Academic literature on the topic 'Petrogale lateralis'

Western Australia has five species of rock-wallabies. Petrogale brachyotis, Petrogale burbidgei and Petrogale concinna occur in wet-dry tropical habitats in the Kimberley region. Petrogale rothschildi is a Pilbara region endemic, while Petrogale lateralis has the largest distribution, extending from the south-west Kimberley to islands off the southern coastline. There have been few collections of the three species restricted to the Kimberley. Their small size, secretive disposition and variable pelage have hampered field identification, and thus, understanding of their distribution and status. The populations of all three are currently believed to be stable and their status is considered secure. Petrogale rothschildi is known from the Hamersley and Chichester Ranges, the east Pilbara, the Burrup Peninsula and four islands in the Dampier Archipelago. It is abundant on three of these islands but has declined on Dolphin island. The status of the mainland populations is uncertain. Petrogale lateralis is a diverse species, with two subspecies and two chromosomal races occurring in WA. Petrogale lateralis hacketti is restricted to three islands in the Archipelago of the Recherche. Petrogale lateralis lateralis has declined throughout its mainland range, with extant populations known from six localities in the Wheatbelt; Cape Range; the Calvert Range; and Barrow and Salisbury Islands. It may still be extant in Kalbarri National Park. Petrogale lateralis West Kimberley race has a restricted distribution but appears secure, while P. lateralis MacDonnell Ranges race has declined markedly in recent years. Fox predation has been implicated in the decline of some populations of P. lateralis and P. rothschildi. The impact of factors such as competition from introduced grazers (stock, rabbits, goats), fire and habitat clearing have not been examined. Increased control of exotic predators, taxonomic research to clarify the identity of unsampled populations and field surveys are needed to improve the conservation outlook for WA rock-wallabies.

Ancient DNA is becoming increasingly recognised as a tool in conservation biology to audit past biodiversity. The widespread loss of Australian biodiversity, especially endemic mammal populations, is of critical concern. An extreme example occurred on Depuch Island, situated off the north-west coast of Western Australia, where an unidentified species of rock-wallaby (Petrogale sp.) became extinct as a result of predation by red foxes. Two potential candidate species, Petrogale lateralis and P. rothschildi, both have ranges adjacent to Depuch Island, making identification based on geography difficult. A museum bone (one of the only surviving Depuch Island specimens) was subjected to standard ancient DNA analyses and procedures. Mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b and hypervariable control region were targeted for species identification. Ancient DNA was successfully recovered from the bone: 200 base pairs (bp) of control region and 975 bp of the cytochrome b gene. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses were employed to model the Depuch Island rock-wallaby DNA sequences together with sequences of other rock-wallaby taxa from GenBank. Evidence suggests that of the two Petrogale lateralis subspecies proposed to have inhabited Depuch Island, Petrogale lateralis lateralis was identified as the most likely. The identification of the Depuch Island rock-wallaby population may assist in the reintroduction of an insurance population of Petrogale lateralis lateralis, which is becoming increasingly threatened on mainland Australia.

Cladistic analysis of G-banded karyotypes was conducted on 11 Petrogale taxa from the lateralis/penicillata group with the genus Thylogale as an outgroup. Within the eastern Petrogale radiation (the penicillata complex), no homoplasy-free phylogenies could be generated and each tree contained character reversals, multiple origins and/or introgression of some chromosome characters. On the basis of the significance of some chromosome rearrangements and the genic relationships of taxa, one tree is favoured as being the most likely, although it is not the most parsimonious. In the lateralis/penicillata group the number of chromosome characters available was insufficient to accurately resolve the inter-relationships of the two complexes. However, the data are consistent with the eastern Petrogale radiation being a monophyletic group that excludes members of the Petrogale lateralis complex. The inter-relationships of the three subspecies of P. lateralis that were examined were not resolved by the chromosome data, although the karyotypes of both P. l. purpureicollis and P. l. 'Macdonnell Ranges' can be readily derived from that of P. l. lateralis.

