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1
Norbury, GL. "An electrified watering trough that selectively excludes kangaroos." Rangeland Journal 14, no. 1 (1992): 3. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9920003.
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It is generally agreed that the provision of artificial watering points has allowed populations of large kangaroos to increase in the arid and semi-arid rangelands. This study examines the effectiveness of a selective watering device, known as a 'Finlayson Trough', that is designed to exclude kangaroos but allow sheep to drink. The device is a low-lying electrified wire that surrounds a trough and is overstepped by sheep but contacted by a kangaroo's feet or tail. Of the 292 observed attempts at drinking by red kangaroos (Macropus rufis), 99% were unsuccessful. Most shocks were received through the feet. Of the 309 observed attempts at drinking by sheep, minor shocks to the legs were received in 17% of cases. These resulted in only short-term disruptions to drinking. Finlayson Troughs could be used humanely to facilitate commercial kangaroo harvesting by exploiting local concentrations of kangaroos around watering points; to control the distribution of kangaroos in sensitive regenerating areas; or, by gradual implementation, to allow kangaroos to adjust their behaviour to accommodate fewer artificial watering points.
2
Wright, SM. "Observations of the behaviour of male eastern grey kangaroos when attacked by dingoes." Wildlife Research 20, no. 6 (1993): 845. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9930845.
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Interactions between dingoes and male eastern grey kangaroos observed at Wallaby Creek (in northeastern New South Wales) are described. Other than simple flight, large male kangaroos can react to dingoes by defending themselves or fleeing to water. A male kangaroo defended himself during an encounter lasting over 60min. His actions included high-standing, kicking, thumping the tail, and hopping towards and watching the dingo. The encounter was made up of six intense bouts, during which the dingo was within 5m of the kangaroo. Most bouts involved the dingo circling and the kangaroo turning to face the dingo, with the kangaroo's degree of reaction depending on the distance to the dingo. The response of the kangaroo diminished during later bouts. A second kangaroo fled to water when pursued by a dingo and after swimming to shallow water lowered his body so only his head showed. The dingo remained on the bank watching for some time. Both encounters ended with the dingo leaving.
3
Norbury, GL, and DC Norbury. "The Distribution of Red Kangaroos in Relation to Range Regeneration." Rangeland Journal 15, no. 1 (1993): 3. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9930003.
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Pastoralists frequently claim that attempts at range regeneration in arid and semi-arid areas are thwarted by kangaroos. This paper examines the possibility that the impact of kangaroo grazing is exacerbated by an influx of kangaroos onto regeneration sites. The amount of kangaroo dung in a 7500 ha paddock in arid Western Australia increased six-fold over a 15-month period following the removal of sheep. A similar influx was apparent in another destocked paddock that provided unusually high offtake of kangaroos by a commercial shooter. The amount of kangaroo dung remained relatively stable in a control paddock that was stocked. Some areas subject to cultivation and reseeding with native shrubs also showed increased amounts of kangaroo dung, indicating relatively intense kangaroo grazing. Radio-tracking of 46 kangaroos showed them to be mostly sedentary, suggesting that 'invading' kangaroos emerge from the local area. This conclusion is contrary to the widespread view that kangaroos migrate from distant locations. Thus, kangaroo control programs on sensitive areas are likely to be long-lasting because incursions are predominantly from local populations.
4
Thomsen, D. A., K. Muir, and J. Davies. "Aboriginal perspectives on kangaroo management in South Australia." Rangeland Journal 28, no. 2 (2006): 127. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj05028.
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Kangaroos are culturally significant to Aboriginal people but Aboriginal people are generally not involved in kangaroo management or in the kangaroo industry. Our research has provided the first opportunity for Aboriginal people in South Australia to present their perspectives on the commercial harvest of kangaroos. Research methods were qualitative, involving consultations with authoritative Aboriginal people about their perspectives, aspirations, and how they see their rights and interests in relation to the commercial harvest of kangaroos. We found diverse views on this topic from Aboriginal research participants. For some Aboriginal people, strict cultural protocols preclude any involvement in the commercial harvest, but for people from other regions where the cultural laws concerning kangaroos are quite different, there is interest in developing enterprises based on kangaroo harvest. Despite the diversity of views about commercial kangaroo harvest, Aboriginal people across South Australia highly value kangaroos, and want to be included in decision-making processes for kangaroo management. There is potential for appropriate engagement of Aboriginal people in kangaroo management through improved communication, greater understanding and respect for the diversity of Aboriginal perspectives and protocols regarding native wildlife.
5
Dhakal, Sudip, Jarryd M. Boath, Thi Thu Hao Van, Robert J. Moore, and Ian G. Macreadie. "Siccibacter turicensis from Kangaroo Scats: Possible Implication in Cellulose Digestion." Microorganisms 8, no. 5 (April 27, 2020): 635. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8050635.
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Microbiota in the kangaroo gut degrade cellulose, contributing to the kangaroo’s energy and survival. In this preliminary study, to discover more about the gut microbes that contribute to the survival of kangaroos, cellulose-degrading bacteria were isolated from kangaroo scats by selection on solidified media containing carboxymethyl cellulose as the main carbon source. One frequently occurring aerobic bacterium was Siccibacter turicensis, a microbe previously isolated in fruit powder and from a patient with angular cheilitis. The whole genome sequence of the kangaroo isolate was obtained using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Its sequence shared 97.98% identity of the S. turicensis Type strain, and the ability of the Type strain to degrade cellulose was confirmed. Analysis of the genomic data focused on the cellulose operon. In addition to genes from the operon, we suggest that a gene following the operon may have an important role in regulating cellulose metabolism by signal transduction. This is the first report of S. turicensis found within microbiota of the animal gut. Because of its frequent presence in the kangaroo gut, we suggest that S. turicensis plays a role in cellulose digestion for kangaroos.
6
Higginbottom, K., CL Northrope, DB Croft, B. Hill, and E. Fredline. "The role of kangaroos in Australian tourism." Australian Mammalogy 26, no. 1 (2004): 23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am04023.
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Generally absent from the debate on the management of kangaroos (Macropodoidea) is discussion of their role in tourism. This paper examines the role that kangaroos play in Australian tourism, synthesising the findings of four related projects undertaken recently by the Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism. It investigates the role of kangaroos in tourism marketing imagery, international tourist demand and existing tourism enterprises, and examines opportunities for future development of tourism involving kangaroos. In order to assess these aspects, experimental studies, interviews, visitor surveys, content analysis of advertising material, postal surveys of wildlife professionals and site visits were conducted. The kangaroo was found to be one of the world?s best-recognised tourism icons and to generate positive responses among Americans; yet it is apparently under-utilised in overseas travel brochures designed to attract international tourists to Australia. The use of kangaroos in tourism is already widespread, with over 190 tourism enterprises including kangaroo viewing, and with the kangaroo featuring in organised wildlife tourism more frequently than any other type of animal. However kangaroos are generally just one component of a broader tourism experience. While 18.4% of international visitors are motivated to visit Australia partly because of its native animals, there are very few who would not come otherwise. Kangaroos and koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are by far the most popular animals with international visitors. Most visitors who wished to do so, succeeded in seeing kangaroos during their visit, and most expressed high levels of satisfaction with their wildlife experiences. The most satisfying kangaroo viewing experiences are likely to involve the relatively large, social species of open habitats. However areas where these species are most likely to be abundant mostly score poorly in terms of feasibility of tourism. Tourism is one significant management option for Australia?s kangaroos, and its potential deserves further investigation.
7
Green-Barber, Jai M., Oselyne T. W. Ong, Anusha Kanuri, Hayley J. Stannard, and Julie M. Old. "Blood constituents of free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus)." Australian Mammalogy 40, no. 2 (2018): 136. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am17002.
