bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet, Prey Selection and Foraging Behaviour of the Orange Horseshoe-Bat, Rhinonycteris Aurantius.
Authors: Churchill SK
Published: June 2005

Results of faecal analysis were compared with insect captures in light traps to examine the dietary preferences of R. aurantius in the Northern Territory, Australia. Relative proportions of insects eaten differed significantly from insects available. R. aurantius exhibited a medium niche breadth throughout the year, being neither a specialist not a generalist. It selectively foraged on Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, and was opportunistic in regard to seasonal abundances of Isoptera. This bat had dietary preferences similar to other members of the Hipposideridae. The timing of reproduction and selection of roost sites was related to the seasonal abundance of food resources.
Responses of lizards to three experiments fires in the savanna forests of Kakadu National Park
Authors: Trainor CR , Woinarski JCZ
Published: June 2005

A species-rich lizard community responded variably to a range of experimental fire regimes in a tropical savanna. Heteronotia binoei was the only lizard species that showed a short-term response to fire, decreasing in abundance directly after the early- and late-burns. H. binoei and Diporiphora bilineata were significantly more abundant in early-burn treatments. Carlia amax was more abundant in unburnt and early-burn treatments. C. munda was more abundant in unburnt and early-burn sites. Differences in the relative abundance of species between treatments is attributed to site differences in vegetation structure, and fire-induced changes to the structure of habitat. Early-burn sites were significantly richer in lizard species (P< 0.05); however, overall lizard abundance, Shannon-Wiener diversity and Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) 1 and DCA 2 scores were not significantly different, suggesting that habitat partitioning has a stronger influence than the direct effects of fire. Many lizards were associated with a direct gradient of moisture availability, including a seepage assemblage, with Carlia gracilis and Sphenomorphus darwiniensis correlated with increased moisture, a well-developed canopy and abundant leaf litter. An assemblage associated with the drier end of the gradient included Carlia triacantha, Ctenotus kurnbudj, Diporiphora magna and D. bilineata. The lizard composition of most quadrats was intermediate along the moisture gradient and was associated with typical eucalypt savanna communities. Lizard species that largely are restricted to the moist seepage zones may be particularly sensitive to late dry-season fires which alter this habitat type.
Organochlorine Pesticide Contamination in Three Species of Raptor and Their Prey in South Australia.
Authors: Falkenberg ID , Dennis TE , Williams BD
Published: June 2005

The extent of organochlorine pesticide contamination in 3 species of predatory birds from the central regions of South Australia was investigated. Residues in both eggs and tissue, as well as measurements of shell thickness, were obtained for Falco peregrinus (peregrine falcon), Pandion haliaetus (osprey) and Haliaeetus leucogaster (white-bellied sea eagle). Organochlorine residues in some prey species were also measured. Residues of DDE and DDT in the predatory birds were found to be low to moderate. Concn of total DDT were greatest in F. peregrinus (mean 1.82 mg/kg), followed by the H. leucogaster and P.haliaetus (mean 1.07 and 0.11 mg/kg, resp.). A comparison of F. peregrinus eggs collected before and after 1947 showed significant eggshell thinning (mean 16%). DDT residue levels of concern were recorded for several prey species commonly found in the diet of H. leucogaster and F. peregrinus, particularly in Columbia livia (feral pigeons) (37.46 mg/kg) and Larus novaehollandiae (silver gulls) (3.06 mg/kg). These concn were well above those known to cause reproductive failure in falcons. DDT was also found at high concn in eggs of Pelecanus conspicillatus (pelican) (mean 2.04 mg/kg). Dieldrin was present in most samples, but at low concn. The degree of pesticide contamination detected was considered sufficient to interfere with the reproduction of F. peregrinus in South Australia.
A field study of Pseudocheirus occidentalis (Marsupialia : Petauridae) I. Distribution and Habitat
Authors: Jones BA , How RA , Kitchener DJ
Published: June 2005

Surveys aimed at determining the distribution and habitat of the rare and endangered western ringtail
possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) were undertaken in south-western Australia during 1990-92.
Surveys relied on sightings of animals, or their characteristic faecal pellets or dreys. Habitat descriptions
were collected in areas occupied by P. occidentalis to describe the vegetation and topography. Additional
information about habitat was collected at subsets of sites to reflect leaf nutrient levels (nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium) of the major food plants, and to reflect the relative senescence of vegetation
communities, and their fire and fox-baiting history.
The species has a patchy occurrence from the Collie River to Two Peoples Bay, occurring most
commonly in coastal or near-coastal forest that includes Agonis flexuosa as a major component.
The most inland population occurs at Perup and this is the only known population living in forest
without A. flexuosa. Local extinction has been extensive in the inland and northern parts of the original
range (as it was known about 1900) and local decline has been patchy and occurred in most decades
(1900-89) in different parts of the original range.
Analysis of a matrix of relative abundance and habitat variables identified two habitat parameters
associated with higher abundance of P. occidentalis: higher levels of nitrogen in foliage of the major
food plant and a higher degree of canopy continuity. Hollow abundance was also implicated as a
covariate of relative abundance. Assessment of levels of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in
A. flexuosa leaves indicated that occupied sites tended to have relatively high nutrient levels. The pattern
of decline and persistence of populations in different habitats is discussed with respect to environmental
factors considered to have changed over the last century.
A field study of Pseudocheirus occidentalis (Marsupialia : Petauridae) II. Population studies
Authors: Jones BA , How RA , Kitchener DJ
Published: June 2005

