Academic literature on the topic 'Australian mammals'
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Journal articles on the topic "Australian mammals"
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Lehnert, K., R. Poulin, and B. Presswell. "Checklist of marine mammal parasites in New Zealand and Australian waters." Journal of Helminthology 93, no. 6 (June 24, 2019): 649–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022149x19000361.
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AbstractMarine mammals are long-lived top predators with vagile lifestyles, which often inhabit remote environments. This is especially relevant in the oceanic waters around New Zealand and Australia where cetaceans and pinnipeds are considered as vulnerable and often endangered due to anthropogenic impacts on their habitat. Parasitism is ubiquitous in wildlife, and prevalence of parasitic infections as well as emerging diseases can be valuable bioindicators of the ecology and health of marine mammals. Collecting information about parasite diversity in marine mammals will provide a crucial baseline for assessing their impact on host and ecosystem ecology. New studies on marine mammals in New Zealand and Australian waters have recently added to our knowledge of parasite prevalence, life cycles and taxonomic relationships in the Australasian region, and justify a first host–parasite checklist encompassing all available data. The present checklist comprises 36 species of marine mammals, and 114 species of parasites (helminths, arthropods and protozoans). Mammal species occurring in New Zealand and Australian waters but not included in the checklist represent gaps in our knowledge. The checklist thus serves both as a guide for what information is lacking, as well as a practical resource for scientists working on the ecology and conservation of marine mammals.
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Burbidge, A. A. "Conservation Values and Management of Australian Islands for Non-Volant Mammal Conservation." Australian Mammalogy 21, no. 1 (1999): 67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am99067.
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At least 16 species of Australian mammals have become extinct over the past 200 years. Without islands, however, this figure would be even worse as nine species that were formerly widespread on mainland Australia were or are restricted to land-bridge islands. In addition, 13 species and subspecies of endangered and vulnerable mainland mammals that still occur on the mainland have island populations, reducing their chance of extinction. In all, 43 islands protect 29 taxa of Australian threatened mammals. Since European settlement some island mammal populations have become extinct, while many new populations, of both Australian and exotic mammals, have been established. The extinction of island native mammal populations is significantly correlated with the introduction of exotic mammals. Management of islands needs to concentrate on four areas: quarantine, monitoring (of both native mammals and possible introduction of exotics), eradication of exotics and translocations of native species. Prevention of introduction and establishment of further exotics to important islands through quarantine procedures is vital, especially for islands with permanent or temporary human habitation. Eradication or control of existing exotics is required for many islands and eradication of further introductions, as soon after detection as possible, should be a high priority action for nature conservation agencies. Past exotic mammal eradications and needs for the future are discussed. Translocations of island mammal populations to the mainland should take place only where the species is extinct on the mainland. Translocation to islands, where translocation to or on the mainland is not feasible, is an important conservation technique. Islands with exotics can be of value for re-introduction of locally extinct mammals or introductions (marooning) of threatened species that are at risk from feral predators on the mainland once the exotics have been eliminated.
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M. J. S. Bowman, D., and J. C. Z. Woinarski. "Biogeography of Australian monsoon rainforest mammals: implications for the conservation of rainforest mammals." Pacific Conservation Biology 1, no. 2 (1994): 98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc940098.
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Monsoon rainforests form an archipelago of small habitat fragments throughout the wet-dry tropics of northern Australia. According to the definition of Winter (1988) the current monsoon rainforest mammal assemblage contains only one rainforest specialist mammal species (restricted to Cape York Peninsula), and is dominated by eutherian habitat generalists (murids and bats) that mostly occur in surrounding savannah habitats. The mammal assemblages in monsoon rainforests across northern Australia (Cape York Peninsula, Northern Territory and the Kimberley) are essentially regional subsets of the local savannah and mangrove mammal assemblages, and consequently share only a limited number of species in common (most of which are bats). The lack of rainforest specialists in northwestern Australia is thought to be due to: (i) the lack of large tracts (> 1 000 ha) of monsoon rainforest habitat; (ii) the possible substantial contraction of these habitats in the past; and (iii) the limited extent of gallery rainforests, such rainforests being important habitats for rainforest mammals in South American savannahs. Unfortunately it is not possible to identify the threshold of habitat area required to maintain populations of monsoon rainforest specialist mammal species because of an impoverished fossil record pertaining to the past spatial distribution of monsoon rainforests. The implications of the lack of a specialist mammal fauna in Australian monsoon rainforests for the future of heavily fragmented tropical rainforests elsewhere in the world is briefly discussed. It is concluded that the analogy of habitat fragments to true islands is weak, that rainforest plant species are less vulnerable to local extinction than mammals, that the loss of mammal rainforest specialists may not result in a dramatic loss of plant species, and that corridors of rainforest may be critical for maintenance of rainforest mammal assemblages in areas currently subject to forest clearance.
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Mills, Charlotte H., and Mike Letnic. "Reversing functional extinction of mammals prompts a rethink of paradigms about seed fate in arid Australia." Royal Society Open Science 5, no. 1 (January 2018): 171977. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.171977.
