Academic literature on the topic 'Macropodidae'

Kangaroos and kin (Macropodiformes) are the most conspicuous elements of the Australasian marsupial fauna. The approximately 70 living species can be divided into three families: (1) Hypsiprymnodontidae (the musky rat kangaroo); (2) Potoroidae (potoroos and bettongs); and (3) Macropodidae (larger kangaroos, wallabies, banded hare wallaby and pademelons). Here we examine macropodiform relationships using protein-coding portions of the ApoB, BRCA1, IRBP, Rag1 and vWF genes via maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. We estimate times of divergence using two different relaxed molecular clock methods to present a timescale for macropodiform evolution and reconstruct ancestral states for grades of dental organisation. We find robust support for a basal split between Hypsiprymnodontidae and the other macropodiforms, potoroid monophyly and macropodid monophyly, with Lagostrophus as the sister-taxon to all other macropodids. Our divergence estimates suggest that kangaroos diverged from Phalangeroidea in the early Eocene, that crown-group Macropodiformes originated in the late Eocene or early Oligocene and that the potoroid–macropodid split occurred in the late Oligocene or early Miocene followed by rapid cladogenesis within these families 5 to 15 million years ago. These divergence estimates coincide with major geological and ecological changes in Australia. Ancestral state reconstructions for grades of dental organisation suggest that the grazer grade evolved independently on two different occasions within Macropodidae.

Macropodids have usually been considered to be predominantly folivorous. This study suggests that this assumption is not always true. A review of appropriate studies shows that several species occasionally eat substantial proportions of seeds, seedheads or fruit. In particular, monocot seedheads form over 10% of the intake of some species, seasonally or irregularly. This study investigated that phenomenon by analysing the occurrence of monocot seedhead in the diet of the Black-striped Wallaby Macropus dorsalis. The wallabies consumed large proportions of monocot seedheads, in summer more than in other seasons. Grass species differed in the apparent acceptability of their seedheads. Individual faecal pellets differed greatly in the proportions of seedhead epidermis that they contained. Seedheads tend to be abundantly available on the plants only briefly in Australian vegetation associations. While available they may be of great importance to the resource ecology of some macropodid populations. Eating seedheads may have been important in the evolution of grazing in the relatively small macropodids.

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.

The maintenance nitrogen requirement of the parma wallaby, Macropus parma, was found to be 566 mg per kg W*0.75 per day on a dietary basis, and 477 mg per kg W*0.75 per day on a truly digestible basis. This is similar to that of the red-necked pademelon, Thylogale thetis, another small wallaby which occupies a similar moist forest habitat, but much higher than (at least double) those of four other macropodid marsupials, all of which are from less mesic environments, that have been studied. Urea recycling decreased in response to water restriction in M. parma; in other published reports urea recycling did not change in T. thetis when water intake was restricted, but in three arid-adapted eutherian herbivores it increased. Voluntary intakes of dry matter and water by M. parma wefe also similar to those published for T. thetis, but higher than those of other macropodid species. These results support the hypothesis that within the Macropodidae nutrient requirements are linked closely with preferred habitat, regardless of phylogeny.

The length of the oestrous cycle in captive Peradorcas concinna was 33.73 � 1.65 days (n = 52). Females which were dominant over other females or were alone with their young had a cycle length of about 32 days and subordinate females had a cycle length of about 35 days. Some observations on the growth of the young are presented. Weaning is very abrupt; final pouch exit occurs about 2 weeks after the first pouch exit, and is caused by the female's aggressiveness towards its young.

The composition of milk from early pouch life (0-40 days) to weaning (360 days) was determined in samples collected from a field population of red kangaroos, Macropus rufus (n = 150). Total milk solids increased from 11% at 0-40 days to 26% at permanent emergence from the pouch (235 days), then decreased towards weaning. Compared with other macropodids, milk from red kangaroos is relatively dilute. Carbohydrate concentrations increased from 2.0 to 6.2% at about Day 235 then declined while lipid concentrations increased from 3.9 to 10.3% over the course of lactation. Protein values increased from 5.0 to 7.0% prior to pouch emergence. Whey proteins were separated by means of SDS PAGE, identifying and confirming the presence of several phase-specific proteins. These results are similar to those reported for components of milk in captive red kangaroos and therefore confirm the general macropodid pattern of changing milk composition throughout lactation for a field population of red kangaroos.