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Baseline haematology, blood chemistry and acute phase protein parameters have not previously been published for free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus). Eight eastern grey kangaroos, including three adult males, three adult females and two subadult males from two different populations, were examined. Assays assessed the antibacterial activity of kangaroo serum against one Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria. The kangaroo serum had a strong antibacterial response to Klebsiella pneumoniae, and moderate responses to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The presence and level of acute phase proteins, haptoglobin and serum amyloid A in kangaroos was investigated. Haptoglobin and serum amyloid A were present in kangaroo serum, but only haptoglobin was elevated in a kangaroo with capture myopathy and necrotic wounds. The findings of this study provide preliminary data on health parameters of free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos. These parameters can be used to assist in assessing health in free-ranging populations.
8
Klöcker, Ulrike, David B. Croft, and Daniel Ramp. "Frequency and causes of kangaroo - vehicle collisions on an Australian outback highway." Wildlife Research 33, no. 1 (2006): 5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr04066.
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Kangaroo–vehicle collisions are frequent on Australian highways. Despite high economic costs, detrimental effects on animal welfare, and potential impacts on population viability, little research has been done to investigate the impact of road mortality on kangaroo populations, where and why accidents occur, and how the collisions can be mitigated. We therefore collected data on species (Macropus rufus, M. giganteus, M. fuliginosus, M. robustus), sex and age of kangaroos killed on a 21.2-km bitumenised section of outback highway over 6 months in far western New South Wales, Australia. The spatial and temporal distribution of road-killed kangaroos was investigated in relation to the cover and quality of road-side vegetation, road characteristics, the density of kangaroos along the road, climatic variables and traffic volume. A total of 125 kangaroos were found killed on the road at a rate of 0.03 deaths km–1 day–1. Grey kangaroos of two species (M. giganteus, M. fuliginosus) were under-represented in the road-kill sample in comparison with their proportion in the source population estimated during the day. No bias towards either sex was found. The age structure of road-killed kangaroos was similar to age structures typical of source kangaroo populations. Road-kills mainly occurred in open plains country. In road sections with curves or stock races, road-kill frequencies were higher than expected. Greater cover and greenness of roadside vegetation at the verge probably attracted kangaroos to the road and variation in this vegetation affected the spatial distribution of road-kills. The temporal distribution of road-kills was positively correlated with the volume of night-time traffic. The probability of a kangaroo–vehicle collision increased exponentially with traffic volume. Results are discussed in relation to the potential for mitigation of kangaroo–vehicle collisions.
9
Wilson, AD. "Forage utilization by sheep and kangaroos in a semi-arid woodland." Rangeland Journal 13, no. 2 (1991): 81. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9910081.
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The utilization of forage species by sheep and western grey kangaroos, and their contribution to the diets of those animals, were determined in a mulga (Acacia aneura) woodland in western New South Wales. Utilization was determined from measurements of forage yield, on pastures that were grazed by either sheep, sheep and kangaroos together or kangaroos, at a range of stocking rates. The sheep and kangaroos had similar preferences for the major grasses, with high utilization of species such as Monachather paradoxa and low utilization of the more fibrous species such as Eragrostis eriopoda. At times of forage abundance, annual and perennial forbs were a major component of sheep diet but a relatively minor component of kangaroo diet. Differences in species preference thus arose mainly in species that were uncommon or of seasonal occurrence. The overall diets of sheep and kangaroos were similar, with a year-round predominance of the same group of perennial grasses such as Thyridolepis mitchelliana. In the treatment where sheep and kangaroos grazed together, kangaroos had access to areas exclosed from sheep and their use of these areas increased with increase in stocking rate. Thus the exclosures received a similar grazing pressure by kangaroos alone, to that of the surrounding paddocks grazed by a mixture of sheep and kangaroos. It is concluded that there is direct competition between sheep and kangaroos for the main forage species. There are also long-term effects of high kangaroo populations on sheep production because the movement of kangaroos to rested paddocks negates any pasture management practice that requires periodic resting of pastures from grazing.
10
Payne, Alison L., and Peter J. Jarman. "Macropod studies at Wallaby Creek. X. Responses of eastern grey kangaroos to cattle." Wildlife Research 26, no. 2 (1999): 215. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr95037.
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The instantaneous behavioural and spatial responses of eastern grey kangaroos to the presence of cattle were studied at Wallaby Creek, north-eastern New South Wales. Kangaroo groups were distributed closer to cattle groups than would be expected by chance, both at a study-site scale (154-ha) and at a 1-ha scale; large males were recorded on average further from cattle than were smaller males. Nearest-neighbouring kangaroo groups were located such that cattle groups rarely interrupted the lines of sight between them. Observed disturbance and displacement by cattle provoked a minimal response in kangaroos, which fled only tens of metres and soon resumed their previous activity. The presence of cattle had few detectable instantaneous effects on the behaviour of the kangaroos, except to increase their alertness and the feeding time of small (but not large) kangaroo groups. These effects indicate that cattle pose little threat to kangaroos.
11
Collins, D., and K. Menz. "An Economic Perspective to the Population Management of Commercially Harvested Kangaroos." Rangeland Journal 8, no. 2 (1986): 103. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9860103.
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Both overseas and within Australia, the need for a commercial kangaroo industry is being questioned. Some groups believe that the larger kangaroo species presently being culled are under threat of extinction and that the pest status of kangaroos to agriculture is largely a myth. As the commercial kangaroo industry is export oriented, the imposition of import bans by overseas governments would significantly affect the viability of the industry. Also, agricultural producers who believe they bear the costs of maintaining kangaroo population are concerned that damage by kangaroos would become unacceptably high if their numbers were to go unchecked. The aim of this article is to put an economic perspective on the population management of commercially harvested kangaroos. The major groups in conflict are identified, along with their respective preferences regarding the appropriate level of the kangaroo population. The underlying reason for conflict, the common property characteristic of kangaroos, is examined, and an economic framework for reconciling these conflicts through population management presented. The lack of data on kangaroo numbers and the benefits and costs which various population levels have for the various interest groups remain a major impediment to quantifying an economic model for determining optimal population levels. An examination is made of relevant data and a national appraisal of the order of magnitude of kangaroo damages to agriculture is presented.
12
Jarman, PJ, and SM Wright. "Macropod studies at Wallaby Creek. IX Exposure and responses of eastern grey kangaroos to dingoes." Wildlife Research 20, no. 6 (1993): 833. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9930833.
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Kangaroos at Wallaby Creek lived with the persistent presence of dingoes in the valley, there being no place, time of year or of day when kangaroos could be free of risk. An adult kangaroo might encounter dingoes a few hundred times in its life. Dingoes appeared not to be selective for the sizes of groups of kangaroos that they contacted. Large adult males and females with medium pouch young were overrepresented in the samples of kangaroos contacted by dingoes. No kangaroos ignored the detected presence of dingoes; all became alert, and most fled. The distances at which they became alert to a dingo group depended upon the kangaroo group's size, larger groups never being surprised by dingoes at short range as were some smaller groups. On average larger groups fled when the dingoes were further away. Among classes of kangaroos, large adult males fled least far, and tended to react to dingoes less strongly (in terms of alertness or flight) than other classes. They also exhibited two forms of defence, taking to water when pursued and warding off attack, that other classes did not show.
13
Mcalpine, CA, GC Grigg, JJ Mott, and P. Sharma. "Influence of Landscape Structure on Kangaroo Abundance in a Disturbed Semi-Arid Woodland of Queensland." Rangeland Journal 21, no. 1 (1999): 104. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9990104.