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Functional extinction of once abundant species has frequently preceded understanding of their ecological roles. Consequently, our understanding of ecosystems is prone to shifting baselines because it often relies on observations made on depauperate species assemblages. In Australian deserts, current paradigms are that ants are the dominant granivores, mammals are unimportant seed predators and that myrmecochory in many Australian shrubs is an adaptation to increase dispersal distance and direct seeds to favourable germination sites. Here, we ask whether these paradigms could be artefacts of mammal extinction. We take advantage of a predator-proof reserve within which locally extinct native mammals have been reintroduced to compare seed removal by ants and mammals. Using foraging trays that selectively excluded mammals and ants we show that a reintroduced mammal, the woylie ( Bettongia penicillata ) was at least as important as ants in the removal of seeds of two shrub species ( Dodonaea viscosa and Acacia ligulata ). Our results provide evidence that the dominance of ants as granivores and current understanding of the adaptive benefit of myrmecochory in arid Australia may be artefacts of the functional extinction of mammals. Our study shows how reversing functional extinction can provide the opportunity to rethink contemporary understanding of ecological processes.
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Schumann, Nicole, Nick J. Gales, Robert G. Harcourt, and John P. Y. Arnould. "Impacts of climate change on Australian marine mammals." Australian Journal of Zoology 61, no. 2 (2013): 146. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo12131.
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Increasing evidence suggests that climate change is negatively affecting marine ecosystems and biota. However, little is known of how climate change will impact marine mammals. This review aims to identify the effects of climatic variations on Australian marine mammals and determine their potential responses to climate change. Shifts in distributions and reproductive success have been associated with climatic factors, while stranding events, drowning of seal pups, exposure to altered water conditions and disease in several marine mammal species have followed extreme weather events. Climate change may produce distributional shifts as the ranges of warm-water species expand or shift southwards, and those of cold-water species contract. Reductions in the extent of key habitats, changes in breeding success, a greater incidence of strandings in dugongs and cetaceans, and increased exposure of coastal species to pollutants and pathogens are likely. The capacity of Australian marine mammals to adapt to climate change is poorly understood, though there is evidence that several species may be able to modify their physiology or behaviour in response to warming temperatures. To increase the resilience of marine mammals, it is necessary to address non-climatic threats, such as ensuring that key habitats are protected in Australia.
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Bogdanowicz, Wiesław. "Mammals of Australia. Book review. D. W. Walton, B. J. Richardson (Eds.), 1989: Fauna of Australia. Mammalia. Canberra, Australian Government Publishing Service. 401-1227 pp." Acta Theriologica 37 (October 3, 1992): 102. http://dx.doi.org/10.4098/at.arch.92-11.
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Bell, Catherine, Peter Shaughnessy, Margie Morrice, and Bob Stanley. "Marine mammals and Japanese long-line fishing vessels in Australian waters: operational interactions and sightings." Pacific Conservation Biology 12, no. 1 (2006): 31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc060031.
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Observers from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority worked on randomly chosen Japanese long-line vessels in the Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ) between 1980 and 1997. Observer reports (n = 451) were inspected for interactions or sightings of marine mammals. An operational interaction was defined as an activity or behaviour that involved direct contact between a marine mammal and fishing gear, bait, target fish or bycatch, or indications that the marine mammal was feeding. A sighting was defined as the recording of marine mammals that passed the vessel without changing course and/or did not appear to interact with the vessel or its gear. Observers witnessed 23 interactions and made another 44 sightings of marine mammals. A further 24 interactions and sightings were relayed by crew members. Killer whales were reported most frequently: most incidences of fish being damaged, taken or frightened away were attributed to them. Eleven marine mammals were caught: two died, seven were released, and the fate of two others was not recorded. Between 1991 and 1996, when observer coverage was 11.5% overall in the AFZ, the incidence of interactions was 1.71 per million hooks set. The estimated number of interactions in that seven-year period was 157 in the AFZ. Since 1997, the long-line fishery has been conducted by Australian vessels, primarily off the east coast of mainland Australia in warm-temperate waters. A higher proportion of interactions can be expected with killer whales and short-finned pilot whales in these waters, and fewer with seals.
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Obendorf, David, and James M. Harris. "Medicine of Australian Mammals." Journal of Wildlife Diseases 46, no. 3 (July 2010): 1060–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-46.3.1060.
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CLARIDGE, A. W., and T. W. MAY. "Mycophagy among Australian mammals." Austral Ecology 19, no. 3 (September 1994): 251–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-9993.1994.tb00489.x.
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Rick Alleman, A. "Haematology of Australian Mammals." Veterinary Clinical Pathology 34, no. 1 (March 2005): 72. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-165x.2005.tb00015.x.
Full textDissertations / Theses on the topic "Australian mammals"
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Zabaras, Regina, University of Western Sydney, of Science Technology and Environment College, and of Science Food and Horticulture School. "The evolution of semiochemicals in Australian marsupials." THESIS_CSTE_SFH_Zabaras_R.xml, 2003. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/759.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of this project was to study the nature and relative proportion of the volatile components in the sternal-gland secretions obtained from a wide range of Australian marsupials.The results obtained were then used to investigate the evolution of semiochemicals in Australian marsupials by using the current phylogenetic tree as a template.The initial part of the study was dedicated to the investigation of some of the techniques available for the sampling and analysis of gland secretions. Individuals from 8 families within the Marsupialia and 1 family from the Monotremata were sampled over an 18 month period.The obtained results were then subjected to multivariate statistical analysis followed by cladistic analysis.In several species the secretion composition was found to be affected by the breeding status of individuals for both genders.Many other factors such as animal-age, hierarchical status, diet,and lifestyle were also observed to affect the secretion composition. Finally, cladistic analysis demonstrated the differences in the levels of divergence at the species, familial and ordinal levels and highlighted secretion components that could be used to differentiate between super families, species and even sexual status of individuals.Master of Science (Hons)
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Adams, John Peter. "Parasites of feral cats and native fauna from Western Australia the application of molecular techniques for the study of parasitic infections in Australian wildlife /." Connect to this title online, 2003. http://wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au/adt/browse/view/adt-MU20040730.142034.