In most eutherian species the function of the corpus luteum (CL) is influenced by extrinsic factors and it is subordinate to the pituitary, placenta, or uterus. In contrast, in marsupials the CL is relatively autonomous. Although the pituitary is essential for the formation of the CL, thereafter the secretory activity of the CL is independent of luteotrophic support, and the uterus is not luteolytic. Furthermore, the life span of the CL is unaffected by pregnancy, except in the Macropodidae (kangaroos and wallabies), in which the secretory activity of the CL is shortened under the influence of the fetus. At parturition the macropodid fetus, possibly via a release of glucocorticoids, causes the release of prostaglandins, presumed to be of uterine origin. The effect of the prostaglandin is to induce the release of prolactin from the maternal pituitary. Prolactin, and not prostaglandin, induces luteolysis and advances the events of post-partum oestrus. In the non-pregnant cycle, the mechanism of luteolysis is different; it does not involve prolactin, and the luteolytic signal is of non-uterine, possibly intrinsic, origin.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Western Sydney, 2002.
"A thesis submitted to the University of Western Sydney in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy" Bibliography : leaves 400-437.

Leukocytes play a central role in protecting the body against infectious organisms and their research is essential for understanding the mechanisms of immunity. By studying leukocytes across a range of species, insights are provided into differing strategies employed to ensure resistance to disease. Surprisingly, the structure and function of marsupial leukocytes has received very limited study. Marsupials represent a major evolutionary pathway with distinct differences in reproduction and development from placental mammals. These differences in the life history of marsupials place unique challenges on the immune system, and differences in leukocyte structure and function could be reasonably expected. In this thesis, studies were undertaken to examine the cytochemical, ultrastructural and functional features of leukocytes from species of marsupials, belonging to the family Macropodidae (kangaroos and wallabies). The aim of these studies was to elucidate the characteristics of macropodid leukocytes and to compare and contrast these features with the known characteristics of other mammalian leukocytes. Leukocytes from two species of macropodid, the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) and the western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosis), formed the basis of this study with additional material provided from quokka (Setonix brachyurus), woylie (Bettongia pencillata) and red kangaroo (Macropus rufus). Staining characteristics of cells were examined following reaction with Sudan black B, peroxidase, chloroacetate esterase, naphthyl butyrate esterase, alkaline phosphatase and periodic acid-Schiff. Peroxidase and Sudan Black B reactions were similar to domestic animal species but chloroacetate esterase and naphthyl butyrate esterase were unreliable as markers for macropodid neutrophils and monocytes, respectively. Significant variation in staining for alkaline phosphatase was seen between species of macropodid. Tammar wallabies and quokka demonstrated strong neutrophil alkaline phosphatase activity whereas western grey kangaroos, red kangaroos and woylies contained no activity within their leukocytes. Peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase cytochemistry were also assessed at the ultrastructural level with transmission electron microscopy. This allowed the identification of distinct granule populations within macropodid neutrophils. Two subcellular compartments containing alkaline phosphatase activity were identified within tammar wallaby neutrophils. These were considered equivalent to secretory vesicles and a subpopulation of specific granules. Tubular vesicles containing alkaline phosphatase were also identified within the eosinophils of tammar wallabies. These structures were a novel finding having not been reported previously in the eosinophils of other animal species. In addition to cytochemistry, the general ultrastructure of leukocytes from tammar wallabies and western grey kangaroos were reported. Results were similar to previous reports for other marsupial species. The current body of knowledge was extended by the first detailed description of the ultrastructure of basophils in a marsupial. To assess functional aspects of macropdid neutrophils, flow cytometric assays were performed examining oxidative burst responses and phagocytosis. Reactive oxygen species were generated by neutrophils from tammar wallabies and western grey kangaroos in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate but not N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe or opsonised bacteria. Phagocytosis of opsonised bacteria was also measured in neutrophils from tammar wallabies, which was poor in contrast to ovine neutrophils. However, flow cytometric studies were limited by sample preparation. Further optimisation of isolation methods for tammar wallaby leukocytes should be undertaken before dogmatic conclusions are drawn. Overall, the results of this thesis demonstrate that, in the areas examined, the general characteristics of leukocyte structure and function of mammals are present in macropodids. However differences were identified both within and outside of the macropodid group. These differences have important ramifications for the use of ‘model’ species in the study of leukocyte biology in marsupials. The results also provide potentially useful tools for the clinical diagnosis of haematological disease in macropodids and may be of interest to those studying comparative and evolutionary aspects of leukocyte structure and function.