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This paper develops a hierarchical landscape approach for investigating how landscape structure influences the abundance of eastern grey kangaroos, red kangaroos and common wallaroos on properties in a partially cleared semi-arid woodland of Queensland. This approach is applied to examine the extent to which a mosaic of spatial factors at a hierarchy of scales influences kangaroo abundance at the property level. the level of management interest. The analysis concludes that the structure of the property habitat mosaic, coupled with pasture productivity, is the most important influence for each species. Access to water was not a limiting factor. although it may be important locally. Grey kangaroos prefer an even mosaic of all habitat types on properties with productive grass-dominated pastures. Red kangaroos are positively associated with run-on areas and large-shrub regrowth patches. reflecting their foraging preferences for forbs and short grasses and their ability to use more open habitats. Wallaroos have a clumped density distribution associated with a heterogeneous mosaic of open habitats interspersed with fragmented forest patches and small to medium-grained shrub-regrowth patches. The research. \+bile not replicated. identifies linkages between tree clearing practices at the property level and increased large kangaroo abundance in the region, These linkages have been previously overlooked in thc kangaroo Inanagement debare. Therefore. any tree clearing guidelines dt.\eloped at the propert) level need to be sensitive to key ecological processes influencing kangaroo populations at both the landscape and property levels. If not, the sustainable management of total grazing pressure (livestock plus kangaroos) and biodiversity conservation will never become a reality. Key words: kangaroos, landscape structure, landscape change, pattern, process, scale
14
McLeod, S. R., and R. B. Hacker. "Balancing stakeholder interests in kangaroo management – historical perspectives and future prospects." Rangeland Journal 41, no. 6 (2019): 567. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj19055.
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Kangaroos are commercially harvested in five mainland states of Australia, with the harvest regulated by state government wildlife management agencies and overseen by the Commonwealth government. Non-commercial culling is permitted, and although most kangaroos have traditionally been taken by the commercial kangaroo harvesting industry, the proportion taken non-commercially has increased in recent years. Management plans that guide the regulation of the harvest support the management objectives of wildlife management agencies and the kangaroo industry, but the plans do not successfully address the objectives of other stakeholders including pastoralists and animal protection groups, which focus on minimising the grazing impacts of kangaroos and animal welfare issues respectively. We reviewed the objectives outlined in the management plans for kangaroos in the Australian rangelands and examined alternative systems for managing natural resources to identify if improvements to management could be made. Current management plans for kangaroos principally use fixed harvest rates that are responsive only to the state of the kangaroo population and not to changes in the environments in which kangaroos live. This type of management is reactive, and opportunities for improving management of the environment are limited. A viable alternative is active adaptive management which focuses on explicit measurement of the response of the natural system to management actions and use of this information to modify interventions to better meet management objectives. Active adaptive management is appropriate when management actions can strongly influence system state but the impacts of management are uncertain. We argue that the management of kangaroos and the environments in which they live would benefit from the adoption of an active adaptive management approach by wildlife management agencies.
15
Brunton, Elizabeth A., Sanjeev K. Srivastava, and Scott Burnett. "Spatial ecology of an urban eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) population: local decline driven by kangaroo–vehicle collisions." Wildlife Research 45, no. 8 (2018): 685. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr18077.
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Context As urban landscapes proliferate globally, the need for research into urban wildlife interactions is magnified. The eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) is a widespread species commonly involved in wildlife–vehicle collisions in urban areas in Australia. Despite the many urban kangaroo populations and associated conflicts with human activities, few studies have examined how eastern grey kangaroos interact with, and are affected by, the urban matrix. Aims The present study aimed to quantify kangaroo demography, movements, habitat utilisation and exposure to risks during a period of intensive urban development in a rapidly changing suburb located in a region undergoing high urban growth rates. Methods We utilised foot-based census surveys, global positioning system (GPS) collars, direct observations and reports of wildlife mortality between 2014 and 2016. Geographical information systems (GIS) were used to integrate GPS-tracking data with spatial layers, to quantify kangaroo movements and habitat utilisation. Key results The kangaroo population underwent a steep decline and kangaroo–vehicle collisions were the main source of mortality (73%) during the study period. Kangaroos were regularly exposed to the risk of injury, with roads intersecting many parts of their home range. Kangaroos showed positive habitat selection both for lawn and forest habitats and kangaroo movement and presence at the study site were influenced by high-quality forage and cover. Conclusions The present research has highlighted that despite areas of suitable habitat remaining, road-kill was a major contributor to localised kangaroo-population decline. We showed that habitat preferences of eastern grey kangaroos in this urban area were consistent with those in natural landscapes. Implications The present study is the first to implicate kangaroo–vehicle collisions as the major factor in population decline in kangaroos. These findings can be utilised to guide design and placement of kangaroo–vehicle collision mitigation and assist in planning of urban areas, particularly where kangaroo populations are in decline. Local extirpation of urban kangaroo populations would be greatly reduced by incorporating site-specific kangaroo habitat preferences and existing patterns of kangaroo habitat use in infrastructure planning. The study has contributed to our understanding of the effects of roads on urban wildlife in general and highlighted the importance of landscape permeability.
16
King, DR, GL Norbury, and GJ Eliot. "The Efficacy of Finlayson Troughs as a Means of Repelling Kangaroos From Water and Altering Grazing Pressure in Pastoral Areas." Rangeland Journal 19, no. 1 (1997): 57. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9970057.
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We attempted to determine whether Finlayson troughs (a selective electric repellent device) would repel kangaroos (Macropus rufus and M. robustus) but still allow sheep to drink when access of kangaroos to artificial water sources was restricted on a large scale, and the effect that had on kangaroo populations. In late 1993 high percentages of kangaroos (over 80% of both species) were repelled from water sources fitted with Finlayson troughs when alternative water sources were available. However, when all water sources within a 100,000 ha area had activated Finlayson troughs or were fenced off, kangaroos found methods that enabled them to circumvent the Finlayson troughs within two weeks after activation of the troughs. The numbers which were able to obtain a drink increased greatly over this period. When used on a large scale, Finlayson troughs as used in this study were thus apparently ineffective in restricting the access of kangaroos to water. Aerial surveys and radio-tracking were used to determine the numbers and distribution of kangaroos over the whole area after activation of all the Finlayson troughs. There were no significant differences in kangaroo numbers between the treated area and a nearby control area which was devoid of Finlayson troughs. All 31 of the radio-collared kangaroos which could be located at the end of the trial remained within the areas they formerly occupied and the length of their movements did not increase.
17
Priddel, D. "The Diurnal and Seasonal Patterns of Grazing of the Red Kangaroo, Macropus-Rufus, and the Western Gray-Kangaroo, Macropus-Fuliginosus." Wildlife Research 13, no. 2 (1986): 113. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9860113.
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Free-ranging red and western grey kangaroos were fitted with radio transmitters which, when the kangaroo grazed, emitted a pulse rate different to that emitted during other activities. Red kangaroos grazed for between 7.1 and 10.5 h day-1; western grey kangaroos grazed for between 5.9 and 9.8 h day-1 . Red kangaroos grazed for the same amount of time each season despite fourfold changes in pasture biomass. The grazing time of western grey kangaroos was similar in autumn, winter and spring, but decreased by 22% in summer when pasture was most abundant. Males of both species grazed for about an hour longer than females each day. Most grazing (78% for red kangaroos; 86% for western grey kangaroos) took place between sunset and sunrise. The distribution of grazing activity with respect to time of day was bimodal; kangaroos grazed for extensive periods during the 6 h immediately after sunset and again during the few hours before and after sunrise. The time of grazing changed seasonally and these changes were associated with differences in daylength.
18
Henderson, Timothy, Rajanathan Rajaratnam, and Karl Vernes. "Population density of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) in a periurban matrix at Coffs Harbour, New South Wales." Australian Mammalogy 40, no. 2 (2018): 312. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am17010.
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We surveyed eastern grey kangaroos at four locations at the Northern Beaches region of Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, to estimate densities in this growing peri-urban region. This region is considered a regional hotspot for human–kangaroo conflict, with numerous kangaroo-related incidents in recent years. Direct counts of kangaroos were undertaken every two months during 2016. Kangaroo densities varied between sites, ranging from 0.2 individuals ha–1 to 4.9 individuals ha–1. Because no estimates of population density exist for the Northern Beaches, our results assisted the development of a regional kangaroo management plan, and contribute to a broader understanding of eastern grey kangaroo densities in peri-urban areas.