The black-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis) is the most widespread member of the endemic Australian macropodid genus Petrogale. Considerable morphological and genetic diversity within this species has long been recognised and P. lateralis is currently divided into three described subspecies (P. lateralis lateralis, P. l. pearsoni, P. l. hacketti) and two undescribed forms (MacDonnell Ranges race, West Kimberley race). Chromosomal, morphological, genic and genomic studies have demonstrated that these five taxa are closely related but distinguishable. Here, we formally name the MacDonnell Ranges race and the West Kimberley race as subspecies of P. lateralis. Taxonomic registration: (LSID publication) http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:71C3B7CE-CE3D-4A78-83A6-5EB50FBBA810

The karyotypes of Petrogale lateralis lateralis, P. l. purpureicollis and P. l 'Macdonnell Ranges' were examined with G-banding from cultured fibroblasts. P. l. lateralis (2n = 22) was found to retain the plesiomorphic karyotype, whereas P. l. purpureicollis (2n = 22) and P. l. 'Macdonnell Ranges' (2n = 22) were found to share an apomorphic karyotype characterised by an acrocentric chromosome 3 (3a) and an acrocentric X-chromosome (Xp). Both the 3a and Xp can be derived from their respective P. l. lateralis homologues by centric transpositions. Although P. l. purpureicollis and P. l. 'Macdonnell Ranges' appear very similar chromosomally, they are readily distinguishable genically and morphologically, P. l. 'Macdonnell Ranges' being more similar to P. l. lateralis. Thus, in these taxa, genic and morphological divergence have not been associated with significant changes in karyotype.

G-banded metaphase preparations from cultured fibroblasts were used to examine the karyotypes of Petrogale lateralis pearsoni and the West Kimberley (WK) race of P. lateralis. Petrogale lateralis pearsoni was found to retain the ancestral 2n = 22 Petrogale karyotype, while the WK race (2n = 20) was found to be characterized by a 9–10 centric fusion. This taxon had been reported to have an 8–10 fusion. Karyotypic analysis was also used to identify Petrogale populations in the Erskine Range, Western Australia (W.A.) as the WK race and in the Walter James Range, W.A. as the MacDonnell Ranges (MDR) race of P. lateralis. These findings represent significant range extensions for both taxa. A third P. lateralis population, from the Townsend Ridges, W.A., could not be definitively identified to subspecies or race and appears intermediate between the WK and MDR races. Four animals were examined from this population and all possessed an identical 2n = 21 karyotype characterized by homozygosity for a derived acrocentric chromosome 3 (3a) and heterozygosity for a 9–10 fusion. Rearrangement 3a is typical of the MDR race, while the 9–10 fusion is characteristic of the WK race. The polymorphic Townsend Ridges population could result from the de novo creation of a 9–10 fusion (similar in morphology to the 9–10 fusion of the WK race) or it may represent evidence of hybridization between the MDR race and either the WK race or a currently unknown taxon. Additional data will be required to distinguish between these hypotheses.Key words: rock wallabies, Petrogale, chromosome rearrangements, G-banding.

DNA/DNA hybridisation analysis was undertaken to resolve the phylogenetic relationships within the chromosomally diverse genus Petrogale. Excepting P. concinna, all full species and three subspecies of P. lateralis were examined; all but four of these 16 taxa were labeled, as were four outgroup species. While demonstrating the ability of the technique to resolve relationships at the species level, our study confirmed that divergence of Petrogale species is recent and occurred during the late Pliocene to mid-Pleistocene. Our data placed the first division within Petrogale species between the monophyletic brachyotis group and the paraphyletic xanthopus plus lateralis/penicillata groups, the latter including P. rothschildi; the subspecies P. l. purpureicollisappears to be intermediate between thelateralis and thepenicillata complexes. However, our data could not resolve most relationships amongst the eastern Petrogale radiation, except for a probable grouping of the species P. herberti,P. inornata,P. penicillata, andP. sharmani. Finally, our results support recent suggestions that Dendrolagus rather than Thylogaleis the sister taxon to Petrogale.

