Journal articles on the topic 'Dasyuridae Conservation'
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1
Cooper, S. J. B., M. Adams, and A. Labrinidis. "Phylogeography of the Australian dunnart Sminthopsis crassicaudata (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae)." Australian Journal of Zoology 48, no. 5 (2000): 461. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo00014.
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Analyses of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and allozymes are used to investigate the population genetic structure, phylogeography and systematics of the fat-tailed dunnart, Sminthopsis crassicaudata. Phylogenetic analyses of control region sequences reveal the presence of two major mtDNA haplotype clades. A survey of the distribution of the two clades using diagnostic restriction endonucleases shows that one clade is restricted to southeast Australia whereas the second clade occupies the remaining central to western range of S. crassicaudata. Allozyme electrophoresis also shows concordant patterns of population structure, with significant differences in allele frequency at three loci between populations in the southeast and northwest. Together, the mtDNA and allozyme data provide evidence that S. crassicaudata consists of two Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs). The distribution of each ESU is not concordant with the distribution of the subspecies of S. crassicaudata, and we propose that the current subspecies classification neither reflects the major genetic subdivisions present within S. crassicaudata nor would be appropriate for any future conservation management. The level of divergence between mtDNA clades (3.4%) is indicative of cladogenesis in the Pleistocene and reflects a long-term barrier to maternal gene flow between these two populations. One potential historical barrier was Lake Bungunnia, which persisted in the Murray basin over much of the Pleistocene.
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Painter, J., C. Krajewski, and M. Westerman. "Molecular Phylogeny of the Marsupial Genus Planigale (Dasyuridae)." Journal of Mammalogy 76, no. 2 (May 19, 1995): 406–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1382351.
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Spencer, P. B. S., S. G. Rhind, and M. D. B. Eldridge. "Phylogeographic structure within Phascogale (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae) based on partial cytochrome b sequence." Australian Journal of Zoology 49, no. 4 (2001): 369. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo00080.
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The brush-tailed phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa) is considered locally rare and vulnerable, despite being found in all mainland states of Australia. It is rarely detected in faunal surveys and the two most immediate conservation requirements are a determination of its current range and clarification of its taxonomic status. Measures of genetic differentiation amongst Phascogale tapoatafa populations in eastern, western and northern Australia were estimated using a partial (348 bp) sequence of mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome b gene). Observed sequence divergence within P. tapoatafa was substantial, with an average of 13% separating the allopatric populations in south-eastern, south-western and northern Australia. In comparison, an average of 16% sequence divergence separated the two currently recognised Phascogale species (P. tapoatafa andP. calura). Thus, Phascogale comprises four highly divergent lineages, suggesting that the genus is more diverse than previously thought. These data indicate that further taxonomic research is warranted.
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Cannella, Edward G., and Jan Henry. "A case of homing after translocation of chuditch, Dasyurus geoffroii (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae)." Australian Mammalogy 39, no. 1 (2017): 118. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am16023.
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Fauna translocations are often used for conservation purposes. This has been especially prevalent in the translocation of threatened species in south-west Western Australia. Translocations can fail for several reasons such as stress, disease and predation and, less frequently, homing behaviours of translocated individuals. We report on one of eight chuditch, Dasyurus geoffroii, that was recaptured near the original point of capture 12 days after release at the designated translocation site in George State Forest Block, 14 km to the south. During that period she had lost 12.5% of her body weight, but was otherwise in good condition. It is possible that this event was unique to this individual and the other seven chuditch remained within the translocation site of George Block. However, this species is known to travel long distances and have large home ranges. It is important to determine the propensity of this species to attempt homing after translocation in an effort to determine whether a minimum release distance is necessary.
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Old, Julie M., and Hayley J. Stannard. "Corrigendum to: Conservation of quolls (Dasyurus spp.) in captivity – a review." Australian Mammalogy 43, no. 3 (2021): 378. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am20033_co.
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Quolls are carnivorous marsupials in the family Dasyuridae with characteristic white spots. They are distributed throughout Australia and New Guinea, but uncommonly seen due to their mostly nocturnal solitary nature, and large home ranges. All Australian quolls are listed as ‘near threatened' or ‘endangered' at state, national and international levels, largely due to human-induced threats. Threats include introduced predators, habitat loss through clearing and modifications including changed fire regimes, disease, human persecution, vehicle collisions and accidental or targeted poisoning by humans and cane toads (Rhinella marina). Conservation efforts that have focussed on reducing introduced predators, and minimising the impact of cane toads, have aided some translocations, hence species recovery in some local areas of Australia has occurred. Where species conservation has required captive breeding for translocation, successful captive management has been crucial. We summarise research conducted in captivity on aspects of birth and development, health and disease, and blood and nutrition parameters of quolls, and suggest future directions for research. Further research on captive and wild quoll populations will benefit future translocations, reintroductions and conservation through increased knowledge, improved maintenance and husbandry of captive colonies, and monitoring of wild populations.
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Masters, P. "The Mulgara Dasycercus cristicauda (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) at Uluru National Park, Northern Territory." Australian Mammalogy 20, no. 3 (1998): 403. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am98403.
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Since the turn of the century, a third of the mammal species of arid Australia have suffered a drastic decline in distribution and abundance. Uluru National Park has not escaped the massive loss of mammals, with over 15 species being lost from the Park in the last century, and some, including the brush-tailed possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, becoming locally extinct in the last twenty years (Baynes and Baird 1992, Reid, Kerle and Morton 1993). This suggests that the processes causing the decline are still operating. The mulgara Dasycercus cristicauda, remains extant in the vicinity of Uluru National Park but has suffered extensive range reductions and is believed to be less abundant in areas which it still occupies (Kennedy 1990, Gibson and Cole 1992, Woolley 1995). Very little is known about the field ecology of D. cristicauda and this has hindered the conservation management of the remaining populations. I report here on ecological data collected from a population at Uluru National Park between 1987 and 1990. This information was collected during a study of the effects of fire on small mammals of the area (Masters 1993).
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Moro, Dorian. "Translocation of captive-bred dibblers Parantechinus apicalis (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) to Escape Island, Western Australia." Biological Conservation 111, no. 3 (June 2003): 305–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0006-3207(02)00296-3.
