Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Birds, Fossil South Australia'

Palaeobotany illuminates past environments by relating the fossilised species to the existing geological conditions. This has previously been done with fossilised leaves and spores but not with fossilised wood. The recovery of a significant quantity of wood from an area of Tertiary sediments in New South Wales, enabled the used of fossilised wood as a palaeoenvironmental tool. Tertiary sedimentary deposits of south eastern Australia are diverse lithologically, occupy distinct areas and are limited in vertical and horizontal extent. However, samples in museum collections together with samples from field work and descriptions of fossil wood from previous researchers enabled an analysis of the fossil wood. The geological and palaeontological aspects of the fossil wood were considered for each specimen. Only specimens with precise information concerning location and description of the sedimentary deposits in which the specimens were found were investigated. Lithology, sedimentary structures and the relationship with surrounding geological units were also considered. The samples were then classified and identified. It was possible to identify fossil wood to Family level by comparison with existing taxa. In the majority of cases, identification to species level was not possible due to the lack of detail in the specimen and because features such as colour cannot be used with fossilised specimens. With Australian fossilised wood, a systematic nomenclature based on structure observed within the palaeotaxa, would be more relevant. Comparisons of cell structures with previous work on palaeoenvironmental indicators was found to be possible. Fossil wood has two uses. Firstly, as a local environmental indicator, usually in conjunction with sedimentological data, assessing the rate and direction of water flow, types of depositional environments and localised floral assemblages. Secondly, as an indicator of regional climate. Within any one particular time period, comparisons between the cellular structures of wood found in different parts of south eastern Australia show gross changes in cell size, mean growth ring size and vessel size, which enabled generalisations about climate for each epoch in the Tertiary. Palaeoclimatic indicators from the wood concurred with previous climatic interpretations based on palynology and sedimentology. Cool conditions during the Palaeocene were clearly indicated by small cells and small growth rings which gradually increased throughout the remainder of the Tertiary. Several areas e.g., Dargo High Plains, where cold conditions existed in isolation could be clearly distinguished. This corresponds with the gradual northward movement of the Australian plate with consequent increasing temperatures on the mainland.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Discipline of Geology and Geophysics, 2003?
Includes Publication list by the author as appendix A. "July 2003." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 308-324).

South-western Australia is a globally significant hotspot of plant species diversity, with high endemism and many rare plant species. Proteaceae is a major component of the south-western flora, though little is known about how its diversity developed. This prompted the present study to investigate changes in the abundance and diversity of Proteaceae, in south-western Australia, by concurrently studying three sediment sequences of different ages over the Cainozoic and a modern pollen rain study. Modern pollen-vegetation relationships in the two Proteaceae species rich nodes of the northern and southern sandplains were quantified. It was found that Proteaceous genera can contribute up to 50% of the total pollen rain. Banksia/Dryandra pollen was the most abundant with Isopogon, Petrophile and Lambertia also commonly noted. The vegetation and environmental setting during three pivotal periods of the Cainozoic: Holocene, Pliocene and Eocene, were investigated. Eocene sediment from Lake Lefroy confirmed the presence of a Nothofagus dominated rainforest in the Middle to Late Eocene. At this time Proteaceae species were at least as diverse as today, if not more so, contributing up to a maximum of 42% of the total pollen rain. Taxa recorded included: Banksieaeidites arcuatus, Propylipollis biporus, Proteacidites confragosus, Proteacidites crassus, Proteacidites nasus and Proteacidites pachypolus. Several taxa remain undescribed and unnamed. This study also identified that Proteaceae pollen representation varies across small lateral distances. Thus as samples varied spatially and temporally, single core samples are not sufficient to identify spatial patterns in Proteaceae or other low pollen producing taxa. Some 7.91 cm of laminated Pliocene sediment from Yallalie, south-western Australia, was also examined. It covers 84 years of record and confirmed other regional reports that south-western Australia was covered by a rich vegetation mosaic consisting of heathy and wet rainforest elements. Although Proteaceae species were a consistent component of the pollen counts, diversity and abundance (maximum of 5%) was low throughout the studied section. Banksia/Dryandra types were most commonly noted. A 2 m core was retrieved from Two Mile Lake, near the Stirling Ranges and provided an early Holocene vegetation history. Geochemical and palynological evidence recorded little change, suggesting the environment of deposition was relatively uniform. Proteaceae species were noted throughout the core, though