Leukocytes play a central role in protecting the body against infectious organisms and their research is essential for understanding the mechanisms of immunity. By studying leukocytes across a range of species, insights are provided into differing strategies employed to ensure resistance to disease. Surprisingly, the structure and function of marsupial leukocytes has received very limited study. Marsupials represent a major evolutionary pathway with distinct differences in reproduction and development from placental mammals. These differences in the life history of marsupials place unique challenges on the immune system, and differences in leukocyte structure and function could be reasonably expected. In this thesis, studies were undertaken to examine the cytochemical, ultrastructural and functional features of leukocytes from species of marsupials, belonging to the family Macropodidae (kangaroos and wallabies). The aim of these studies was to elucidate the characteristics of macropodid leukocytes and to compare and contrast these features with the known characteristics of other mammalian leukocytes. Leukocytes from two species of macropodid, the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) and the western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosis), formed the basis of this study with additional material provided from quokka (Setonix brachyurus), woylie (Bettongia pencillata) and red kangaroo (Macropus rufus). Staining characteristics of cells were examined following reaction with Sudan black B, peroxidase, chloroacetate esterase, naphthyl butyrate esterase, alkaline phosphatase and periodic acid-Schiff. Peroxidase and Sudan Black B reactions were similar to domestic animal species but chloroacetate esterase and naphthyl butyrate esterase were unreliable as markers for macropodid neutrophils and monocytes, respectively. Significant variation in staining for alkaline phosphatase was seen between species of macropodid. Tammar wallabies and quokka demonstrated strong neutrophil alkaline phosphatase activity whereas western grey kangaroos, red kangaroos and woylies contained no activity within their leukocytes. Peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase cytochemistry were also assessed at the ultrastructural level with transmission electron microscopy. This allowed the identification of distinct granule populations within macropodid neutrophils. Two subcellular compartments containing alkaline phosphatase activity were identified within tammar wallaby neutrophils. These were considered equivalent to secretory vesicles and a subpopulation of specific granules. Tubular vesicles containing alkaline phosphatase were also identified within the eosinophils of tammar wallabies. These structures were a novel finding having not been reported previously in the eosinophils of other animal species. In addition to cytochemistry, the general ultrastructure of leukocytes from tammar wallabies and western grey kangaroos were reported. Results were similar to previous reports for other marsupial species. The current body of knowledge was extended by the first detailed description of the ultrastructure of basophils in a marsupial. To assess functional aspects of macropdid neutrophils, flow cytometric assays were performed examining oxidative burst responses and phagocytosis. Reactive oxygen species were generated by neutrophils from tammar wallabies and western grey kangaroos in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate but not N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe or opsonised bacteria. Phagocytosis of opsonised bacteria was also measured in neutrophils from tammar wallabies, which was poor in contrast to ovine neutrophils. However, flow cytometric studies were limited by sample preparation. Further optimisation of isolation methods for tammar wallaby leukocytes should be undertaken before dogmatic conclusions are drawn. Overall, the results of this thesis demonstrate that, in the areas examined, the general characteristics of leukocyte structure and function of mammals are present in macropodids. However differences were identified both within and outside of the macropodid group. These differences have important ramifications for the use of ‘model’ species in the study of leukocyte biology in marsupials. The results also provide potentially useful tools for the clinical diagnosis of haematological disease in macropodids and may be of interest to those studying comparative and evolutionary aspects of leukocyte structure and function.