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BRAITHWAITE, R. W., and W. M. LONSDALE. "The Rarity of Sminthopsis virginiae, (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) in Relation to Natural and Unnatural Habitats." Conservation Biology 1, no. 4 (December 1987): 341–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.1987.tb00054.x.
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Crowther, M. S., P. B. S. Spencer, D. Alpers, and C. R. Dickman. "Taxonomic status of the mardo, Antechinus flavipes leucogaster (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae): a morphological, molecular, reproductive and bioclimatic approach." Australian Journal of Zoology 50, no. 6 (2002): 627. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo02030.
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This paper uses a combined morphological, molecular and ecological approach to assess the taxonomic status of Antechinus flavipes leucogaster from Western Australia, and its relationship to A. flavipes flavipes from eastern Australia. Morphological analyses show that A. flavipes leucogaster is smaller and finer than its eastern Australian counterpart in both cranial and dental dimensions. Phylogenetic analyses of partial cytochrome-b sequences showed that A. flavipes flavipes and A. flavipes leucogaster form reciprocally monophyletic clades that have a relatively high level of divergence (approximately 6%). Analysis of the timing of reproduction indicates that the two subspecies show opposite responses to latitude, with A. flavipes leucogaster ovulating later at high latitudes and A. flavipes flavipes ovulating later in more northerly parts of its range. The combined data and the entirely allopatric distributions of the two subspecies confirm their distinctive status. Bioclimatic analysis suggests further that A. flavipes leucogaster occupies wetter but seasonally more variable environments than its eastern relative. It is clear from the level of morphological, molecular, reproductive and distributional differences that A. flavipes flavipes and A.�flavipes leucogaster should be regarded as separate taxa for the purposes of conservation management, and their current subspecific status should be maintained.
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Withers, P. C., and C. E. Cooper. "Thermal, Metabolic, and Hygric Physiology of the Little Red Kaluta,Dasykaluta rosamondae(Dasyuromorphia: Dasyuridae)." Journal of Mammalogy 90, no. 3 (June 2, 2009): 752–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1644/08-mamm-a-286r.1.
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Toftegaard, C. L., K. L. McMahon, G. J. Galloway, and A. J. Bradley. "PROCESSING OF URINARY PHEROMONES IN ANTECHINUS STUARTII (MARSUPIALIA: DASYURIDAE): FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF THE BRAIN." Journal of Mammalogy 83, no. 1 (February 2002): 71–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.1644/1545-1542(2002)083<0071:poupia>2.0.co;2.
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Stokes, Vicki L., Roger P. Pech, Peter B. Banks, and Anthony D. Arthur. "Foraging behaviour and habitat use by Antechinus flavipes and Sminthopsis murina (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) in response to predation risk in eucalypt woodland." Biological Conservation 117, no. 3 (May 2004): 331–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2003.12.012.
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Wilson, B. A., and J. G. Aberton. "Effects of landscape, habitat and fire and the distribution of the white-footed dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) in the Eastern Otways, Victoria." Australian Mammalogy 28, no. 1 (2006): 27. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am06004.
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Conservation and planning for threatened species requires knowledge of the species? spatial distribution, prefered habitat and response to disturbance factors such as fire. The white-footed dunnart (Sminthopsis leucopus) is currently listed as ?Vulnerable? due to its patchy distribution, the low density of populations and extinction threats. Studies of the species have been limited, and the aims of this study were to investigate the spatial distribution with relationship to landscape, habitat and fire factors. The study was undertaken in the Eastern Otway Ranges, southern Victoria where the species was recorded at 42 sites (44% of survey sites). The sites were all located within 10 km of the coast, and located in vegetation ranging from sclerophyll communities (forest, woodland and heathland) to coastal shrublands dominated by sedges and grasses. Logistic regression models were generated for species occurrence and predictor variables. The most parsimonious model was selected and although there was an association between presence of S. leucopus with landsystem and altitude, support for the models was not strong. The relationship with altitude was negative, indicating a preference for lower elevations. Models developed for other fauna species have identified landscape variables as being strongly predictive of occurrence, indicating that variables other than those investigated may be more suitable in predicting occurrence of S. leucopus at a landscape level. S. leucopus was recorded at a high percentage of sites 6-15 years post-fire age, and at maximal relative abundance at 4-9 years, providing evidence that it prefers mid succession habitats.
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Lunney, D., and E. Ashby. "Population-Changes in Sminthopsis-Leucopus (Gray) (Marsupialia, Dasyuridae), and Other Small Mammal Species, in Forest Regenerating From Logging and Fire Near Bega, New-South-Wales." Wildlife Research 14, no. 3 (1987): 275. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9870275.
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A population of the white-footed dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus was studied from 1981 to 1983 in a forest that had been logged in 1979, burnt in 1980, and was drought-affected throughout the study. S. leucopus bred in this disturbed habitat but did not persist when the vegetation regrew and became dense. Pouch young were present in August, September and October 1981. There was no evidence of polyoestry in the field, although breeding potential may have been suppressed by a combination of the drought and habitat change. There were few brown antechinus Antechinus stuartii present at any time. The population of the bush rat Rattus fuscipes increased as its preferred habitat of dense vegetation grew. An irruption of the house mouse Mus rnusculus in autumn 1982 coincided with a brief respite from the drought. The differing responses of these species to the same set of environmental conditions illustrates that no one management option in such forests will be optimal for all species of small mammals. The conclusion drawn here for the conservation of S. leucopus in forests subject to woodchip logging and fire is to stagger the forestry operations to ensure that not all parts of the forest are covered with dense regrowth at any one time.
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Brooker, BM, and PC Withers. "Kidney Structure and Renal Indexes of Dasyurid Marsupials." Australian Journal of Zoology 42, no. 2 (1994): 163. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo9940163.
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Examination of kidney structure for 25 dasyurid marsupials showed that kidneys of species from arid habitats tend to have a relatively thicker medulla and higher renal indices than those of species from semi-arid, mesic and tropical areas. Arid-dwelling species such as Ningaui ridei and Pseudantechinus macdonnellensis had the highest renal indices while Antechinus swainsonii, collected from alpine environments, had the lowest renal index values. Renal indices were significantly correlated also with body weight, average daily maximum temperature and average annual rainfall of the habitat. The renal indices for xeric species differed significantly by discriminant analysis from the indices for other species. There was no obvious phylogenetic conservatism in renal indices; for example, renal indices varied almost as much within the genus Sminthopsis as between all of the other genera of Dasyuridae examined.