Field studies of the rare and endangered western ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) were
undertaken at five main sites in south-western Australia. Population studies employing capture-markrelease
and telemetry methods were concentrated at Abba River and Locke Estate, near Busselton, and
supplementary telemetry records were obtained for three females at Yendicup, Perup, near Manjimup.
The location of dreys and sightings were mapped at Geographe Bay (near Busselton) and Emu Point
(Albany).
Mature adults of both sexes weighed about 1000 g and attained maturity at 830-900 g. Young were
estimated to spend about 104 days in the pouch and emerge at 130-150 g. Lactation ceased when young
weighed 550-650 g. Most births were of single young, but at Locke 16.7% of females with pouch
young carried twins. In the Busselton area some births occurred in all months, but there were few
between December and March. Most births occurred during April-July, but a secondary peak occurred
during September-November, especially at Locke. At Locke 69% of animals were females and this ratio
was similar in all age classes, but at Abba the sex ratio was parity. At Locke hollows were rare and
animals usually rested in dreys; at Abba hollows in Eucalyptus gomphocephala were the usual rest sites
and dreys were rare, occurred only near the watercourse and were used only by males; at Yendicup no
dreys were observed and hollows in eucalypts were the usual rest sites. Animals used 2-7 rest sites each.
Home ranges of females at Yendicup averaged about 2.5 ha; in the Busselton area home ranges
averaged less than 1 ha. Less than 1% of both day and night sightings were of animals at ground level.
Plots of the location of dreys and sightings at three sites showed that possums were not evenly
dispersed, and at two sites there were areas of apparently suitable habitat that were rarely used.
Density was estimated for four sites: Abba River 3.7-4.3 ha-1, Locke Estate 2.4-4.5 ha-1, Geographe
Bay 0.3-0.6 ha-1 and Emu Point 0.1-0.4 ha-1. Evidence of predation by foxes was found at Abba,
Locke and Geographe Bay.
Microscopic inspection of faecal pellets showed that, where Agonis flexuosa grew, its leaves
accounted for 79-100% of diet. Small amounts of several other plants were also taken. At Perup
A. flexuosa was absent and the diet consisted predominantly of leaves of the two common eucalypts
(Eucalyptus calophylla and E. marginata).
Studies of the ground-dwelling mammals of eucalypt forests in south-eastern New South Wales: the species, their abundance and distribution
Authors: Catling PC , Burt RJ
Published: June 2005

We examined the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in the major eucalypt
communities within 500 000 ha of eucalypt forest in south-eastern New South Wales. Data for 22 species
of mammal are presented from 13 areas comprising 42 eucalypt communities.
Two features were the abundance and widespread distribution of the introduced red fox and cat,
and the absence of small wallabies (potoroo size) and low abundance of other medium-sized native
mammals such as bandicoots.
Six mammal species occurred in all areas and in most eucalypt communities. Although there were
differences in the distribution and abundance of species between areas there was no significant difference
between areas in the number of native and introduced species. Some mammal species were absent from
some eucalypt communities, but no eucalypt community was devoid of ground-dwelling mammals and
each had native and introduced species present. The E. fastigata group had the highest number of
species (14) and one community (E. fastigata-E. cypellocarpa) contained the highest number of native
(9) and introduced (4) species. The E. maculata group contained the lowest number of native species
with eastern grey kangaroos absent and common wombats present in one community only.
The results of this study suggest that management options for arboreal mammals may not apply
to the ground-dwelling mammals. The ground-dwelling mammals present today in south-eastern New
South Wales appear to be remnants of a more diverse fauna left after clearing, forestry activities and
predation by introduced species. Some species are in urgent need of protection and management if
they are to persist.
Photographic identification of ground-nest predators in Australian tropical rainforest
Authors: Laurance WF , Grant JD
Published: June 2005

Automatic cameras triggered by infrared beams were used to identify animals visiting artificial groundnests
in north Queensland rainforest. In 1992-93 six cameras and nests were established at four sites
ranging from 340 to 840m in elevation, and a total of 279 identifiable photographs of nest visitors were
recorded. White-tailed rats (Uromys caudimaculatus) comprised 74% of all photographs and were the
most frequent visitor at five of six nests. Bush rats (Rattus fuscipes) were second in frequency (17%),
with other small mammals (Rattus leucopus, Melomys cervinipes, Perameles nasuta), birds (Ailuroedus
melanotis, Pitta versicolor) and reptiles (Varanus varius) each accounting for less than 2% of nest visits.
Omnivorous rodents comprised the large majority (96%) of visits and may be significant predators on
nests of some ground-nesting birds in Australian tropical rainforest.
The diet of cats, Felis catus, on Christmas Island, Indian Ocean
Authors: Tidemann CR , Yorkston HD , Russack AJ
Published: June 2005