Accurate assessment of age is important for effective captive husbandry techniques and assists in understanding developmental processes, population dynamics, reproductive strategies and seasonal breeding. Using linear and non-linear regression, this study analysed the growth rate of the head and pes length of known-age, captive-born pouch young of the black-footed rock-wallaby, Petrogale lateralis 'MacDonnell Ranges race'. Growth curves for head and pes length from the captive-born pouch young were then used to predict the age of pouch young of P. lateralis pearsoni using data collected from the field. Observations on the development of the eyes, ears and body of P.�lateralis 'MacDonnell Ranges race' were also recorded. Results showed that a non-linear growth model best described the head-length growth of captive-born pouch young (r2 = 99.5%), whereas logistic regression was the most accurate predictor of pes-length growth (r2 = 99.6%). No significant differences were found when the two growth models were applied to head and pes data from wild pouch young, suggesting that the growth models derived from captive animals can be used to accurately predict the age of pouch young in the wild. During a preliminary cross-fostering trial, we examined growth of the head and pes length in pouch young of P. lateralis 'MacDonnell Ranges race' that had been cross-fostered onto the teats of surrogate tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) mothers; comparisons were made to the growth rate of pouch young of the same race that had remained with their natural mothers.

The status of Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies (Petrogale xanthopus) and Black-footed Rock-wallabies (P. lateralis) in South Australia was assessed by comparing recent survey and census data with previously collated information about the distribution and relative abundance of each taxon. Petrogale xanthopus has maintained most of its known geographic range within the state; however, its relative abundance has declined significantly and 35 (or 15%) of a total of 229 recorded colonies have become extinct since European settlement. Eight of these colony extinctions have occurred over the past 25 years; three of them since 1981. As this species is continuing to decline it should be regarded as threatened within the state. Petrogale lateralis has at least two sub-species which occur in South Australia. Petrogale lateralis pearsoni is endemic to the state and occurs on offshore islands. Since 1960 its natural occurrence of about 3-500 individuals on North Pearson Island has been expanded to four other islands through translocations and the total population is now about 700-1100 animals. This subspecies, while not occurring in large numbers, is nonetheless relatively secure due to the additional populations established and the fact that these are on islands isolated from most mainland threats. The mainland subspecies, Petrogale lateralis MacDonnell Ranges race, by comparison has suffered a drastic reduction in both geographic range and abundance to the point where it is South Australia’s most critically endangered vertebrate taxon. It has declined from being a very common species in the state’s far north- west to only two known, widely separated, colonies which total less than 100 animals between them. Management and research recommendations are provided.

During two independent fauna surveys, rock-wallaby (Petrogale) scats were recorded from caves located outside the current known Petrogale distribution. Scats collected from Desert Queen Baths (Little Sandy Desert, Western Australia, 2012), and the Barr Smith Range (Murchison, Western Australia, 2015) were genetically analysed and a follow-up motion camera survey confirmed an extant rock-wallaby population at Desert Queen Baths. The combination of sampling techniques overcame the detection difficulties associated with rare and cryptic taxa, and together were important in establishing the presence of Petrogale lateralis from regions where the species has been poorly documented. At both locations, P. lateralis scats were recorded from deep caves situated close to permanent water, reflecting the species’ physiological constraints in the arid zone. These records represent significant range extensions of a highly threatened macropod.