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Musser, Anne Marie School of Biological Earth & Environmental Sciences UNSW. "Investigations into the evolution of Australian mammals with a focus on monotremata." Awarded by:University of New South Wales. School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2005. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/25739.
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This thesis began as an investigation into evolution of the platypus family (Ornithorhynchidae, Monotremata), now known from both Australia and South America. The thesis broadened its scope with inclusion of non-ornithorhynchid Mesozoic monotremes from Lightning Ridge, NSW. This change in direction brought an unexpected result: a fossil mammal from Lightning Ridge investigated for this thesis (presumed to be monotreme: Flannery et al., 1995) appears to be a new and unique type of mammal. Specimens were procured through Queensland Museum (Riversleigh material); Australian Museum (Lightning Ridge material); and Museum of Victoria and the South Australian Museum (fossil ornithorhynchids). Specimens were examined under a light microscope and scanning electron microscope; specimens were photographed using light photography and a scanning electron microscope; and illustrations and reconstructions were done with a camera lucida microscope attachment and photographic references. Parsimony analysis utilised the computer programs PAUP and MacClade. Major conclusions: 1) analysis and reconstruction of the skull of the Miocene platypus Obdurodon dicksoni suggest this robust, large-billed platypus was a derived northern offshoot off the main line of ornithorhynchid evolution; 2) the well-preserved skull of Obdurodon dicksoni shows aspects of soft anatomy previously unknown for fossil ornithorhynchids; 3) two upper molars from Mammalon Hill (Etadunna Formation, late Oligocene, central Australia) represent a third species of Obdurodon; 4) the South American ornithorhynchid Monotrematum sudamericanum from the Paleocene of Argentina is very close in form to the Oligocene-Miocene Obdurodon species from Australia and should be considered congeneric; 5) a revised diagnosis of the lower jaw of the Early Cretaceous monotreme Steropodon galmani includes the presence of two previously undescribed archaic features: the probable presence of postdentary bones and a meckelian groove; 6) morphological evidence is presented supporting a separate family Steropodontidae; and 7) analysis of new fossil material for Kollikodon ritchiei suggests that this taxon is not a monotreme mammal as originally identified but is a basal mammal with close relationships to allotherian mammals (Morganucodonta; Haramiyida). Kollikodon is provisionally placed as basal allotherian mammal (Allotheria sensu Butler 2000) and is unique at the ordinal level, being neither haramiyid nor multituberculate. A new allotherian order ??? Kollikodonta ??? is proposed.
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Edwin, Nalini. "Quantitative estimation of islet tissue of pancreas in Australian mammals (comparative histological study) /." Title page, contents and summary only, 1986. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09PH/09phe269.pdf.
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Zabaras, Regina. "The evolution of semiochemicals in Australian marsupials." Thesis, View thesis View thesis, 2003. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/759.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of this project was to study the nature and relative proportion of the volatile components in the sternal-gland secretions obtained from a wide range of Australian marsupials.The results obtained were then used to investigate the evolution of semiochemicals in Australian marsupials by using the current phylogenetic tree as a template.The initial part of the study was dedicated to the investigation of some of the techniques available for the sampling and analysis of gland secretions. Individuals from 8 families within the Marsupialia and 1 family from the Monotremata were sampled over an 18 month period.The obtained results were then subjected to multivariate statistical analysis followed by cladistic analysis.In several species the secretion composition was found to be affected by the breeding status of individuals for both genders.Many other factors such as animal-age, hierarchical status, diet,and lifestyle were also observed to affect the secretion composition. Finally, cladistic analysis demonstrated the differences in the levels of divergence at the species, familial and ordinal levels and highlighted secretion components that could be used to differentiate between super families, species and even sexual status of individuals.
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Short, Jeff. "Decline and recovery of Australian mammals: With particular emphasis on the burrowing bettong Bettongia lesueur." Thesis, Short, Jeff (1999) Decline and recovery of Australian mammals: With particular emphasis on the burrowing bettong Bettongia lesueur. PhD thesis, Murdoch University, 1999. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/51823/.
Full textAbstract:
Australian mammals have fared badly over the past 200 years with 17 species extinct, 10 species surviving only on islands, and another 17 reduced to remnant populations of less than 10% of their range at the time of European settlement. Most extinct or threatened species fall within a critical weight range of 35 g to 5,500 g (CWR), as defined by Burbidge and McKenzie (1989). A disproportionate number come from arid and semi-arid Australia.
This thesis poses the questions: Why have these species proved so vulnerable and what can be done to redress the situation?
Section 2 describes a particular CWR species - the Burrowing Bettong Bettongia lesueur. The Burrowing Bettong is a small macropod that is extinct on the Australian mainland, but survives as remnant populations on offshore islands. Study of this species has been largely neglected due to the relative isolation of its surviving populations and the belief that they may be secure because of that isolation. I surveyed four islands on which Burrowing Bettongs occurred to establish their abundance and distribution; to assess the major factors impacting on their abundance; and to detail their ecology.