Cats, Felis catus, were taken to Christmas Island (10�25'S,105�40'E) in the Indian Ocean at the time of
first settlement in 1888 and a feral population became established soon thereafter. In 1988 a wide range
of vertebrate and invertebrate animals was present in the diet of these feral cats, but flying-foxes,
Pteropus melanotus, fruit pigeons, Ducula whartoni, and introduced rats, Rattus rattus, together
constituted 80% of their food intake by weight. Of the guts examined, 45% contained R. rattus, and
this species accounted for 31% of food intake by weight. Less than 10% of cat guts contained
P. melanotus and D. whartoni, but the large body weights of these species meant that by weight they
made up 21% and 28% respectively. Mus musculus was found in 27% of guts examined, although it
contributed only 2% by weight. It is likely that the large numbers of feral cats present in vegetative
regrowth on mined areas are related to the ease with which all four primary prey species may be caught
there. No evidence was found that cats are having a deleterious effect on native species and they may
well be beneficial in stabilising the numbers of R. rattus, which itself can be a serious predator of
nesting birds.
Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae (Cetaceaa : Balaenopteridae), in Hervey Bay, Queensland .
Authors: Corkeron PJ , Brown M , Slade RW , Bryden MM
Published: June 2005

Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, of the Antarctic Area V stock, pass through Hervey Bay,
Queensland, during their southward migration. As part of an investigation of the impact of commercial
whalewatching in the bay, aerial surveys were conducted during the 1988-90 whalewatching seasons,
and a photo-identification project was run over the 1988 season. In 1988,60 pods containing 127 whales
were observed. All pods were sighted on the transects in the eastern section of Hervey Bay, so surveys
in 1989 and 1990 were confined to this area. In 1989, 223 whales in 121 pods were counted, and in
1990, 105 whales in 60 pods were observed. There was annual variation in the temporal pattern of the
migration through Hervey Bay. Pods tended to occur in shallow water close to the western coast of
Fraser Island and, on days when several whales were observed in the bay, pods were not distributed in a
regular fashion. Mother-calf pods were the final cohort to migrate through the Bay. The recorded sizes
of whale pods varied between observation platforms and averaged 1.75-2.81. In all, 100 whales were
identified from photographs of natural marks. Most were photographed once only, although individual
whales were sighted up to seven times. Of the 34 whales identified on more than one occasion, 24 were
observed over a one- or two-day period. Pod sizes and residence times of whales in Hervey Bay
resemble those of whales recorded at tropical breeding grounds. However, there are no data suggesting
that Hervey Bay is of particular importance to any class of the humpback whale population migrating off
the eastern coast of Australia.
Wildlife Corridors and the Mitigation of Logging Impacts on Fauna in Wood-Production Forests in South-Eastern Australia: a Review.
Authors: Lindenmayer DB
Published: June 2005

Retained systems of linear habitat or wildlife corridors are used widely in Australian temperate wood-production forests as a strategy to mitigate the effects of logging on populations of animals. Investigations of corridors in Australian forests are limited and there are few data to determine whether such approaches will be effective for the long-term conservation of forest fauna. However, a review of the range of studies completed to date indicates that many factors have the potential to influence the use of corridors by wildlife. These include: (1) the biology, ecology and life history of species; (2) habitat suitability and attributes (width, length) of retained strips; (3) the location of sites in the landscape; (4) the type of logging operations and their intensity and pattern at a landscape scale; (5) the suitability of habitats for fauna in the areas surrounding retained strips; and (6) the value for fauna of reserves connected by corridors. This diverse array of factors means that it is important to identify explicitly both the species targeted for conservation and the principal objectives of establishing a network of wildlife corridors within a given area of wood-production forest. Such an analysis may reveal that, within the constraints that typically apply in timber-production forests, it may not be possible to design corridor systems that conserve all of those species that are vulnerable to the effects of timber harvesting. As a result of limited data, it is presently not possible to assess the adequacy of most prescriptions for wildlife corridors. Consequently, more investigations of wildlife corridors are required to provide data to guide their design. Until these studies are completed, a conservative approach to forest management is recommended.
Pup production and distribution of the Australian fur seal, Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus, in Tasmania
Authors: Pemberton D , Kirkwood RJ
Published: June 2005

