To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Macropod.
Journal articles on the topic 'Macropod'
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 journal articles for your research on the topic 'Macropod.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse journal articles on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Osawa, R., and PF Woodall. "A Comparative-Study of Macroscopic and Microscopic Dimensions of the Intestine in 5 Macropods (Marsupialia, Macropodidae) .2. Relationship With Feeding-Habits and Fiber Content of the Diet." Australian Journal of Zoology 40, no. 1 (1992): 99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo9920099.
Full textAbstract:
A comparative study of macroscopic and microscopic dimensions of the intestines in five macropod species indicated that the grazing macropods (the red kangaroo, Macropus rufus, and the eastern grey kangaroo, Macropus giganteus) had significantly longer caeca and large intestines than those of the browsing macropods (the swamp wallaby, Wallabia bicolor, and the red-necked pademelon, Thylogale thetis). This trend was not observed in the small intestine. The arid-adapted M. rufus also had a significantly longer large intestine than M. giganteus, which may be a water-conservation feature. Intestinal villi were tall in T. thetis, which consumed a less fibrous diet, whereas the agile wallaby, Macropus agilis, on a highly fibrous diet, had short villi; other macropods, on diets of medium fibre content, had villi of intermediate height. Thus, the size of the hindgut (i.e. caecum and large intestine) may provide an index of the specific feeding habit of a species (browsing or grazing), whilst parameters of the villi of the small intestine may reflect the quality of the animals' current diet.
2
Jarman, PJ, CN Johnson, CJ Southwell, and R. Stuartdick. "Macropod Studies at Wallaby Creek .1. The Area and Animals." Wildlife Research 14, no. 1 (1987): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9870001.
Full textAbstract:
This paper introduces a series of papers on the ecology, social organisation and behaviour of populations of sympatric macropods (Macropodoidea : Marsupialia) in north-eastern New South Wales. The study site, in the valley of Wallaby Creek, covers partly tree-cleared cattle-grazed pastures and also wet and dry forest communities; 10 species of macropods live there. The valley has a moderately high rainfall (1023 mm per annum), falling predominately in summer, and an equable climate of cool winters and warm summers. Soils derived from sedimentary and basaltic rocks and alluvium support naturally diverse plant associations further diversified by clearing and establishment of pasture and weed species. Macropods favouring open country occupy the pastures, which can also be used by cover-dependent species where pasture abuts forest or remnant patches of cover. Composition of the macropod community has changed since development of the pasture zone. Dingoes, major predators of some of the macropods, are abundant, and all exotic mammals other than cattle are rare. Populations of two of the macropod species are habituated to approach by observers, and close observation, on foot, of undisturbed animals has become our common study technique. A 1-ha grid has been established over 3.7 km2 of the study site to facilitate exact location of animals and observations. The suitability of the macropod populations for this kind of study results from the attitudes of the landholders.
3
Alacs, Erika, Deryn Alpers, Paul J. de Tores, Mick Dillon, and Peter B. S. Spencer. "Identifying the presence of quokkas (Setonix brachyurus) and other macropods using cytochrome b analyses from faeces." Wildlife Research 30, no. 1 (2003): 41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr01109.
Full textAbstract:
Non-invasive methods have the potential to circumvent problems associated with using more traditional techniques when surveying for rare and elusive species. In this study, non-invasive molecular-based methods have been used to analyse the scats of several species of marsupials. DNA was successfully extracted from scats of the quokka, Setonix brachyurus, and three other macropods (Macropus fuliginosus, M. irma and M. eugenii) sympatric with the quokka and with similar-appearing scats. Partial sequence from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from these four species and seven other macropods was used to measure genetic differentiation among them to determine whether the quokka could be unambiguously identified from the scats alone. The results confirm that molecular approaches can be used for macropod species identification using scats as the source material. The approach will have potential survey and management applications, and, more specifically, may lead to more accurate assessment of the quokka's geographic range, leading to implementation of more appropriate management strategies for its conservation.
4
Southwell, CJ, KE Weaver, SC Cairns, AR Pople, AN Gordon, NW Sheppard, and R. Broers. "Abundane of macropods in north-eastern New South Wales, and the logistics of broad-scale ground surveys." Wildlife Research 22, no. 6 (1995): 757. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9950757.
Full textAbstract:
A broad-scale ground survey of macropod abundance in north-eastern New South Wales was undertaken in 1989-90. The survey area was stratified into an eastern and western region, and within regions by habitat on the basis of vegetation and topographic criteria. Macropod density in each stratum was estimated from walked line transect counts for five species: Macropus giganteus, Macropus robustus, Macropus parryi, Macropus rufogriseus and Wallabia bicolor. Within sampled strata, macropod density was substantially higher in the western region than in the eastern region. Macropus parryi occurred in only trace numbers in the eastern region, with the number of sightings too small for reliable density estimation. No M. parryi were sighted in the western region. Macropus giganteus and M. rufogriseus were the dominant species in sampled strata in the eastern region, while M. giganteus and M. robustus were dominant in the west. Overall, pre-survey activities of habitat digitising and liaison with landholders required approximately the same effort as actual survey work. Liaison with landholders required relatively more time in the eastern region, where human population was higher, than in the western region. Incomplete coverage of planned transect routes, due mainly to impenetrable vegetation, lead to a positive bias of no more than 10-20% in population estimation for M. giganteus and M. robustus, and an unknown bias for the other species. The use of broad vegetation information on 1 : 100 000 map sheets for habitat stratification limited the scale at which analysis of sightability could be undertaken. Macropus giganteus and M. robustus are commercially harvested in the western region. Annual commercial harvest rates in the three years prior to the survey were conservatively estimated to be less than 0.9% for M. robustus and less than 5.4% for M. giganteus.
5
Pahl, Lester. "Macropods, feral goats, sheep and cattle: 1. Equivalency in how much they eat." Rangeland Journal 41, no. 6 (2019): 497. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj19044.
Full textAbstract:
The extent to which goats and cattle eat equivalent amounts of forage as sheep has been based on their maintenance energy requirements (MERs) relative to a 50kg wether or dry ewe, known as a dry sheep equivalent (DSE). As such, a 50kg goat was considered 1 DSE and a 450kg steer as 7–8 DSE. In comparison, the DSE of macropods has been based on their basal metabolic rate (BMR) or energy expenditure of grazing (EEg) relative to those of sheep, with a 50kg macropod thought to be 0.7 and 0.45 DSE respectively. Based on published energy requirements of goats, macropods and cattle relative to sheep, their DSE values are estimated to be 1.2, 1.0 and 7.6 respectively. However, relative energy requirements may not be the same as relative dry matter intakes (DMIs), due to differences in forage quality, the structure of digestive tracts and selective foraging capabilities. Allometric equations that predict DMI were developed from published liveweights and intakes of sheep, goats, macropods and cattle. Given DMIs when fed high-quality forage, a 50kg goat was 1 DSE, a 50kg macropod was 0.7 DSE and a 450kg steer was 7.6 DSE. Their DMIs were depressed by 35–50% when fed low-quality forage, but a goat remained as 1 DSE, macropods increased to 1.0 DSE and cattle increased to 8.3 DSE. The capacity of macropods to maintain relatively higher DMIs of low-quality forage than sheep is probably due of their faster digesta passage rates and more expandable stomachs. These DMIs of animals provided ad-libitum quantities of similar forages in small pens are likely to differ from their DMIs when selectively grazing heterogeneous rangeland pastures. Under these conditions, sheep select higher-quality diets than cattle, and kangaroos select higher-quality diets than sheep, which increase the relative DMIs of the smaller herbivores. For this reason, a 50kg macropod is likely to be 1 DSE and consume twice as much forage than previously assumed.