The black-flanked rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis lateralis) has suffered a significant decline in its distribution in Western Australia. This has been attributed to introduced predators (predominantly the red fox) and herbivores, fire, and habitat destruction due to clearing. Although since 2001 the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) had begun to reintroduce this species back into its former range, little was known of the behavioural ecology of this species. Fox control in the 1980s and 1990s resulted in population increases of rock-wallabies on several reserves in the central wheatbelt of WA. However, recently these populations have rapidly declined despite continuing fox control. All too often, management and conservation programs are based on little understanding on the natural history and ecology of animals, which can ultimately result in poor management. One of the major problems with our understanding of the ecology of P. l. lateralis was that there was little information on their behavioural, foraging and feeding patterns, and how these affect the population dynamics of the species. Although this species appears to be substrate bound, requiring complex rock structures that are believed to protect them from both predators and adverse climatic conditions, there was still little understanding of how these animals utilise this important resource, particularly in highly variable environments. There is a long-standing premise in behavioural ecology that highly variable environments can significantly affect the behaviour and demography of animal populations. Although this has been well documented in birds, and primates, behavioural elements are rarely incorporated into marsupial studies. For the success of any current and future reintroductions of rock- wallaby populations into new areas, we needed to understand the relationships between the landscape and climatic elements and the behavioural patterns and population dynamics of the species’. This study describes the behavioural ecology of the rock-wallaby subspecies P. l. lateralis in the central wheatbelt region of Western Australia. It focuses on environmental variables that have rarely been studied simultaneously, those of climate, fear of predation and conspecifics, and habitat structure. The Nangeen Hill Reserve population was chosen because it is one of seven small fragmented reserves, within a landscape, with strong seasonal climatic patterns. A methodological approach was developed that enabled identification of the key ecological determinants of the foraging and feeding behaviours of P. l. lateralis in this highly variable environment. The study included a comprehensive examination of all the behavioural characteristics and abilities of P. l. lateralis, compiling a detailed behavioural repertoire (ethogram), a first for this species, and included both nocturnal and diurnal observations. P. l. lateralis uses a complex arrangement of non-agonistic and agonistic behavioural acts that determines its social organisation, and indicates a linear dominance hierarchy. There is little vocal communication, and instead the rock-wallabies appear to rely on both ritualised behaviour acts and chemical cues to exchange information about the physiological or behavioural state of the individual, thus evolving very diverse and complex social behaviours. Nangeen Hill rock-wallabies occupy a permanent central rock refuge, with strong signs of site fidelity. Their foraging patterns reflect those of a central place forager, but distances travelled are restricted in open habitats, with stronger preferences for areas of rock structural complexity. Their foraging behaviour is not strictly nocturnal nor can it be considered crepuscular, exhibiting significantly different seasonal patterns. Time allocation for foraging is strongly affected by fear of predators and to a lesser extent conspecifics, and certain climatic conditions. Although rock-wallabies use multiple behavioural strategies to reduce predation risk, energy costs, and intraspecific agonistic interactions, they can only can survive in their present environment if they have access to complex rock refuge. This rock resource not only enables them to avoid extreme ambient temperatures, but also gives them protection against predators particularly when environmental conditions are unfavourable. In addition, their cave refuge also gives them protection from precipitation, reducing heat loss, and provides a safe environment for both rearing young and for courtship without the cost of predation. Rock refuge is the most important resource that defines this species and is central to all aspects of its life history. Although this reserve has been under a fox-baiting program since 1982, and subsequently resulted in a rock-wallaby population increase and habitat expansion, within the rocky outcrop (Kinnear et al., 1998), it was clear from my research that the ecological situation was more complex. There is a strong predation influence on the behaviour indicating that the population is now predominantly fear-driven. It is the fear of predators and dominant conspecifics that restricts both the foraging range and time spent feeding. This results in animals being tightly restricted to their rock refuge, resulting in overgrazing and habitat degradation. These concerns led me to believe that if the current situation was not alleviated, then a population crash was imminent.A population crash subsequently happened in 2010, and the cause of this decline is a result of a complex ecological relationship, that includes direct and indirect predatory effects, weed invasion, and drought. The results of this research and the subsequent recent population decline, show the importance of including behaviour into an ecological study to have a better understanding. It provides a better understanding of a species as well as providing important insights into its evolutionary past, and how this has shaped their social and demographic patterns. This research also demonstrates how the use of a permanent central rock refuge both contributes to the animal’s continued survival, and restricts its future distribution, particularly in ecologically altered landscapes. Although this study was not designed primarily to resolve conservation and management problems, its findings are already being used to design an active management plan for the central wheatbelt rock-wallaby populations. The complex relationships between how an animal obtains and uses its resources, the availability of different vegetation patches, and population demographics creates significant problems for the management of a species. This emphasises the need for future research on all animal groups, to understand the relationships between the habitat and landscape elements, and that of behaviour and population dynamics. Understanding how animals perceive their environment and how they adjust to its changes will be paramount for the future management and survival of many species.