Leukocytes play a central role in protecting the body against infectious organisms and their research is essential for understanding the mechanisms of immunity. By studying leukocytes across a range of species, insights are provided into differing strategies employed to ensure resistance to disease. Surprisingly, the structure and function of marsupial leukocytes has received very limited study. Marsupials represent a major evolutionary pathway with distinct differences in reproduction and development from placental mammals. These differences in the life history of marsupials place unique challenges on the immune system, and differences in leukocyte structure and function could be reasonably expected. In this thesis, studies were undertaken to examine the cytochemical, ultrastructural and functional features of leukocytes from species of marsupials, belonging to the family Macropodidae (kangaroos and wallabies). The aim of these studies was to elucidate the characteristics of macropodid leukocytes and to compare and contrast these features with the known characteristics of other mammalian leukocytes. Leukocytes from two species of macropodid, the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) and the western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosis), formed the basis of this study with additional material provided from quokka (Setonix brachyurus), woylie (Bettongia pencillata) and red kangaroo (Macropus rufus). Staining characteristics of cells were examined following reaction with Sudan black B, peroxidase, chloroacetate esterase, naphthyl butyrate esterase, alkaline phosphatase and periodic acid-Schiff. Peroxidase and Sudan Black B reactions were similar to domestic animal species but chloroacetate esterase and naphthyl butyrate esterase were unreliable as markers for macropodid neutrophils and monocytes, respectively. Significant variation in staining for alkaline phosphatase was seen between species of macropodid. Tammar wallabies and quokka demonstrated strong neutrophil alkaline phosphatase activity whereas western grey kangaroos, red kangaroos and woylies contained no activity within their leukocytes. Peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase cytochemistry were also assessed at the ultrastructural level with transmission electron microscopy. This allowed the identification of distinct granule populations within macropodid neutrophils. Two subcellular compartments containing alkaline phosphatase activity were identified within tammar wallaby neutrophils. These were considered equivalent to secretory vesicles and a subpopulation of specific granules. Tubular vesicles containing alkaline phosphatase were also identified within the eosinophils of tammar wallabies. These structures were a novel finding having not been reported previously in the eosinophils of other animal species. In addition to cytochemistry, the general ultrastructure of leukocytes from tammar wallabies and western grey kangaroos were reported. Results were similar to previous reports for other marsupial species. The current body of knowledge was extended by the first detailed description of the ultrastructure of basophils in a marsupial. To assess functional aspects of macropdid neutrophils, flow cytometric assays were performed examining oxidative burst responses and phagocytosis. Reactive oxygen species were generated by neutrophils from tammar wallabies and western grey kangaroos in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate but not N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe or opsonised bacteria. Phagocytosis of opsonised bacteria was also measured in neutrophils from tammar wallabies, which was poor in contrast to ovine neutrophils. However, flow cytometric studies were limited by sample preparation. Further optimisation of isolation methods for tammar wallaby leukocytes should be undertaken before dogmatic conclusions are drawn. Overall, the results of this thesis demonstrate that, in the areas examined, the general characteristics of leukocyte structure and function of mammals are present in macropodids. However differences were identified both within and outside of the macropodid group. These differences have important ramifications for the use of ‘model’ species in the study of leukocyte biology in marsupials. The results also provide potentially useful tools for the clinical diagnosis of haematological disease in macropodids and may be of interest to those studying comparative and evolutionary aspects of leukocyte structure and function.