19
Fukuda, Y., H. I. McCallum, G. C. Grigg, and A. R. Pople. "Fencing artificial waterpoints failed to influence density and distribution of red kangaroos (Macropus rufus)." Wildlife Research 36, no. 6 (2009): 457. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr08122.
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Provision of artificial waterpoints in Australian rangelands has resulted in an increase in the range and density of kangaroos. At high densities, kangaroos can inhibit vegetation regeneration, particularly in some protected areas where harvesting is prohibited. Fencing off waterpoints has been proposed to limit these impacts. Our aim was to determine whether fencing off waterpoints during a drought (when kangaroos would be especially water-limited) would influence the density and distribution of red kangaroos (Macropus rufus). Two waterpoints were fenced within the first 6 months of the 27-month study and a further two waterpoints were kept unfenced as controls in Idalia National Park, western Queensland. We estimated kangaroo densities around waterpoints from walked line-transect counts, and their grazing distribution from dung-pellet counts. Fencing off waterpoints failed to influence either the density or distribution up to 4 km from the waterpoints. Our results indicate that food availability, rather than the location of waterpoints, determines kangaroo distribution. Few areas in the rangelands are beyond kangaroos’ convenient reach from permanent waterpoints. Therefore, fencing off waterpoints without explicitly considering the spatial context in relation to other available water sources will fail to achieve vegetation regeneration.
20
Barnes, A., and GJE Hill. "Estimating Kangaroo Damage to Winter Wheat Crops in the Bungunya District of Southern Queensland." Wildlife Research 19, no. 4 (1992): 417. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9920417.
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In Bungunya district, on the inland fringe of the winter wheat belt in SE Queensland, 2 approaches to estimate crop losses attributable to eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) were assessed during dry conditions. In 1986, an early-season survey established indices of kangaroo usage and crop damage within 250 m of paddock edges. The relationship between these data and final grain yield suggested a minimum reduction in yield associated with kangaroos of 8% for the district. In 1987, yields from exclusion and open plots were used to obtain a direct estimate of kangaroo-associated yield reductions. These indicated a difference in yield of between 10% and 17% for the study area, although not all of this may be associated with kangaroos. Results suggest significant crop losses attributable to kangaroos. However, because of the nature of the research and the assumptions relied upon, the findings provide a guide to the magnitude of losses rather than highly reliable estimate.
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Thomsen, D. A., and J. Davies. "Social and cultural dimensions of commercial kangaroo harvest in South Australia." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 45, no. 10 (2005): 1239. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea03248.
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Kangaroo management is important to the sustainability of Australia’s rangeland landscapes. The commercial harvest of kangaroos assists in reduction of total grazing pressure in the rangelands and provides the potential for supplementary income to pastoralists. Indeed, the commercial kangaroo industry is considered by natural resource scientists as one of the few rural industry development options with potential to provide economic return with minimal environmental impact. While the biology and population ecology of harvested kangaroo species in Australia is the subject of past and present research, the social, institutional and economic issues pertinent to the commercial kangaroo industry are not well understood. Our research is addressing the lack of understanding of social issues around kangaroo management, which are emerging as constraints on industry development. The non-indigenous stakeholders in kangaroo harvest are landholders, regional management authorities, government conservation and primary production agencies, meat processors, marketers and field processors (shooters) and these industry players generally have little understanding of what issues the commercial harvest of kangaroos presents to Aboriginal people. Consequently, the perspectives and aspirations of Aboriginal people regarding the commercial harvest of kangaroos are not well considered in management, industry development and planning. For Aboriginal people, kangaroos have subsistence, economic and cultural values and while these values and perspectives vary between language groups and individuals, there is potential to address indigenous issues by including Aboriginal people in various aspects of kangaroo management. This research also examines the Aboriginal interface with commercial kangaroo harvest, and by working with Aboriginal people and groups is exploring several options for greater industry involvement. The promotion of better understandings between indigenous and non-indigenous people with interests in kangaroo management could promote industry development through the marketing of kangaroo as not only clean and green, but also as a socially just product.
22
Neave, HM, and MT Tanton. "The Effects of Grazing by Kangaroos and Rabbits on the Vegetation and the Habitat of Other Fauna in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Australian Capital Territory." Wildlife Research 16, no. 3 (1989): 337. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9890337.
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Exclosures established in 1979 at 3 grassland sites in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve kept out kangaroos and rabbits, kangaroos only or rabbits only, at each site. The occurrence of some plant species changed over time in all treatments as a result of natural plant succession, but other changes were caused mainly by grazing by the grey kangaroo [Macropus giganteus]. The 3 sites were different floristically mainly in the percentage cover of Themeda australis, Bromus molliformis, Hypochoeris radicata and Trifolium spp. The frequency of occurrence of moss, Haloragis tetragyna, Rumex acetosella, B. molliformis and Trifolium spp. also differed between sites. Compared with ungrazed plots, exclosures grazed by kangaroos had decreased percentage cover of Glycine clandestina, Aira caryophyllea and Haloragis tetragyna whereas moss species increased. Bothriochloa macra, which occurred only at 1 site, increased on plots grazed by kangaroos and produced a significant site-treatment interaction. The plots grazed by kangaroos had increased frequency of occurrence of dicotyledonous seedlings, A. caryophyllea, Danthonia sp. and H. radicata. Since 1982-83, the frequency of occurrence of G. clandestina, Lomandra filiformis and Verbascum thapsus decreased where the grey kangaroo grazed. New species recorded in 1986, that appeared only in sites grazed by the grey kangaroo, included B. molliformis, Eriochilus cucullatus, Trifolium campestre, Luzula sp. and Silene gallica. Species such as Hibbertia obtusifolia, Plantago lanceolata, Lactuca serriola, Conyza bonariensis, Danthonia sp. and Hydrocotyle laxiflora were not present on plots grazed by the grey kangaroo. Height of Acrotriche serrulata, dicotyledonous seedlings, G. clandestina, H. laxiflora, Hypericum gramineum, H. radicata, L. filiformis, Poa sp., Sorghum leiocladum and T. australis was reduced markedly in plots grazed by the grey kangaroo, although grazing did not always appear to be the reason. The reduction in the height of the vegetation made the areas unsuitable for stubble quail (Coturnix pectoralis) and Richard's pipit (Anthus novaeseelandiae), and also affected certain invertebrates.
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Warburton, Natalie M., Maud Yakovleff, and Auréline Malric. "Anatomical adaptations of the hind limb musculature of tree-kangaroos for arboreal locomotion (Marsupialia : Macropodinae)." Australian Journal of Zoology 60, no. 4 (2012): 246. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo12059.
Full textAbstract:
Tree-kangaroos (Dendrolagini) are Australasian marsupials that inhabit tropical forests of far north-eastern Queensland and New Guinea. The secondary adaptation of tree-kangaroos to an arboreal lifestyle from a terrestrial heritage offers an excellent opportunity to study the adaptation of the musculoskeletal system for arboreal locomotion, particularly from a template well adapted to terrestrial bipedal saltation. We present a detailed descriptive study of the hind limb musculature of Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo (D. lumholtzi) in comparison to other macropodines to test whether the hind limb musculature of tree-kangaroos is functionally adapted to the different mechanical demands of locomotion in the uneven three-dimensional arboreal environment. The hind limb musculature of Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi), the western brush wallaby (Macropus irma), the western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) and the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) are described. The hind limb anatomy of D. lumholtzi differed from that of the terrestrial macropodines in that the muscles had a greater degree of internal differentiation, relatively longer fleshy bellies and very short, stout tendons of insertion. There was also a modified arrangement of muscle origins and insertions that enhance mechanical advantage. Differences in the relative proportions of the hind limb muscle mass between tree-kangaroos and terrestrial macropodines reflect adaptation of the limb musculature of tree-kangaroos for arboreal locomotion. The hind limb musculature of Setonix was different to that of both Dendrolagus and Macropus, possibly reflecting its more basal phylogenetic position within the Macropodinae.