in low numbers, at a maximum of 3.5 % of the total pollen rain. Banksia/Dryandra was the most abundant while Isopogon, Lambertia, Petrophile and Franklandia were also noted. A regression model was developed through the modern pollen rain study to predict the number of Proteaceae in the vegetation. This was also applied to the fossil pollen records. The estimated number of Proteaceae species in the Eocene suggests a maximum of 20 and a minimum of 10 taxa. For the Pliocene record, an estimated 7 - 9 species was found and for the Holocene pollen, between 7 - 8 were present. Thus the Eocene was similar in Proteaceae diversity to today. The results from the Pliocene and Holocene suggest that Proteaceae diversity was lower than today. Findings of this research indicate that Proteaceae species are an important and consistent component of vegetation in south-western Australia over the Cainozoic. It is likely that both changing pollination mechanisms and changes in associated vegetation are important in the determining the dispersal of Proteaceaous pollen. By understanding how the vegetation has changed and developed in south-western Australia, present vegetation can be managed to include intra-specific variation and ensure the majority of species are conserved for present and future generations to enjoy.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 150-161). Documents the historical distribution and subsequent decline of bush stone-curlews in South Australia, determines their current distribution and status on Kangaroo Island, their home range sizes and movements, the characteristics of foraging habitat, day roost areas and nest sites and the availability of habitat, the diet and food resources, and potential threats to the population. As a result of the findings of this survey, bush stone-curlews have been downgraded from endangered to vulnerable in South Australia.

The vegetation communities that existed in the semi-arid intermontane basins and gorges of Central Otago prior to human settlement ~750 years B.P. are poorly understood. This is because of a lack of fossil evidence and complex restructuring by anthropogenic factors, especially increased fire frequency, and more recently mammalian grazing. There is also little information regarding the effect of the lost fauna on maintaining and structuring presettlement communities, both in Central Otago and throughout the eastern South Island dryland zone. This study aims to provide a clearer understanding of the functioning of pre-settlement ecosystems in dryland Central Otago, particularly the role of the largest vertebrate herbivores, the moa (Aves: Dinornithiformes), and to explore the implications of the extinct fauna for land conservation management across New Zealand. Late Pleistocene and Holocene vegetation communities of the Central Otago lowlands were reconstructed from plant macrofossils, including seeds, leaves, and wood, excavated from rockshelter, cave, and swamp deposits throughout the region. The macrofossils represent three main vegetation types: late Pleistocene to mid (late?) Holocene basin floor wetland herb associations, Olearia-shrublands surrounding these wetlands, and mid to late Holocene open scrubland and woodland in gorges and on low altitude slopes, dominated by filiramulate Olearia, Coprosma, and Corokia, with abundant lianes (Muehlenbeckia spp. and Rubus spp.) and understorey herbs. Many native tree and shrub species that are presently widespread in the Central Otago lowlands were rare or absent prior to anthropogenic fires (e.g. Discaria toumatou, Kunzea ericoides, Leptospermum scoparium). Other tree and shrub species once present are now extinct in the region (e.g. Coprosma obconica, Plagianthus regius, Pseudopanax ferox). The loss of these indigenous woody vegetation communities was a major factor contributing to the extirpation of many small bird species, and undoubtedly also reptile and invertebrate species, from the region. Plant macrofossils from rockshelters included remains of bird nests, identifiable by desiccated feathers and eggshell amongst them. These macrofossils include the first described plant remains from the nests of moa, which were constructed from a shallow bed of twigs of locally available shrubs and lianes. Many of the twigs are 25-30 mm in length and show evidence of having been clipped by moa bills. Desiccated coprolites, mostly of moa, but also specimens attributed to Finsch�s duck (Chenonetta finschi) and red-crowned parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae), were recovered from rockshelter excavations. Moa species associated with a sample of coprolites were identified using ancient DNA analysis, and plant macrofossils from these were examined, together with previously unexamined moa gizzard content samples excavated from mires in the eastern South Island dryland zone. The results indicate that, in addition to previously reported browsing, upland moa (Megalapteryx didinus) and heavy-footed moa (Pachyornis elephantopus) also functioned as grazers, and seeds in their coprolites are dominantly of low shrubs and ground-cover herbs. Of particular interest was the higher than expected frequency of seeds from the currently rare and threatened 'spring annual' herbs; Ceratocephala pungens and Myosurus minimus subsp. novae-zelandiae (Ranunculaceae), suggesting further research on potential ecological relationships between moa and these plants would be worthwhile. The results of this study have provided a baseline for future conservation and restoration projects in the Central Otago lowlands.