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Dickman, Christopher R., Aaron C. Greenville, Glenda M. Wardle, and Jenna P. Bytheway. "Class Conflict: Diffuse Competition between Mammalian and Reptilian Predators." Diversity 12, no. 9 (September 15, 2020): 355. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/d12090355.
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(1) Diffuse competition affects per capita rates of population increase among species that exploit similar resources, and thus can be an important structuring force in ecological communities. Diffuse competition has traditionally been studied within taxonomically similar groups, although distantly related intraguild species are likely also to compete to some degree. (2) We assessed diffuse competition between mammalian and reptilian predators at sites in central Australia over 24 years. Specifically, we investigated the effect of dasyurid marsupial abundance on the diet breadth of three groups of lizards (nocturnal dietary generalists, diurnal dietary generalists and dietary specialists). (3) Nocturnal generalist lizards had progressively narrower diets as dasyurid abundance increased. The diet breadth of diurnal generalist lizards was unaffected by overall dasyurid abundance, but was restricted by that of the largest dasyurid species (Dasycercus blythi). Ant- and termite-specialist lizards were unaffected by dasyurid abundance. (4) Diffuse competition, mediated by interference, between dasyurids and nocturnal generalist lizards appears to have strong effects on these lizards, and is the first such between-class interaction to be described. Diffuse interactions may be widespread in natural communities, and merit further investigation among other disparate taxon groups that occur in the same ecological guilds.
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Hawkins, Clare E., and Paul A. Racey. "Low population density of a tropical forest carnivore, Cryptoprocta ferox: implications for protected area management." Oryx 39, no. 1 (January 2005): 35–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0030605305000074.
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The widespread geographical distributions of mammalian carnivores such as the Carnivora and the Dasyuridae have often been erroneously equated with abundance. Their low densities and high demands on habitat area can render mammalian carnivores especially vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and destruction. The fossa Cryptoprocta ferox (Viverridae) is a mammalian carnivore threatened by the rapid loss of Madagascar's forests, to which it is endemic. A 3-year mark-recapture study, comprising four censuses, generated an estimate of fossa population density at 0.18 adults km−2, or 0.26 individuals km−2. This was supported by a similar estimate from home range data. The fossa is thought to be unusually common in the study area, yet the estimated density was lower than that predicted for a typical tropical carnivorous mammal of the body mass of a fossa. Ecologists are frequently under pressure to provide estimates of local and global population numbers of their study species; we discuss the numerous factors that limit our ability to do this on the basis of a single population estimate. Nonetheless, our findings are sufficient to suggest that none of Madagascar's 46 protected areas supports a viable population of fossas, indicating a demand for corridors and enlarged reserves to ensure this species' long-term survival. Loss of the top predator can have a knock-on effect on an ecosystem. The findings indicate that, to maintain intact tropical forest ecosystems, it may be essential to consider the requirements of their often little-known mammalian carnivores. These requirements could be far greater than previously assumed.
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Woolley, Patricia A., Michael Westerman, and Carey Krajewski. "Interspecific Affinities within the Genus Sminthopsis (Dasyuromorphia: Dasyuridae) Based on Morphology of the Penis: Congruence with Other Anatomical and Molecular Data." Journal of Mammalogy 88, no. 6 (December 2007): 1381–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1644/06-mamm-a-443r.1.
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Jolly, Chris J., Jonathan K. Webb, Graeme R. Gillespie, and Ben L. Phillips. "Training fails to elicit behavioral change in a marsupial suffering evolutionary loss of antipredator behaviors." Journal of Mammalogy 101, no. 4 (June 16, 2020): 1108–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyaa060.
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Abstract Attempts to reintroduce threatened species from ex situ populations (zoos or predator-free sanctuaries) regularly fail because of predation. When removed from their natural predators, animals may lose their ability to recognize predators and thus fail to adopt appropriate antipredator behaviors. Recently, northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus; Dasyuromorpha: Dasyuridae) conserved on a predator-free “island ark” for 13 generations were found to have no recognition of dingoes, a natural predator with which they had coevolved on mainland Australia for about 8,000 years. A subsequent reintroduction attempt using quolls acquired from this island ark failed due to predation by dingoes. In this study, we tested whether instrumental conditioning could be used to improve predator recognition in captive quolls sourced from a predator-free “island ark.” We used a previously successful scent-recognition assay (a giving-up density experiment) to compare predator-scent recognition of captive-born island animals before and after antipredator training. Our training was delivered by pairing live predators (dingo and domestic dog) with an electrified cage floor in repeat trials such that, when the predators were present, foraging animals would receive a shock. Our training methodology did not result in any discernible change in the ability of quolls to recognize and avoid dingo scent after training. We conclude either that our particular training method was ineffective (though ethically permissible); or that because these quolls appear unable to recognize natural predators, predator recognition may be extremely difficult to impart in a captive setting given ethical constraints. Our results point to the difficulty of reinstating lost behaviors, and to the value of maintaining antipredator behaviors in conservation populations before they are lost.
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Woolley, P. A., A. Haslem, and M. Westerman. "Past and present distribution of Dasycercus: toward a better understanding of the identity of specimens in cave deposits and the conservation status of the currently recognised species D. blythi and D. cristicauda (Marsupialia : Dasyuridae)." Australian Journal of Zoology 61, no. 4 (2013): 281. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo13034.
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Maps of the distribution of the two currently recognised species of Dasycercus, D. blythi and D. cristicauda have been prepared following correct identification based on tail morphology of specimens in the modern collections of all Australian museums. Localities in which the remains of Dasycercus have been found in cave deposits have also been mapped and an attempt made to determine the specific identity of some of these specimens. Following examination of larger samples of each species, differences in the premolar dentition were found to no longer be diagnostic. Most cave specimens could not be assigned to species on the basis of some dental measurements. DNA sequences could provide a means for establishing the identity of the cave specimens. Correct identification of specimens, together with knowledge of the search effort underlying the known distribution and persistence of the species in localities over their ranges, is essential for assessment of their conservation status.