6
While, Geoffrey M., and Clare McArthur. "Distance from cover affects artificial food-patch depletion by macropod herbivores." Wildlife Research 33, no. 7 (2006): 565. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr05063.
Full textAbstract:
Artificial food patches were used to examine whether red bellied-pademelons (Thylogale billiardierii) and Bennett’s wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus) altered their foraging behaviour in an open habitat (a young plantation) in response to distance from cover, used as a surrogate for predation risk. Analyses using the full dataset showed no significant relationship between the amount of food eaten at a station and any of the cover variables. In contrast, regression analyses of the upper bounds dataset indicated that both increased distance from windrow (2.5-m-high stacks of burnt wood) and from nearest cover (windrow or forest at plantation edge) significantly reduced the amount of food consumed at a station. This indicates that distance from cover acts as a constraint on the amount of food eaten. When the feeding-station data were overlayed onto a map of scat densities across the study site, the amount of food eaten was positively related to the density of scats of both red-bellied pademelons and Bennett’s wallabies. Our results demonstrate that these macropods trade-off increased foraging benefits in order to forage closer to protective cover. Furthermore, they represent the first time that artificial food patches, with progressively decreasing reward per search effort, have been used to assess foraging behaviour in macropods. This opens up a wide range of research opportunities aimed at examining macropod foraging, with both ecological and practical applications.
7
Leggett, Keith E. A., Amoi Stubbs-Oliver, Matthew L. Brun, and Terence J. Dawson. "Carnivory in euros, inland wallaroos (Macropus robustus erubescens)." Australian Mammalogy 42, no. 3 (2020): 357. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am19055.
Full textAbstract:
This paper reports on an observation of carnivorous scavenging by euros (inland wallaroos) (Macropus robustus erubescens) at Fowlers Gap in western New South Wales. We believe this to be the first sighting of a euro feeding on another macropod.
8
Wiggins, Natasha L., and David M. J. S. Bowman. "Macropod habitat use and response to management interventions in an agricultural - forest mosaic in north-eastern Tasmania as inferred by scat surveys." Wildlife Research 38, no. 2 (2011): 103. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr10116.
Full textAbstract:
Context Native pest herbivores often require population numbers to be controlled in landscape settings where agricultural, plantation forests and native forests are juxtaposed. The Tasmanian pademelon Thylogale billardierii and the red-necked wallaby Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus are among the most abundant native pest herbivore species in Tasmania. Aims We aimed to determine the habitat use of pademelons and wallabies in response to (i) environmental and seasonal variation, and (ii) two different wildlife management interventions (shooting and fencing) in an agricultural–forest mosaic in north-eastern Tasmania. Methods Macropod abundance before and after shooting and fencing management interventions were estimated by changes in the rate of deposition of faecal pellets (scats per unit area per time interval) on an array of permanent transects that were stratified across three habitat types (agricultural land, plantation forest, and native forest). An experiment was also conducted to determine the endurance of fresh scats in the three habitats. Key results More than 90% of scats remained undecomposed for over five months, and more than 50% of scats remained undecomposed for over 11 months across the study site. Decomposition rates were significantly influenced by habitat type, specifically, highest in agricultural land and lowest in native forest for both species. Scat deposition rates showed that species abundance was influenced by habitat type and season. Macropod abundance was highest in agricultural land and lowest in native forest. Compared with summer and early autumn, pademelon scat abundance significantly decreased in late autumn and spring on agricultural land but showed no change for plantation forest or native forest. Wallaby scats showed similar seasonal trends for all three habitats, lower in late autumn and spring compared with summer and early autumn. Following each of the management interventions, macropod scat deposition rates decreased predominantly on agricultural land. This effect decreased with increasing distance from intervention loci. Conclusions We demonstrate that scat monitoring provides a useful survey technique for the assessment of macropod habitat use, and show that macropods select for agricultural habitats. Shooting and fencing interventions reduced the use of agricultural habitats, but this effect was localised. Implications A whole-landscape perspective is required when assessing the impacts of management interventions on pest populations. Results highlight the formidable challenges in controlling native herbivores in habitat mosaics, given the localised effects of management interventions and the importance of environmental and seasonal factors as drivers of habitat use.
9
Wadley, Jessica J., Jeremy J. Austin, and Damien A. Fordham. "Rapid species identification of eight sympatric northern Australian macropods from faecal-pellet DNA." Wildlife Research 40, no. 3 (2013): 241. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr13005.
Full textAbstract:
Context Conservation of vulnerable and endangered species requires a comprehensive understanding of their distribution and habitat requirements, so as to implement effective management strategies. Visual scat surveys are a common non-invasive method for monitoring populations. However, morphological similarity of scats among sympatric species presents a problem for accurate identification. Visual misidentifications of scats can have major impacts on the accuracy of abundance and distribution surveys of target species, wasting resources and misdirecting management and conservation actions. DNA identification of scats can overcome this issue, while simultaneously providing a rich source of genetic information for population and dietary studies. Aims We developed a simple and reliable method to identify morphologically similar macropod scats from eight sympatric species in north-eastern Australia, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of a portion of the mtDNA ND2 gene. Methods We identified a short (275-bp) polymorphic region of ND2, which is easily amplifiable from degraded DNA, developed a primer set, and identified a set of three restriction endonucleases (AluI, BstNI and HphI) which, in combination, can discriminate among the eight target species. So as to test the effectiveness of this protocol, we collected 914 macropod scats from 53 sites in the north-eastern Australia. Key results In total, 406 of these scats were extracted, with 398 (98%) containing amplifiable macropod DNA. All 398 scats were subsequently identified to species by using our RFLP protocol. Sequencing of a subset of these samples confirmed the accuracy of the test. Species identification of scats by using DNA identified eight species of macropods, five of which were outside their documented distributions, one of which was ~400 km. Conclusions Our PCR–RFLP method is a simple and efficient means to identify macropod scats to species, eliminating the need for sequencing, which is costly, time-consuming and requires additional laboratory equipment. Implications The method allows for rapid and non-invasive assessment of macropod species and is particularly useful for surveying populations across multiple sites.
10
Leng, R. A. "Unravelling methanogenesis in ruminants, horses and kangaroos: the links between gut anatomy, microbial biofilms and host immunity." Animal Production Science 58, no. 7 (2018): 1175. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an15710.
Full textAbstract:
The present essay aims to resolve the question as to why macropod marsupials (e.g. kangaroos and wallabies, hereinafter termed ‘macropods) and horses produce much less methane (CH4) than do ruminants when digesting the same feed. In herbivores, gases produced during fermentation of fibrous feeds do not pose a major problem in regions of the gut that have mechanisms to eliminate them (e.g. eructation in the rumen and flatus in the lower bowel). In contrast, gas pressure build-up in the tubiform forestomach of macropods or in the enlarged tubiform caecum of equids would be potentially damaging. It is hypothesised that, to prevent this problem, evolution has favoured development of controls over gut microbiota that enable enteric gas production (H2 and CH4) to be differently regulated in the forestomach of macropods and the caecum of all three species, from the forestomach of ruminants. The hypothesised regulation depends on interactions between their gut anatomy and host-tissue immune responses that have evolved to modify the species composition of their gut microbiota which, importantly, are mainly in biofilms. Obligatory H2 production during forage fermentation is, thus, captured in CH4 in the ruminant where ruminal gases are readily released by eructation, or in acetate in the macropod forestomach and equid caecum–colon where a build-up in gas pressure could potentially damage these organs. So as to maintain appropriate gut microbiota in different species, it is hypothesised that blind sacs at the cranial end of the haustral anatomy of the macropod forestomach and the equid caecum are sites of release of protobiofilm particles that develop in close association with the mucosal lymphoid tissues. These tissues release immune secretions such as antimicrobial peptides, immunoglobulins, innate lymphoid cells and mucin that eliminate or suppress methanogenic Archaea and support the growth of acetogenic microbiota. The present review draws on microbiological studies of the mammalian gut as well as other microbial environments. Hypotheses are advanced to account for published findings relating to the gut anatomy of herbivores and humans, the kinetics of digesta in ruminants, macropods and equids, and also the composition of biofilm microbiota in the human gut as well as aquatic and other environments where the microbiota exist in biofilms.