The specific aims of this study were to 1) gather baseline information on diets of Adelaide rosellas around cherry orchards at different times of the year, 2) determine the importance of cherry primordia relative to other foods in the diet, and 3) investigate some of the factors that might influence food use and food choice (e.g., energy content of foods, accessibility of foods) as precursors for proposing management strategies for reducing damage to cherry buds caused by rosellas.
Thesis (M.Sc.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2003

The work presented in this thesis aimed to do the following : 1. investigate the cause of decline of the three Melithreptus species of the Mt Lofty Ranges, with a particular emphasis on M. gularis due to its critical status in the ranges ; 2. investigate the ecology and behaviour of sympatric M. brevirostris and M. lunatus populations in the Mt Lofty Ranges ; and 3. suggest management options for the three species. Further, it became clear through the course of the project that an understanding of the decline in Melithreptus required : 1. comparisons with other honeyeater species, particularly widespread and abundant honeyeater species. Three species of Melithreptus occur in the Mt Lofty Ranges : Brown - headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris ; White - naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus ; and Black - chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis. Since at least the 1970 ' s all three species have been in decline within the ranges. One species has been reduced in both abundance and distribution within the region ( M. gularis ), while the other two are now recognised as having reduced in abundance. Melithreptus species in the Mt Lofty Ranges are sympatric with strikingly similar ecology. Melithreptus gularis is the largest of the three, while M. brevirostris and M. lunatus are almost identical in weight, feeding behaviour and morphology. Despite their similarities no studies have closely examined their ecology in sympatry and no studies have examined possible causes of their decline. Interspecific competition is thought to be important in the organisation of honeyeater communities. Studies of nectarivore communities suggest a number of ways in which competition causes the component species to partition resources : size ; beak length ; habitat ; and behaviour, which includes a mix of social and feeding strategies. Due to its role in honeyeater community organisation, changed level of interspecific competition has been highlighted as a possible cause of decline in some honeyeater species in the woodlands of southern Australia. Both interference competition and exploitative competition have been highlighted in various situations ( Ford et al. 2001 ). Given the hypothesised role of interspecific competition in the decline of honeyeater species and the declining status of all the Melithreptus in the Mt Lofty Ranges the genus appeared to provide a good basis for examining the hypothesis that interspecific competition is contributing to the decline of some honeyeater species through exclusion from resources and / or reduction in resources available. ( Ford et al. 2001 ) give the following as potential tests for their interspecific competition hypothesis : 1. examine community structure for ' forbidden combinations ' ( pairs of species that rarely occur together ) ; 2. compare time spent in interspecific competition ( interference ), and foraging in fragmented and continuous habitat ; 3. measure seasonal and spatial patterns of resource abundance and depletion ; and 4. remove competitors and observe response in abundance and behaviour of other species. These suggestions form the basis for much of the work presented in this thesis. An initial survey examined not only community structure for forbidden combinations, but also investigated other possible causes of decline, based on literature for both declining woodland birds and Melithreptus. Besides interspecific competition, other possible causes included insufficient preferred habitat, insufficient food resources and landscape fragmentation. Repeated counts of honeyeaters at 90 sites of one hectare in the Mt Lofty Ranges were undertaken over a one year period. Melithreptus lunatus was found to be more abundant where certain eucalypt species occurred ( particularly E. viminalis ), although this was postulated to be a reflection of productive soils. Melithreptus brevirostris was found to be more abundant where Phylidonyris novaehollandiae ( New Holland Honeyeater ) was most abundant, despite P. novaehollandiae also being the most widespread and abundant honeyeater in the Mt Lofty Ranges. Thus, the survey work did not find forbidden combinations of honeyeaters. However , the scale at which the survey work was undertaken ( sites of 1ha ) may have masked any competition between species due to spatial heterogeneity. At the scale of one hectare there is likely to be areas of resource not used by other honeyeaters, allowing Melithreptus to avoid feeding territories of aggressive honeyeaters. Therefore, in order to more thoroughly investigate competition between P. novaehollandiae and Melithreptus, a removal experiment with finer resolution than 1ha was