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Wroe, S., and A. Musser. "The skull of Nimbacinus dicksoni (Thylacinidae : Marsupialia)." Australian Journal of Zoology 49, no. 5 (2001): 487. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo00032.
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The exceptionally well preserved skull and mandible of the Miocene thylacinid Nimbacinus dicksoni is described. Phylogenetic analysis supports the contention that, within the family, the dentition of N. dicksoni is unspecialised, less derived than the recent Thylacinus cynocephalus for at least 12 features. However, relatively few cranial specialisations evident in T. cynocephalus clearly distinguish it from N. dicksoni. These two taxa share at least three derived cranial features not present in the most generalised thylacinid known from significant cranial material, the late Oligocene Badjcinus turnbulli. On the other hand, where comparison is possible, even the most specialised thylacinid, T. cynocephalus, is plesiomorphic for at least 10 cranial features common to modern dasyurids and five present in the Miocene dasyurid, Barinya wangala. Two character states found in thylacinids are more derived than in B. wangala. Relative to the remaining dasyuromorphian family, Myrmecobiidae, represented by the monotypic Myrmecobius fasciatus, thylacinids are derived for five cranial features and plesiomorphic for five. It appears that despite considerable anatomical diversity among the dentitia of thylacinids and the presence of many highly specialised dental features in some species, the crania of thylacinids have remained remarkably conservative. Even with respect to dentitia, in terms of overall similarity, the Miocene Thylacinus macknessiand late Oligocene material referred to Thylacinus does not differ greatly from the recently extinct T. cynocephalus. It now also seems probable that T. macknessi was also very similar to T. cynocephalus with respect to cranial anatomy. Numerical parsimony analysis incorporating this new material produced moderate bootstrap and Bremer support for a monophyletic Thylacinidae. In this same treatment strict consensus placed Myrmecobius fasciatus as the sister taxon to Thylacinidae–Dasyuridae, but bootstrap and Bremer support was lacking. Both of these results are contra those of the most recent attempt to resolve dasyuromorphian relationships using numerical parsimony and anatomical data. In the present analysis, the early Eocene Australian taxon, Djarthia murgonensis, fell outside a clade inclusive of all other Australian taxa and was monophyletic with the borhyaeniod, Mayulestes ferox. This latter relationship is based on limited material, poorly supported and considered highly unlikely, but it does strengthen the argument that formal placement of D. murgonensis beyond the level of Marsupialia incertae sedisis unwarranted at present.
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Riley, Joanna, Jeff M. Turpin, Matt R. K. Zeale, Brynne Jayatilaka, and Gareth Jones. "Diurnal sheltering preferences and associated conservation management for the endangered sandhill dunnart, Sminthopsis psammophila." Journal of Mammalogy 102, no. 2 (April 1, 2021): 588–602. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyab024.
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Abstract Dasyurids are small mammals that can conserve energy and water by using shelters that insulate against extreme conditions, prevent predation, and facilitate torpor. To quantify the diurnal sheltering requirements of a poorly known, endangered dasyurid, the sandhill dunnart, Sminthopsis psammophila, we radiotracked 40 individuals in the Western Australian Great Victoria Desert between 2015 and 2019. We assessed the effect of habitat class (broad habitat features), plot-level (the area surrounding each shelter), and shelter characteristics (e.g., daily temperature ranges), on shelter selection and sheltering habitat preferences. Two hundred and eleven diurnal shelters (mean of 5 ± 3 shelters per individual) were located on 363 shelter days (the number of days each shelter was used), within mature vegetation (mean seral age of 32 ± 12 years postfire). Burrows were used on 77% of shelter days and were typically concealed under mature spinifex, Triodia spp., with stable temperature ranges and northern aspects facing the sun. While many burrows were reused (n = 40 across 175 shelter days), spinifex hummock shelters typically were used for one shelter day and were not insulative against extreme temperatures. However, shallow scrapes within Lepidobolus deserti hummock shelters had thermal advantages and log shelters retained heat and were selected on cooler days. Sminthopsis psammophila requires long-unburned sheltering habitat with mature vegetation. Summer fires in the Great Victoria Desert can be extensive and destroy large areas of land, rendering them a key threat to the species. We conclude that the survey and conservation of S. psammophila requires attention to long-unburned, dense lower stratum swale, sand plain, and dune slope habitats, and the tendency of S. psammophila to burrow allows the species to survive within the extreme conditions of its desert environment.
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Webb, Jonathan K., David Pearson, and Richard Shine. "A small dasyurid predator (Sminthopsis virginiae) rapidly learns to avoid a toxic invader." Wildlife Research 38, no. 8 (2011): 726. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr10206.
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Context Invasive species are a leading cause of extinctions, yet predicting their ecological impacts poses a formidable challenge for conservation biologists. When native predators are naïve to invaders, they may lack appropriate behaviours to deal with the invader. In northern Australia, the invasion of the highly toxic cane toad (Rhinella marina) has caused serious population declines of reptilian and mammalian predators that are ill equipped to deal with toad toxins. Cane toads recently invaded the Kimberley region of Western Australia, where they potentially threaten several species of small dasyurid predators. Aims We investigated whether red-cheeked dunnarts (Sminthopsis virginiae) attack cane toads, and if so, whether individuals subsequently learn to avoid toads as prey. Methods We quantified feeding and learning behaviours in toad-naïve red-cheeked dunnarts from the north Kimberley in Western Australia. Key results All toad-naïve dunnarts attacked toads during their first encounter. Most dunnarts bit the toad on the snout, killed it by biting the cranium, and consumed the toad snout-first, thereby initially avoiding the toad’s parotoid glands. Most dunnarts partially consumed toads before discarding them, and only one animal showed visible signs of toad poisoning. All dunnarts rapidly learnt to avoid toads as prey after one or two encounters. Predators rejected toads as prey for the duration of the study (22 days), suggesting long-term retention of the knowledge that toads are noxious. Conclusions Our results show that red-cheeked dunnarts rapidly learn to avoid cane toads as prey. Implications Our study was limited by small sample sizes, but our results suggest that small dasyurids can adapt to the cane toad invasion via taste aversion learning.
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Cole, Jeffry R., and J. C. Z. Woinarski. "Rodents of the arid Northern Territory: conservation status and distribution." Wildlife Research 27, no. 4 (2000): 437. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr97053.