11
Morgan, Helen R., Guy Ballard, Peter J. S. Fleming, Nick Reid, Remy Van der Ven, and Karl Vernes. "Estimating macropod grazing density and defining activity patterns using camera-trap image analysis." Wildlife Research 45, no. 8 (2018): 706. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr17162.
Full textAbstract:
Context When measuring grazing impacts of vertebrates, the density of animals and time spent foraging are important. Traditionally, dung pellet counts are used to index macropod grazing density, and a direct relationship between herbivore density and foraging impact is assumed. However, rarely are pellet deposition rates measured or compared with camera-trap indices. Aims The aims were to pilot an efficient and reliable camera-trapping method for monitoring macropod grazing density and activity patterns, and to contrast pellet counts with macropod counts from camera trapping, for estimating macropod grazing density. Methods Camera traps were deployed on stratified plots in a fenced enclosure containing a captive macropod population and the experiment was repeated in the same season in the following year after population reduction. Camera-based macropod counts were compared with pellet counts and pellet deposition rates were estimated using both datasets. Macropod frequency was estimated, activity patterns developed, and the variability between resting and grazing plots and the two estimates of macropod density was investigated. Key Results Camera-trap grazing density indices initially correlated well with pellet count indices (r2=0.86), but were less reliable between years. Site stratification enabled a significant relationship to be identified between camera-trap counts and pellet counts in grazing plots. Camera-trap indices were consistent for estimating grazing density in both surveys but were not useful for estimating absolute abundance in this study. Conclusions Camera trapping was efficient and reliable for estimating macropod activity patterns. Although significant, the relationship between pellet count indices and macropod grazing density based on camera-trapping indices was not strong; this was due to variability in macropod pellet deposition rates over different years. Time-lapse camera imagery has potential for simultaneously assessing herbivore foraging activity budgets with grazing densities and vegetation change. Further work is required to refine the use of camera-trapping indices for estimation of absolute abundance. Implications Time-lapse camera trapping and site-stratified sampling allow concurrent assessment of grazing density and grazing behaviour at plot and landscape scale.
12
Rendle, Jessica, Bethany Jackson, Stephen Vander Hoorn, Lian Yeap, Kristin Warren, Rebecca Donaldson, Samantha J. Ward, et al. "A Retrospective Study of Macropod Progressive Periodontal Disease (“Lumpy Jaw”) in Captive Macropods across Australia and Europe: Using Data from the Past to Inform Future Macropod Management." Animals 10, no. 11 (October 23, 2020): 1954. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani10111954.
Full textAbstract:
Macropod Progressive Periodontal Disease (MPPD) is a well-recognised disease that causes high morbidity and mortality in captive macropods worldwide. Epidemiological data on MMPD are limited, although multiple risk factors associated with a captive environment appear to contribute to the development of clinical disease. The identification of risk factors associated with MPPD would assist with the development of preventive management strategies, potentially reducing mortality. Veterinary and husbandry records from eight institutions across Australia and Europe were analysed in a retrospective cohort study (1995 to 2016), examining risk factors for the development of MPPD. A review of records for 2759 macropods found incidence rates (IR) and risk of infection differed between geographic regions and individual institutions. The risk of developing MPPD increased with age, particularly for macropods >10 years (Australia Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) 7.63, p < 0.001; Europe IRR 7.38, p < 0.001). Prognosis was typically poor, with 62.5% mortality reported for Australian and European regions combined. Practical recommendations to reduce disease risk have been developed, which will assist zoos in providing optimal long-term health management for captive macropods and, subsequently, have a positive impact on both the welfare and conservation of macropods housed in zoos globally.
13
Robertshaw, JD, and RH Harden. "The Ecology of the Dingo in North-Eastern New South Wales. 3. Analysis of Macropod Bone Fragments Found in Dingo Scats." Wildlife Research 12, no. 2 (1985): 163. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9850163.
Full textAbstract:
From a study in New South Wales, Australia, of fragments of macropod bone in 951 samples of the faeces of dingoes, it was concluded that field estimates of dingo predation on macropods from carcass remains were heavily biased towards older and larger wallabies. Young wallabies separated from the mother or ejected from the pouch of a hunted female tended to be eaten whole or to leave remains too small to be noticed in the field.
14
Lentle, R. G., I. D. Hume, K. J. Stafford, M. Kennedy, B. P. Springett, and S. Haslett. "Observations on fresh forage intake, ingesta particle size and nutrient digestibility in four species of macropod." Australian Journal of Zoology 51, no. 6 (2003): 627. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo02032.
Full textAbstract:
The particle-size distributions of the ingesta of the sacciform forestomach in free-ranging animals of a grazing macropod species [Macropus eugenii (tammar wallaby)], a grazer/browser [Macropus parma (parma wallaby)], a browser/grazer [Petrogale penicillata (brush-tailed rock-wallaby)] and a browser [Wallabia bicolor (swamp wallaby)] from Kawau Island, New Zealand, were compared with those of captive animals maintained on a standing ryegrass (Lolium perenne) sward. Nutrient digestibility was also measured in tammar and parma wallabies fed ryegrass or browse, i.e. fresh mahoe (Melicytus ramiflora) and this was related to particle-size distributions of the ingesta.There were significant differences in the particle size distributions of digesta from tammar and parma wallabies in the wild but not in captivity. In free-ranging animals the ingesta from both browsing species, the brush-tailed rock-wallaby and the parma wallaby, contained consistently greater proportions of coarse particles and smaller proportions of fine particles than did those of the tammar wallaby. These differences may be correlated with reported differences in their tooth morphologies. However, the presence of significant differences in particle-size distributions of the digesta between brush-tailed rock-wallabies and parma wallabies when constrained to grass, despite reported similarities in their tooth morphology, suggests that factors other than tooth morphology contribute to differences in the oral processing of food by browsing and grazing macropods. There were greater proportions of grass fragments in the coarse than in the finer fractions of ingesta from free-ranging brush-tailed rock-wallabies, indicating that this species is less effective at chewing grass.There were no overall differences between tammar and parma wallabies in the digestibilities of organic matter, neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) or acid-detergent fibre (ADF) but the NDF and ADF digestibilites of both species increased significantly with increase in the proportion of fine ingesta particles and with increase in mass of fermentative digesta.These findings indicate the importance of oral processing to digestive efficiency in macropods and the relationship between oral processing and tooth morphology.
15
Nagy, KA, GD Sanson, and NK Jacobsen. "Comparative Field Energetics of Two Macropod Marsupials and a Ruminant." Wildlife Research 17, no. 6 (1990): 591. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9900591.