carried out. This demonstrated that P. novaehollandiae do prevent M. lunatus from using certain areas of the landscape. A final examination of interactions between Melithreptus and widespread and abundant honeyeaters was carried out in the form of a survey in which individual trees were watched and visits by honeyeater species timed. Based on observations of Melithreptus, it appeared that generally M. brevirostris groups used a swamping strategy to access defended resources, whereas M. lunatus moved quietly, often as individuals or pairs. Thus the two species were hypothesised to use two different behavioural strategies to access defended resources, termed stealth ( the use of secretive behaviour to access resources that are being protected ) and swamping ( the use of a combined direct approach by a number of individuals to access resources that are being protected ). Based on estimations of the standardised protection of resources for individual trees, M. lunatus were able to access defended resources for longer, while M. brevirostris were able to access better defended resources but for a shorter time. These results were consistent with the hypothesis of two different behavioural strategies for accessing defended resources. Both species may employ both strategies, but M. brevirostris more often use swamping, and M. lunatus more often use stealth. Investigating the morphology of the small honeyeaters of the Mt Lofty Ranges confirmed that size and beak length were important in discriminating between most species. However, these did not provide any basis for separating the Melithreptus. Closer examination of morphology between M. brevirostris and the M. lunatus sexes revealed further similarities to those previously documented. The average values for many morphological attributes of M. brevirostris fell between the average value for the M. lunatus sexes, suggesting that ecologically the three species / sexes formed a continuum. The M. lunatus sexes and M. brevirostris were then referred to as the small Melithreptus guild ( it was not possible to sex M. brevirostris based on the range of attributes measured ). The greatest differences between the small Melithreptus guild were found in wing length and leg morphology. The direction of the differences suggested that M. brevirostris would be more similar to female M. lunatus in movements and more similar to male M. lunatus in foraging behaviour. These two aspects of Melithreptus ecology were the subject of the last and most extensive phase of the project. Movements were investigated for Melithreptus at four sites in the Mt Lofty Ranges using radio - telemetry techniques. Melithreptus were found to use large areas of the landscape and to have large core areas of activity within their home range. Using the same methods confirmed that Melithreptus had larger home ranges ( mean 100 % minimum convex polygon 23 hectares ) than P. novaehollandiae ( mean 100 % MCP 5 hectares ), and larger home ranges than those reported in the literature for other honeyeater species. Data on a single M. gularis ( 100 % MCP 140 hectares ) suggest that this species has even larger home range requirements. Information from colour - banded birds suggests that most M. brevirostris and male M. lunatus had stable core areas of activity over the period of this study, while female M. lunatus were less likely to have stable core areas of activity, particularly during the non - breeding season. A trend in home range and movement data was consistent with the hypothesis that M. brevirostris was more similar to female M. lunatus than to male M. lunatus. Behaviour of Melithreptus and P. novaehollandiae were investigated using time budget techniques. Melithreptus were found to spend most of their day foraging ( up to 84 % ), very little time resting ( as little as 1.8 % ) and very little time in aggression ( as little as 0.6 % ). These values are each within the outer range of results published on other honeyeaters. Melithreptus gularis behaviour was very similar to both M. brevirostris and M. lunatus. Melithreptus appear to forage predominantly from poor quality resources, requiring a large proportion of their time allocated to foraging. The small proportion of time spent resting is probably a result of the time spent foraging. The small proportion of time spent in aggression is partly the result of a lack of aggression by Melithreptus, but is also potentially due to their knowledge of aggression levels within their home range and their use of stealth and swamping. Melithreptus are likely to avoid the most highly protected ( and therefore the most productive ) areas within their home ranges. A trend in behavioural data was consistent with the hypothesis that M. brevirostris was more similar to male M. lunatus than to female M. lunatus. Based on the data collected in this study, Melithreptus in the Mt Lofty Ranges are characterised by : relatively large home range size with core areas that are used over extended periods of time ; similar foraging behaviour and morphology ; lack of aggression ; and ( probably ( complex social behaviour. Their decline in the Mt Lofty Ranges can be attributed to the preferential clearance of their preferred habitat, their requirement for a large home