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At the time of European entry, 18 species of rodent occurred in the arid zone of the Northern Territory, including two endemic species, Zyzomys pedunculatus and Pseudomys johnsoni. The tally is somewhat inflated, as the arid Northern Territory is on the margins of the distribution for seven of these species. The historical record for this fauna is generally reasonably good, due to important collections around the end of the nineteenth century, some landmark studies (notably by H.H. Finlayson) earlier this century, documentation of Aboriginal knowledge, and the recent discovery and analysis of fossil and sub-fossil deposits. Notwithstanding this good historical baseline, recent research has added three native species to the fauna, and re-discovered one species, Z. pedunculatus, earlier feared extinct. Over the last 200 years, four species (Leporillus apicalis, Notomys amplus, N. longicaudatus and Pseudomys fieldi) have disappeared, and a further five species (N. cervinus, N. fuscus, P. australis, Rattus tunneyi and Z. pedunculatus) have declined considerably, with several of these perhaps no longer present in the area. The decline in this rodent fauna is matched, or indeed surpassed, by declines in the arid-zone bandicoots, small macropods and large dasyurids. But notably the small dasyurids have generally suffered few declines. There has been differential decline within the rodent fauna, with declines mainly affecting larger species, species with the most idiosyncratic diets, and species occurring mainly in tussock grasslands and gibber plains. The main conservation and management actions required to safeguard what is left of this fauna are carefully targetted studies examining the effect of threatening processes, complemented by landscape-wide amelioration of these threats. Additional autecological studies are also needed for some species, and some exceptionally poorly known areas should be surveyed. Current work examining the distribution, ecology and management requirements of the endangered Z. pedunculatus is a major priority.
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Czarny, N. A., and J. C. Rodger. "143. THE FIRST EVIDENCE OF HIGH SUSCEPTIBILITY TO COLD SHOCK BY THE SPERMATOZOA OF A MARSUPIAL, THE FAT TAILED DUNNART (SMINTHOPSIS CRASSICAUDATA)." Reproduction, Fertility and Development 21, no. 9 (2009): 61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/srb09abs143.
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Carnivorous marsupials are native Australian predators including the highly threatened northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) and Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). These species are currently actively managed in captive populations but assisted reproductive techniques such as gamete banking may also contribute to their conservation. Previous studies on a model dasyurid, the fat tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata), have found that spermatozoa do not survive freezing and thawing using a variety of freezing protocols and cryoprotectants. We have re-examined cold shock to investigate problems with sperm cryopreservation in S. crassicaudata. Epididymal spermatozoa were rapidly cooled to 0.5ºC in a pre-cooled tube held in an iced water slurry and upon re-warming the spermatozoa were non-motile (n=6). The addition of up to 20% egg yolk, which is considered protective to the spermatozoa of cold shock sensitive eutherians, did not improve the outcome (n=6). Similarly when S. crassicaudata spermatozoa were rapidly cooled to 4ºC, just 2% remained motile upon re-warming (n=10). However when spermatozoa were combined with at least 10% egg yolk and rapidly cooled to 4ºC only small reductions in motility were observed upon rewarming (n≥8). In order to achieve motile spermatozoa at 0ºC, controlled rate cooling at 0.5ºC/minute was examined. In the absence of egg yolk there was a decline in the percentage of motile spermatozoa below 4ºC (n=6). However if spermatozoa were combined with at least 10% egg yolk there was no significant loss of motility at temperatures as low as 0ºC (n=6). This study has revealed that at least one species of marsupial is highly susceptible to cold shock. These paradigm shifting findings give direction to future experiments aiming to develop a robust technique for sperm preservation in endangered dasyurids.
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Stannard, Hayley J., Casey R. Borthwick, Oselyne Ong, and Julie M. Old. "Longevity and breeding in captive red-tailed phascogales (Phascogale calura)." Australian Mammalogy 35, no. 2 (2013): 217. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am12042.
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This paper reports successful breeding by 4-year-old female red-tailed phascogales (Phascogale calura) and that they can survive until at least 5 years of age in captivity, whilst males can survive until at least 2 years of age in captivity. These findings have implications for captive breeding programs, providing evidence that older females can be successfully bred. In the longer term we hope these findings may aid conservation efforts of this endangered dasyurid.
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R. Dickman, Christopher, Daniel Lunney, and Alison Matthews. "Ecological attributes and conservation of dasyurid marsupials in New South Wales, Australia." Pacific Conservation Biology 7, no. 2 (2001): 124. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc010124.
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This paper outlines the status of dasyurid marsupials in New South Wales, Australia, and then compares the ecological attributes of threatened and non-threatened species. Of the 21 species recorded in the state since European settlement, eight are protected but not threatened, 10 are listed or proposed for listing as vulnerable or endangered, and three are presumed extinct. Status was not related to diet, habit or habitat. However, species weighing <35 g are less likely to be threatened than heavier species, while species occupying a single region are more likely to be threatened than species occurring in two or more regions. All vulnerable and endangered species occur at least partly in reserves and other areas of protected land, but are likely to be affected by one or more threatening processes. These processes differ regionally, with larger species (=175 g) being affected by a greater range of threats than very small species (<15 g). We propose a programme of survey, research, management and education to promote and sustain recoveries.
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Roshier, David A., Felicity L. Hotellier, Andrew Carter, Leah Kemp, Joanne Potts, Matt W. Hayward, and Sarah M. Legge. "Long-term benefits and short-term costs: small vertebrate responses to predator exclusion and native mammal reintroductions in south-western New South Wales, Australia." Wildlife Research 47, no. 8 (2020): 570. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr19153.
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Abstract ContextThe success of conservation fences at protecting reintroduced populations of threatened mammals from introduced predators has prompted an increase in the number and extent of fenced exclosures. Excluding introduced species from within conservation fences could also benefit components of insitu faunal assemblages that are prey for introduced predators, such as reptiles and small mammals. Conversely, reintroduced mammals may compete with smaller mammals and reptiles for resources, or even prey on them. AimsIn a 10-year study from 2008, we examine how small terrestrial vertebrates respond to the exclusion of introduced predators, the feral cat (Felis catus) and red fox (Vulpes Vulpes), introduced herbivores and the reintroduction of regionally extinct mammal species. MethodsDifferences in the yearly relative abundance of reptiles and mammals according to habitat type and whether sites were fenced or not, were tested using multivariate generalised linear models. Next, we calculated univariate P-values to identify individual species that showed significant relationships, positive and negative, with any of the explanatory variables. Key resultsTotal captures of reptiles were lower inside the conservation fence in all years, whereas total captures of small mammals were markedly higher inside the fenced area, notably in dasyurids. ConclusionOur results showed that conservation fences can deliver benefits for some fauna (but not all) beyond facilitating the reintroduction of highly threatened mammals. ImplicationsOur results demonstrated the consequential impacts of introduced predators on the Australian small mammal fauna, and showed that predator-exclusion fences can be an effective conservation intervention for this guild.