Full textAbstract:
Field metabolic rates (FMRs) and water influx rates were measured via the doubly labelled water method in wild Tasmanian pademelons and grey kangaroos living in the Jock Marshall Reserve at Clayton, Victoria, and in wild black-tailed deer free-ranging within a nature reserve at Davis, California. Deer expended more than 3 times more energy per day than similar sized grey kangaroos. Feeding rates required to achieve energy balance were estimated from FMRs along with an estimate of metabolizable energy content of the food. The estimated feeding rates for pademelons and kangaroos were combined with similar values for 5 other species of macropods to calculate an allometric (scaling) relationship for food requirements of macropod marsupials. Feeding rate had the following relationship to body mass: g food (DM) consumed per day = 0.20 g body mass0.79 (r2 = 0.94). The findings reported herein should be useful for predicting the approximate food requirements of free-ranging macropods and deer for purposes of ecological modelling, conservation efforts and management programmes.
16
Brookins, Milagros D., Sreekumari Rajeev, Timothy D. Thornhill, Kurt Kreinheder, and Debra L. Miller. "Mandibular and Maxillary Osteomyelitis and Myositis in a Captive Herd of Red Kangaroos (Macropus Rufus)." Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 20, no. 6 (November 2008): 846–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/104063870802000627.
Full textAbstract:
Jaw infections in macropods are common and will result in mortality if not promptly diagnosed and aggressively treated. They have most often been reported in wallabies; however, in the current case, the gross and histopathologic findings, microbial culture, and management of jaw infections in a population of red kangaroos ( Macropus rufus) housed in a zoological park are described. Three red kangaroos, among a group of 23, were submitted for necropsy after death after progressively invasive and nonresolving jaw infections. Extensive bone and soft-tissue inflammation and necrosis were observed in all animals. A mixed population of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria was cultured; however, Pseudomonas spp. was consistently isolated from the sites of infection in all animals. Parental administration of gentamicin and penicillin, along with daily oral flushing of the wounds with Betadine, removal of all rough forage, and hand feeding soft-pelleted feed, was effective in controlling the progression of disease in 1 affected animal. This case documents an important disease in an additional macropod species and identifies predisposing factors, possible etiologies, and treatment and/or management options.
17
le Mar, K., C. Southwell, and C. McArthur. "Evaluation of line-transect sampling to estimate nocturnal densities of macropods in open and closed habitats." Wildlife Research 28, no. 1 (2001): 9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr99088.
Full textAbstract:
Walked line transects were evaluated for estimating nocturnal densities of red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) and the red-bellied pademelon (Thylogale billardierii) in a range of open and closed habitats. The use of cleared transect lines in densely vegetated habitats reduced noise produced by travelling, while permanent grid markers facilitated collection of perpendicular distance data at night. Results from sighting histograms indicated that animals did not display evasive movement in response to the observer before detection. The probabilities of detecting the macropod species varied significantly between habitats. Significant differences in probabilities of detection were also recorded within species between habitats. Consequently, line-transect sampling is recommended over strip-transect sampling for estimating species abundance when more than one species and/or habitat are of interest. Recommendations are made, however, for forest managers wanting to monitor macropod populations on newly established plantations, when line-transect sampling is not feasible and strip-transect sampling is the only alternative.
18
Smith, Joseph A. "Macropod Nutrition." Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice 12, no. 2 (May 2009): 197–208. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cvex.2009.01.010.
Full text
19
Taggart, Patrick L., Bronwyn A. Fancourt, David Peacock, Charles G. B. Caraguel, and Milton M. McAllister. "Variation in Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence: effects of site, sex, species and behaviour between insular and mainland macropods." Wildlife Research 47, no. 8 (2020): 540. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr19041.
Full textAbstract:
Context Feral cats threaten wildlife conservation through a range of direct and indirect effects. However, most studies that have evaluated the impacts of feral cats on species of conservation significance have focussed on direct impacts such as predation; few studies have considered the indirect impacts of cat-borne disease. Toxoplasma gondii, a cat-borne parasite, causes both acute and latent disease in a range of wildlife species, and macropods are particularly susceptible. Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island and supports a high density of feral cats and high seroprevalence of T. gondii in multiple species, relative to the mainland. This suggests that Kangaroo Island has a high environmental contamination with the parasite and a high risk of infection for other species. Aims We aimed to describe T. gondii seroprevalence in culled and road-killed macropods, so as to assess the effects of island versus mainland location, sex, species and behaviour. Methods Macropod sera were tested for T. gondii IgG antibodies using a commercially available modified agglutination test. Key results The seroprevalence of T. gondii in culled western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) was significantly higher on the island (20%, 11/54 positive) than on the mainland (0%, 0/61 positive). There was no difference in T. gondii seroprevalence between culled and road-killed (21%, 21/102 positive) kangaroos from the island. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was significantly higher in female (32%, 12/38 positive) than in male (13%, 8/60 positive) kangaroos, but we observed no sex effect in tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii), and no effect of species. Conclusions The higher T. gondii seroprevalence in insular macropods supports previous reports of higher T. gondii exposure in other Kangaroo Island fauna. The lack of difference in T. gondii seroprevalence between culled and road-killed kangaroos suggests that T. gondii-positive animals are not more vulnerable to road mortality, in contrast to that suggested previously. Implications Our findings suggest greater potential adverse conservation impacts owing to toxoplasmosis on the island than on the mainland. In light of a recent study demonstrating higher cat abundance on the island than on the mainland, the higher observed T. gondii seroprevalence in insular macropods is likely to be a consequence of higher cat density.
20
Gentle, Matthew, Neal Finch, James Speed, and Anthony Pople. "A comparison of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and manned helicopters for monitoring macropod populations." Wildlife Research 45, no. 7 (2018): 586. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr18034.
Full textAbstract:
Context Developments in the use of remote aircraft, or unmanned aerial systems (UAS), for ecological study have been rapid. Helicopter surveys have proven to be a reliable, repeatable method for broad-scale monitoring of harvested kangaroo populations in Australia’s rangelands, but the recent availability of long-range UAS may offer improvements in detectability and cost efficiency. Aims We aimed to test the ability of a long-range UAS (Spylite, Bluebird Aero Systems Ltd, Kadima, Israel) to survey macropod populations at a landscape scale, and validate the results against those from the current best-practice helicopter surveys. Methods Four 80-km transects in south-western Queensland were surveyed using a helicopter and UAS. Two observers, occupying the rear seats of the helicopter, recorded animals observed in distance classes perpendicular to either side of the aircraft. Continuous electro-optical (EO) or infrared (IR) video from the UAS were recorded for later processing. Animal densities were calculated using line-transect methods for both techniques. The efficiency and cost effectiveness of each survey technique were also assessed using the flight and data processing times. Key results The encounter rate for macropods during the UAS was significantly lower compared with the helicopter survey, resulting in low estimates of macropod density (3.2 versus 53.8 animals km–2 respectively). The UAS technique recorded between 2.9 and 12.7% of the macropod density observed on each transect during the helicopter survey. The helicopter surveys were less expensive and more efficient and cost effective, requiring less flight and data processing time than the UAS surveys. Conclusions Utilising long-range UAS to detect and count groups of wild animals for landscape-scale wildlife monitoring has potential, but improvements in detection and identification technology are needed to match or exceed the accuracy of the conventional aerial survey technique for kangaroos. Implications Recent advances in camera technology and methodological refinements are encouraging for aerial survey of wildlife using UAS. However, significant improvements are required to survey for kangaroos and new technology should again be tested against current benchmarks.
