locally abundant,
patchily distributed populations of native fauna, particularly mammals.
Imposing night-time curfews on cats is likely to lessen predation of mammals
but will probably not greatly reduce predation of birds or reptiles.
Reproduction in the Bridled Nailtail Wallaby, Onychogalea fraenata Gould (Marsupialia : Macropodidae), in Captivity
Authors: Johnson P. M.
Published: August 2004

The reproduction of the endangered macropod
Onychogalea fraenata was studied in captivity.
O. fraenata breeds throughout the year. A post-partum
oestrus was not recorded, although mating during the pouch life was observed
when the pouch young were 80–92 days old. The mean length of the
oestrous cycle was determined to be 36·2 days, while the mean length of
a gestation period was 23·6 days. Pouch life ranged between 119 and 126
days, and the young males and females matured as early as 270 days and 136
days, respectively.
Ecological Associations of Feeding Sites of Feral Pigs in the Queensland Wet Tropics
Authors: Laurance William F. , Harrington Graham N.
Published: August 2004

Data from 152 plots (0·8 ha) and 659 small quadrats (0·04 ha)
were used to assess rooting activity by feral pigs in forest communities in
north Queensland. Study sites spanned the rainforest–sclerophyll-forest
gradient along the western margin of the wet tropics region. Detailed
floristic, physiognomic and edaphic data were recorded for each plot and used
to develop a predictive model of pig activity in these habitats.
The most striking result was that rooting activity varied markedly among
different forest types. Wet sclerophyll forests consistently had the greatest
area disturbed, followed by mesic and dry sclerophyll forests. Both rainforest
and rainforest-invaded sclerophyll forests had relatively low activity levels.
There were some differences in rooting activity among different geographic
regions, but few effects of local topography, soil type or proximity to water.
A mathematical model was developed to predict the ecological associations of
pig rooting activity, using generalised linear modeling. Pig rooting was
associated with certain attributes of wet sclerophyll forests and with slopes
and ridge tops, but the model had limited effectiveness, with fitted values
explaining 16% of the actual variation in rooting activity. This may
have resulted because microhabitat preferences of pigs varied among different
forest types and seasons. We suggest that pigs could be consuming fungal
fruit-bodies in sclerophyll forests, and if so they may compete for food with
some native, mycophagous mammals.
Responses of Non-volant Mammals to Late Quaternary Climatic Changes in the Wet Tropics Region of North-eastern Australia
Authors: Winter J. W.
Published: August 2004

It is generally recognised that the distribution of vertebrates in rainforest
and wet sclerophyll forest of the Wet Tropics region of north-eastern
Australia is profoundly influenced by the formation of two rainforest refugia
at the height of Pleistocene glacial periods. Anomalies in the distribution of
non-volant mammals indicate that other events may be equally important. In
this paper, past geographical occurrence of non-volant mammals is examined by
equating the mammals’ known temperature tolerance with palaeoclimatic
temperature zones. It is hypothesised that dispersal and vicariant phases
taking place since the most recent glacial period have had a profound
influence on current patterns of distribution. A major dispersal phase of
cool-adapted species occurred after the glacial period, and continuous
populations were subsequently fragmented into upland isolates by expansion of
warm rainforest during the late post-glacial period. These upland isolates
remain substantially unchanged to the present day. Species shared either with
New Guinea or south-eastern Australia arrived in the region during the most
recent post-glacial period. Clarification of periods of vicariance and
dispersal provides a conceptual framework for testing relative divergences of
populations within and between regions.
Responses of Mammals to Rainforest Fragmentation in Tropical Queensland: a Review and Synthesis
Authors: Laurance William F.
Published: August 2004

Research during the past decade in the wet tropics region of Queensland has
yielded important insights into the responses of rainforest mammals to habitat
fragmentation. These findings are synthesised by assessing key processes in
fragmented landscapes, such as nonrandom deforestation patterns, edge effects,
dramatic shifts in predator assemblages, and the kinetics of local extinction.
Studies aimed at identifying ecological traits that affect the vulnerability
of mammal populations in fragmented forests are also reviewed. Collectively,
these investigations suggest that the composition and dynamics of fragment
biotas are strongly influenced by edge effects and by the matrix of modified
habitats surrounding fragments. Some implications of these findings for the
management of fragmented landscapes are considered.
Patterns of Mammalian Species Richness in the Australian Tropical Rainforests: Are Extinctions during Historical Contractions of the Rainforest the Primary Determinants of Current Regional Patterns in Biodiversity?
Authors: Williams S. E.
Published: August 2004