Section 3 briefly summarises the controversy surrounding the loss of CWR mammals. Is the primary cause of their decline and extinction due to a decline in habitat and habitat quality, to predation, or to some other factor or combination of factors? Previous major reviews have been comprehensive and inclusive, generally concluding that declines and extinctions of fauna are due to complex interactions of many factors. While the value of such reviews is acknowledged, my approach has been more pragmatic. I approached the issues from the view of a manager whose primary aim is an on-ground result: successful re-establishment of populations of threatened species after an absence of more than half a century. I took a hierarchical view of threatening processes seeking to identify and focus on the process most likely to limit successful reintroduction.
Section 3 includes three discrete bodies of research that each probe the cause or causes of mammal decline. The first examines the distribution, abundance and ecology of CWR mammals (including the Burrowing Bettong) on Barrow Island as influenced by vegetation mosaic. The second examines the historical record of bounty payments made on rat-kangaroos in New South Wales (the Burrowing Bettong is one of five species) to establish the spatial and temporal pattern of decline. This decline is juxtaposed against the major ecological events of the time: Sheep, Rabbits, Foxes and drought. The third collates and synthesises unpublished data on twenty five past reintroductions of macropods in an attempt to identify threatening processes and threatening practices. One such attempt was the unsuccessful introduction of Burrowing Bettong to Kangaroo Island in South Australia in the 1920s.
Section 4 details the reintroduction of the Burrowing Bettong from Dorre Island to Heirisson Prong at Shark Bay. This was the first reintroduction of this species to mainland Australia and was conducted against a background of past failure or limited success of reintroductions to arid and semi-arid Australia. This study pioneered or advanced a number of innovative techniques: the use of peninsulas to gain advantages in predator control; the use of a number of complementary barriers of defence against predators to minimise incursions, and in situ captive breeding of the endangered species in its natural habitat to provide a pool of animals for release over successive years (a buffer against demographic and environmental stochasticity and providing for adaptive development of predator control methods).
The reintroduced population of Burrowing Bettongs on Heirisson Prong represents the first mainland population for over 50 years. An initial group of twelve animals were transferred from Dorre Island in May 1992 and a first release to the wild was made in September 1993. The population has persisted in the wild for over five years and now exceeds 130 animals and is continuing to grow. Its continued survival depends on ongoing predator control.
Section 5 reviews the historical pattern of decline of mammals and the range of threatening processes that might be responsible. There appear to have been at least two major periods experiencing high loss of mammals in post-European times. The mainland extinction of the Burrowing Bettong forms part of the second phase - attributed primarily to predation by Foxes. The first period of loss coincided with, or immediately post-dated, European pastoral expansion. Typically, species lost during this period were smaller species within the CWR (< 350 g). These species may have been unable to cope with habitat alteration caused by stocking; or they may have been victims of the colonisation of the continent by another exotic predator - the feral Cat. The early loss of smaller species on both sides of the continent suggests the latter. Suggestions in the literature that Cats became established across Australia in pre- European times suggest otherwise. However, I provide some evidence to suggest Cats may have become established in the early pastoral phase of post-European Australia. Hence, predation by Cats provides a plausible explanation for the early loss of mammals.
The research within this thesis is firmly embedded in the “declining population paradigm” of Caughley (1994) and has made little or no use of the new tools of the “small population paradigm”. I have assumed that the cause of declines and extinctions is some external agent and I have sought to identify that agent and ameliorate its impact.
Caughley’s criticism of the “declining population paradigm” is that it represents a case-by-case zoological investigation to solve problems of particular species threatened with extinction. This does not appear to be true in this instance. The CWR mammals appear to have suffered broadly similar fates. Hence solutions generated for one species should have broad application to a suite of species. The conclusions may also generalise to extinctions and declines at many other insular situations that have been invaded by humans and their pest species in historic times.
The body of research within this thesis has advanced the general understanding of the processes of extinction of CWR mammals and provided the knowledge to successfully re-establish at least one species to the mainland from remaining relict populations on off-shore islands. It has led, also, to further related work on the control of predators; the behaviour of native species that make them vulnerable to predation by exotic predators; the behaviour of predators that led to a scale of impact greater than one might expect from predator-prey theory; and provides baseline data for modeling the interaction between predator and prey.
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Duarte, Barbosa Amanda. "Prevalence, genetic diversity and potential clinical impact of blood-borne and enteric protozoan parasites in some Australian native mammals." Thesis, Duarte Barbosa, Amanda ORCID: 0000-0003-3289-1445 (2017) Prevalence, genetic diversity and potential clinical impact of blood-borne and enteric protozoan parasites in some Australian native mammals. PhD thesis, Murdoch University, 2017. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/40258/.
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Blood-borne and enteric protozoan parasites belonging to the genera Trypanosoma, Babesia, Theileria, Cryptosporidium and Giardia are responsible for severe animal and human illnesses worldwide. In addition, parasites of the genus Hepatozoon have been associated with animal morbidity and mortality. Despite recent research and improved knowledge of the taxonomy and distribution of native Australian protozoan parasites, still relatively little is known about their epidemiology, genetic diversity and pathogenicity. The overarching aim of this thesis was to determine the prevalence, molecular characterisation and potential clinical impact of protozoan pathogens of potential conservation and zoonotic importance in Australian native mammals.