The quokka (Setonix brachyurus Quoy & Gaimard 1830) is a medium-sized, macropodid marsupial that is endemic to the mesic, south-western corner of Australia. While being a tourist icon on Rottnest Island, the species is threatened with extinction. It has been intensively studied on Rottnest Island in the 1960s and 1970s, however very little is known of its ecology on the mainland. Additionally the insular and mainland environments are extremely different suggesting that ecological differences between the two populations are likely. Consequently, this study sought to determine the basic autecology of the quokka and identify what factors have attributed to its threatened conservation status. The northern jarrah forest of Western Australia was selected as the study region due to it being at the northern limit of extant quokka distribution and because it was thought that the factors threatening the quokka would be exacerbated there. Fossil deposits suggest that the quokka originally occupied an area of approximately 49,000 km2 in the south-western corner of Australia. Historical literature show that they were widespread and abundant when Europeans colonised the region in 1829 but a noticeable and dramatic decline occurred a century later. The arrival of the red fox to the region coincided almost exactly with this decline and so it was probably ultimately responsible. Continued predation by both it and the feral cat are likely to have continued the decline, along with habitat destruction and modification through altered fire regimes. Specific surveys and literature searches show that since the 1950s, the area occupied by the quokka has declined by 45% and since 1990 by 29%. Based on the criteria of the IUCN (Hilton-Taylor 2000), the conservation status of the quokka should remain as vulnerable. An endangered status may be more applicable if the quokkas restriction to patches through its existence as a metapopulation is considered. Trapping of eight sites supporting quokka populations in the mid-1990s revealed three sites now locally extinct despite the ongoing, six year old, fox control programme. Another three are at serious risk of extinction. Extant population sizes ranged from one to 36 and population density ranged from 0.07 to 4.3 individuals per hectare. This is considered to be below the carrying capacity of each site. The overall quokka population size in the northern jarrah forest may be as low as 150 adult individuals, of which half are likely to be female. Even the largest extant populations are highly susceptible to stochastic extinction events. This small size was surprising considering the six year old, introduced predator control programme. Historically, the restriction to discrete habitat patches, the occasional inter-patch movement, the lack of correlation between the dynamics of each population and reports of frequent localised extinctions and colonisations suggest that the quokka population once existed as part of a classic metapopulation. The massive decline of the quokka in the 1930s pushed the metapopulation structure into a non-equilibrium state such that today, the extant populations are the terminal remnants of the original classic metapopulation. Wild mainland quokkas breed throughout the year. A significant reduction in the number of births occurs over summer and this coincides with a decline in female body weight. Despite this, the mainland quokka is relatively fecund and is able to wean two offspring per year. The level of recruitment from pouch young to independence was low and this may explain the apparent lack of population increase following the initiation of fox control. A total of 56 trapped quokkas were fitted with a radio collar. Mean home range size for quokkas was 6.39 ha with a core range of 1.21 ha and this was negatively related to population density. Male home ranges were larger than females but not significantly when the sexual size dimorphism was considered. Nocturnal ranges were larger than diurnal ranges reflecting nocturnal departures from the swamp refugia. Home range sizes varied seasonally, probably due to changes in the distance required to move to obtain sufficient nutrients and water over the dry summer compared to the wet winter and spring. Telemetry confirmed trapping results that showed no movement between swamps or populations. Home range centres shifted to the periphery of the swamp following the winter inundation and this may increase the species susceptibility to predation. The lack of dispersal is probably caused by quokka populations existing below carrying capacity and following selection for philopatry under the threat of predation for dispersing individuals. Without dispersal to recolonise or rescue unpopulated patches, the collapse of the original quokka metapopulation appears to have occurred. On a macrohabitat scale, the quokka in the northern jarrah forest is restricted to Agonis swamp shrubland habitats that form in the open, upper reaches of creek systems on the western side of the forest. This restriction was probably initially due to the high water requirements of the quokka but is likely to have been exacerbated by increased predation pressure since the arrival of the fox. On a microhabitat scale, the quokka is a habitat specialist, preferring early seral stage swamp habitats, probably for foraging, as part of a mosaic of old age swamp that provides refuge. Despite the six year old, introduced predator control programme, foxes and cats are still the major cause of mortality to quokkas. Road kills was the other identifiable cause. Individuals alive at the start of the study had an 81% chance of staying alive until the end. The likelihood of dying was minimised by grouping together with conspecifics, maximising home range size and maximising the time spent within the swampy refuge. Current rates of adult and juvenile survivorship should allow population recovery and so it seems pouch young mortality, reflected by low recruitment, has inhibited the anticipated population increase following predator control. The confounding effect of inadequate unbaited controls meant that little statistical evidence was available on the impact of introduced predators on the quokka, however the models provided support for earlier hypotheses of these. The presence of a quokka population at a site was related to the amount of poison baits delivered ??? reflecting predation pressure, the average age of the swamp and a mosaic of early and late seral stages within the swamp habitat. Recently burnt habitat is thought to provide food for quokkas and long unburnt habitat provides refuge from predation.