Petrogale lateralis lateralis (Black-flanked Rock-wallaby) has declined in its mainland distribution to a few isolated populations with extant populations known from six localities in the Wheatbelt, the Cape Range, the Calvert Range, and Barrow and Salisbury Islands (Pearson and Kinnear 1997). The conservation status of P. l. lateralis is classified as endangered. It is therefore extremely important that the threatening processes associated with this species are investigated to ensure appropriate management of the remaining populations. P. l. lateralis is a herbivore with a foraging range restricted to rocky outcrops; competition for resources from introduced herbivores has been implicated as a limiting factor to rock-wallaby populations. The aim of this study was to examine possible dietary overlap between P. l. lateralis and two co-occurring species Macropus robustus (euro) and Capra hircus (feral goat) at Cape Range National Park in order to determine if there is competition for food resources. Vegetation surveys combined with dietary analysis of plant epidermal fragments found in the faecal material of the three species and direct behavioural and feeding observations were carried out at two study sites Mandu Mandu Gorge and Pilgonaman Gorge in Cape Range National Park, Exmouth, Western Australia. A seasonal comparison of the diets of P. l. lateralis, M robustus and C. hircus at the study sites was conducted to highlight the time of year that competition for food resources is most prevalent. Vegetation profiles and the vegetation surveys conducted within the Mandu Mandu Gorge and Pilgonaman Gorge show that plant species vary in abundance and occur in different areas within the gorges. Vegetation surveys showed that the vegetation structure between Mandu Mandu Gorge and Pilgonaman Gorge differed but contained an overlap of plant species. Mandu Mandu Gorge consisted of mainly Triodia grasslands with Acacia sp. The vegetation in Pilgonaman Gorge becomes increasingly dense the farther east into the gorge with the dominant species Ipomoea costata and Ficus brachypoda with a variety of herb and grass species. Hence, the plant species that herbivores forage on in Mandu Mandu Gorge and Pilgonaman Gorge are limited spatially due to changes in vegetation structure within the gorges, with dense patches occurring on the gorge floor and scattered plants occurring around P. l. lateralis refuge sites and on the rocks of the gorge walls. The faecal analysis found that approximately 60% of P. l. lateralis diet consisted of dicotyledon species in summer with consistently higher proportions, (approximately 70% dicotyledons) in winter. The species occurring in the highest proportions in the P. l. lateralis diet at Pilgonaman Gorge in summer were Ficus platypoda (12.5 %), Ptilotus obovatus (11.5%) and Ipomoea costata (7.5%) F. platypoda comprised of (17.6%), I. costata (10.6%), P. obovatus (11.5%) and Plumbago zeylanica comprised (10.6%) of the diet in winter. The percentages of identified dicotyledon species in the summer diet at Mandu Mandu Gorge are as follows; F. brachypoda comprising of (15.7%), I. costata (11.8%), P. obovatus (11.8%), and Solanum sp. (2%) The main plant present in the P. l. lateralis diet in winter at Mandu Mandu Gorge was F. brachypoda (14.5%), followed by I. costata (13.3%), P. obovatus (7.2%), then Solanum sp. (3.6%), P. zeylanica (2.4%) and Achyranthes aspera (2.4%) The proportion of monocotyledon and dicotyledon species for M robustus remained constant between both summer and winter in both gorges. There was