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Czarny, N. A., M. S. Harris, and J. C. Rodger. "Dissociation and preservation of preantral follicles and immature oocytes from female dasyurid marsupials." Reproduction, Fertility and Development 21, no. 5 (2009): 640. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rd08303.
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The mammalian ovary contains numerous immature preantral follicles that are not dependent on endocrine support, unlike the more mature hormone-dependant antral follicles. Preantral follicles can be enzymatically dissociated to yield immature oocytes that survive sub-zero preservation better as they lack a temperature-sensitive meiotic spindle. These techniques are highly applicable to gamete banking, which is an urgent requirement for Australian carnivorous marsupials as several species have rapidly declining populations and risk extinction. The present study developed protocols for the transport, dissociation, preservation and culture of granulosa cell-oocyte complexes (GOC) from the ovaries of dasyurid marsupials. High viability of GOC following enzymatic dissociation is reported and it was demonstrated that GOC are of significantly better quality following refrigerated storage for 24 h compared with storage at room temperature. Oocytes from primary follicles were not damaged by cold shock or the toxicity of vitrification media and following vitrification in liquid nitrogen 69.42 ± 2.44% of oocytes were viable. However, the surrounding granulosa cells demonstrated significant damage post-thaw. These granulosa cells proliferated during a 48-h culture period resulting in significant improvements in GOC quality. The present study is a valuable step towards cryostorage of dasyurid gametes and represents fundamentally important methods by which we can contribute to the conservation of Australia’s native predators.
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Kelly, Luke T., and Andrew F. Bennett. "Habitat requirements of the yellow-footed antechinus (Antechinus flavipes) in box - ironbark forest, Victoria, Australia." Wildlife Research 35, no. 2 (2008): 128. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr07088.
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Understanding the habitat requirements of a species is critical for effective conservation-based management. In this study, we investigated the influence of forest structure on the distribution of the yellow-footed antechinus (Antechinus flavipes), a small dasyurid marsupial characteristic of dry forests on the inland side of the Great Dividing Range, Australia. Hair-sampling tubes were used to determine the occurrence of A. flavipes at 60 sites stratified across one of the largest remaining tracts of dry box–ironbark forest in south-eastern Australia. We considered the role of six potential explanatory variables: large trees, hollow-bearing trees, coppice hollows, logs, rock cover and litter. Logistic regression models were examined using an information-theoretic approach to determine the variables that best explained the presence or absence of the species. Hierarchical partitioning was employed to further explore relationships between occurrence of A. flavipes and explanatory variables. Forest structure accounted for a substantial proportion of the variation in occurrence of A. flavipes between sites. The strongest influence on the presence of A. flavipes was the cover of litter at survey sites. The density of hollow-bearing trees and rock cover were also positive influences. The conservation of A. flavipes will be enhanced by retention of habitat components that ensure a structurally complex environment in box–ironbark forests. This will also benefit the conservation of several threatened species in this dry forest ecosystem.
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Krajewski, Carey, Roberta Torunsky, Justin T. Sipiorski, and Michael Westerman. "Phylogenetic Relationships of the Dasyurid Marsupial Genus Murexia." Journal of Mammalogy 88, no. 3 (June 2007): 696–705. http://dx.doi.org/10.1644/06-mamm-a-310r.1.
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Start, A. N., D. Moro, M. Adams, and R. Bencini. "Dunnarts from Boullanger Island: new evidence and reassessment of a taxonomic issue with resource implications." Australian Mammalogy 28, no. 1 (2006): 51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am06006.
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Crowther et al. (1999) described an island population of an Australian dasyurid marsupial, Sminthopsis griseoventer, as a new subspecies on molecular (allozyme) and morphological grounds despite a previously published, contradictory genetic study and evidence of sympatry with its mainland conspecific. The legitimacy of this taxonomic arrangement has implications for the allocation of scarce management resources because the new taxon could be considered 'Critically Endangered'. Samples of the original tissues from which the molecular data cited by Crowther et al. were obtained no longer exist. Therefore, salient components of that work were rerun with fresh tissue and the results used to reassess evidence that the island population warrants recognition as a subspecies. We conclude that neither the molecular nor the morphological data supports differentiation at taxonomic or evolutionarily significant levels. Nevertheless, there is a good case for recognising the island population as an important management unit. This case study emphasises the importance of sound taxonomy determined by macro and molecular characters as a prerequisite to allocating resources for conservation.
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Czarny, N. A., M. S. Harris, and J. C. Rodger. "156 ENZYMATIC DISSOCIATION AND VITRIFICATION OF PREANTRAL FOLLICLES FROM THREATENED CARNIVOROUS MARSUPIALS." Reproduction, Fertility and Development 21, no. 1 (2009): 177. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rdv21n1ab156.