Distribution data on the mammals of the wet tropics have been used to analyse
biogeographic patterns in assemblage composition and to correlate patterns of
species richness with environmental factors such as climate and vegetation.
Multivariate analyses suggest five different geographically separated
assemblages of rainforest mammals. The most species-rich is found in the
central uplands (Atherton Tableland) with a decrease in species richness to
the north and south and with decreasing altitude. The most species-rich areas
are characterised by large areas of rainforest with a rounder shape (low shape
index), high annual rainfall, consistent rainfall in the dry season and a
diversity of rainfall regimes within the area.
Multiple-regression analysis suggests that the combination of rainforest area
and shape explain the most variance
(r2 = 0·74) in the
patterns of species richness of rainforest mammals. Various measures of
habitat diversity are also highly dependent on area, and a similar degree of
the variance in species richness
(r2 = 0·78) can be
explained by using rainforest shape and habitat-diversity variables (rainfall
and vegetation diversity) and excluding area. This suggests that the effect of
area on the patterns of species richness is primarily due to its positive
influence on habitat-heterogeneity factors in the regression.
Analysis of the guild structure (number of guilds and the species richness
within each guild) indicates that it is the number of species within guilds
that most strongly affects patterns of species richness in rainforest,
although the number of guilds also has an effect. Most of the variance in
species richness can be attributed to three (primarily arboreal) guilds that
have previously been shown to be the most extinction- prone species in the wet
tropics.
These patterns suggest the hypothesis that current patterns of mammalian
species richness in wet tropics rainforest are primarily the result of
localised extinctions in those areas most affected by Pleistocene contractions
of the rainforest. The relative impacts of these contractions on each
rainforest block are indexed by current area and shape.
Restriction Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA from the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby, Petrogale xanthopus: Implications for Management
Authors: Eldridge M. D. B.
Published: August 2004

The extent of mitochondrial DNA divergence between populations of the
vulnerable yellow-footed rock- wallaby,
Petrogale xanthopus, was assessed by restriction
analysis. Of the 15 restriction endonucleases, five were informative, with a
single unique haplotype identified in P. x. celeris from
Queensland (Qld) (n = 8) and a further two unique
haplotypes in three sampled populations of
P. x. xanthopus from New South Wales (NSW)
(n = 1) and South Australia (SA)
(n = 9). The two subspecies of
P. xanthopus were found to be genetically distinct
(average sequence divergence = 0·72%). As this divergence
is greater than that found between some Petrogale
species, it is recommended that populations of
P. x. xanthopus and P. x. celeris
be managed independently both in captivity and the wild. The NSW population of
P. x. xanthopus appears genetically similar to those in
SA, although these data are limited.
Circadian Activity Rhythms of Captive Heath Rats (Pseudomys shortridgei)
Authors: Woods Richard , Kennedy Gerard
Published: August 2004

The activity rhythms of four male and four female heath rats
(Pseudomys shortridgei) were monitored under natural
lighting for 35 days. Activity was detected with passive infrared sensors and
recorded on data loggers. Data down-loaded from the loggers were plotted as
actograms on a line-printer. During the 35-day recording period, all heath
rats showed a markedly nocturnal activity pattern, with 87·7% of
activity occurring during the night. In all heath rats, activity levels
increased markedly across the night. Activity was bimodally distributed, with
the highest levels occurring just prior to dawn. However, a second smaller
peak in activity occurred just after dusk. With increasing seasonal
photoperiod, all heath rats showed a concomitant compression of nocturnal
activity. Little difference was found between activity patterns of males and
females. Male heath rats displayed 85·7% (s.d.
4·8%) of their activity at night while females showed
89·7% (s.d. 5·4%) of their activity at night.
During the daylight hours, heath rats remained in their nest boxes and emerged
on most days just prior to, or at, sunset. The pattern of activity observed in
these captive heath rats appears to be more nocturnal than that of heath rats
living under natural conditions. This difference may reflect the fact that, in
captivity, food was available ad libitum and was of high
quality. In the natural habitat, heath rats probably have to spend more time
foraging, and food may be of poorer quality. The additional time spent
foraging would extend activity into the daylight hours.
Factors Influencing the Breeding Distribution of the Peregrine Falcon in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Emison W. B. , White C. M. , Hurley V. G. , Brimm D. J.
Published: August 2004