21
Ingram, Janeane. "An adaptive management case study for managing macropods on Maria Island National Park, Tasmania, Australia: adding devils to the detail." Pacific Conservation Biology 24, no. 2 (2018): 108. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc17045.
Full textAbstract:
Adaptive management is driven by structured decision making and evidence from monitoring in a ‘learning’ framework that guides management actions. In a conservation context, this iterative approach includes evaluation of the impacts on natural processes. On Maria Island National Park, Tasmania, Australia, introduced Forester kangaroo, Bennetts wallaby and Tasmanian pademelon have been intensively managed by an annual cull since 1994. Management actions were triggered by high parasite loads, intense grazing pressure and high juvenile mortality during drought periods. Criticism of the annual cull from animal welfare groups initiated the development of an adaptive management approach for decision making that replaces the historic ‘trial and error’ process. Following a comprehensive review of the existing macropod management program in 2011, an integrated monitoring strategy was established to provide evidence for informed decision making. Assessments of animal health and estimates of population trends are the key indicators for management actions to occur. Maintaining viable macropod populations and protecting natural values form the basis of management objectives. Management actions in each year, for each species, represent ‘treatments’ as spatial replication is not possible at such a small scale. An adaptive management approach for macropod management on Maria Island has resulted in only one species being culled in 2014 and 2015 for the first time in almost 20 years. However the recent introduction of a major predator, the Tasmanian devil, has increased uncertainty for long-term macropod management on Maria Island with no cull occurring in 2016 and 2017.
22
Wiggins, Natasha L., Grant J. Williamson, Hamish I. McCallum, Clive R. McMahon, and David M. J. S. Bowman. "Shifts in macropod home ranges in response to wildlife management interventions." Wildlife Research 37, no. 5 (2010): 379. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr09144.
Full textAbstract:
Context. Understanding how the individual movement patterns and dispersion of a population change following wildlife management interventions is crucial for effective population management. Aims. We quantified the impacts of two wildlife management strategies, a lethal intervention and a subsequent barrier intervention, on localised populations of the two most common macropod species in Tasmania, the Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardierii) and the red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus). This manipulation allowed us to examine two competing hypotheses concerning the distribution of individuals in animal populations – the Ideal Free Distribution (IFD) hypothesis and the Rose Petal (RP) hypothesis. We predicted that the RP would be supported if individuals maintained their previous home ranges following intervention, whereas the IFD would be supported if individuals redistributed following the management interventions. Methods. The movement patterns of T. billardierii and M. r. rufogriseus were tracked using GPS technology before and after the two management interventions. Key results. Following lethal intervention, pademelons and wallabies (1) maintained their home-range area, (2) increased their utilisation of agricultural habitat and (3) shifted their mean centroid locations compared with the pre-intervention period. Following barrier intervention, pademelons and wallabies (1) maintained their home-range area, (2) decreased their utilisation of agricultural habitat and (3) shifted their mean centroid locations compared with the pre-intervention period. Conclusions. On the basis of the individual responses of macropods to the management strategies (1) lethal intervention appeared to induce small shifts in home-range distributions of those remaining individuals in the population with home ranges overlapping the areas of lethal intervention and (2) barrier intervention is likely to induce whole-scale population movements of the animals that survive the lethal intervention in their search of an alternative food source. Both species displayed spatial and temporal shifts in their home-range distributions in response to lethal and barrier interventions that appear to conform broadly to predictions of IFD, at least in the timeframe of the present experiment. Implications. Wildlife management strategies, which are increasingly constrained by ethical, socio-political and financial considerations, should be based on ecological and behavioural data regarding the likely responses of the target population.
23
Bond, Amy R. F., and Darryl N. Jones. "Roads and macropods: interactions and implications." Australian Mammalogy 36, no. 1 (2014): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am13005.
Full textAbstract:
Understanding the impacts of roads on wildlife and the natural environment is of increasing importance. Macropods (mostly kangaroos and wallabies) are a diverse and widespread taxon in Australia that has been significantly affected by the presence of roads in various ways. We reviewed the available literature on macropods and roads, assessing 60 scientific journal articles, reports and theses. Studies on road mortalities were the most prevalent (n = 29, with 12 on macropods only), revealing both spatial and temporal patterns in occurrence. Behavioural studies in relation to the road environment are limited (n = 2) yet could help our understanding of patterns of road-kill and other impacts. Some macropod populations are critically affected by the presence of roads (e.g. brush-tailed rock-wallaby, Petrogale penicillata) due to either proportionately high road mortalities and/or population fragmentation, and may face continued decline unless effective road-mitigation measures are implemented. Investigations of various types of road mitigation focussed on wildlife-exclusion fencing and road crossing structures as the most effective option, although the high cost of these measures appears to limit their implementation. Further research into several areas was identified, particularly on species where severe road impacts are likely to result in population declines.
24
Jarman, PJ, ME Jones, CN Johnson, CJ Southwell, RI Stuartdick, KB Higginbottom, and JL Clarke. "Macropod Studies at Wallaby Creek .8. Individual Recognition of Kangaroos and Wallabies." Wildlife Research 16, no. 2 (1989): 179. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9890179.
Full textAbstract:
Recognition of individual large mammals by natural features is an ancient practice, the usefulness of which has recently become appreciated in field studies. We show that such recognition is possible and repeatable, under particular circumstances, with macropodid marsupials in the field in Australia. In trials, there was a 98% agreement between observers in identification of individuals of both eastern grey kangaroos Macropus giganteus and red-necked wallabies M. rufogriseus. Characters used to identify individuals were first definitive ('oddity') characters, and then specific sets of character-states. However, in time observers came to recognise individuals 'on sight', by unconscious summation of character-states. Recognition skills could be readily learned by observers, allowing almost complete populations of these species to be known and the component members studied individually. The technique should be applicable in studies of other macropodid populations.
25
McClean, R. V., and S. D. Johnston. "10. Cryopathology of macropod spermatozoa." Reproduction, Fertility and Development 15, no. 9 (2003): 10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/srb03ab10.
Full text
26
Mella, Valentina S. A., Christine E. Cooper, and Stephen J. J. F. Davies. "Ventilatory frequency as a measure of the response of tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii) to the odour of potential predators." Australian Journal of Zoology 58, no. 1 (2010): 16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo09083.
Full textAbstract:
This study uses changes in ventilatory frequency to quantify the physiological response of an Australian terrestrial herbivore, the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), to olfactory cues suggesting the presence of potential predators. Ventilatory frequency proved to be a quantifiable measure to assess the response of this macropod marsupial to olfactory cues. Ventilatory frequency increased from mean resting levels of 45 ± 5.1 breaths min–1 to 137 ± 11.2 breaths min–1 during the first minute of exposure to all odours. These physiological responses diminished over time, with ventilatory frequency in the first minute after introduction of the scents greater than that during the subsequent four, suggesting that the initial reaction was due to disturbance and was investigative in nature. However, the ratio of ventilatory frequency in the remaining 4 min after introduction of the odours compared with before was greater for fox (3.58 ± 0.918) and cat (2.44 ± 0.272) odours than for snake (2.27 ± 0.370), distilled water (1.81 ± 0.463) and quoll (1.71 ± 0.245) odours, suggesting that fox and cat odour provoked a greater response. However, the wallabies’ response to the odour of these introduced predators and to horse odour (2.40 ± 0.492) did not differ. Our study indicates that a long period of co-history with particular predators is not a prerequisite for detection of potentially threatening species. We do not find any support for the hypothesis that an inability to interpret olfactory cues to detect and respond to potential predation by introduced predators is responsible for the decline of these macropod marsupials.