In Tasmanian waters Australian fur seals, Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus, breed on five islands
in Bass Strait with non-breeding haul-out sites situated in Bass Strait and along the south-eastern
and southern Tasmanian coastline. Estimates of pup production were obtained over four breeding
seasons between 1989 and 1993 by aerial photography, ground counts and mark-recapture censuses.
Pupping commences in late October, with 90% of pups born between 2 and 20 December.
Pup mortality is estimated at 15% by early January, when ground censusing was conducted.
Pup production of breeding colonies in Tasmanian waters was highest in 1991, with 5130 pups
estimated to have been born.
Age estimation of pteropodid bats (Megachiroptera) from hard tissue parameters
Authors: Cool SM , Bennet MB , Romaniuk K
Published: June 2005

This investigation employed undecalcified thin (10 �m) and thick (100 �m) mid-root sections
of surgically removed canine teeth, and thick sections of diaphyseal fore- and hind-limb bones
from 14 fruit bats (Pteropus alecto and R poliocephalus) of known age, to attempt to establish a
relationship between the chronological age of these animals and changes in the cross-sectional
morphology of the hard tissues. Growth layers in bone, dentine and cementum were clearly
visible in cross sections when viewed by Nomarski interference microscopy. The number of
growth layers in the periosteal region of long bones and in dentine varied widely within a given
section, making it impossible to estimate age from these tissues. Dental cementum most reliably
reflected the age of fruit bats, with both growth layers and the radial thickness of cementum
showing significant correlations with age (P<0.05). Linear regression was used to formulate
equations for estimating age. The simplicity of this technique may provide investigators with a
useful method for estimating the age of pteropodid fruit bats.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Iophenoxic Acid in Cats and Brushtail Possums.
Authors: Eason CT , Batcheler D , Frampton CM
Published: June 2005

The comparative plasma pharmacokinetics of iophenoxic acid was studied in the cat and brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) to evaluate the suitability of this compound as a bait marker in these species. In cats, a mean peak plasma concentration of 946 micro g per 100 ml was obtained after administration of 1.5 mg/kg of iophenoxic acid. However, at the same dose level in possums, mean peak plasma concentration was only 157 micro g per 100 ml. Even after administration of 10 mg/kg of iophenoxic acid, the maximum peak plasma concentration in possums was only 459 micro g per 100 m/litre. The plasma elimination half-life for iophenoxic acid was 107 days in cats and close to one day in possums. Iophenoxic acid is therefore a suitable marker for cats but is unsuitable for use as a long-term or quantitative bait marker for possums. Differences between the possum and other mammals in gastrointestinal physiology and plasma protein configuration by account for the poor absorption and rapid elimination of iophenoxic acid in the possum.
Diet of the eastern chestnut mouse (Pseudomys gracilicaudatus). I Composition, diversity and individual variation.
Authors: Luo J , Fox BJ , Jefferys E
Published: June 2005

Little is known about the biology and ecology of the eastern chestnut mouse (Pseudomys
gracilicaudatus), let alone the details of its diet. In this paper, we examined the dietary
composition, diversity and variation among individuals of this species in a coastal heathland of
New South Wales, by means of microscopic examination of its faecal pellets. From 200 faecal
samples, P. gracilicaudatus was found to consume considerable amounts of fungi (20% overall)
and insects (over 10% on average). Seed was the most abundant food in its diet from August
to February, accounting for 39%, with stem contributing 28% of the diet. Stem was dominant
at other times, accounting for 34%, with seed contributing 24%. Although cohort-dependent
foraging strategies have been reported in many small mammals, age-dependent foraging only
occurred in autumn; sex-dependent foraging was not observed in P. gracilicaudatus. Analysis of
dietary diversity (H') and among-individual variation (CVp,) showed that there were significant
variations in the diet of P. gracilicaudatus in different seasons and successional stages. Negative
association between H' and CVp, for seasons and vegetation succession suggested that individuals
of P. gracilicaudatus consumed a range of food items, producing maximum dietary diversity.
These results indicate that P. gracilicaudatus is a generalist herbivore, opportunistic in foraging
and less specialised in food selection than any other Pseudomys species reported so far.
Diet of the eastern chestnut mouse (Pseudomys gracilicaudatus). II Seasonal and successional patterns
Authors: Luo J , Fox BJ
Published: June 2005

The seasonal and successional changes of the diet of P. gracilicaudatus was examined by
microscopic analysis of faecal pellets collected in a coastal heathland of New South Wales.
Overall, five major dietary items (leaf, stem, seed, fungi and insect), which accounted for more
than 95% of the total diet, showed significant seasonal changes. The Mantel test demonstrated that
the diet of P. gracilicaudatus significantly differed between all seasons. At different successional
stages of the habitat, the consumption of the dietary items leaf, stem and insect were significantly
different. The overall diet at the middle successional stage was significantly different from those
at the other two stages, between which the diet was not significantly different. However, when
the comparison was made in summer, the differences between the young and old stages were
significant for most dietary items and overall. As a result, a significant interaction of season and
regeneration age on the diet of P. gracilicaudatus occurred. Such an interaction also extended
to dietary diversity and among-individual variation. These results indicate that P. gracilicaudatus
possesses an opportunistic foraging strategy that has evolved in a variable environment. They
also have important take-home messages that any interpretation of observed ecological patterns
and the design of future research for any species that appear to have evolved with such fire
regimes must take into account such an interaction of season and vegetation succession.
Conservation Value to Birds of Remnants of Melaleuca Forest in Suburban Brisbane.
Authors: Grover DR , Slater PJ
Published: June 2005