range and their predominant use of poor quality resources, particularly in comparison to other, locally successful honeyeaters. The final aim of this work on Melithreptus honeyeaters in the Mt Lofty Ranges was to provide options for managing remaining Melithreptus populations, in particular M. gularis which according to informed observers is now critically endangered in the region. Due to the extent of habitat clearance in the Mt Lofty Ranges, the decline of Melithreptus will only be addressed in the long term through large scale revegetation projects. Melithreptus requirements in any large scale revegetation are most likely to be met by providing a range of eucalypt species. In the short to medium term, management actions may be needed to prevent the loss of M. gularis from the region. Given the findings of this study, there are few such options available. The management of woody weeds in known Melithreptus home ranges is suggested as one possible management strategy. Melithreptus rarely use a shrub layer for foraging, shelter or nesting, whereas P. novaehollandiae use a shrub layer for each of these activities. Thus, where grassy woodlands have been invaded by woody weeds, P. novaehollandiae potentially have an increased year round presence.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2005.

The work presented in this thesis aimed to do the following : 1. investigate the cause of decline of the three Melithreptus species of the Mt Lofty Ranges, with a particular emphasis on M. gularis due to its critical status in the ranges ; 2. investigate the ecology and behaviour of sympatric M. brevirostris and M. lunatus populations in the Mt Lofty Ranges ; and 3. suggest management options for the three species. Further, it became clear through the course of the project that an understanding of the decline in Melithreptus required : 1. comparisons with other honeyeater species, particularly widespread and abundant honeyeater species. Three species of Melithreptus occur in the Mt Lofty Ranges : Brown - headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris ; White - naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus ; and Black - chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis. Since at least the 1970 ' s all three species have been in decline within the ranges. One species has been reduced in both abundance and distribution within the region ( M. gularis ), while the other two are now recognised as having reduced in abundance. Melithreptus species in the Mt Lofty Ranges are sympatric with strikingly similar ecology. Melithreptus gularis is the largest of the three, while M. brevirostris and M. lunatus are almost identical in weight, feeding behaviour and morphology. Despite their similarities no studies have closely examined their ecology in sympatry and no studies have examined possible causes of their decline. Interspecific competition is thought to be important in the organisation of honeyeater communities. Studies of nectarivore communities suggest a number of ways in which competition causes the component species to partition resources : size ; beak length ; habitat ; and behaviour, which includes a mix of social and feeding strategies. Due to its role in honeyeater community organisation, changed level of interspecific competition has been highlighted as a possible cause of decline in some honeyeater species in the woodlands of southern Australia. Both interference competition and exploitative competition have been highlighted in various situations ( Ford et al. 2001 ). Given the hypothesised role of interspecific competition in the decline of honeyeater species and the declining status of all the Melithreptus in the Mt Lofty Ranges the genus appeared to provide a good basis for examining the hypothesis that interspecific competition is contributing to the decline of some honeyeater species through exclusion from resources and / or reduction in resources available. ( Ford et al. 2001 ) give the following as potential tests for their interspecific competition hypothesis : 1. examine community structure for ' forbidden combinations ' ( pairs of species that rarely occur together ) ; 2. compare time spent in interspecific competition ( interference ), and foraging in fragmented and continuous habitat ; 3. measure seasonal and spatial patterns of resource abundance and depletion ; and 4. remove competitors and observe response in abundance and behaviour of other species. These suggestions form the basis for much of the work presented in this thesis. An initial survey examined not only community structure for forbidden combinations, but also investigated other possible causes of decline, based on literature for both declining woodland birds and Melithreptus. Besides interspecific competition, other possible causes included insufficient preferred habitat, insufficient food resources and landscape fragmentation. Repeated counts of honeyeaters at 90 sites of one hectare in the Mt Lofty Ranges were undertaken over a one year period. Melithreptus lunatus was found to be more abundant where certain eucalypt species occurred ( particularly E. viminalis ), although this was postulated to be a reflection of productive soils. Melithreptus brevirostris was found to be more