A total of 465 blood samples, 167 faecal samples and 91 ticks were collected from mammals belonging to seven target species: common brush-tailed possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), northern brown bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus), northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus), brush-tailed rabbit-rats (Conilurus penicillatus), koalas, a little red flying fox (Pteropus scapulatus) and grey-headed flying foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus). The sampling was undertaken across four states/territories in Australia: the Northern Territory (NT), Queensland (Qld), New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia (SA). Molecular and morphological analyses were utilised to identify and characterise Trypanosoma, Babesia, Theileria, Hepatozoon, Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The potential clinical impact of the parasites identified was investigated by associating clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters, whenever available, with presence or absence of infection.
A molecular survey was conducted in the NT to investigate the prevalence, genetic diversity and potential pathogenicity of protozoan parasites in common brush-tailed possums, northern brown bandicoots, northern quolls, and brush-tailed rabbit-rats. Overall, 22.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 17.0-28.8%) of the animals tested were positive for haemoprotozoans by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Trypanosoma vegrandis and T. noyesi were found in 26.6% (95% CI: 18.7-35.7%) of the bandicoots and in 23.7% (95% CI: 11.4-40.2%) of the possums, respectively. Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. were identified in bandicoots only, both at a prevalence of 5.3% (95% CI: 2.7-9.3%). Hepatozoon gamonts were detected using light microscopy in two out of 11 animals positive for this parasite by PCR.
Faecal samples were tested for Cryptosporidium spp. at the 18S rRNA locus, and for Giardia spp. at the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) and 18S rRNA loci. The total prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites observed was relatively low (3%; 95% CI: 1.0-6.9%). No clear signs of major morbidity were observed in infected animals, however bandicoots positive for Trypanosoma exhibited a significantly lower packed cell volume (PCV) compared to negative bandicoots (p = 0.046).
The first report of T. vegrandis in koalas using morphology and sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA gene is also described. The prevalence of T. vegrandis in koalas was (13.6%; 95% CI: 5.2-27.4%). In addition, a novel next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based assay for Trypanosoma, developed during the present study, revealed that mixed infections with up to five trypanosome species in koalas were significantly more prevalent (27.4%; 95% CI: 21-35%) than single trypanosome infections (4.8%; 95% CI: 2-9%). Infections with T. gilletti, T. irwini, T. copemani and T. vegrandis were identified. Additionally, T. noyesi was detected for the first time in koalas, although at a low prevalence (0.6%; 95% CI: 0-3.3%), and a novel species (Trypanosoma sp. AB- 2017) was identified at a prevalence of 4.8% (95% CI: 2.1-9.2%). Overall, a considerably higher proportion (79.7%) of the Trypanosoma sequences isolated from koala blood were identified as T. irwini, suggesting this was the dominant species. The study also employed the NGS methodology to profile trypanosome communities within Ixodes holocyclus and I. tasmani ticks removed from koala hosts. Co-infections involving T. gilletti, T. irwini, T. copemani, T. vegrandis and Trypanosoma sp. AB- 2017 were also detected in the ticks, with T. gilletti and T. copemani being the dominant species within the invertebrate hosts.
This thesis also characterised a novel trypanosome species in a little red flying fox with clinical signs of trypanosomiasis, using morphology and molecular analyses at the 18S rRNA and Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) loci. Morphological comparison showed that trypomastigotes of the novel species were significantly different from those of Trypanosoma pteropi and T. hipposideri, two species previously described from Australian bats for which genetic information was unfortunately not available. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the novel species was genetically distinct and clustered with other bat-derived trypanosome species within the Trypanosoma cruzi clade. The discovery of a new bat-derived trypanosome species in Australia prompted the screening of an additional 87 blood samples from grey-headed flying foxes, which were negative for Trypanosoma 18S rDNA. In summary, this research provides new insights on the prevalence, spatial distribution, inter- and intra-specific genetic diversity and the potential negative effects of bloodborne and enteric protozoan parasites on the health of Australian mammals. Furthermore, the identification of trypanosome polyparasitism in koalas and two species of native ticks will inform future epidemiological conservation studies. The outcomes of this thesis may be used to inform wildlife management and zoonotic disease programs.
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au, mlilith@iprimus com, and Maggie Peck-Yoke Lilith. "Do pet cats (Felis catus) have an impact on species richness and abundance of native mammals in low-density Western Australian suburbia?" Murdoch University, 2007. http://wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au/adt/browse/view/adt-MU20070316.204121.
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Cat ownership in Australia is declining compared to an increasing trend of cat ownership in the United Kingdom, United States and Europe. The decline in Australia may be linked to concerns over perceived impacts of cat predation and an associated dislike of cats. However, while there are numerous studies on feral cats and their impacts on declining native fauna, the impact of pet cats on suburban wildlife or fauna in remnant bushland is relatively unknown although there is a wide perception of risk. The primary aim of this thesis was to apply the precautionary principle to the question of the putative impact of pet cats on the abundance and diversity of small mammals in urban bushland adjacent to low-density suburbia in the City of Armadale, a municipality on the south-east fringe of Perth, Western Australia. At the time of writing, Western Australia is yet to introduce state legislation governing cat control although many local councils within the state have either implemented or are in the process of implementing cat regulations.