The bird species composition of nine remnants of Melaleuca quinquenervia forest in NE Brisbane, Queensland, was censused from March 1992 to March 1993 to investigate the effect of forest fragmentation and fragment characteristics. Remnant area was a correlated with the total number of bird species and the number of raptors occurring, while understorey vegetation density was related to the number of forest and understorey bird species. The species composition of the M. quinquenervia remnants was compared with that of the Cooloola National Park and with that of eucalypt [Eucalyptus] remnants in lowland SE Queensland. Even the small M. quinquenervia remnants around Brisbane play an important role in conserving the avian fauna of the region by providing habitat and refuges for migrant, nesting, locally rate and uncommon species, and species not commonly found in other forest types. Future recommended management involves the maintenance of size, habitat diversity and understorey vegetation density, the prevention of disturbance and the preservation of swampy areas and ponds.
Habitat and spatial requirements of the eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) at Hamilton, Victoria
Authors: Dufty AC
Published: June 2005

Perameles gunnii was greatly affected by the introduction of European agriculture to the volcanic
plains in Victoria. At Hamilton, agricultural areas possessed little structural complexity and
supported a fairly homogeneous composition of pasture species that were generally shorter than
100 mm because of heavy stock grazing. No P. gurznii were caught in agricultural areas at
Hamilton. At the Hamilton Municipal Tip, most captures and nest sites occurred where food
resources and structural complexity were greatest. Descriptions of 16 diurnal nest sites indicated
that a range of natural and artificial materials was used for shelter, including fallen branches,
sawn timber, cement culverts, galvanised iron, and scrap metal. Earthworms were most frequently
observed in faecal and stomach material, while beetles and crickets were also common. Optimal
habitat for P. gunnii was defined by high structural complexity and habitat heterogeneity. Older
P. gunnii may usurp optimal habitat and force subordinate adult females into sub-optimal habitat.
Associated with their occupation of optimal habitat, older P. gunnii may utilise smaller nocturnal
foraging areas.
Analysis of the movement of P. gunnii within the Hamilton Municipal Tip indicated that
males occupied significantly larger nocturnal foraging areas than females. Mean female and
male home ranges (defined by Minimum Convex Polygon analysis) were 1.6 ha (n = 13, range
0.02-5.9 ha) and 4 ha (n = 18, range 0.8-9.0 ha), respectively. Also, nocturnal foraging areas
were analysed on the basis of pattern of use of an area, and these were referred to as utilisation
distributions. The mean utilisation distributions (defined by Minimum Area v. Probability [0.95]
analysis) for females and males were 0.64 ha (n = 13, range 0.01-4.7 ha) and 4.0 ha (n = 18,
range 0.01-19.6 ha), respectively. Mean female and male observed range lengths were 173 m
(tz = 26, range 0-364 m) and 249 m (n = 34, range 50430 m), respectively. Mean ( +/-s.e )
observed range length (214+/-20, n = 60, range 50-430 m) was less than half the grid width
(500 m), which suggests that grid size did not negatively bias the calculated home-range sizes.
Studies of the yellow-footed rock-wallaby, Petrogale xanthopus Gray (Marsupialia : Macropodidae). Population studies at Middle Gorge, South Australia
Authors: Robinson AC , Lim L , Cantry PD , Jenkins RB , MacDonald CA
Published: June 2005

A mark-recapture study of Petrogale xanthopus at Middle Gorge in the southern Flinders Ranges
revealed that between January 1979 and January 1984 the estimated known-to-be-alive population
ranged from 11 to 20. During the main study, individuals living to an estimated age of six years
were recorded. Captures of marked animals after completion of the main study revealed both
males and females living to at least 10 years old. Births occurred throughout the year but there
appeared to be an increase in births following periods of effective rainfall. For the whole study
the sex ratio of pouch young did not vary significantly from 1:1. When individuals that gave
birth more than once during the study were examined, there was a significant bias towards male
young in the later births. It is suggested that this species has a two-phase reproductive strategy
with the extra males, produced by older females, sustaining a male-exchange system with nearby
colonies.
Diet of the Hastings River mouse (Pseudomys oralis)
Authors: Fox BJ , Read DG , Jefferys E , Luo J
Published: June 2005