abundant where Phylidonyris novaehollandiae ( New Holland Honeyeater ) was most abundant, despite P. novaehollandiae also being the most widespread and abundant honeyeater in the Mt Lofty Ranges. Thus, the survey work did not find forbidden combinations of honeyeaters. However , the scale at which the survey work was undertaken ( sites of 1ha ) may have masked any competition between species due to spatial heterogeneity. At the scale of one hectare there is likely to be areas of resource not used by other honeyeaters, allowing Melithreptus to avoid feeding territories of aggressive honeyeaters. Therefore, in order to more thoroughly investigate competition between P. novaehollandiae and Melithreptus, a removal experiment with finer resolution than 1ha was carried out. This demonstrated that P. novaehollandiae do prevent M. lunatus from using certain areas of the landscape. A final examination of interactions between Melithreptus and widespread and abundant honeyeaters was carried out in the form of a survey in which individual trees were watched and visits by honeyeater species timed. Based on observations of Melithreptus, it appeared that generally M. brevirostris groups used a swamping strategy to access defended resources, whereas M. lunatus moved quietly, often as individuals or pairs. Thus the two species were hypothesised to use two different behavioural strategies to access defended resources, termed stealth ( the use of secretive behaviour to access resources that are being protected ) and swamping ( the use of a combined direct approach by a number of individuals to access resources that are being protected ). Based on estimations of the standardised protection of resources for individual trees, M. lunatus were able to access defended resources for longer, while M. brevirostris were able to access better defended resources but for a shorter time. These results were consistent with the hypothesis of two different behavioural strategies for accessing defended resources. Both species may employ both strategies, but M. brevirostris more often use swamping, and M. lunatus more often use stealth. Investigating the morphology of the small honeyeaters of the Mt Lofty Ranges confirmed that size and beak length were important in discriminating between most species. However, these did not provide any basis for separating the Melithreptus. Closer examination of morphology between M. brevirostris and the M. lunatus sexes revealed further similarities to those previously documented. The average values for many morphological attributes of M. brevirostris fell between the average value for the M. lunatus sexes, suggesting that ecologically the three species / sexes formed a continuum. The M. lunatus sexes and M. brevirostris were then referred to as the small Melithreptus guild ( it was not possible to sex M. brevirostris based on the range of attributes measured ). The greatest differences between the small Melithreptus guild were found in wing length and leg morphology. The direction of the differences suggested that M. brevirostris would be more similar to female M. lunatus in movements and more similar to male M. lunatus in foraging behaviour. These two aspects of Melithreptus ecology were the subject of the last and most extensive phase of the project. Movements were investigated for Melithreptus at four sites in the Mt Lofty Ranges using radio - telemetry techniques. Melithreptus were found to use large areas of the landscape and to have large core areas of activity within their home range. Using the same methods confirmed that Melithreptus had larger home ranges ( mean 100 % minimum convex polygon 23 hectares ) than P. novaehollandiae ( mean 100 % MCP 5 hectares ), and larger home ranges than those reported in the literature for other honeyeater species. Data on a single M. gularis ( 100 % MCP 140 hectares ) suggest that this species has even larger home range requirements. Information from colour - banded birds suggests that most M. brevirostris and male M. lunatus had stable core areas of activity over the period of this study, while female M. lunatus were less likely to have stable core areas of activity, particularly during the non - breeding season. A trend in home range and movement data was consistent with the hypothesis that M. brevirostris was more similar to female M. lunatus than to male M. lunatus. Behaviour of Melithreptus and P. novaehollandiae were investigated using time budget techniques. Melithreptus were found to spend most of their day foraging ( up to 84 % ), very little time resting ( as little as 1.8 % ) and very little time in aggression ( as little as 0.6 % ). These values are each within the outer range of results published on other honeyeaters. Melithreptus gularis behaviour was very similar to both M. brevirostris and M. lunatus. Melithreptus appear to forage predominantly from poor quality resources, requiring a large proportion of their time allocated to foraging. The small proportion of time spent resting is probably a result of the time spent foraging. The small proportion of time spent in aggression is partly the result of a lack of aggression by Melithreptus, but is also potentially due to their knowledge of aggression levels within their home range and their