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The mammalian ovary contains a rich resource of immature preantral follicles present regardless of cycle stage or seasonality. These follicles can be harvested enzymatically and are preserved more successfully than larger, more mature follicles. Thus, the collection and storage of preantral follicles is an applicable technique for the opportunistic harvesting of ovarian tissue from wildlife for the purpose of genebanking. This study examined the potential of such tools for the conservation of two endangered Australian carnivorous marsupials (dasyurids): the northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus, and the Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus harrisii. The fat-tailed dunnart, Sminthopsis crassicaudata, is a representative model dasyurid with the typical attributes of large gametes (220 μm oocytes) and short polyovular reproductive cycles. Ovarian tissue was dissociated with 0.05–0.1% collagenase and 0.01–0.02% DNase in DMEM (all Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, USA) for up to 30 min before being neutralized with DMEM +10% fetal calf serum (FCS, Trace Biosciences, Castle Hill, Australia). Survival was determined using membrane permeability stains targeted to the nucleus (SYBR14 and propidium iodide, Molecular Probes, Carlsbad, CA, USA) or cytoplasm (trypan blue, Sigma) and assessed with a four-level survival score (1 = 100% live, 2 = 50–99% live, 3 = 1–49% live, 4 = 0% live) for each stage of follicular maturation: primordial (PF), early (EF), and late (LF) primary and secondary (SF) follicles (n = 100 each). Dissociated EF and LF (n = 45) from S. crassicaudata were vitrified with a three-step medium composed of up to 18% DMSO and ethylene glycol in 1 m sucrose (all Sigma; Vajta G et al. 1998 Mol. Reprod. Dev. 51, 53–58), and post-thaw viability was confirmed with trypan blue. All experiments were carried out on at least three individuals; values are presented as mean ± SEM and differences were determined with ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests. In all species, 100% of PF were highly viable (score 1) and there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the percentage of highly viable PF, EF, and LF when compared with SF, which were most commonly observed with minor damage (score 2). An incomplete layer of granulosa cells was observed in 11.92 ± 1.08% of freshly dissociated S. crassicaudata follicles. This increased to 30.34 ± 12.22% after preservation. Of the surrounded follicles, 48.40 ± 14.09% were classified as score 1 or 2 after vitrification. Nonviable staining of the oocyte was observed only in naked oocytes. Although these protocols demonstrate a reliable method for follicle collection and preliminary evidence for tools allowing the preservation of female gametes, further optimization is recommended. The demonstrated techniques are highly applicable to genebanking because they utilize material from unstimulated ovaries, as is regularly seen with tissues collected opportunistically from anestrus, ill, or old wildlife. This study was made possible by the cooperation and collection of tissues by the staff from Territory Wildlife Park, Northern Territory, and Tamara Keeley from Western Plains Zoo, New South Wales.
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Dickman, C. R., and R. W. Braithwaite. "Postmating Mortality of Males in the Dasyurid Marsupials, Dasyurus and Parantechinus." Journal of Mammalogy 73, no. 1 (April 14, 1992): 143–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1381875.
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Goldingay, Ross L. "Characteristics of tree hollows used by Australian arboreal and scansorial mammals." Australian Journal of Zoology 59, no. 5 (2011): 277. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo11081.
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Many species of non-flying mammal depend on tree hollows (cavities or holes) for shelter and survival. I reviewed the published literature on tree hollow use by Australian non-flying arboreal and scansorial mammals to provide a synthesis of tree hollow requirements, to identify gaps in knowledge and to stimulate future research that may improve the management of these species. The use of hollows was described in some detail for 18 of 42 hollow-using species. Most information was for possums and gliding possums, whereas dasyurid marsupials and rodents were largely neglected. The paucity of data for many species must be addressed because it represents an impediment to their conservation. Hollow abundance appears to be the primary determinant of tree preferences. This accounts for the frequent use of standing dead trees by most species. Most hollow-bearing trees used as dens were at least 100 years of age. Further studies that describe the dynamic processes that govern the availability of tree hollows are needed. The few studies that document attrition of hollow-bearing trees suggest that land managers need to improve strategies for the effective retention and long-term replacement of these trees.
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Kelly, Luke T., Dale G. Nimmo, Lisa M. Spence-Bailey, Michael F. Clarke, and Andrew F. Bennett. "The short-term responses of small mammals to wildfire in semiarid mallee shrubland, Australia." Wildlife Research 37, no. 4 (2010): 293. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr10016.
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Context. Wildfire is a major driver of the structure and function of mallee eucalypt- and spinifex-dominated landscapes. Understanding how fire influences the distribution of biota in these fire-prone environments is essential for effective ecological and conservation-based management. Aims. We aimed to (1) determine the effects of an extensive wildfire (118 000 ha) on a small mammal community in the mallee shrublands of semiarid Australia and (2) assess the hypothesis that the fire-response patterns of small mammals can be predicted by their life-history characteristics. Methods. Small-mammal surveys were undertaken concurrently at 26 sites: once before the fire and on four occasions following the fire (including 14 sites that remained unburnt). We documented changes in small-mammal occurrence before and after the fire, and compared burnt and unburnt sites. In addition, key components of vegetation structure were assessed at each site. Key results. Wildfire had a strong influence on vegetation structure and on the occurrence of small mammals. The mallee ningaui, Ningaui yvonneae, a dasyurid marsupial, showed a marked decline in the immediate post-fire environment, corresponding with a reduction in hummock-grass cover in recently burnt vegetation. Species richness of native small mammals was positively associated with unburnt vegetation, although some species showed no clear response to wildfire. Conclusions. Our results are consistent with the contention that mammal responses to fire are associated with their known life-history traits. The species most strongly affected by wildfire, N. yvonneae, has the most specific habitat requirements and restricted life history of the small mammals in the study area. The only species positively associated with recently burnt vegetation, the introduced house mouse, Mus domesticus, has a flexible life history and non-specialised resource requirements. Implications. Maintaining sources for recolonisation after large-scale wildfires will be vital to the conservation of native small mammals in mallee ecosystems.
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Read, J. L., E. Dagg, and K. E. Moseby. "Prey selectivity by feral cats at central Australian rock-wallaby colonies." Australian Mammalogy 41, no. 1 (2019): 132. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am17055.
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Threatened warru, or black-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis MacDonnell Ranges race), populations in northern South Australia continued to decline despite baiting for foxes (Vulpes vulpes), which improved their short-term conservation status elsewhere. To investigate whether feral cats (Felis catus) also represent a risk to warru we compared frequencies of prey occurrence in 103 feral cat and 14 fox stomachs shot near warru colonies in northern South Australia during 2001–17 with measures of prey abundance from pitfall trapping and opportunistic searches. We hypothesise that one fresh adult warru kill and the presence of warru remains in four other cats suggests predation by cats on adult and juvenile warru. Small reptiles and invertebrates were the most frequently recorded prey of cats in summer, whereas rodents and small dasyurids were the most frequent prey items in winter. Small mammals, small snakes and pygopodid lizards were over-represented in the diet of cats compared with estimated encounter frequencies, whereas fast-running dragons, knob-tailed geckoes (Nephrurus) and echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) were not recorded from cat stomachs despite being relatively abundant. Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), rodents and fruits were the most frequently recorded items in fox stomachs. This study reinforces that targeted management of feral cat populations should be considered in concert with control of canids in sustainable recovery programs for warru and other cat-vulnerable species.