27
Telfer, Wendy R., Anthony D. Griffiths, and David M. J. S. Bowman. "Scats can reveal the presence and habitat use of cryptic rock-dwelling macropods." Australian Journal of Zoology 54, no. 5 (2006): 325. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo05074.
Full textAbstract:
The rock-dwelling macropod species of the tropics of the Northern Territory, Australia, are behaviourally elusive and difficult to observe in their rugged habitats. Hence, little is understood about their ecology. We evaluated the potential of using scats (faecal pellets) as a survey tool for this faunal assemblage by: (1) developing a key to the scats of the species; (2) examining the rates of loss and decomposition of short-eared rock-wallaby (Petrogale brachyotis) scats in these tropical environments; and (3) comparing the distribution of scats of P. brachyotis with the species’ use of space and habitats as determined with radio-telemetry. Classification tree modelling discriminated the scats of the seven macropod species, primarily on the basis of width. The reliability of identification was greatly improved with larger sample sizes and inclusion of a habitat parameter. Rates of scat loss and decay were variable and the greatest losses occurred in the wet season, particularly on sandy soils. Scat censuses underestimated the total area used by P. brachyotis but the distribution of scats showed the same broad pattern of habitat use found by radio-telemetry. We conclude that scats can accurately indicate the presence and habitat preferences of rock-dwelling macropod species.
28
Coulson, Graeme. "Male Bias in Road-kills of Macropods." Wildlife Research 24, no. 1 (1997): 21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr96004.
Full textAbstract:
I determined the sex of a total of 251 road-kills of six macropod species in southern Australia over a 13-year period. There was a significant bias towards males in five species, ranging from 65 to 92% males, but there was no difference from parity in the red kangaroo, Macropus rufus. Male eastern grey kangaroos, M. giganteus, and male western grey kangaroos, M. fuliginosus, probably behave in ways that expose them to vehicles more than females. Male-biased road-kills of swamp wallabies, Wallabia bicolor, may reflect skewed population sex ratios. There are insufficient data on the behaviour and population structure of the red-necked wallaby, M. rufogriseus, and rufous-bellied pademelon, Thylogale billardierii, to determine which explanation is responsible for male-biased road mortality in these species.
29
Freedman, Calli R., Daniel Rothschild, Colin Groves, and Amy E. M. Newman. "Osphranter rufus (Diprotodontia: Macropodidae)." Mammalian Species 52, no. 998 (December 23, 2020): 143–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/mspecies/seaa011.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Osphranter rufus (Desmarest, 1822) is a macropod commonly called the red kangaroo and is the largest extant marsupial. Sexually dimorphic in size and coat color, this large macropod is one of four species in the genus Osphranter. In general, males are larger than females, and are reddish-brown in color, whereas females are bluish-gray. O. rufus is endemic to Australia, where it inhabits both arid and semiarid areas with wide habitat preferences that include open plains, open desert, grassland, woodland, or shrubland habitats. Although it is regularly harvested for its meat and hide, O. rufus is an abundant species that is not of special conservation concern and it is listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
30
Balland, Jeff, Catherine A. Herbert, Justin A. Welbergen, and John M. Martin. "Habitat selection in a peri-urban area by a large mammal indicates a low potential for human–wildlife conflict." Wildlife Research 47, no. 5 (2020): 381. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr19234.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract ContextIn Australia, various species of macropods (family Macropodidae) are known to occur within peri-urban areas, where they can be a source of human–wildlife conflict. Some species, such as the eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), have received considerable research attention over the past few years following demands from land managers for evidence-based management guidelines; however, the ecology of other macropod species found in peri-urban areas, such as the eastern wallaroo (Osphranter robustus robustus), remains poorly understood. AimsThe aims were to determine the home range of male and female eastern wallaroos and assess habitat selection in order to define whether wallaroos in a peri-urban environment should be viewed as thriving (‘matrix-occupying’), persisting (‘matrix-sensitive’) or struggling (‘urban-sensitive’). MethodsHome range and habitat use of six adult male, five adult female and one subadult male eastern wallaroo were investigated using GPS telemetry between October 2017 and May 2018 in the south-west of Sydney. Key resultsHome ranges (mean±s.e.) of males (63.1±10.2ha) were significantly larger than those of females (31.1±3.3ha). Every adult wallaroo had highly overlapping monthly home ranges, indicating strong site fidelity in all individuals. Eastern wallaroos selected habitats based on vegetation composition during the night and canopy cover during the day. Grassland and open native woodlands were preferred during foraging activities at night. By contrast, human-modified habitats, including hard surfaces and lawns, were avoided at all times by all individuals. ConclusionThe results indicate that eastern wallaroos avoid human-modified features in the landscape, so they could be viewed as persisting (‘matrix-sensitive’) in peri-urban areas. ImplicationsCompared with matrix-occupying macropods, such as the eastern grey kangaroo, the eastern wallaroo is less likely to cause human–wildlife conflicts – a result of its avoidance of human-modified habitat. Land-use planning, involving green corridors linking remnant vegetation, should be implemented as part of urban planning to enable the persistence of diverse mammal populations in urban areas, particularly matrix-sensitive species.
31
Deakin, Janine E., Katherine Belov, Natalie C. Curach, Peter Green, and Desmond W. Cooper. "High levels of variability in immune response using antigens from two reproductive proteins in brushtail possums." Wildlife Research 32, no. 1 (2005): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr03107.
Full textAbstract:
Immune-based fertility control is being considered as an effective long-term approach for controlling the pest brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) population in New Zealand. This relies heavily on the immune response of each immunised possum. A strong and lasting immune response in the majority of individuals in a population is essential. In this study, possums and the model macropod species, the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) were immunised with either a luteinising hormone or androgen receptor synthetic peptide coupled to the carrier molecule KLH (keyhole limpet haemocyanin). The antibody response of wallabies to the antigens was relatively uniform. In contrast, the possum immunoglobulin response to both synthetic peptides and KLH was variable. The apparent high level of variation in the immune response of possums raises questions about the feasibility of using these two antigens to control possum numbers in New Zealand.
32
Woolnough, AP. "Comparison of two techniques to survey macropod abundance in an ecologically sensitive habitat." Australian Mammalogy 27, no. 1 (2005): 69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am05069.
Full textAbstract:
THERE are many techniques available to measure the abundance of animal populations (e.g., Caughley 1977; Caughley and Grigg 1981; Southwell 1989; McCallum 2000; Buckland et al. 2001). A key point emphasised by each of these authors is that when choosing the most appropriate method(s) for measuring the abundance of animal populations, the manager or researcher must consider the ecological question(s) being asked. This in turn will determine what technique(s) will be most appropriate, what data are likely to be collected for analysis, and how these data will address the ecological question being asked. For the larger macropods, particularly Macropus spp., many of the techniques used to measure the abundance, and associated issues, have been reviewed (see Southwell 1989). Despite this, the applicability of these techniques has rarely been compared, particularly with respect to the observed variability in temporal counts.
33
Blumstein, Daniel T., Jodie G. Ardron, and Christopher S. Evans. "Kin Discrimination in a Macropod Marsupial." Ethology 108, no. 9 (September 2002): 815–23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0310.2002.00813.x.
Full text
34
Hunter, John T., and Vanessa H. Hunter. "Floristics, dominance and diversity within the threatened Themeda grassy headlands of the North Coast Bioregion of New South Wales." Pacific Conservation Biology 23, no. 1 (2017): 71. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc16013.