use of stealth and swamping. Melithreptus are likely to avoid the most highly protected ( and therefore the most productive ) areas within their home ranges. A trend in behavioural data was consistent with the hypothesis that M. brevirostris was more similar to male M. lunatus than to female M. lunatus. Based on the data collected in this study, Melithreptus in the Mt Lofty Ranges are characterised by : relatively large home range size with core areas that are used over extended periods of time ; similar foraging behaviour and morphology ; lack of aggression ; and ( probably ( complex social behaviour. Their decline in the Mt Lofty Ranges can be attributed to the preferential clearance of their preferred habitat, their requirement for a large home range and their predominant use of poor quality resources, particularly in comparison to other, locally successful honeyeaters. The final aim of this work on Melithreptus honeyeaters in the Mt Lofty Ranges was to provide options for managing remaining Melithreptus populations, in particular M. gularis which according to informed observers is now critically endangered in the region. Due to the extent of habitat clearance in the Mt Lofty Ranges, the decline of Melithreptus will only be addressed in the long term through large scale revegetation projects. Melithreptus requirements in any large scale revegetation are most likely to be met by providing a range of eucalypt species. In the short to medium term, management actions may be needed to prevent the loss of M. gularis from the region. Given the findings of this study, there are few such options available. The management of woody weeds in known Melithreptus home ranges is suggested as one possible management strategy. Melithreptus rarely use a shrub layer for foraging, shelter or nesting, whereas P. novaehollandiae use a shrub layer for each of these activities. Thus, where grassy woodlands have been invaded by woody weeds, P. novaehollandiae potentially have an increased year round presence.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2005.

Since European settlement, the woodlands and associated habitats, especially in the temperate zones of Australia, have been extensively cleared and converted to arable land and pastures. Much of the remaining vegetation in the agricultural zone occurs as small isolated patches prone to disturbance and degradation. Apart from habitat loss and fragmentation, altered fire regimes, periods of intense drought, and the introduction of exotic plants and animals, have contributed to the deterioration of most of the natural habitats across Australia, with a negative impact on the native wildlife, including birds. Many woodland bird species have undergone widespread declines, culminating in some local or even regional extinctions. In the mallee woodlands of south-east Australia two closely related species of whistlers (fam. Pachycephalidae) — Red-lored Whistler Pachycephala rufogularis and Gilbert’s Whistler P. inornata — have overlapping ranges, and in some areas they co-exist. These two species are morphologically and ecologically similar. However, despite the similarities, P. rufogularis has undergone greater declines in distribution and abundance than P. inornata. The ecology of these two species is poorly known, which renders adequate management impracticable. The major objectives of this thesis were to determine the key habitat requirements for the two species, to determine their habitat use, and to document the ecology and behaviour of the two species, particularly their foraging, and intra- and interspecific interactions. A sound knowledge of the ecology of the two species is needed to underpin appropriate actions for their management and conservation. Morphological features were measured from skins of P. rufogularis and P. inornata in the South Australian Museum collection, and from captured live birds, to detect if any aspect of the morphology could indicate possible niche partitioning between the two species. Also, the use of biometry as a tool for separating the sexes for P. rufogularis, for determining the species of the uncoloured immature birds and for sexing immatures, was evaluated. No morphological feature suggested niche partitioning. The biometry did not prove a very reliable tool for distinguishing sexes in adult P. rufogularis, but reliably identified the species of the uncoloured immatures. Sexing immatures based on biometrical data alone was not possible. Research was conducted in two main South Australian parks: Gluepot Reserve and Ngarkat Conservation Park. Ecological and behavioural data for P. rufogularis and P. inornata were collected by observing marked (colour-banded and radio-tagged) and unmarked individual birds of both species and sexes, over a two-year period from June 2004 to May 2006. The home ranges of P. rufogularis and P. inornata were determined by tracking the movements of birds in the landscape. Pachycephala rufogularis had much larger home ranges than P. inornata, especially when breeding. The striking differences in home range size between the two ecologically similar species might be related to differences in site fidelity. Pachycephala rufogularis at Gluepot was sedentary, being detected in the same locations