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Armstrong, L. A., C. Krajewski, and M. Westerman. "Phylogeny of the Dasyurid Marsupial Genus Antechinus Based on Cytochrome-b, 12S-rRNA, and Protamine-P1 Genes." Journal of Mammalogy 79, no. 4 (December 3, 1998): 1379–89. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1383028.
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Lunney, D., B. Cullis, and P. Eby. "Effects of logging and fire on small mammals in Mumbulla State Forest, near Bega, New South Wales." Wildlife Research 14, no. 2 (1987): 163. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9870163.
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This study of the effects of logging on small mammals in Mumbulla State Forest on the south coast of New South Wales included the effects of a fire in November 1980 and a drought throughout the study period from June 1980 to June 1983. Rattus fuscipes was sensitive to change: logging had a significant impact on its numbers, response to ground cover, and recapture rate; fire had a more severe effect, and drought retarded the post-fire recovery of the population. The three species of dasyurid marsupials differed markedly in their response to ground cover, canopy cover, logging and fire. Antechinus stuartii was distributed evenly through all habitats and was not affected by logging, but fire had an immediate and adverse effect which was sustained by the intense drought. A. swainsonii markedly preferred the regenerating forest, and was not seen again after the fire, the failure of the population being attributed to its dependence on dense ground cover. Sminthopsis leucopus was found in low numbers, appeared to prefer forest with sparse ground cover, and showed no immediate response to logging or fire; its disappearance by the third year post-fire suggests that regenerating forest is inimical to the survival of this species. Mus musculus showed no response to logging. In the first year following the fire its numbers were still very low, but in the next year there was a short-lived plague which coincided with the only respite in the 3-year drought and, importantly, occurred in the intensely burnt parts of the forest. The options for managing this forest for the conservation of small mammals include minimising fire, retaining unlogged forest, extending the time over which alternate coupes are logged and minimising disturbance from heavy machinery.
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Viacava, Pietro, Andrew M. Baker, Simone P. Blomberg, Matthew J. Phillips, and Vera Weisbecker. "Using 3D geometric morphometrics to aid taxonomic and ecological understanding of a recent speciation event within a small Australian marsupial (Antechinus: Dasyuridae)." Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, August 28, 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab048.
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Abstract Taxonomic distinction of species forms the foundation of biodiversity assessments and conservation priorities. However, traditional morphological and/or genetics-based taxonomic assessments frequently miss the opportunity of elaborating on the ecological and functional context of species diversification. Here, we used 3D geometric morphometrics of the cranium to improve taxonomic differentiation and add ecomorphological characterization of a young cryptic divergence within the carnivorous marsupial genus Antechinus. Specifically, we used 168 museum specimens to characterize the recently proposed clades A. stuartii ‘south’, A. stuartii ‘north’ and A. subtropicus. Beyond slight differences attributable to overall size (and, therefore, not necessarily diagnostic), we also found clear allometry-independent shape variation. This allowed us to define new, easily measured diagnostic traits in the palate, which differentiate the three clades. Contrary to previous suggestions, we found no support for a latitudinal gradient as causing the differentiation between the clades. However, skull shape co-varied with temperature and precipitation seasonality, suggesting that the clades may be adapted to environmental variables that are likely to be impacted by climate change. Our study demonstrates the use of 3D geometric morphometrics to improve taxonomic diagnosis of cryptic mammalian species, while providing perspectives on the adaptive origins and potential future threats of mammalian diversity.
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Chong, Rowena, Mang Shi, Catherine E. Grueber, Edward C. Holmes, Carolyn J. Hogg, Katherine Belov, and Vanessa R. Barrs. "Fecal Viral Diversity of Captive and Wild Tasmanian Devils Characterized Using Virion-Enriched Metagenomics and Metatranscriptomics." Journal of Virology 93, no. 11 (March 13, 2019). http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/jvi.00205-19.
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ABSTRACT The Tasmanian devil is an endangered carnivorous marsupial threatened by devil facial tumor disease (DFTD). While research on DFTD has been extensive, little is known about viruses in devils and whether any are of potential conservation relevance for this endangered species. Using both metagenomics based on virion enrichment and sequence-independent amplification (virion-enriched metagenomics) and metatranscriptomics based on bulk RNA sequencing, we characterized and compared the fecal viromes of captive and wild devils. A total of 54 fecal samples collected from two captive and four wild populations were processed for virome characterization using both approaches. In total, 24 novel marsupial-related viruses, comprising a sapelovirus, astroviruses, rotaviruses, picobirnaviruses, parvoviruses, papillomaviruses, polyomaviruses, and a gammaherpesvirus, were identified, as well as known mammalian pathogens such as rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2. Captive devils showed significantly lower viral diversity than wild devils. Comparison of the two virus discovery approaches revealed substantial differences in the number and types of viruses detected, with metatranscriptomics better suited for RNA viruses and virion-enriched metagenomics largely identifying more DNA viruses. Thus, the viral communities revealed by virion-enriched metagenomics and metatranscriptomics were not interchangeable and neither approach was able to detect all viruses present. An integrated approach using both virion-enriched metagenomics and metatranscriptomics constitutes a powerful tool for obtaining a complete overview of both the taxonomic and functional profiles of viral communities within a sample. IMPORTANCE The Tasmanian devil is an iconic Australian marsupial that has suffered an 80% population decline due to a contagious cancer, devil facial tumor disease, along with other threats. Until now, viral discovery in this species has been confined to one gammaherpesvirus (dasyurid herpesvirus 2 [DaHV-2]), for which captivity was identified as a significant risk factor. Our discovery of 24 novel marsupial-associated RNA and DNA viruses, and that viral diversity is lower in captive than in wild devils, has greatly expanded our knowledge of gut-associated viruses in devils and provides important baseline information that will contribute to the conservation and captive management of this endangered species. Our results also revealed that a combination of virion-enriched metagenomics and metatranscriptomics may be a more comprehensive approach for virome characterization than either method alone. Our results thus provide a springboard for continuous improvements in the way we study complex viral communities.