Despite extensive investigation, a complete understanding of the evolutionary history of the Macropodidae (kangaroos and their kin) has remained elusive. This research has utilized DNA sequences and retrotransposons (genes that jump around within the genome) to shed light on the evolutionary timing and dynamics of these iconic marsupials over the past 20 million years, and draw correlations with past climate change events. The research shows that these marsupials underwent a rapid radiation, diversifying into a wide array of forms, coincident with a trend of climatic cooling and drying over the past ~8 million years.

Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus Iumholtzi), one of Australia’s largest folivores and one of only two tree-kangaroo species endemic to Australia and far north Queensland’s Wet Tropics. D. Iumholtzi are most commonly found in the fragmented rainforests that remain within an agricultural matrix in a relatively small area on the Atherton Tablelands. Unfortunately the majority of these fragments are on privately owned land and are not totally protected from clearing, therefore their long-term persistence is threatened by land clearing, further habitat fragmentation and mortality from dogs and cars. Although there have been a few studies on the ecology and habitat use of D. Iumholtzi, our current knowledge is limited. A more comprehensive understanding of spatial and floristic habitat use is essential for the conservation and management of D. Iumholtzi. This study examined the spatial organisation and habitat utilisation of Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos in a Type lb rainforest fragment on the Atherton Tablelands and compared this to earlier studies (Procter-Gray 1985, Newell 1999). The two previous studies were both undertaken on the same spatially restricted rainforest type (Type Sb) only a couple of hundred metres apart, so this study has provided an important expansion of our understanding of D. Iumholtzi ecology across space and rainforest types. There were no significant effects of rainforest type on the home range sizes of D. Iumholtzi (Procter-Gray 1985, Newell 1999, This study). Male D. Iumholtziin this study held home ranges of 2.1 ± 0.7 ha (90% HM) overlapping that of several females but not other males, and females had exclusive home ranges of 2.1 ± 0.8 ha (90% HM) of a similar size to males. However, there was a large amount of variation in female home range sizes (0.1 —4.9 ha). Body weight did not explain this variation in home range sizes. This study also examined structural and floristic characteristics of the habitat and investigated if these could be used to model D. Iumholtzi habitat usage. The structural and floristic characters measured in this study could not be used to determine the focus of habitat usage. This study has shown that there is a more complex association between D. Iumholtzi and its use of habitat other than the structural characters of the habitat. D. Iumholtzi do select specific tree species, but there are strongly expressed individual preferences, similar to other arboreal folivores. The reasons for these specific choices are currently unclear but D. Iumholtzi are likely to choose trees for foliage characters, such as the levels of nutrients or plant defences, rather than for the species at a taxonomic level. This is also consistent with other arboreal folivores such as koalas and leaf-eating monkeys. The determination of which foliar characters are driving tree species or individual tree choice will require further research. This study tested and rejected a number of previous hypotheses regarding the characteristics determining D. Iumholtzi habitat use. They are not edge specialists, do not prefer regrowth or areas with a large variation in canopy height, or areas with high species diversity or density. The gastrointestinal morphology of D. Iumholtzi shares a number of features with other foregut fermenting folivores. Compared to other macropodids, D. Iumholtzi has a large sacciform forestomach and a large overall stomach capacity, and more similar in size and morphology to that of other arboreal foregut fermenting folivores, such as colobine monkeys. It is likely that these characteristics are adaptive for its diet of rainforest leaves. Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos can be simply aged using a tooth wear index developed during this study. Aging is essential for establishing demographics, such as age specific mortality and fecundity of populations, currently unknown in D. Iumholtzi. Without the ability to age populations we cannot reliably undertake valuable estimations such as population viability analysis, which require these parameters. Additionally, this study has highlighted that not only one rainforest type is important to D. Iumholtzi and that more emphasis should be made on the preservation and restoration of all rainforest types. Furthermore, it is vital that all rainforest fragments including riparian zones, regrowth and corridors and stepping stones, should be conserved, rehabilitated and areas replanted as D. Iumholtzi habitat, as they are crucial to the species long term survival.

Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus Iumholtzi), one of Australia’s largest folivores and one of only two tree-kangaroo species endemic to Australia and far north Queensland’s Wet Tropics. D. Iumholtzi are most commonly found in the fragmented rainforests that remain within an agricultural matrix in a relatively small area on the Atherton Tablelands. Unfortunately the majority of these fragments are on privately owned land and are not totally protected from clearing, therefore their long-term persistence is threatened by land clearing, further habitat fragmentation and mortality from dogs and cars. Although there have been a few studies on the ecology and habitat use of D. Iumholtzi, our current knowledge is limited. A more comprehensive understanding of spatial and floristic habitat use is essential for the conservation and management of D. Iumholtzi. This study examined the spatial organisation and habitat utilisation of Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos in a Type lb rainforest fragment on the Atherton Tablelands and compared this to earlier studies (Procter-Gray 1985, Newell 1999). The two previous studies were both undertaken on the same spatially restricted rainforest type (Type Sb) only a couple of hundred metres apart, so this study has provided an important expansion of our understanding of D. Iumholtzi ecology across space and rainforest types. There were no significant effects of rainforest type on the home range sizes of D. Iumholtzi (Procter-Gray 1985, Newell 1999, This study). Male D. Iumholtziin this study held home ranges of 2.1 ± 0.7 ha (90% HM) overlapping that of several females but not other males, and females had exclusive home ranges of 2.1 ± 0.8 ha (90% HM) of a similar size to males. However, there was a large amount of variation in female home range sizes (0.1 —4.9 ha). Body weight did not explain this variation in home range sizes. This study also examined structural and floristic characteristics of the habitat and investigated if these could be used to model D. Iumholtzi habitat usage. The structural and floristic characters measured in this study could not be used to determine the focus of habitat usage. This study has shown that there is a more complex association between D. Iumholtzi and its use of habitat other than the structural characters of the habitat. D. Iumholtzi do select specific tree species, but there are strongly expressed individual preferences, similar to other arboreal folivores. The reasons for these specific choices are currently unclear but D. Iumholtzi are likely to choose trees for foliage characters, such as the levels of nutrients or plant defences, rather than for the species at a taxonomic level. This is also consistent with other arboreal folivores such as koalas and leaf-eating monkeys. The determination of which foliar characters are driving tree species or individual tree choice will require further research. This study tested and rejected a number of previous hypotheses regarding the characteristics determining D. Iumholtzi habitat use. They are not edge specialists, do not prefer regrowth or areas with a large variation in canopy height, or areas with high species diversity or density. The gastrointestinal morphology of D. Iumholtzi shares a number of features with other foregut fermenting folivores. Compared to other macropodids, D. Iumholtzi has a large sacciform forestomach and a large overall stomach capacity, and more similar in size and morphology to that of other arboreal foregut fermenting folivores, such as colobine monkeys. It is likely that these characteristics are adaptive for its diet of rainforest leaves. Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos can be simply aged using a tooth wear index developed during this study. Aging is essential for establishing demographics, such as age specific mortality and fecundity of populations, currently unknown in D. Iumholtzi. Without the ability to age populations we cannot reliably undertake valuable estimations such as population viability analysis, which require these parameters. Additionally, this study has highlighted that not only one rainforest type is important to D. Iumholtzi and that more emphasis should be made on the preservation and restoration of all rainforest types. Furthermore, it is vital that all rainforest fragments including riparian zones, regrowth and corridors and stepping stones, should be conserved, rehabilitated and areas replanted as D. Iumholtzi habitat, as they are crucial to the species long term survival.

Morphological data are crucial in evolutionary analyses for merging fossils into the tree of life, calibrating dating analyses and for enhancing inference of biological patterns and processes. Morphological phylogenetics is dominated by homoplastic characters, functional and developmental correlations, and also by highly subjective definitions of characters and their states, which in turn can mislead phylogeny reconstruction. A first study assessed the implications of biases among characters in Mesozoic mammals. Then, geometric morphometrics and molecular data were combined to study the systematics of kangaroos and wallabies. Finally, new methodologies using 3D morphometrics and multivariate statistical analyses were developed for phylogenetic inference.