The diet of the Hastings River mouse (Pseudomys oralis) has been assessed from 90 faecal
samples collected from 42 animals in nine different locations in New South Wales. Repeated
sampling of individuals over periods of 4-6 days gave consistent results confirming the reliability
of the dietary estimation techniques used in this study. No differences were found between
males and females when tested at two different sites. Eight dietary items were identified with
the mean percentage occurrences for summer and winter, respectively, being: leaf, 45, 77; seed,
44, 12; insect, 7, 2; stem, <l , 7; flower, 2, <l ; pollen, 1, <1; fern sporangia, <1, 1; and fungi,
<l , 1. A two-way ANOVA of geographical locality and season (summer v. winter) showed no
locality effect, but a strongly significant season effect for leaf (P <0.0001), seed (P <0.0001)
and insect (P < 0.007). A similar multivariate two-way ANOVA for overall diet also showed
a significant season effect, but no locality effect. The summer co-dominance of leaf and seed
shifted to almost complete dominance of the winter diet by leaf material. This differs from the
trends in dietary composition of all other species of Pseudomys studied, which broaden their diet
in winter to incorporate many different types of food. It is not clear whether this reflects an active
choice by P. oralis to select for increased amounts of leaf, or a default selection caused by the
lack of alternative dietary items, such as fungi, which are utilised in winter by the other species.
Factors influencing the eastern curlew's distribution and choice of foraging sites among tidal flats of Moreton Bay, South eastern Queensland
Authors: Congdon BC , Catterall CP
Published: June 2005

The use of feeding habitat by eastern curlews in Moreton Bay was examined by means of
quantitative density assessment at 26 sites from 13 locations. The sites were chosen to encompass
variation in width (area) of tidal flat, seagrass density, and substratum type. Each site was visited
four times: during each of a neap and a spring low tide, in January and February 1992. The
total curlew count per site was strongly positively correlated with the width of the tidal flat, and
had little or no relationship with seagrass density, substratum type or tidal phase. Wide flats also
showed more variation than narrow flats in total curlew numbers. Curlew density, measured by
the number of birds within 100 m of each side of the water's edge, was also greater on wide
tidal flats, showed little relationship to seagrass density or substratum type, but was higher during
neap low tides than spring lows. The data suggest that curlews choose soft-sediment intertidal
feeding sites on the basis of potential foraging area, and may be particularly sensitive to the
lower and infra-littoral areas. A better understanding of foraging site selection by the eastern
curlew requires information on site fidelity, feeding success in relation to tidal zonation, diet and
the influence of social interactions.
Social interactions and mating strategies of a solitary carnivorous marsupial, Phascogale tapoatafa, in the wild
Authors: Soderquist TR , Ealey L
Published: June 2005

The difficulty of observing the behaviour of cryptic, nocturnal carnivorous marsupials (Dasyuridae)
in the wild has created a reliance on laboratory studies for the analysis of social interactions.
Behavioural data on wild Phascogale tapoatafa suggest that previous interpretations may be
biased by laboratory confinement. The play of juvenile P. tapoatafa entailed brief, non-contact
chases, which apparently provide social practice prior to the solitary, post-dispersal life of adults.
Interactions between wild adults very rarely included physical contact. Most encounters (63%)
comprised chases, of which only female-female interactions commonly displaced the chased
animal more than 3 m. Wild females readily deterred males from approaching closely by vocal
threatening, even during the peak of the breeding season, so that forced copulation (as reported in
captive dasyurids) was unlikely. Scent-presentation experiments suggested that sternal marking by
males was intersexual communication, and may serve, along with intersexual chases, to familiarise
females with future mates.
MOrtality of captive-raised malleefowl, Leipoa ocellata, released into a mallee remnant within the wheat-belt of New South Wales
Authors: Priddel D , Wheeler R
Published: June 2005

Loss, fragmentation and degradation of mallee habitat within the New South Wales wheat-belt have caused
a marked decline in the range and local abundance of malleefowl, Leipoa ocellata. Small disjunct populations
of malleefowl now occupy small isolated remnants of suitable habitat. and several of these populations have
become locally extinct in recent times.
Young captive-reared malleefowl(8-184 days old) were experimentally released in March and June 1988
into a 558-ha remnant of mallee vegetation. The remnant contained a small but declining population of
rnalleefowl. From the first day after release, malleefowl were found dead, and mortality continued at a rapid
rate until none remained alive. Of the 31 released, 16 (52%) were dead after 7 days, at least 22 (71%) were
dead after 11 days, and none survived longer than 107 days. In all, 94% of malleefowl were killed by
predators: 26-39% by raptors, and 55-68% by introduced predators, principally foxes, Vulpes vulpes. No
improvement in survival was evident when malleefowl were given supplementary food.
Relying principally on camouflage, young malleefowl have no effective defence or escape behaviour to
evade ground-dwelling predators such as the fox. By imposing severe predation pressure on young malleefowl,
foxes are likely to be curtailing recruitment into the breeding population. Such a situation must inevitably lead
to the further localised extinction of small disjunct populations of malleefowl. Foxes are thus a major threat
to the continuance of remnant populations of malleefowl within the wheat-belt of New South Wales.
Six reasons why feral house mouse populations might have low recapture rates.
Authors: Krebs CJ , Singleton GR , Kenney AJ
Published: June 2005