little variation in the proportion of monocot species consumed between summer and winter in Mandu Mandu Gorge and Pilgonaman Gorge. Approximately 25 % of the diet consisted of dicotyledon species. M robustus consumed Myrtaceae sp., Sida sp. Ptilotus obovatus and Ipomoea costata in Pilgonaman Gorge in summer and Myrtaceae sp., Sida sp., P. obovatus and Ficus brachypoda in winter. In Mandu Mandu Gorge, M robustus consumed Myrtaceae sp., Sida sp. and P. obovatus in summer and Sida sp and P. obovatus in winter. A high proportion of the C. hircus diet in this study consisted of dicot species. There was little variation in the percentage of dicot species consumed in summer and winter for C. hircus in both Mandu Mandu Gorge (63% in summer and 65% in winter) and Pilgonaman Gorge (67% in summer and 69% in winter). The identified dicot species in the C. hircus diet in the winter months at Pilgonaman Gorge comprised of I. costata (12.4%), P. zeylanica (9%), P. obovatus (9%), Sida sp. (5.6%), F. brachypoda 4.5%, Solanum sp. 3.3%, A. aspera (2.3%) and Myrtaceae sp. (1 %). The dicot species consumed by C. hircus at Mandu Mandu Gorge include Sida sp. (3.5 %), P. obovatus (17.5%), I. costata (8.8%), F. brachypoda (7%) and Solanum sp. (5.3%) of the summer diet. The winter diet for C. hircus at Mandu Mandu Gorge comprised of P. obovatus (15.1%), I. costata (8.1%) F. brachypoda (10.5%) and Solanum sp. (4.7%) Direct observations of P. l. lateralis eating support the identification of plant species found within their faeces during the scat analysis of this study. Furthermore, physical evidence of grazing on leaves within Pilgonaman Gorge suggests that herbivores are actively grazing upon F. brachypoda, Malvaceae sp., Solanum sp., I. costata, Sida sp., P. zeylanica and Cenchrus ciliaris. P. l. lateralis, M robustus and C. hircus were found to consume a selection of these species in various proportions in the scat analysis. A significant dietary overlap of plant species was found to occur between C. hircus, M robustus and P. l. lateralis in Pilgonaman Gorge and Mandu Mandu Gorge. P. l. lateralis, M robustus and C. hircus had a dietary overlap consuming the same plant species; Myrtaceae sp., Sida sp. C. ciliaris, I. costata and F. brachypoda and P. obovatus at differing percentages. C. hircus was found to forage on the following species in common with P. l. lateralis; Myrtaceae sp. Sida sp. C. ciliaris, I. costata and F. brachypoda, P. obovatus, Solanum sp., P. zeylanica and A. aspera. M robustus consumed Myrtaceae sp., Sida sp. C. ciliaris, I. costata and F. brachypoda, P. obovatus and E. caevuless in common with P. l. lateralis. The dietary overlap between C. hircus, M robustus and P. l. lateralis in Pilgonaman Gorge in summer was found to be significant with a probability of N= 22 W= 43.46 and P < 0.01. The dietary overlap between the species was consistent in winter N=22 and W= 41.02 and had the same probability value of P < 0.01. A significant dietary overlap occurred in summer with a probability of N=ll, W= 20.8 and P < 0.05 and winter N= 12, W= 24.25 and P < 0.02 in Mandu Mandu Gorge. Finally, behavioural observations on interactions between feral goats and the rockwallabies indicate that when feral goats are at close range they are disruptive to the normal activities of rock-wallabies. This suggests that the goats are not only competing for food resources but that they may also elicit a form of interference competition. Implications of competition are discussed and recommendations for further research and management are considered.