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Webley, L. S., I. Beveridge, and G. Coulson. "Endoparasites of an insular subspecies of the western grey kangaroo, Macropus fuliginosus." Australian Journal of Zoology 52, no. 6 (2004): 623. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo04011.
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This study examined parasites occurring in the insular subspecies of the western grey kangaroo, Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus, from Kangaroo Island. A total of 25 kangaroos from three sites were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. Fifteen parasite species were identified: eight in the stomach, five in the small intestine and two in the large intestine. Parasite prevalence showed a bimodal distribution: 'satellite' species were predominantly cestodes, whereas 'core' species were nematodes. There was no evidence of co-speciation in the 12 parasite species occurring in both island and mainland western grey kangaroo subspecies. M. f. fuliginosus harboured fewer parasite species than M. f. melanops from the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia. This might be related to parasite prevalence and the intensity of infection in the original population of kangaroos. Alternatively, it might be related to differing environmental conditions or to chance. Host switching was evident, with Cloacina kartana, which has been recorded as a common parasite of the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii, also occurring in some kangaroos.
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Iles, Jordan, Jeff Kelleway, Tsuyoshi Kobayashi, Debashish Mazumder, Lisa Knowles, David Priddel, and Neil Saintilan. "Grazing kangaroos act as local recyclers of energy on semiarid floodplains." Australian Journal of Zoology 58, no. 3 (2010): 145. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo10020.
Full textAbstract:
On Australian semiarid floodplains, large herbivores such as kangaroos have a role in the cycling of energy (carbon) through the mechanism of feeding and defaecation of vegetative material. The degree to which kangaroos are vectors of energy within this system is not fully understood. This study describes the stable carbon isotope signature of floodplain plants and kangaroo scats at two close study sites. Kangaroos were found to deposit scats that mirrored the forage composition at each particular feeding site. Scats were 3.94‰ higher in δ13C values at the site where C4 grasses were available, indicating that this grass contributed ~25–30% of the diet of these kangaroos. The difference in diet due to the relative availability of C3 and C4 forage, detectable in the carbon stable isotope signature of scats, is used to demonstrate that kangaroos are recycling and redistributing energy locally, rather than transporting it more broadly across the floodplain.
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Short, J., and J. Hone. "Calibrating Aerial Surveys of Kangaroos by Comparison With Drive Counts." Wildlife Research 15, no. 3 (1988): 277. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9880277.
Full textAbstract:
Densities of red and western grey kangaroos and euros were assessed by aerial survey and compared with densities obtained in the same area by drive counts. The survey area (12.1 km2) was long, narrow and sparsely vegetated. Lakes and a kangaroo-proof fence bounded the area on three sides facilitating the drive count. Densities from aerial surveys ranged between 38 and 54% of the corresponding drive counts for red kangaroos, between 15 and 23% for western grey kangaroos, and between 9 and 10% for euros. The time of morning at which the surveys were conducted altered these percentages. About twice as many red and western grey kangaroos were counted on aerial surveys at sunrise compared to surveys 3.5 h later.
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Brunton, Bolin, Leon, and Burnett. "Fright or Flight? Behavioural Responses of Kangaroos to Drone-Based Monitoring." Drones 3, no. 2 (April 24, 2019): 41. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/drones3020041.
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: Drones are often considered an unobtrusive method of monitoring terrestrial wildlife; however research into whether drones disturb wildlife is in its early stages. This research investigated the potential impacts of drone monitoring on a large terrestrial mammal, the eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), in urban and peri-urban environments. We assessed the response of kangaroos to drone monitoring by analysing kangaroo behaviour prior to and during drone deployments using a linear modelling approach. We also explored factors that influenced kangaroo responses including drone altitude, site characteristics and kangaroo population dynamics and demographics. We showed that drones elicit a vigilance response, but that kangaroos rarely fled from the drone. However, kangaroos were most likely to flee from a drone flown at an altitude of 30 m. This study suggests that drone altitude is a key consideration for minimising disturbance of large terrestrial mammals and that drone flights at an altitude of 60–100 m above ground level will minimise behavioural impacts. It also highlights the need for more research to assess the level of intrusion and other impacts that drone surveys have on the behaviour of wildlife and the accuracy of the data produced.
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Read, J. L., and D. Wilson. "Scavengers and detritivores of kangaroo harvest offcuts in arid Australia." Wildlife Research 31, no. 1 (2004): 51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr02051.
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The role of the offcuts of harvested kangaroos as a food source for native and introduced scavengers and detritivores was examined in the Roxby Downs region of arid South Australia. Corvids were the prominent users of offcuts in January and eagles and foxes significant users in September. Meat ants and a suite of carrion-specialist beetles and maggots also assisted with the decomposition of kangaroo offcuts. Harvested kangaroo populations provided a more reliable and better utilised food resource for scavengers and detritivores than did kangaroos that died naturally of heat stress. Kangaroo harvesting probably supports elevated populations of foxes, corvids, wedge-tailed eagles and detritivores. Therefore, kangaroo harvesters have a responsibility to control foxes, particularly in regions where endangered mammals or lambs are present.
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Cooney, Rosie, Alex Baumber, Peter Ampt, and George Wilson. "Sharing Skippy: how can landholders be involved in kangaroo production in Australia?" Rangeland Journal 31, no. 3 (2009): 283. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj08025.
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For 2 decades, calls for Australian rangeland landholders to expand their reliance on the abundant species of native kangaroos and decrease their reliance on introduced stock have been made. These calls have received recent impetus from the challenge of climate change. Arguments for landholder involvement in kangaroo production include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, better management of total grazing pressure, reduced land degradation, improved vegetation and biodiversity outcomes, and greater valuation of kangaroos by landholders. However, there is little understanding of how landholders could be involved in kangaroo harvest and production, and there is a widespread misconception that this would include domestication, fencing, mustering and trucking. This paper reviews the options for landholder involvement in managing and harvesting wild kangaroos, and assesses the possible benefits and feasibility of such options. We conclude that collaboration among landholders, as well as between landholders and harvesters, forms the basis of any preferred option, and set out a proposed operating model based on the formation of a kangaroo management, processing and marketing co-operative.
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Thomson, PC. "The behavioural ecology of dingoes in north-western Australia. III. Hunting and Feeding behaviour, and diet." Wildlife Research 19, no. 5 (1992): 531. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9920531.
Full textAbstract:
Observations from aerial radio-tracking were used together with analysis of scat and stomach samples to investigate the feeding ecology of dingoes, Canis familiaris dingo, on the lower Fortescue River in Western Australia. Between 1977 and 1984, 1948 records of hunting and feeding were obtained, and 352 scats and 119 stomachs were collected. Dingoes preyed predominantly on kangaroos, Macropus robustus and M. rufus, the most abundant and widely distributed of the larger native mammals in the area. In one site dingoes partially switched to alternative food (smaller prey and cattle carrion) when kangaroo abundance declined. However, they continued to hunt and kill kangaroos even when easyto- obtain cattle carrion was available. The increased utilisation of smaller prey by dingoes coincided with changes in sociality (disintegration of packs and an increased number of solitary dingoes). In a sheepgrazing area, sheep were 'easy' prey and dingoes killed sheep and kangaroos in excess of their needs for food, although kangaroo remained a major component of their diet. Dingoes cooperating in groups were more successful than solitary dingoes in hunting large prey (kangaroos, calves). Cooperative effort was not required for dingoes to catch or kill sheep.