Many feral house mouse populations have low recapture rates (0-20%) in live-trapping studies
carried out at 2-4-week intervals. We consider six hypotheses to explain low recapture rates. We
radio-collared 155 house mice between September 1992 and May 1993 in agricultural fields on the
Darling Downs of south-eastern Queensland during a phase of population increase. Low recapture
rates during the breeding season were due to low trappability and during the non-breeding period
to nomadic movements. During the breeding season radio-collared mice of both sexes survived
well and moved mostly small distances (<ll m). Low trappability has consequences for the
precision of population indices that rely on catch per unit effort. Capture-recapture models robust
to heterogeneity of trap responses should be used to census feral Mus populations.
Population dynamics and environemental changes during natural irruptions of Australian desert rodents.
Authors: Predavec M
Published: June 2005

Populations of Pseudomys hermannsburgensis and Notomys alexis were studied during a 33-month
period (January 1991 to September 1993) in a sand-dune habitat in south-western Queensland.
Population numbers of both species fluctuated dramatically over time with an approximately
40-fold difference between periods of lowest and highest abundance. Increased numbers were
due primarily to an influx of juveniles to the population. A high turnover of individuals in
both populations resulted in low rates of recapture. Numbers of both species were correlated
positively with an index of rainfall with a time-lag of four months. P. hermannsburgensis showed
spatial and temporal correlations with seed availability, whereas N. alexis displayed a strong, but
non-significant, temporal trend with seed availability. These data suggest strongly that natural
irruptions of Australian desert rodents are triggered by rainfall and possibly rain-induced food
availability.
Observations on dugongs at Calauit Island, Busuanga, Palawan, Phillipines
Authors: Aragones LV
Published: June 2005

A simultaneous monitoring system that used a team of local observers to count dugongs around
Calauit Island, Busuanga, Palawan, Philippines, from eight vantage points was employed from
March 1989 to May 1990 to identify important dugong habitats around the island. On average,
five dugongs were seen per survey day. More dugongs were observed during March and July 1989
than in other months. These periods coincided with the bimodal peaking of seagrass biomass in
the region and the lull between monsoons for that year. The site where dugongs were most often
sighted was about 1.5 m deep, had the largest area of seagrass on the island (approximately
50 ha) and supported a seagrass (above-ground) biomass averaging 1060 g m-2 (wet weight). The
dugongs were shy, making observations difficult. They were observed to graze at the study sites
once per day, usually starting in the late afternoon or at night. Animals usually stayed on the
seaward side of the spur-and-groove sections of the reefs. Short seagrasses such as Halophila
ovalis, Halodule uninervis, Cymodocea rotundata, C. serrulata, Syringodium isoetifolium and
Thalassia hemprichii showed more evidence of being grazed than the taller Enhalus acoroides.
By direct observations of the area grazed by a single dugong, an average consumption rate of
30.5 kg (wet weight) of seagrass (above ground only) per day was estimated. The methodology
developed in this study may be used to identify reserve areas for the protection of dugong
habitats in the Philippines. The dugong populations of Palawan require further attention and
implementation of conservation measures.
Two paradigms of population regulation
Authors: Krebs C. J.
Published: June 2005

No population increases without limit and ecologists have utilised two paradigms to find out why. The density-dependent paradigm assumes that birth, death and movement rates will be related to population density. In many cases they are not, and the search for density dependence has become a holy grail. A better approach is through the mechanistic paradigm which searches for relationships between birth, death and movement rates, and the mechanisms controlling populations, such as disease, predation, food shortage and territoriality. Seven suggestions are made for analysing the role of disease in population regulation in mammals. Useful progress will flow more quickly from the mechanistic paradigm without the need to search for density dependence.
Modelling Wildlife-Parasite Interactions to Help Plan and Interpret Field Studies.
Authors: McCallum H
Published: June 2005

The positive role that modelling has played in the understanding of wildlife and parasite population dynamics is reviewed with particular emphasis on macroparasitic infection, and how modelling can lead to better understanding in the future is discussed.
An Experimental Field Study to Examine Whether Capillaria Hepatica (Nematoda) Can Limit House Mouse Populations in Eastern Australia.
Authors: Singleton GR , Singleton GR , Chambers LK , Chambers LK , Spratt DM , Spratt DM
Published: June 2005