Since 1950, 199 nesting sites of peregrine falcons
(Falco peregrinus) have been found in Victoria. Over
half (51%) are on natural cliffs, 37% in trees and 12% on
human-made structures and stone quarry faces. Most eyries on natural cliffs
occur in the uplands (>200 m elevation) or along the coast. Tree eyries are
located in hollows and in stick nests of other birds; most of these are within
the distributions of red gums and belahs. Human-made structures (other than
quarries) supporting nests include dam walls, silos, electricity pylons and
buildings. Factors believed to influence the breeding distribution of
peregrine falcons in Victoria are discussed; these include volcanic activity,
landform and elevation, water, vegetation, climate, other birds and humans.
The influence of human activities on the distribution of nesting peregrine
falcons appears to have been positive. However, the future of the population
of peregrine falcons nesting in tree hollows is of concern: it is likely that
large trees with nest hollows will be destroyed or will fall from decay long
before sufficient numbers of replacement trees are available.
Breeding, Population Dynamics and Habitat Relationships of Sminthopsis dolichura (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae) in Semi-arid Shrublands of Western Australia
Authors: Friend G. R. , Johnson B. W. , Mitchell D. S. , Smith G. T.
Published: August 2004

Demographic data were gathered from two populations of the little long-tailed
dunnart, Sminthopsis dolichura, inhabiting semi-arid
nature reserves in the Western Australian wheatbelt in order to place the
ecology of this species (formerly part of the
Sminthopsis murina complex) in perspective. In all
respects, S. dolichura is similar to
S. murina from south-eastern Australia, and, indeed, to
most other species of the Sminthopsis group. High
mobility and transiency rates, an extended seasonal pattern of reproduction,
relatively rapid development of the young and the probable existence of
polyoestry characterise the life history of S. dolichura
and most other species within the group that have been studied. These
attributes enable a high degree of reproductive flexibility and permit these
species to opportunistically invade new habitats and ephemeral post-fire seral
stages. The observed sympatry with highly seasonal monoestrous dasyurids of
the genus Antechinus is postulated to occur through
spatial and temporal selection of different microhabitats, but also suggests
that phylogenetic factors may be at least as important as the predictability
of climate and food resources in explaining the evolution of different
reproductive strategies.
A Comparison of Techniques Used in a Survey of the Ground-dwelling and Arboreal Mammals in Forests in North-eastern New South Wales
Authors: Catling P. C. , Burt R. J. , Kooyman R.
Published: August 2004

An extensive fauna survey of forest habitats in the Murwillumbah Forestry
Management Area of north-eastern New South Wales allowed us to examine and
compare the use of Elliott traps, wire cage traps, soil plots, hair tubes,
spotlighting, dry pitfall traps, sightings and vocalisations as methods to
determine the identity, distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling and
arboreal mammals. Transects were established in 10 areas in six State Forests
and one National Park.
The aim of this study was to examine each method to satisfy three criteria and
to determine the most efficient and effective method or combination of methods
to survey arboreal and ground-dwelling mammals in forests. The three criteria
were to identify the species present, to determine their distribution and to
establish an index of their abundance. In all, 35 species were identified by
the seven methods. However, the species recorded, and the usefulness of the
method to provide their distribution and/or an index of abundance,
differed markedly according to the method used.
Stratified sampling with Elliott traps for small mammals, spotlights for
arboreal mammals and soil plots for medium-sized and large ground-dwelling
mammals was the most labour-efficient and productive combination for recording
species present and their status comprehensively. If needed, other methods
such as hair tubes or cage traps may be used locally and intensively to assist
in the identification of species. Moreover, randomly gathered sight and
vocalisation records accumulated during the survey were found to be very
useful in corroborating species present and in helping to identify the tracks
recorded to genus or family by the soil-plot method.
Bushland modification and styles of urban development: their effects on birds in south-east Queensland
Authors: Sewell Sven R. , Catterall Carla P.
Published: August 2004

Variation in bird assemblages associated with forest clearing and urbanisation
in the greater Brisbane area was assessed by counting birds in sites within
six habitat categories: large remnants, small remnants, no- understorey
remnants, canopy suburbs (original trees present), planted suburbs, and bare
suburbs. Total bird abundance and species richness were generally highest in
canopy suburbs. Individual species showed many significant abundance
differences among the habitat types, and were classified into three major
response categories: bushland species (3 in summer, 13 in winter), tolerant
species (13 in summer, 13 in winter), and suburban species (12 in summer, 11
in winter).
The commonly proposed notion that urbanisation results in lowered bird species
richness and increases in introduced species is broadly consistent with the
observed differences between bare suburbs and large remnants. However, it does
not adequately describe the situation in the planted and canopy suburbs, where
there was high species richness and extremely high abundance of some native
species (including noisy miners, lorikeets, friarbirds, and butcherbirds) but
low abundance of a majority of the species common in the original habitats
(including fantails, wrens, whistlers, and other small insectivores). Retained
forest remnants are essential for the latter group. Urban plantings of
prolifically flowering native species do not reverse the effects of
deforestation, but promote a distinctive group of common native suburban bird
species. Origins of the urban bird assemblage are discussed.
The Influence of Road Verges on the Use of Nearby Small Shrubland Remnants by Birds in the Central Wheatbelt of Western Australia
Authors: Fortin Daniel , Arnold Graham W.
Published: August 2004