Australia has one of the world's worst rates of mammal extinctions, accounting for about one third of the mammal species that have become extinct in the world since 1600 (Burbidge and Manly 2002). Most of these documented declines and extinctions have been concentrated towards mammals in the arid-zone of central Australia. In South Australia (SA), one of the arid-zone species that has undergone substantial declines in range and abundance is the black-footed rock-wallaby, Petrogale lateralis (MacDonnell Ranges race). Animals are now restricted to the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in the state's far north-west, where there remain two known metapopulations. The decline of this race, which is known as 'warru' by Western Desert Indigenous people, is presumed to have been precipitated by introduced predators. However, in order to exclude other potential causes and establish if recovery is feasible, the current project investigated the ecology of warru in the SA APY Lands. In order to make inferences about the habitat and environmental conditions that best facilitate warru persistence, a modelling approach at multiple spatial scales was used. At a landscape scale, warru presence was correlated to geology, slope, soil type and elevation. At a finer scale, fieldwork established that a number of parameters, including aspect, vegetation, rock complexity and refuges' physical characteristics were important determinants of warru presence and use. The work presents the first analysis of P. lateralis habitat requirements. To establish animals' use of this preferred habitat, the thesis provides preliminary data on warru home range and movement patterns. Unfortunately, catastrophic failure of Global Positioning System collars meant that data were limited to those from one adult female in one month. Nevertheless, during this time, the animal had a larger than expected home range and undertook a number of long-range movements, including a sojourn off the hill. These results have implications for management, including predator and fire management strategies. An investigation of the genetic structure of animals in the three largest-known warru colonies indicated that all colonies are genetically diverse, with levels of heterozygosity approximating expected values. All three also exhibited substantial population structuring, with genetic groups correlating to geographic colonies. However, there was also evidence for sub-structuring being present within one of the colonies and for migration occurring into two colonies, with approximately 5% of sampled individuals having mixed ancestry. An analysis of the parentage of offspring indicated that warru have a polygamous mating structure, although one instance of intra- and inter-year monogamy was also established. Population modelling was used to provide an estimate of the sizes of each of the three studied colonies. Combined with recent aerial survey data, these data suggested that there are likely to be fewer than 200 warru remaining in SA. However, all three colonies showed signs conducive to potential recovery, including high average reproductive rates, even sex ratios and high adult survivorship (>75%). Juvenile survival, however, was significantly lower (51%) and positively correlated with winter rainfall, indicating that access to water is important during the drier winter months. The potential for warru recovery was supported by an analysis of warru blood chemistry in both the wild and captive colonies. The latter was established as part of the recovery program and aimed to produce animals for in-situ supplementation and reintroduction. In 2009, when blood samples were taken, warru colonies did not manifest with results that are indicative of population-wide disease. However, the biochemical parameters of animals in one of the in-situ colonies, 'New Well', suggested some level of nutritional and water stress. This suggests that managers could consider providing warru at New Well with supplementary food and water during drought, and/or using fire to promote vegetational diversity. The study presents the first detailed haematological reference values for P. lateralis and potentially, a methodology for other threatened species recovery programs to follow in order to establish the health of their populations. The current results have implications for management of both the in- and ex-situ warru populations. For example, results pertaining to habitat selection can be used to guide selection of appropriate reintroduction sites. Overall, results indicate that although the extant colonies have small population sizes, the animals therein have high reproductive rates, are not suffering the effects of disease and are genetically diverse. The rock-wallabies' polygamous mating strategy is also likely to continue to facilitate this genetic diversity. Furthermore, although warru have specific habitat preferences, they have the capacity to disperse to surrounding available habitat. Overall, this suggests that, given appropriate management, warru recovery is feasible. Some of these data may also be pertinent for management of P. lateralis in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2011