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Priddel, D., G. Wellard, and N. Shepherd. "Movements of Sympatric Red Kangaroos, Macropus-Rufus, and Western Grey Kangaroos, Macropus-Fuliginosus, in Western New-South-Wales." Wildlife Research 15, no. 3 (1988): 339. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9880339.
Full textAbstract:
Between July 1979 and November 1980 a total of 261 red kangaroos, Macropus rufus, (216F; 45 M) and 170 western grey kangaroos, M. fuliginosus, (136F;34M) were caught and tagged with individually recognisable collars. Between July 1979 and January 1986, 1751 sightings of tagged individuals were recorded. Information gained from these sightings was used to assess how far each kangaroo ranged. More than 90% of individuals of either species did not range far (<9 km for reds; <6 km for western greys) even when local pastures were severely depleted during drought. A few individuals dispersed much further-up to 323 km. On average, red kangaroos ranged further than western greys. Kangaroos on Kinchega National Park ranged no less or no further than those on an adjacent pastoral leasehold. At least 17 tagged individuals crossed the macropod-deterrent fence surrounding Kinchega; several crossed repeatedly. Dispersal of kangaroos from Kinchega was slight, supporting the hypothesis of Bayliss (1985) that dispersal has no significant impact on population dynamics.
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Hacker, RB, and D. Freudenberger. "The Effect of Short-Term Exclosure of Watering Points on the Behaviour and Harvesting Efficiency of Grey and Red Kangaroos." Rangeland Journal 19, no. 2 (1997): 145. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9970145.
Full textAbstract:
The selective exclusion of kangaroos from water points installed for livestock may facilitate the control of the total grazing pressure by herbivores on pastoral leases. In observations at seven different study sites, we found that low lying electrified wires surrounding watering points (e.g. Finlayson troughs) are largely effective in selectively excluding red kangaroos and the two species of grey kangaroo from water. Some sheep will experience shocks when exposed to the wire, but no unmanageable effects were observed. However, the devices are considered unsuitable for use with cattle which quickly damage the installations Such devices produced significant local concentrations of kangaroos during two of the seven replications when pre-exclosure minimum temperatures were above 19260C and maxima above 3 1260C. Shooter experience indicated the potential exists to increase harvesting efficiency of kangaroos concentrated at electrically exclosed uaters, but we were unable to show this statistically. Key words: kangaroos, water exclosure, behaviour, harvesting efficiiency
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Andrew, MH, and RT Lange. "The Spatial Distributions of Sympatric Populations of Kangaroos and Sheep - Examples of Dissociation Between These Species." Wildlife Research 13, no. 3 (1986): 367. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9860367.
Full textAbstract:
We present three sets of data, based on dung counts, which show that western grey and red kangaroos tended to dissociate from sheep in arid zone paddocks when the opportunity permitted. In two cases, the abundance of kangaroo dung within sheep-proof enclosures was much greater than that outside. In the third, kangaroos were consistently more abundant in those parts of the paddock not frequented by the sheep. This dissociation may be related to the relative attractiveness to the kangaroos of the pasture which has remained ungrazed by sheep, rather than to antagonism between the two species.
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Hill, GJE, A. Barnes, and GR Wilson. "The Use of Wheat Crops by Grey Kangaroos, Macropus-Giganteus, in Southern Queensland." Wildlife Research 15, no. 2 (1988): 111. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9880111.
Full textAbstract:
Aerial surveys of eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, were conducted over the western edge of the wheat belt of southern Queensland in two wet years (1983 and 1984) and one year of average rainfall (1985). Because most kangaroos moved rapidly off crops shortly after dawn and returned shortly before dusk, flights within 15 min of dawn and dusk provided the best indicators of kangaroo crop usage. Very low densities were observed on mature crops in all years and on immature crops in the two wetter years. In July 1985, which was drier, a density of 11 kangaroos km-2 was recorded on immature crops. This density was comparable with that for all uncultivated land in the surveyed area. Close to undeveloped land, densities of 14-17 kangaroos km-2 were observed on crops.
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Wilson, AD. "The influence of kangaroos and forage on sheep productivity in the semi-arid woodlands." Rangeland Journal 13, no. 2 (1991): 69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9910069.
Full textAbstract:
Problems of pasture degradation and competition from kangaroos in the semi-arid woodlands were investigated in a grazing trial conducted in western New South Wales. The trial area of 200 ha was subdivided into 12 paddocks, varying in size from 7.5 to 30 ha and grazed with matched groups of six merino hoggetts, with and without a similar number of western grey kangaroos. Stocking rates were 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 and 0.8 sheep per hectare and 0.2, 0.27, 0.33, 0.4, 0.47 and 0.53 sheep per hectare, with an equal number of western grey kangaroos. Wool growth and weight gain of the sheep, and the yield of forage species and components, were recorded quarterly over a three year period. Rainfall received over these years was close to the 30, 90 and 50 percentile levels respectively. The results were analysed by regression modelling. Both wool growth and sheep weight gain were reduced by increasing stocking rates of sheep or kangaroos, except when forage was abundant. The relative effect of kangaroo grazing was greatest in the year of lowest rainfall, with an equivalence of one sheep: 0.6 kangaroo of equal weight. Forage biomass declined as stocking rates increased with kangaroos having the equivalent effect of 0.75 sheep on a weight for weight basis. More than 80 per cent of the variation in clean fleece weight (CFW, kg/year) and annual sheep weight gain (WG, kg/year) was explained by the average yield of green herbage leaf (GL, kgtha) in the expressions and CFW = 1.30 + 0.72 In GL WG = 5.6 In GL These results show that sheep productivity can be increased by controlling kangaroo numbers in the drier years. They also indicate that productivity can be raised by increasing the abundance of palatable perennial species, which maintain green leaf during periods of moderate and low rainfall.
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Clancy, T. F., A. R. Pople, and L. A. Gibson. "Comparison of Helicopter Line Transects with Walked Line Transects for Estimating Densities of Kangaroos." Wildlife Research 24, no. 4 (1997): 397. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr96103.
Full textAbstract:
The performance of helicopter surveys for estimating population densities of red kangaroos (Macropus rufus), eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) and common wallaroos (Macropus robustus) was investigated by comparing line-transect density estimates obtained from helicopter surveys with those from ground (walked) surveys. Comparisons were made at four sites in central western Queensland (areas with high densities of red kangaroos and common wallaroos) that were surveyed during winter and summer from December 1991 until February 1995, and one site in south-eastern Queensland (an area of high eastern grey kangaroo density) surveyed annually during autumn from March 1991 until March 1994. Helicopter surveys generally recorded lower sample sizes than did ground surveys (means ± s.e = 34 ± 6%, 33 ± 9% and 76 ± 2% lower for red kangaroos, eastern grey kangaroos and wallaroos, respectively). Density estimates obtained from the helicopter surveys were not significantly different from those obtained from ground surveys for both red and eastern grey kangaroos as assessed by repeated-measures ANOVA and regression analysis. However, helicopter surveys of common wallaroos consistently returned density estimates about half those of ground surveys. The relationships between the two methods did not differ between winter and summer for any species. The conventional aerial survey method for kangaroos of strip transects from fixed-wing aircraft has limited ability to adjust for varying sightability conditions. Therefore, helicopter surveys with line-transect sampling are an attractive alternative.
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Croft, DB. "Inter- and Intra specific Conflict between Arid-zone Kangaroos at Watering Points." Wildlife Research 12, no. 3 (1985): 337. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9850337.