throughout the year, and over several years. On the contrary, P. inornata generally showed poor site fidelity, being more mobile, and shifting home ranges between and within seasons. In the field the two species were segregated by habitat. Pachycephala rufogularis and P. inornata showed different habitat preferences, even in areas where they did not co-occur. Pachycephala rufogularis favoured low mallee with Triodia on sand dunes, while P. inornata favoured tall mallee with sparse shrub understorey in interdunes, but also other habitats, such as prickly Acacia thickets and Casuarina woodlands. However, both species used the mallee- Triodia with Callitris vegetation type. The key to coexistence in this habitat was a behavioural one, P. inornata acting as a subordinate species. Pachycephala rufogularis had strict habitat requirements, with the presence of Triodia being critical for the presence of the species. In contrast, P. inornata was more flexible in its habitat requirements, and used a broader range of vegetation types, being more of a habitat generalist. The investigation of habitat use from both a spatial and temporal perspective confirmed that both species actively selected habitat, and that the habitats they selected differed. The core areas of home ranges predominantly contained the preferred habitat for both species. In both species, core areas of home ranges of breeding individuals (where generally the nests were placed) contained preferred habitat in higher proportion than core areas of non-breeding birds. This suggests that during breeding, both species are more restricted to, and/or use more intensely the preferred habitat than when not breeding. The foraging behaviour did not differ consistently between the two species, both capturing insects mostly by snatching in canopy foliage, and also by gleaning on the vegetation, at different heights. However, the two species were already segregated by habitat. Thus the resource partitioning occurred spatially, at the macrohabitat level. In the instances when individuals of both species foraged in the same area and used the same resources, resource partitioning occurred at a temporal scale. Both species were generalists in foraging; therefore, a presumed foraging specialisation as a possible factor related to the decline of P. rufogularis was ruled out. Pachycephala rufogularis and P. inornata are unlikely to be competitors. Support for this argument came from the situation at Ngarkat, where P. inornata was absent. Despite this, P. rufogularis did not use a broader range of vegetation types in Ngarkat, as would be expected under ‘competitive release’. Instead the species maintained strict habitat requirements, specializing virtually on a single vegetation type. The rigid habitat requirements of P. rufogularis, together with its sedentary nature, render this species vulnerable to disturbances, such as wildfires. On the other hand, the apparent flexibility in habitat requirements and greater mobility may explain why P. inornata has been more successful than its sibling species. The information on habitat requirements, preference and use, and also on home ranges of P. rufogularis and P. inornata provided in this study should be included in future habitat suitability models and predictive models for these species, which will assist in their management.
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Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2009

Includes Publication list by the author as appendix A. "July 2003." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 308-324) A stratigraphically detailed taxonomic study of fossil bryozoans within the Late Eocene sediments of the St Vincent Basin, South Australia. These taxa are compared with existing knowledge of fossil and recent faunas in Australia and other regions to enhance understanding of bryozoan evolution and dispersal. Bryozoan taxa and growth forms are used to interpret the palaeoenvironments of the Eocene Vincent Basin.

Includes Publication list by the author as appendix A.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 308-324)
xi, 324, [36] leaves, 61 leaves of plates : ill (some col.), maps ; 30 cm.
A stratigraphically detailed taxonomic study of fossil bryozoans within the Late Eocene sediments of the St Vincent Basin, South Australia. These taxa are compared with existing knowledge of fossil and recent faunas in Australia and other regions to enhance understanding of bryozoan evolution and dispersal. Bryozoan taxa and growth forms are used to interpret the palaeoenvironments of the Eocene Vincent Basin.
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2003?

Documents the historical distribution and subsequent decline of bush stone-curlews in South Australia, determines their current distribution and status on Kangaroo Island, their home range sizes and movements, the characteristics of foraging habitat, day roost areas and nest sites and the availability of habitat, the diet and food resources, and potential threats to the population. As a result of the findings of this survey, bush stone-curlews have been downgraded from endangered to vulnerable in South Australia.
Thesis (M.Sc.) -- University of Adelaide, Dept. of Environmental Biology, 2002.