Full textAbstract:
We surveyed subtropical closed tussock grasslands on headlands within the North Coast Bioregion of New South Wales. The aims of the investigation were to provide baseline data on this listed threatened community. Additionally, we tested the effects of macropod grazing and biomass changes on assemblages. In total, 117 full floristic survey plots were placed within extant natural grassland occurrences on 16 headlands. Data collected included the percentage cover and frequency of each species. In addition, we ranked the three species contributing most to overall biomass. Analysis of the full floristic cover data (percentage cover) was performed using the Kulzynski association measure and Unweighted Pair Group Arithmetic Averaging fusion strategy. Further analysis was performed using constrained and unconstrained ordinations and Generalised Additive Modelling using species frequency data and explanatory variables including overall, and proportional species biomass, and macropod grazing impact. Seven distinct grassland assemblages were derived, of which three were Themeda dominated. Concentrating on the Themeda-dominated assemblages, it was found that increasing biomass depth and a reduction in macropod grazing impact were associated with a reduction in plot species richness and diversity and trait richness and diversity. These changes were associated with a shift in floristic assemblage identity. All three Themeda assemblages are likely to provide a unique combination of functional resources and all should be maintained in order to promote landscape diversity. We predict that use of frequent fire is likely to cause homogenisation (reduced landscape richness) and loss of important components including listed threatened taxa.
35
Southwell, C. "Macropod Studies at Wallaby Creek .2. Density and Distribution of Macropod Species in Relation to Environmental Variables." Wildlife Research 14, no. 1 (1987): 15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9870015.
Full textAbstract:
The density and distribution of seven macropod species within a 368-ha study area in north-eastern New South Wales was determined from systematic ground transect counts. Densities of the black-striped wallaby, red-necked pademelon and long-nosed potoroo were very low. All sightings of these species were restricted to an area of high tree density and dense ground cover, and to the immediate boundary between this vegetation type and pasture. Densities of the eastern grey kangaroo, whiptail wallaby, red-necked wallaby and rufous bettong were higher; they were associated with a mosaic of grassland and open forest vegetation. Sightings of these species were sufficient to allow a detailed analysis of distribution and associations with environmental variables; their distributions did not vary seasonally. Of the three larger species, distribution varied within the day for the red-necked wallaby only. Spatial separation among the four species was related to differential use of canopy cover, pasture and topography.
36
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.
37
Zenger, K. R., and D. W. Cooper. "Characterization of 14 macropod microsatellite genetic markers." Animal Genetics 32, no. 3 (June 28, 2001): 166–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2052.2001.0723d.x.
Full text
38
WAYNE, J., and V. NICHOLSON. "Hypertrophic osteopathy and pneumonia in a macropod." Australian Veterinary Journal 77, no. 2 (February 1999): 98–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1999.tb11676.x.
Full text
39
Bulinski, J., and C. McArthur. "Observer error in counts of macropod scats." Wildlife Research 27, no. 3 (2000): 277. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr98061.
Full textAbstract:
The accuracy of faecal pellet, or scat, count data can be reduced by observer error. Two experiments were carried out to determine what proportion of Bennett’s wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) and Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardierii) scats were misidentified by observers and what proportion of scats were overlooked during counts. Observers did not always correctly identify the species from which scats originated. For each species, this affected estimates of the proportion of scats that were present. Observers still made errors even when they did not attempt to make identifications for any scats that they felt were not distinct in form. On average, there was no significant difference in the proportion of scats that were misidentified by inexperienced and experienced observers. Between 3% and 12% of scats were overlooked during standard counts. The probability of overlooking a scat was positively related to vegetation height and negatively related to vegetation cover.
40
Walters, M., and N. Warburton. "Functional morphology of the macropod temporomandibular joint." HOMO 61, no. 3 (June 2010): 220–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jchb.2010.01.042.
Full text
41
Southwell, C. J., and N. Sheppard. "Assessing Harvested Populations of the Euro (Macropus robustus erubescens) in the Barrier Ranges of Western New South Wales." Australian Mammalogy 21, no. 2 (1999): 165. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am00165.
Full textAbstract:
Macropus robustus is one of several macropod species harvested commercially in Australia. In New South Wales the major areas where M. robustus impacts on land management practices, and hence harvesting occurs, are the New England region in the northeast, where the subspecies M. robustus robustus (the Wallaroo) occurs, and the Barrier Ranges region in the west, where the subspecies M. r. erubescens (the Euro) occurs. Assessing the size and trend of populations is an important aspect of harvest management. There has been no assessment of M. r. erubescens population size or trend in the Barrier Ranges. An aerial line transect survey in a 3350 km survey area encompassing the Barrier Ranges returned an estimated population size of 18,000 ±3,000 (SE) animals. This estimate is likely to be substantially negatively biased. Following this survey, a quota (the maximum number of animals that can be taken in a year) of 2400 was set for commercial harvesting of M r. erubescens in the Barrier Ranges region, representing a maximum annual harvest rate of 13%. Recommendations for improved methodology to reduce bias in future surveys are provided.
42
Heaton, David J., Melinda T. McHenry, and Jamie B. Kirkpatrick. "The Fire and Fodder Reversal Phenomenon: Vertebrate Herbivore Activity in Burned and Unburned Tasmanian Ecosystems." Fire 5, no. 4 (August 1, 2022): 111. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/fire5040111.
Full textAbstract:
Very few multi-species or ecosystem comparisons of post-fire vertebrate herbivore activity and food preference exist to inform fire management and conservation strategies. We inferred post-fire (1–3 years) native and introduced vertebrate herbivore activity and attraction to six diverse temperate vegetation communities (grassland to rainforest) from scat counts. We hypothesised that where fire reduced herbaceous and grassy vegetation (‘fodder’), vertebrate herbivores would decline, and that post-fire preferences of native versus exotic herbivores would differ significantly. Instead, we found evidence for a ‘fire and fodder reversal phenomenon’ whereby native macropod and exotic deer scats were more abundant after fire in consistently ‘fodder-poor’ vegetation types (e.g., heath) but less abundant after fire in previously fodder-rich vegetation communities (e.g., grassland). Fodder cover predicted native macropod, wombat, and introduced deer activity and bare ground cover was strongly associated with introduced herbivore activity only, with the latter indicating post-fire competition for food sources due to their abundance in high-altitude open ecosystems. We, therefore, found environmental and vegetation predictors for each individual species/group and suggest broadscale multi-environment, multispecies observations to be informative for conservation management in potentially overlapping post-fire niches.
43
Lundie-Jenkins, G., D. W. Hoolihan, and G. W. Maag. "An overview of the Queensland macropod monitoring programme." Australian Zoologist 31, no. 1 (June 1999): 301–5. http://dx.doi.org/10.7882/az.1999.031.
Full text
44
Osawa, R., and PF Woodall. "A comparative study of macroscopic and microscopic dimensions of the intensine in five macropods (Marsupialia: Macropodidae). I. Allometric relationships." Australian Journal of Zoology 40, no. 1 (1992): 91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo9920091.
Full textAbstract:
Macroscopic and microscopic dimensions of the intestines in five macropod species (the red kangaroo, Macropus rufus; the eastern grey kangaroo, M. giganteus; the agile wallaby, M. agilis; the swamp wallaby, Wallabia bicolor; and the red-necked pademelon, Thylogale thetis) were investigated allometrically in relation to body mass. In general, the length of the small intestine changed in an area : volume (A:V) compensating manner, but the circumference showed negative allometry such that the overall change in surface areas, both ground and mucosal (including the contribution of villi), were isometric but also included the coefficient derived from 'Kleiber's Law' (0.75) in their 95 and 99% confidence limits, respectively. Villous height and width generally showed no significant correlations with body size, but villous density was lower in large individuals. The allometry coefficient for the length of the large intestine was generally near the A:V compensating value (0.5) in most intraspecific analyses but much higher in the interspecific analysis, suggesting that some factor other than body size might be important (possibly dietary fibre). Caecal length was significantly correlated with body size only in two largest species (M. rufus and M. giganteus) and the interspecific analysis gave a value near A:V compensation).