Full textAbstract:
Red kangaroos Macropus rufus and euros M. robustus were observed drinking at a stock trough in northwestern New South Wales. The populations of both species were divided into five age-sex classes. Drinking and agonistic behaviour was similar across classes and species. Inter- and intraspecific conflict between these classes for a drinking position were analysed. Within species, there is a size-related hierarchy for gaining and maintaining a drinking space, favouring the larger class. Interspecifically, euros, the smaller species, dominate equivalent age classes of red kangaroos. Retaliation in aggressive encounters is more likely between adjacent rank neighbours than those more distant in the hierarchy. Drinking individuals tend to win more encounters than individuals attempting to gain a drinking place. The longer a kangaroo has been drinking the less likely it is to act aggressively to an intruder. When drinking, spacing between kangaroos is essentially random. Both species displace another individual at a similar mean distance of 0.6-0.8 m, but spacing between adult euros is wider than between adult red kangaroos. Spacing is modified by the relative positions of neighbours on either side of the trough. The results are discussed in terms of social and other factors that may have led to the euro's dominance of the red kangaroo at water.
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Coulson, G., A. Poiani, and CD Nave. "A modified draw-string trap for capture of kangaroos at fences." Australian Mammalogy 25, no. 2 (2003): 177. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am03177.
Full textAbstract:
We modified an earlier design of a draw-string trap to capture free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, at Portland Aluminium, Victoria, Australia. The trap consisted of a tunnel of netting suspended from a metal frame erected at a narrow gateway in a fence, which was constructed where kangaroos had established runways between paddocks and shelterbelts. We set up five traps on different fences and operated them from a hide 20 m away. A team of 2 ? 6 people drove kangaroos from the paddocks into cover, and the reverse. When a target individual entered a trap, we closed the netting at each end with hand-operated drawstrings, thereby restraining the kangaroo for examination and treatment. We captured 28 individuals a total of 59 times, and encountered few problems. The technique has potential for use with kangaroos and other species that habitually push under fences.
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Barker, R. D., and G. Caughley. "Distribution and abundance of kangaroos (Marsupialia: Macropodidae) at the time of European contact: South Australia." Australian Mammalogy 17, no. 1 (1994): 73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am94008.
Full textAbstract:
Historical records, and the names of animals within Aboriginal languages, were analysed to compare the distribution and density of kangaroos at European contact with those of today. We gave up this attempt for the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Macropus giganteus, presently restricted to the extreme south-east of the state, because it was never differentiated historically from the Southern Grey Kangaroo, M. fuliginosus, which occurs right across the southern portion of the state. The historical distribution of the latter species, and of the Red Kangaroo, M. rufus, seems to have been similar to their distribution today. Past densities are difficult to extract from historical records and are not sufficiently reliable to justify comparison with present densities. We note however an apparent increase in density of 'kangaroos' in the mid-1800s.
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Freudenberger, D., and RB Hacker. "The Effect of Temporary Closure of Watering Points on Grazing Intensity of Red and Grey Kangaroos With Related Observations on Feral Goats." Rangeland Journal 19, no. 2 (1997): 157. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9970157.
Full textAbstract:
In this study we examined the utility of manipulating artificial waters as a means of managing total grazing pressure in semi-arid rangelands of eastern Australia. We tested the efficacy of 'Finlayson trough' exclosure technology at three locations, over two summers, in paddocks with red kangaroos (Macropus rufirs) and two species of grey kangaroo (M. giganteus and M. fuliginosus). We also examined the effect of closing off five waters on the distribution of feral goat grazing intensity at one study site. Generally, there were no apparent reductions in kangaroo and goat grazing intensity following 6-10 weeks of water exclosure, the exception being a minor reduction in red kangaroo grazing intensity at one location. We concluded that kangaroo and goat grazing pressure cannot be substantially reduced by simply closing off waters in and near paddocks for several months. Key words: kangaroos, water exclosure. feral goats, grazing pressure, paddock spelling
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Green-Barber, Jai M., and Julie M. Old. "Is camera trap videography suitable for assessing activity patterns in eastern grey kangaroos?" Pacific Conservation Biology 24, no. 2 (2018): 134. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc17051.
Full textAbstract:
Camera traps are frequently used in wildlife research and may be a useful tool for monitoring behavioural patterns. The suitability of camera traps to monitor behaviour depends on the size, locomotion, and behaviour of the species being investigated. The suitability of cameras for documenting the behaviour of eastern grey kangaroos was assessed here by comparing activity patterns collected using cameras to published activity patterns for the species. The activity patterns calculated from camera trap data were largely consistent with data from previous studies, although nocturnal activity appeared to be under-represented. Observations of unusual fighting behaviour illustrates the potential for camera traps to enable capture of novel observations. Kangaroo behaviour appeared to be influenced by the presence of cameras; however, no kangaroos retreated from cameras. Data suggested that kangaroos became habituated to cameras after eight months. The findings of this study suggest that camera traps are suitable for assessing the diurnal activity of eastern grey kangaroos and are useful tools for documenting their behaviour.
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Munn, A. J., T. J. Dawson, S. R. McLeod, D. B. Croft, M. B. Thompson, and C. R. Dickman. "Field metabolic rate and water turnover of red kangaroos and sheep in an arid rangeland: an empirically derived dry-sheep-equivalent for kangaroos." Australian Journal of Zoology 57, no. 1 (2009): 23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo08063.
Full textAbstract:
Sustainable management of pastures requires detailed knowledge of total grazing pressure, but this information is critically lacking in Australia’s rangelands where livestock co-occur with large herbivorous marsupials. We present the first comparative measure of the field metabolic rate (an index of food requirement) of Australia’s largest marsupial, the red kangaroo (Macropus rufus), with that of domestic sheep (Ovis aries; merino breed). We tested the assumption that the grazing pressure of red kangaroos is equivalent to 0.7 sheep, and show this to be a two-fold overestimation of their contribution to total grazing. Moreover, kangaroos had extraordinarily lower rates of water turnover, being only 13% that of sheep. Consequently, our data support arguments that the removal of kangaroos may not markedly improve rangeland capacity for domestic stock. Furthermore, given the low resource requirements of kangaroos, their use in consumptive and non-consumptive enterprises can provide additional benefits for Australia’s rangelands than may occur under traditional rangeland practices.
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Bender, Helena. "Effectiveness of the eastern grey kangaroo foot thump for deterring conspecifics." Wildlife Research 32, no. 7 (2005): 649. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr04091.
Full textAbstract:
Overabundant wild populations of herbivores often present challenges to primary industry, competing with stock, and damaging crops and property. Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) are one of seven macropodid species that are considered a problem in agriculture in Australia. Most deterrent devices available commercially use sounds that do not occur in nature (i.e. artificial sounds), which often have a short-lived or no effect on the target species, whereas trials with biologically significant sounds are often more effective and provide greater resistance to habituation. I used a playback trial of an eastern grey kangaroo foot thump, a biologically significant signal that is given in response to a predator and is usually followed by flight. I determined its effectiveness compared with a recording of background noise (control) for deterring kangaroos over a seven-week period. Kangaroos significantly increased their vigilance levels in response to the foot thump, but not in response to the control signal. Just over 60% of kangaroos took flight in response to the foot thump and the control signals, but more kangaroos took flight in the first 3 s when the foot thump was played. The foot thump shows potential as a deterrent of eastern grey kangaroos for primary industry, and is less likely to suffer from habituation because it is a natural sound.
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Cairns, S. C., G. C. Grigg, L. A. Beard, A. R. Pople, and P. Alexander. "Western grey kangaroos, Macropus fuliginosus, in the South Australian pastoral zone: populations at the edge of their range." Wildlife Research 27, no. 3 (2000): 309. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr98005.