The precautionary principle was deemed an ideal approach to this question, because it provides a rationale for deciding on possible actions where both the potential risk to environmental values and the uncertainty about possible impacts are high. In such cases the precautionary principle requires two broad lines of action: firstly, detailed consultation with stakeholders to determine their perceptions of risk and the actions they are prepared to take to reduce it and, secondly, research to reduce uncertainty.
With regard to stakeholder consultation, local residents were surveyed in regard to their attitudes and current cat husbandry practices. A substantial proportion of respondents within this municipality believed cat regulations were necessary (75% of owners and 95% of non-owners). At least 70% of both owners and non-owners agreed with the propositions that cats not owned by licensed breeders should be desexed, local councils should restrict the maximum number of cats that can be owned on one property and that pet cats entering nature reserves are harmful to wildlife. Most (c.85%) cat owners agreed that they would license their cats if that became compulsory. Although fewer owners (c.60%) were prepared to keep their cats on their property at all times to protect wildlife, over 80% were willing to confine their cats at night if it was required. Owners seemed to be substantially motivated by the value of these measures in reducing injury to cats and facilitating the return of lost animals rather than concern over wildlife protection.
Attempts to reduce uncertainty involved (i) assessing roaming patterns of pet cats to determine the sizes of appropriate buffer zones around nature reserves, and (ii) determining species diversity, species richness and abundance of small mammals in remnant bushland adjacent to sub-divisions with varying regulations governing cat husbandry. Radio tracking results to assess cat roaming patterns showed substantial variation in home range size between cats in high density suburbia (ranged between 0.01 ha 0.64 ha) and those in low density suburbia (ranged from 0.07 ha 2.86ha). Larger home range sizes of cats in the rural areas (up to 2.9 ha) suggest buffer zones of up to 500 metres around nature reserves are needed to exclude almost all roaming cats. The abundance and species richness of small mammals were investigated in four areas of remnant bushland. Two were adjacent to subdivisions where cat ownership was unrestricted, one next to a subdivision where cat ownership was prohibited and the remaining one next to a subdivision where compulsory night curfew and bells on pet cats were enforced. No definitive evidence of predatory impact by pet cats on the small mammals was found. Mammal species diversity was not significantly different between sites and species richness and absolute abundance were not higher in sites where cats were restricted. Vegetation comparisons showed significant differences in the structure and species composition of the vegetation between most sites and the mammal species richness and abundance appeared linked to ground cover density in the various sites. This factor, not cat restrictions, appeared to be the primary determinant of species richness, species diversity and absolute numbers of small mammals in these sites.
This study in the City of Armadale has shown that the implementation of proposed cat legislation must have a whole of ecosystem approach, i.e. protecting identified remnant bushland containing biodiversity from threatening processes such as plant disease and inappropriate fire, especially arson, as well as possible predations from pet cats. Habitat restoration and protection may be more important conservation activities than regulation of cats. Regulation of cats can be done at differing levels of intensity and cost, bearing in mind that this community is receptive to regulation of some aspects of cat ownership. Community education on the values of cat confinement in regards to cat welfare might increase chances of compliance.
9
Lilith, Maggie. "Do pet cats (Felis catus) have an impact on species richness and abundance of native mammals in low-density Western Australian suburbia?" Thesis, Lilith, Maggie (2007) Do pet cats (Felis catus) have an impact on species richness and abundance of native mammals in low-density Western Australian suburbia? PhD thesis, Murdoch University, 2007. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/158/.
Full textAbstract:
Cat ownership in Australia is declining compared to an increasing trend of cat ownership in the United Kingdom, United States and Europe. The decline in Australia may be linked to concerns over perceived impacts of cat predation and an associated dislike of cats. However, while there are numerous studies on feral cats and their impacts on declining native fauna, the impact of pet cats on suburban wildlife or fauna in remnant bushland is relatively unknown although there is a wide perception of risk. The primary aim of this thesis was to apply the precautionary principle to the question of the putative impact of pet cats on the abundance and diversity of small mammals in urban bushland adjacent to low-density suburbia in the City of Armadale, a municipality on the south-east fringe of Perth, Western Australia. At the time of writing, Western Australia is yet to introduce state legislation governing cat control although many local councils within the state have either implemented or are in the process of implementing cat regulations.
The precautionary principle was deemed an ideal approach to this question, because it provides a rationale for deciding on possible actions where both the potential risk to environmental values and the uncertainty about possible impacts are high. In such cases the precautionary principle requires two broad lines of action: firstly, detailed consultation with stakeholders to determine their perceptions of risk and the actions they are prepared to take to reduce it and, secondly, research to reduce uncertainty.
With regard to stakeholder consultation, local residents were surveyed in regard to their attitudes and current cat husbandry practices. A substantial proportion of respondents within this municipality believed cat regulations were necessary (75% of owners and 95% of non-owners). At least 70% of both owners and non-owners agreed with the propositions that cats not owned by licensed breeders should be desexed, local councils should restrict the maximum number of cats that can be owned on one property and that pet cats entering nature reserves are harmful to wildlife. Most (c.85%) cat owners agreed that they would license their cats if that became compulsory. Although fewer owners (c.60%) were prepared to keep their cats on their property at all times to protect wildlife, over 80% were willing to confine their cats at night if it was required. Owners seemed to be substantially motivated by the value of these measures in reducing injury to cats and facilitating the return of lost animals rather than concern over wildlife protection.