In the Kellerberrin District of the Western Australian wheatbelt, about
60% of the remnants of native vegetation are smaller than 10 ha. We
studied the variation in bird abundance in 13 small remnants (range
0·03–6·71 ha) of shrubland isolated in farmland by
distances of 70–600 m from the nearest native vegetation, a road verge.
Overall, 31 species were recorded in the remnants and nearby road verges, and
species richness varied from 7 to 15 at individual sites. Regression analysis
showed that the structural attributes of verges and the number of birds found
in verges were more often significant predictors of variation in the number of
individuals of the most common 19 species censused in remnants than were the
structural attributes in the remnants themselves. The diversity of all bird
species and the richness of species dependent on native vegetation decreased
significantly with the distance of remnants from road verges.
For a group of 10 species of small passerines, species richness, species
turnover, and variation in the number of individuals between consecutive
censuses all were negatively related to the distance between remnants and road
verges. For five of these 10 species, there were fewer individuals in remnants
than in adjacent road verges when the distance between them exceeded 110 m.
However, for less-isolated remnants (≤110 m), only one species showed a
significant difference in abundance.
It is concluded that these small shrubland remnants are primarily used by
birds moving to and from adjacent areas of native vegetation, in this case
road verges. The value of small remnants of vegetation as parts of the
conservation network decreases with their isolation, and is strongly linked to
the use of road verges by the shrubland bird community.
Long-distance migrations by the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, from north-eastern Australia
Authors: Miller Jeffrey D. , Dobbs Kirstin A. , Limpus Colin J. , Mattocks Neil , Jr André M. Landry
Published: August 2004

Tag recoveries from four adult female hawksbill turtles,
Eretmochelys imbricata, tagged on the Great Barrier
Reef, Australia, are reported. Hawksbill turtles on breeding migrations move
between Australia and neighbouring countries including Vanuatu, Solomon
Islands, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Migratory distances between foraging
areas and nesting beaches ranged from 368 to 2425 km. A review of data from
tag recoveries, genetic analysis and satellite telemetry indicates that adult
female hawksbill turtles often exhibit migratory behaviour parallelling that
of other marine turtle species. This study refutes the myth that hawksbill
turtles remain resident at reefs associated with their nesting beaches.
Utilising Airborne Multispectral Videography to Predict Habitat Complexity in Eucalypt Forests for Wildlife Management *Further information about this research can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.ffp.csiro.au/nfm/mdq/
Authors: Coops N. C. , Catling P. C.
Published: August 2004

Airborne videographic remote sensing is a relatively recent technology thatcan provide inexpensive and high-spatial-resolution imagery for forestmanagement. This paper presents a methodology that allows videographic data tobe modelled to predict habitat complexity in eucalypt forests.Within the eucalypt forests of south-eastern New South Wales, plots werelocated on the imagery, and the local variance of the videography within eachplot was computed on the assumption that changes in local variance provided anindication of forest structure, and thus the habitat complexity of the site.The near- infrared (NIR) channel demonstrated the most variation, as thatchannel provided an indication of photosynthetic activity and, as a result,the variation between canopy, understorey, ground cover, soil and shadowprovided a highly variable response in the video imagery. Habitat-complexityscores were used to record forest structure, and the relationship between theNIR variance and field habitat-complexity scores was highly significant(P < 0·001)(r2 = 0·75;n = 29). From this relationship, maps of thehabitat-complexity scores were predicted from the videography at 2-m spatialresolution. The model was extrapolated across a 1 1 km subset of the videodata and field verification showed that the predicted scores correspondedclosely with the field scores.Studies have demonstrated the relationship between habitat-complexity scoresand the distribution and abundance of different mammalian fauna. This methodallows predictions of habitat-complexity scores to be spatially extrapolatedand used to stratify the landscape into regions for both the modelling offaunal habitat and to predict the composition, distribution and abundance ofsome faunal groups across the landscape. Ultimately, the management of foresthabitats for wildlife will depend on the availability of accurate maps of thediversity and extent of habitats over large areas and/or in difficult terrain.
Use of Nest Trees by the Mountain Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus caninus) (Phalangeridae : Marsupialia). III. Spatial Configuration and Co-occupancy of Nest Trees
Authors: Lindenmayer D. B. , Welsh A. , Donnelly C. F.
Published: August 2004