Full textAbstract:
As part of a large-scale monitoring program linked to the management of kangaroos in the South Australian pastoral zone, the western grey kangaroo populations have been surveyed annually with fixed-wing aircraft over the 15-years-period 1978–92. Western grey kangaroos are restricted in their distribution to the southern regions of the pastoral zone. During the period of the study, western grey kangaroo numbers showed no long-term trends, but did show some marked fluctuations, principally in association with a severe drought. Despite this, and unlike red kangaroos in the South Australian pastoral zone, no consistent, direct association between changes in western grey kangaroo numbers and antecedent rainfall could be demonstrated. The postulated reason for this is that most of the regional western grey kangaroo populations examined in this study were low-density populations at the edge of the range of this species. Outside of drought, these populations are likely to be limited by factors other than food, such as climate and unmodified resources in the form of suitable habitat. Also, because boundary populations may well only be maintained by constant loss and recolonisation, local extinctions associated with drought may result in extended delays in the re-establishment of populations in marginal areas. Over the period 1978–92, these populations were harvested commercially at annual rates of 5–25%, which were, on the whole, considered to be below the rates suggested to be maximum and sustainable.
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Descovich, Kris, Andrew Tribe, Ian J. McDonald, and Clive J. C. Phillips. "The eastern grey kangaroo: current management and future directions." Wildlife Research 43, no. 7 (2016): 576. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr16027.
Full textAbstract:
The eastern grey kangaroo is a common and iconic species of Australia. Its specialised behaviour and reproduction have evolved as adaptations to the Australian environment, allowing the species to survive and flourish, despite wide climatic and seasonal variations in habitat. Across its range, the eastern grey kangaroo is harvested and subjected to population management for a variety of reasons, including localised over-abundance, livestock competition, crop grazing, native habitat conservation, animal welfare and direct threats to human safety. Population management of kangaroos is most commonly undertaken by shooting, although other methods such as reproductive control, translocation and repellents may also contribute successfully to management. Kangaroo harvesting and population control are controversial and divisive, because the kangaroo is perceived as both a national icon and as a pest species. Although a limited number of surveys have been undertaken on attitudes towards kangaroos and their management, the socio-political aspects affecting these issues are yet to be systematically investigated. Within this review we discuss the relevance of culture and language to species management and conservation, as well as the importance of scrutiny of stakeholder perceptions, motivations and values. Future directions should examine human dimensions that influence kangaroo-management decisions and conservation. The following three key aspects are recommended as research and management priorities: (1) experimental determination of whether gaps exist between actual and perceived impacts of kangaroo populations, (2) empirical investigation of how stakeholder language, culture, identity and values influence perceptions of kangaroos and their management, and (3) where population control is determined to be necessary, an incorporation of stakeholder differences within decision making to ensure best outcomes for both species conservation and population management.
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Young, M. D., and R. J. Delforce. "LICENSED KANGAROO SHOOTING IN NEW SOUTH WALES: THE PEOPLE, THE MONEY THEY MAKE AND THE ANIMALS THEY SHOOT." Rangeland Journal 8, no. 1 (1986): 36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9860036.
Full textAbstract:
Sixty licensed kangaroo shooters were interviewed in New South Wales to determine their social characteristics, incomes and shooting preferences. Two groups of shooters were identified: those who take kangaroos only for immediate, maximum short term economic gain and those who attempt to husband local kangaroo populations to their long term benefit. Amongst the latter group there is both a lack of agreement and a general uncertainty about the optimal shooting strategy to achieve the long term economic benefits they desire. New directions in research and extension are suggested with a view to rectifying this dilemma. Data on the strategies used to take kangaroos for commercial purposes and the accuracy of certam information reported to the National Parks and Wildlife Service are also described.
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Purcell, Brad V. "A novel observation of dingoes (Canis lupus dingo) attacking a swimming eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)." Australian Mammalogy 32, no. 2 (2010): 201. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am10001.
Full textAbstract:
The dingo (Canis lupus dingo) is a keystone species in Australian ecosystems. The current study reports four dingoes observed attacking a swimming eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) in the Wollondilly River, New South Wales. It is proposed that kangaroos need to stand at a certain depth of water to escape an attack by dingoes. If dingoes can continue attacking from opposing directions without threat of injury from the kangaroo, such as in shallow water where dingoes can stand or deep water where kangaroos cannot stand, then the attack may continue until the predator(s) kill the prey or the prey escapes. Further research on such behaviours is needed to understand the functional role of dingoes and the importance of pack structure in development of hunting strategies.
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Pople, A. R., G. C. Grigg, S. C. Cairns, L. A. Beard, and P. Alexander. "Trends in the numbers of red kangaroos and emus on either side of the South Australian dingo fence: evidence for predator regulation?" Wildlife Research 27, no. 3 (2000): 269. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr99030.
Full textAbstract:
Most of Australia’s sheep rangelands are enclosed by a dingo-proof fence. Within these rangelands, where dingoes (Canis lupus dingo) are rare, red kangaroos (Macropus rufus) are considered to be food limited because their numbers respond to fluctuations in pasture biomass that are driven by highly variable rainfall. Outside this region, where dingoes are common, kangaroo densities are generally substantially lower, suggesting that dingoes are an important limiting factor. However, it is unclear whether dingoes can regulate kangaroo populations. In this study, red kangaroo and emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) numbers were monitored for varying periods during 1978–92 by aerial survey on both sides of the dingo fence in three areas in the north of the South Australian pastoral zone. Densities of red kangaroos and emus were lower outside the fence, although the disparity varied between areas and over time. The similarity in the environments on both sides of the fence and the marked step in kangaroo density at the fence are consistent with dingoes strongly limiting these prey populations. In the north-east of the pastoral zone, where kangaroo and emu densities are greatest, the contrast in density across the fence was most pronounced. Furthermore, the trends in density over time differed across the fence. Outside the fence, red kangaroos and emus remained at low densities following drought as dingo numbers increased. Inside the fence, red kangaroo and emu populations showed a ‘typical’ post-drought recovery. The data therefore suggest that, in some situations, dingoes may not simply limit red kangaroo and emu populations, but also regulate them. For this to occur, predation rate would need to be density dependent at low prey densities. The availability of alternative prey, and the reduction in the numbers of all prey during drought may provide the mechanism.
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Brunton, Elizabeth A., Javier X. Leon, and Scott E. Burnett. "Evaluating the Efficacy and Optimal Deployment of Thermal Infrared and True-Colour Imaging When Using Drones for Monitoring Kangaroos." Drones 4, no. 2 (May 27, 2020): 20. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/drones4020020.
Full textAbstract:
Advances in drone technology have given rise to much interest in the use of drone-mounted thermal imagery in wildlife monitoring. This research tested the feasibility of monitoring large mammals in an urban environment and investigated the influence of drone flight parameters and environmental conditions on their successful detection using thermal infrared (TIR) and true-colour (RGB) imagery. We conducted 18 drone flights at different altitudes on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) were detected from TIR (n=39) and RGB orthomosaics (n=33) using manual image interpretation. Factors that predicted the detection of kangaroos from drone images were identified using unbiased recursive partitioning. Drone-mounted imagery achieved an overall 73.2% detection success rate using TIR imagery and 67.2% using RGB imagery when compared to on-ground counts of kangaroos. We showed that the successful detection of kangaroos using TIR images was influenced by vegetation type, whereas detection using RGB images was influenced by vegetation type, time of day that the drone was deployed, and weather conditions. Kangaroo detection was highest in grasslands, and kangaroos were not successfully detected in shrublands. Drone-mounted TIR and RGB imagery are effective at detecting large mammals in urban and peri-urban environments.
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Coulson, G. "The Effect of Drought on Road Mortality of Macropods." Wildlife Research 16, no. 1 (1989): 79. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9890079.
Full textAbstract:
Road-kills of eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, and swamp wallabies, Wallabia bicolor, were monitored during and after the severe 1981-83 drought in central Victoria, Australia. These were compared with a survey of the same area prior to the drought. The frequency of road-kills of both species during the drought was higher than pre-drought and post-drought levels, and over 9 years the seasonal frequency of kangaroo road-kills was inversely related to the rainfall of the previous season. Road-kills of kangaroos were predominantly males, and almost half were juveniles.