Attempts to reduce uncertainty involved (i) assessing roaming patterns of pet cats to determine the sizes of appropriate buffer zones around nature reserves, and (ii) determining species diversity, species richness and abundance of small mammals in remnant bushland adjacent to sub-divisions with varying regulations governing cat husbandry. Radio tracking results to assess cat roaming patterns showed substantial variation in home range size between cats in high density suburbia (ranged between 0.01 ha - 0.64 ha) and those in low density suburbia (ranged from 0.07 ha - 2.86ha). Larger home range sizes of cats in the rural areas (up to 2.9 ha) suggest buffer zones of up to 500 metres around nature reserves are needed to exclude almost all roaming cats. The abundance and species richness of small mammals were investigated in four areas of remnant bushland. Two were adjacent to subdivisions where cat ownership was unrestricted, one next to a subdivision where cat ownership was prohibited and the remaining one next to a subdivision where compulsory night curfew and bells on pet cats were enforced. No definitive evidence of predatory impact by pet cats on the small mammals was found. Mammal species diversity was not significantly different between sites and species richness and absolute abundance were not higher in sites where cats were restricted. Vegetation comparisons showed significant differences in the structure and species composition of the vegetation between most sites and the mammal species richness and abundance appeared linked to ground cover density in the various sites. This factor, not cat restrictions, appeared to be the primary determinant of species richness, species diversity and absolute numbers of small mammals in these sites.
This study in the City of Armadale has shown that the implementation of proposed cat legislation must have a 'whole of ecosystem' approach, i.e. protecting identified remnant bushland containing biodiversity from threatening processes such as plant disease and inappropriate fire, especially arson, as well as possible predations from pet cats. Habitat restoration and protection may be more important conservation activities than regulation of cats. Regulation of cats can be done at differing levels of intensity and cost, bearing in mind that this community is receptive to regulation of some aspects of cat ownership. Community education on the values of cat confinement in regards to cat welfare might increase chances of compliance.
10
Lilith, Maggie. "Do pet cats (Felis catus) have an impact on species richness and abundance of native mammals in low-density Western Australian suburbia?" Lilith, Maggie (2007) Do pet cats (Felis catus) have an impact on species richness and abundance of native mammals in low-density Western Australian suburbia? PhD thesis, Murdoch University, 2007. http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/158/.
Full textAbstract:
Cat ownership in Australia is declining compared to an increasing trend of cat ownership in the United Kingdom, United States and Europe. The decline in Australia may be linked to concerns over perceived impacts of cat predation and an associated dislike of cats. However, while there are numerous studies on feral cats and their impacts on declining native fauna, the impact of pet cats on suburban wildlife or fauna in remnant bushland is relatively unknown although there is a wide perception of risk. The primary aim of this thesis was to apply the precautionary principle to the question of the putative impact of pet cats on the abundance and diversity of small mammals in urban bushland adjacent to low-density suburbia in the City of Armadale, a municipality on the south-east fringe of Perth, Western Australia. At the time of writing, Western Australia is yet to introduce state legislation governing cat control although many local councils within the state have either implemented or are in the process of implementing cat regulations.
The precautionary principle was deemed an ideal approach to this question, because it provides a rationale for deciding on possible actions where both the potential risk to environmental values and the uncertainty about possible impacts are high. In such cases the precautionary principle requires two broad lines of action: firstly, detailed consultation with stakeholders to determine their perceptions of risk and the actions they are prepared to take to reduce it and, secondly, research to reduce uncertainty.
With regard to stakeholder consultation, local residents were surveyed in regard to their attitudes and current cat husbandry practices. A substantial proportion of respondents within this municipality believed cat regulations were necessary (75% of owners and 95% of non-owners). At least 70% of both owners and non-owners agreed with the propositions that cats not owned by licensed breeders should be desexed, local councils should restrict the maximum number of cats that can be owned on one property and that pet cats entering nature reserves are harmful to wildlife. Most (c.85%) cat owners agreed that they would license their cats if that became compulsory. Although fewer owners (c.60%) were prepared to keep their cats on their property at all times to protect wildlife, over 80% were willing to confine their cats at night if it was required. Owners seemed to be substantially motivated by the value of these measures in reducing injury to cats and facilitating the return of lost animals rather than concern over wildlife protection.
Attempts to reduce uncertainty involved (i) assessing roaming patterns of pet cats to determine the sizes of appropriate buffer zones around nature reserves, and (ii) determining species diversity, species richness and abundance of small mammals in remnant bushland adjacent to sub-divisions with varying regulations governing cat husbandry. Radio tracking results to assess cat roaming patterns showed substantial variation in home range size between cats in high density suburbia (ranged between 0.01 ha - 0.64 ha) and those in low density suburbia (ranged from 0.07 ha - 2.86ha). Larger home range sizes of cats in the rural areas (up to 2.9 ha) suggest buffer zones of up to 500 metres around nature reserves are needed to exclude almost all roaming cats. The abundance and species richness of small mammals were investigated in four areas of remnant bushland. Two were adjacent to subdivisions where cat ownership was unrestricted, one next to a subdivision where cat ownership was prohibited and the remaining one next to a subdivision where compulsory night curfew and bells on pet cats were enforced. No definitive evidence of predatory impact by pet cats on the small mammals was found. Mammal species diversity was not significantly different between sites and species richness and absolute abundance were not higher in sites where cats were restricted. Vegetation comparisons showed significant differences in the structure and species composition of the vegetation between most sites and the mammal species richness and abundance appeared linked to ground cover density in the various sites. This factor, not cat restrictions, appeared to be the primary determinant of species richness, species diversity and absolute numbers of small mammals in these sites.