Radio-tracking was used to examine the spatial configuration and co-occupancy
of large trees with hollows occupied by 16 mountain brushtail possums
(Trichosurus caninus) at Cambarville in the central
highlands of Victoria, south-eastern Australia. The distance that animals
moved between trees on successive days was also examined. Our analyses showed
that animals often remained in a given den tree on successive days. On nights
when animals did shift between den sites, they typically moved to a new tree
that was relatively nearby (< 200 m). Long-distance movements (e.g. >
300 m) between den trees were rare.
Considerable variation was found between individuals in the size of areas
encompassing trees used frequently (≥5 times) (‘core denning
range’) and those encompassing all occupied trees [i.e. including
those used infrequently (< 5 times)] (‘total denning
range’). The mean area of the core denning range averaged about
1·1 ha for males and 0·7 ha for females. The mean value for the
total denning range was approximately 2·6 ha for males and females
respectively. Considerable overlap was found in the total denning ranges of
pairs of adult males and pairs of adult females. For most animals, the total
denning range was shared with the total denning ranges of several other
animals. There was substantial variation in the extent of this overlap,
ranging from complete enclosure to the sharing of a single tree. The extent of
overlap was more limited for the core denning ranges, particularly among
females. We observed differences in the extent of the overlap of the total
denning ranges of pairs of males and pairs of females in the breeding season
(January–March) and non-breeding season (the remaining months of the
year). Fewer instances of overlapping total denning ranges among pairs of both
males and females were found during the breeding season. The total denning
ranges in the breeding season were generally smaller than those in the non-
breeding season.
Simultaneous co-occupancy of a given den tree by
T. caninus was relatively common. Unexpectedly, there
was a number of instances of groups of three or four adult animals sharing the
same den site on the same night. We recorded several instances of sharing by
pairs of animals of the same sex, especially adult males. However, most
records of simultaneous tree use were by an adult male and an adult female
T. caninus.
The extent of overlap in the denning ranges of animals and the prevalence of
simultaneous co-occupancy of den trees indicate that the social behaviour of
T. caninus at Cambarville may be different from that
observed among populations of the species elsewhere in Australia. Possible
reasons for these differences are outlined.
The population dynamics of a tropical possum, Trichosurus vulpecula arnhemensis Collett
Authors: Kerle J. A.
Published: August 2004

The population ecology of Trichosurus vulpecula has been
studied extensively in temperate Australia and in New Zealand. This paper
provides the results of a trapping study of a population of the northern
brushtail possum (T. vulpecula arnhemensis Collett 1897)
in the wet–dry tropics of Australia’s Northern Territory. Possums
were readily trapped and the population had a comparatively high density for
Australian brushtails of around 3 per hectare. The core home-range size and
range length for males was 1.12 ha and 165 m; this was a little larger than
for females (0.89 ha and 155 m). The possums were not very agressive when
handled and were apparently quite socially tolerant. The ready availability of
nutritious food sources throughout the year enables them to breed
continuously, producing 1.7 young per year per adult female. If environmental
conditions become unfavourable with a series of poor wet seasons or frequent
fires, the habitat will resemble the less-productive eucalypt forest not
occupied by possums. Mortality of pouch young and immatures will increase
under these conditions but with a potential reproductive rate of nearly two
per year, populations of the northern brushtail can readily recover from short
periods of unfavourable conditions.
Serological monitoring of the epidemiology of myxoma virus to assess the effects of imposed fertility control of female rabbits on myxomatosis
Authors: Kerr P. J. , Twigg L. E. , Silvers L. , Lowe T. J. , Forrester R. I.
Published: August 2004

The epidemiology of myxomatosis was investigated in 12 populations of wild
European rabbits at Wellstead in southern Western Australia, which were part
of a larger study of the effects of imposing different levels of female
sterility on rabbit population dynamics. Using serology, the aims were firstly
to monitor the epidemic pattern of myxomatosis on the study sites between 1993
and 1996, and then to determine whether imposed sterility had any influence on
the prevalence of myxomatosis. Two patterns of epidemics were observed during
the study. The predominant pattern was a spring–summer outbreak that
left approximately 90% of rabbits seropositive for myxoma virus
antibodies. The second pattern was a slowly spreading epidemic that lasted
from autumn until the following spring. This second type of epidemic may be
important in the persistence of myxoma virus. Imposed levels of female
sterility as high as 80% for three years had no significant effect on
the proportion of animals seropositive for myxoma virus antibodies.