A replicated experimental field investigation to examine the effect of the nematode parasite Capillaria hepatica on populations of Mus domesticus is described. A 2-year study was conducted at 7 sites with matching farming practices, soil types, topography and habitat heterogeneity on the Darling Downs in south-eastern Queensland, Australia, where mice cause substantial economic, social and environmental problems. A 4 km2 sampling zone was designated on each site and sites were assigned randomly to one of 3 untreated and 4 treated groups. The parasite was released successfully on 3 occasions at 3 markedly different stages of mouse population dynamics. The first release was in winter 1992 into a low-density, non-breeding population. Mice on treated sites had significantly lower survival for 6 months after the release than mice on untreated sites. The parasite had a relatively high impact on survival of young mice (<72 mm long) 2 months after its release. The greatest impact on old mice (>76 mm) occurred a month later. The most pronounced effects of C. hepatica on mouse abundance occurred during the 4 months after its release (June-September). Mice on the untreated sites, however, had poor survival in September, so by October their population abundance was at a level similar to that of the treated populations. Once breeding began in mid-October C. hepatica had no noticeable effect on mouse population dynamics. This was because the parasite (i) had no effect on breeding of mice, (ii) had minimal transmission and (iii) had a diminishing effect on survival after October. The apparent lack of transmission of C. hepatica was probably due to a combination of low population density, the transient nature of the mouse population and predominantly dry weather for 6 months after the release. A second release was made in February 1993 into a breeding, medium-density host population that was rapidly increasing in abundance. Less than 2% of the population was affected during the release so interest focused on transmission rather than the effect of the parasite on the host's demographic machinery. Transmission did occur at a low rate and the parasite persisted for 4.5 months (to June) when it was decided to boost the proportion of mice infected in order to follow its effect on the overwintering population and the demographic effects during the next breeding season. This late release was compromised by synchronous, widespread and rapid decline in mouse densities. Densities fell from greater than 500 ha to less than 1 ha in less than 6 weeks. Two messages emerge from these studies. First, C. hepatica will not limit mouse populations if it is released into a low-density population during a long dry period on the Darling Downs. Second, more information is needed about the factors that influence the survival and transmission of the parasite under field conditions.
Predation models for primary and secondary prey species
Authors: Pech R. P. , Sinclair A. R. E. , Newsome A. E.
Published: June 2005

In Australia, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a generalist predator of European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and a range of small to medium-sized native species. The available evidence suggests that foxes are capable of regulating rabbits in semi-arid environments but their role in the population dynamics of other prey species is not clear.
A series of models, and associated experimental tests, that compare the effects of predation on primary and secondary prey species are described. The models are appropriate to the time scale of prey dynamics and differ from recent predator–prey models that focus on predator dynamics. These ideas are discussed for the fox and several of its prey species in Australia.
The relationship bewteen rainfall , lion predation and population trends in African herbivores.
Authors: Mills MGL , Biggs HC , Whyte IJ
Published: June 2005

The relationship between rainfall, lion predation and population trends in African herbivores, with special emphasis on buffalo, wildebeest and zebra, was studied in the central district of the Kruger National Park between 1968 and 1992. The study commenced at the end of a dry cycle, and moved into a 10-year wet cycle that was followed by another 10-year dry cycle. Populations of the herbivores reacted differently to these cycles: those of wildebeest and zebra fluctuated inversely with rainfall, whereas those of buffalo and the other herbivores fluctuated directly with rainfall to a greater or lesser degree. The proprtions in which some species were represented in lion kill samples followed a similar trend, with wildebeest and zebra being more vulnerable in the wet cycle and buffalo and waterbuck being more vulnerable in the dry cycle. Simulations of the buffalo, wildebeest and zebra populations suggest that buffalo are more heavily influenced by predation during population declines than are the other two species, followed by wildebeest, with zebra experiencing the smallest influence. The driving force in the ecosystem, however, appeared to be rainfall.
Functional responses of optimal consumers and the potential for regulation of resource populations
Authors: Schmitz OJ
Published: June 2005

A central issue in studies of consumer-resource interactions is whether consumers regulate resource
dynamics. One condition for regulation is that consumption rate of a resource increases positively with
increasing resource density, that is, that the consumer's functional response must be positively density
dependent. Many mammalian consumers exhibit density-independent or inversely density-dependent
functional responses, suggesting that regulation will not occur. However, most studies measure functional
responses for a single consumer and resource species in specific feeding trials. Many real-world consumers
use more than one resource and resource choices depend on the distribution and nutritional quality of
resources as well as abundances. Foragers also actively choose resources in ways that match predictions of
optimal foraging theory, that is, they exhibit adaptive behaviour. This paper explores the variety of
functional responses of adaptive consumers that arises from optimal choice of resources in a simple, singleconsumer-
two-resource system to determine the potential for consumer regulation of resource populations.
Optimal consumer behaviour can generate four types of functional responses: (1) density independent, (2)
increasing, inverse density dependent, (3) increasing, positively density dependent, and (4) decreasing. A
positive density-dependent functional response arises in 3 of 22 possible cases. Moreover, consumers may
not exhibit the same functional response to all resources included in the diet, that is, they exhibit mixed
responses to resource densities. This suggests that studies that examine the potential for consumer
regulation of resources must go beyond the traditional focus (interactions between a consumer and the most
dominant or abundant prey) and consider the variety of resource species selected by a consumer in a
specified time period.