This study in the City of Armadale has shown that the implementation of proposed cat legislation must have a 'whole of ecosystem' approach, i.e. protecting identified remnant bushland containing biodiversity from threatening processes such as plant disease and inappropriate fire, especially arson, as well as possible predations from pet cats. Habitat restoration and protection may be more important conservation activities than regulation of cats. Regulation of cats can be done at differing levels of intensity and cost, bearing in mind that this community is receptive to regulation of some aspects of cat ownership. Community education on the values of cat confinement in regards to cat welfare might increase chances of compliance.
Books on the topic "Australian mammals"
1
Silkstone, Barry. Amazing Australian mammals. Port Melbourne, Vic: Heinemann Library, 2004.
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2
Cronin, Leonard. Australian mammals: Key guide. Annandale, NSW: Envirobook, 2000.
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3
Clark, Phillip. Haematology of Australian mammals. Collingwood, Vic: CSIRO Pub., 2004.
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Czechura, Gregory. Amazing facts about Australian mammals. Archerfield, Qld: Steve Parish Publishing, 2008.
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Steve, Parish, ed. A field guide to Australian mammals. Archerfield, Qld: S. Parish Pub., 2006.
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6
Cronin, Leonard. Cronin's key guide to Australian mammals. Crows Nest, N.S.W: Allen & Unwin, 2008.
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Pamela, Conder, ed. Dictionary of Australian and New Guinean mammals. Collingwood, Vic: CSIRO Publishing, 2007.
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author, Burbidge Andrew A., Harrison, Peter, Ph. D., author, and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (Australia), eds. The action plan for Australian mammals 2012. Collingwood, Vic: CSIRO Publishing, 2014.
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Jones, Cath. Handbook of Australian wildlife. Archerfield, Qld: Steve Parish Publishers., 2003.
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Australian bats. 2nd ed. Crows Nest, N.S.W: Allen & Unwin, 2008.
Find full textBook chapters on the topic "Australian mammals"
1
Lewis, Jessica H. "Primitive Australian Mammals." In Comparative Hemostasis in Vertebrates, 115–22. Boston, MA: Springer US, 1996. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9768-8_10.
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2
Hopwood, Paul. "Native Australian Mammals as Pets: An Overview." In A Zoological Revolution, 77–83. P.O. Box 20, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia: Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, 2002. http://dx.doi.org/10.7882/fs.2002.005.
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Haynes-Lovell, Kerrie. "The Australian Sea-lion (Neophoca cinerea) breeding and research programme at Taronga Zoo." In Marine Mammals of Australasia, 125–28. P.O. Box 20, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia: Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, 1988. http://dx.doi.org/10.7882/rzsnsw.1988.006.
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Elliott, Max S. "Notes on weaning and prolonged lactation in Australian Fur-seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) at Taronga Zoo." In Marine Mammals of Australasia, 121–23. P.O. Box 20, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia: Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, 1988. http://dx.doi.org/10.7882/rzsnsw.1988.005.
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Viggers, Karen L., and David B. Lindenmayer. "Problems with keeping native Australian mammals as companion animals." In A Zoological Revolution, 130–51. P.O. Box 20, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia: Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, 2002. http://dx.doi.org/10.7882/fs.2002.011.
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Dickman, Chris R., and Tracey E. Steeves. "Use of habitat by mammals in eastern Australian forests: are common species important in forest management?" In Conservation of Australia's Forest Fauna, 761–73. P.O. Box 20, Mosman NSW 2088: Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, 2004. http://dx.doi.org/10.7882/fs.2004.046.
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Bowman, D. M. J. S., and J. C. Z. Woinarski. "Australian monsoon rainforest mammals and possible implications for the conservation of tropical rainforest biodiversity." In Monographiae Biologicae, 67–69. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, 1996. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-1685-2_6.
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Cooper, Des, Elisabeth Larsen, and Jim Shields. "1080 and Wildlife: Scientific and ethical issues raised by its use on Australian mammals." In Pest or Guest, 229–32. P.O. Box 20, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia: Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, 2007. http://dx.doi.org/10.7882/fs.2007.030.
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Short, Jeff, and Bruce Turner. "A Test of the Vegetation Mosaic Hypothesis: A Hypothesis to Explain the Decline and Extinction of Australian Mammals." In Ecosystem Management, 223–35. New York, NY: Springer New York, 1994. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-4018-1_21.
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King, Judith E. "Australasian Pinnipeds." In Marine Mammals of Australasia, 3–8. P.O. Box 20, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia: Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, 1988. http://dx.doi.org/10.7882/rzsnsw.1988.001.
Full textConference papers on the topic "Australian mammals"
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Louys, Julien, Gilbert J. Price, and Kenny J. Travouillon. "SPACE-TIME EQUIVALENCE IN AUSTRALIAN QUATERNARY MAMMAL COMMUNITIES." In GSA Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA - 2018. Geological Society of America, 2018. http://dx.doi.org/10.1130/abs/2018am-314720.
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