45
Doube, Michael, Alessandro A. Felder, Melissa Y. Chua, Kalyani Lodhia, Michał M. Kłosowski, John R. Hutchinson, and Sandra J. Shefelbine. "Limb bone scaling in hopping macropods and quadrupedal artiodactyls." Royal Society Open Science 5, no. 10 (October 2018): 180152. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.180152.
Full textAbstract:
Bone adaptation is modulated by the timing, direction, rate and magnitude of mechanical loads. To investigate whether frequent slow, or infrequent fast, gaits could dominate bone adaptation to load, we compared scaling of the limb bones from two mammalian herbivore clades that use radically different high-speed gaits, bipedal hopping (suborder Macropodiformes; kangaroos and kin) and quadrupedal galloping (order Artiodactyla; goats, deer and kin). Forelimb and hindlimb bones were collected from 20 artiodactyl and 15 macropod species (body mass M 1.05–1536 kg) and scanned in computed tomography or X-ray microtomography. Second moment of area ( I max ) and bone length ( l ) were measured. Scaling relations ( y = ax b ) were calculated for l versus M for each bone and for I max versus M and I max versus l for every 5% of length. I max versus M scaling relationships were broadly similar between clades despite the macropod forelimb being nearly unloaded, and the hindlimb highly loaded, during bipedal hopping. I max versus l and l versus M scaling were related to locomotor and behavioural specializations. Low-intensity loads may be sufficient to maintain bone mass across a wide range of species. Occasional high-intensity gaits might not break through the load sensitivity saturation engendered by frequent low-intensity gaits.
46
Clayton, Jim A., Chris R. Pavey, Karl Vernes, and Matthew Tighe. "Review and analysis of Australian macropod translocations 1969-2006." Mammal Review 44, no. 2 (March 4, 2014): 109–23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mam.12020.
Full text
47
Bond, Amy R., and Darryl N. Jones. "Temporal trends in use of fauna-friendly underpasses and overpasses." Wildlife Research 35, no. 2 (2008): 103. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr07027.
Full textAbstract:
The impact of roads on local biodiversity is a major issue associated with urbanisation. A major arterial road in the southern suburbs of Brisbane, south-east Queensland, was upgraded in 2004–05 from two to four lanes. In an attempt to minimise the impact of the larger road on local wildlife populations, a range of fauna crossing structures were constructed at the site. Monitoring of road-kill was undertaken for 4 months before construction and after the completion of construction. Assessment of the use of two underpasses and a large overpass (‘land-bridge’) started 6 months after construction using sand tracking in underpasses and scat sampling on the land-bridge. An initial 26-week period of intensive monitoring was undertaken from August 2005 to February 2006 followed by monthly monitoring from June 2006 to June 2007. On average, 1–5 tracks per day were detected in the underpasses at the start of the survey, increasing steadily to ~42 tracks per day by February 2006. The monthly survey showed regular use of the underpasses by a wide range of species and species-groups, the most abundant being ‘rodents’, most likely Rattus species, both native and introduced. The land-bridge was also used continuously by three species of macropod (red-necked wallaby, Macropus rufogriseus; swamp wallaby, Wallabia bicolor; and eastern grey kangaroo, Macropus giganteus) with brown hare (Lepus capensis) becoming increasingly common in summer 2006. The exclusion fencing was extremely effective in preventing most road-kill, at least of larger species, except following human-related breaches in the fence.
48
Simbiak, Maikel. "SAR AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON BIODIVE RESOURCES CONSERVATION IN WASUR NATIONAL PARK AREA, PAPUA." Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Indonesia 9, no. 3 (October 12, 2021): 153–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.31957/jipi.v9i3.1802.
Full textAbstract:
The landscape ethnoecological study approach also explores the significance of local systems in understanding ecological sustainability, including its implementation in biocultural conservation education. In this view, a study has been carried out on the traditions of the indigenous people of Wasur Village in Wasur National Park, regarding the practice of sar rituals and their relationship with education in Wasur National Park for biodiversity conservation to obtain an initial view from a biological perspective. This study uses an ethnological study approach with data collection through free interview techniques to key informants, library surveys, and free lists. The results of interviews with key informants revealed that the sar tradition is a ritual of respecting relatives who have died through a prohibition on the use of all forms of resources on family land that was left behind for a thousand days of mourning. Based on the literature survey, it was found that the period of a thousand days can support the regeneration of several specific macropod species in the Trans Fly area such as Dorcopsis spp, Macropus agile, and Thylogale spp. Sar is an example of a sasi system known by several tribes on the north coast of Papua which is promoted as culture-based conservation
49
Clarke, JL, ME Jones, and PJ Jarman. "Diurnal and Nocturnal Grouping and Foraging Behaviors of Free-Ranging Eastern Grey Kangaroos." Australian Journal of Zoology 43, no. 5 (1995): 519. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo9950519.
Full textAbstract:
Group size, methods of surveillance and foraging rates of free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, were compared between night and day, from data on 24-h followings of 24 individuals. Kangaroos occurred in smaller groups in the dark but the reduction in group size took place before or around dusk, and could not be attributed to animals drifting apart after dark. Instead, changes in group size coincided with much movement by animals around dusk. Both males and females tended to spend less time surveying after dark, but females surveyed in fewer bouts at night than in the day. Females used the upright posture more at night than in the day; this is a conspicuous posture but one that probably enhanced their view of the surroundings. Foraging rates of kangaroos were lower after dark than before dusk because of an increased search time per bite. There was no evidence that other foraging parameters, such as rare of movement whilst feeding, were affected by darkness. Eastern grey kangaroos are one of the most social and diurnally active species of macropod and their highly flexible social system of open-membership groups appears to allow individuals to join and leave groups according to their foraging and safety requirements.
50
Hazeldine, Alister, and Jamie B. Kirkpatrick. "Practical and theoretical implications of a browsing cascade in Tasmanian forest and woodland." Australian Journal of Botany 63, no. 5 (2015): 435. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/bt14334.
Full textAbstract:
Browsing cascades have strong implications for biodiversity conservation and fire management. The associational resistance and associational susceptibility hypotheses suggest different mechanisms. We tested the veracity of these two hypotheses by using small dry eucalypt forest and woodland trees. At 67 sites, we measured the height of the browse line and estimated the proportion of foliage remaining below it for all adult individuals of small trees within a 50 × 50 m area, recorded scat numbers, browsing damage to tree seedlings by species and environmental data. The 110–130-cm browse line, and strong relationships between macropod scat numbers and the remaining foliage below the browse line, suggested that Bennetts wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus Shaw) were the main cause of umbrella-shaped trees. The browsers preferred Exocarpos cupressiformis Labill. and Bursaria spinosa Cav. At the other extreme, adult Acacia dealbata Link suffered no browsing damage. All species were browsed as seedlings. Associational resistance occurred in some species and associational susceptibility in others, with the degree of difference in palatability between alternative sources of browse possibly resolving this apparent contradiction. Low browsing pressure is likely to cause woody thickening, an increase in fire hazard and a decrease in biodiversity. Extremely high browsing pressure had no such effects.