Australian Wildlife

On the basis of a reference series incubated at 30"C, methods for assigning unknown-aged embryos an approximate '30°C age' are derived. Determining real age is confounded by a paucity of information on the nest environment and its influence on embryonic development rate. Preliminary constants relating development rate to temperature (derived from studies with C. johnstoni) were tested with C. porosus and, as an interim measure, have practical utility in both the laboratory and the field.

Deliverance Island, Kerr Islet and Turu Cay in north-western Torres Strait support a major nesting population and the most northerly recorded rookery of the flatback turtle, Natator depressa. Nesting occurs there year round, with a peak in the early months of the year. The islands are insignificant nesting sites for the green turtle, Chelonia mydas, and the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata. The N. depressa turtles that nest in western Torres Strait-north-eastern Gulf of Carpentaria are smaller and lay smaller eggs on average than the N. depressa turtles that breed in the southern Great Barrier Reef. On Deliverance Island, the inhabitants of nearby Queensland islands and Papua New Guinea coastal villages infrequently harvest N. depressa eggs as well as the green turtles that feed over the surrounding reef flats.

QuestionIs the composition of groundstorey vegetation influenced by wombat burrowing and mound construction as well as streambank tracks by domestic cattle at high and low levels of usage?LocationSixteen streambank study sites in an agricultural area in Kangaroo Valley, southeastern New South Wales, Australia.MethodsWe examined the effects of cattle and wombats on vegetation by measuring plant and litter cover on three markedly different microsites; wombat mounds, the network of tracks used by both cattle and wombats to access pastures away from the riparian area, and control sites that were neither tracks nor mounds, and which were located 1–2 m away from mounds or tracks.ResultsWe recorded significantly fewer vascular plant species on the mounds and tracks than on the control microsites, but there were significantly more species at sites of high cattle usage than low cattle usage. Plant cover on the control microsites was more than twice that on the mounds and tracks. The exotic p...

Trypanosome infections are often difficult to detect by conventional microscopy and their pleomorphy often confounds differential diagnosis. Molecular techniques are now being used to diagnose infections and to determine phylogenetic relationships between species. Complete small subunit rRNA gene sequences were determined for isolates of Trypanosoma chelodina from the Brisbane River tortoise (Emydura signata), the saw-shelled tortoise (Elseya latisternum), and the eastern snake-necked tortoise (Chelodina longicollis) from southeast Queensland, Australia. Partial sequence data were also obtained for T. binneyi from a platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) from Tasmania. Phylogenetic relationships between T. chelodina, T. binneyi and other species were examined by maximum parsimony and likelihood methods. The Australian tortoise and platypus trypanosomes did not exhibit any close phylogenetic relationships with those of mammals, reptiles or amphibians, but were closely related to each ot...

Any attempt to whittle such a list down to an arbitrary number such as 25 is ultimately an exercise in publicity rather than science. But given the important role that the public plays in the success (or failure) of conservation, this is not a futile undertaking, especially when the taxa selected can be leveraged to educate about little-known taxonomic groups or unique/important habitats and thus naturally brings many other rare/endangered taxa into the fold. And although the exclusive choice of the present author, the list of 25 taxa selected (see Table 1) is a) preliminary as the subtitle notes, and thus amenable to expert consultation, b) a well-rounded and representative sample of the different taxonomic groups and biogeographical areas of Australia, and c) comprised of taxa that have a reasonable chance of persisting and thus are well worth searching for even given the limited resources available to conservationists.

An evaluation was conducted of an attempted eradication of feral pigs by poisoning and shooting, in an area of 50 km2 at Willandra in western New South Wales. Poisoning with 1080 killed 73% of the feral pigs. After the poisoning, 95 of 98 feral pigs seen in the area were shot. The results and their implications for the control and eradication of feral pigs are discussed.

This study of the effects of logging on small mammals in Mumbulla State Forest on the south coast of New South Wales included the effects of a fire in November 1980 and a drought throughout the study period from June 1980 to June 1983. Rattus fuscrpes was sensitive to change: logging had a significant impact on its numbers, response to ground cover, and recapture rate; fire had a more severe effect, and drought retarded the post-fire recovery of the population. The three species of dasyurid marsupials differed markedly in their response to ground cover, canopy cover, logging and fire. Antechinus stuartii was distributed evenly through all habitats and was not affected by logging, but fire had an immediate and adverse effect which was sustained by the intense drought. A. swainsonii markedly preferred the regenerating forest, and was not seen again after the fire, the failure of the population being attributed to its dependence on dense ground cover. Sminthopsis leucopus was found in low numbers, appeared to prefer forest with sparse ground cover, and showed no immediate response to logging or fire; its disappearance by the third year post-fire suggests that regenerating forest is inimical to the survival of this species. Mus musculus showed no response to logging. In the first year following the fire its numbers were still very low, but in the next year there was a short-lived plague which coincided with the only respite in the 3-year drought and, importantly, occurred in the intensely burnt parts of the forest. The options for managing this forest for the conservation of small mammals include minimising fire, retaining unlogged forest, extending the time over which alternate coupes are logged and minimising disturbance from heavy machinery.

This study of the effects of logging on small mammals in Mumbulla State Forest on the south coast of New South Wales included the effects of a fire in November 1980 and a drought throughout the study period from June 1980 to June 1983. Rattus fuscipes was sensitive to change: logging had a significant impact on its numbers, response to ground cover, and recapture rate; fire had a more severe effect, and drought retarded the post-fire recovery of the population. The three species of dasyurid marsupials differed markedly in their response to ground cover, canopy cover, logging and fire. Antechinus stuartii was distributed evenly through all habitats and was not affected by logging, but fire had an immediate and adverse effect which was sustained by the intense drought. A. swainsonii markedly preferred the regenerating forest, and was not seen again after the fire, the failure of the population being attributed to its dependence on dense ground cover. Sminthopsis leucopus was found in ...

Seventeen site characteristics associated with the location of incubation mounds of the Orange-footed Scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt were measured for three habitat types: monsoon forest, regeneration forest and a sandy coastal vine thicket adjacent to an intertidal zone. The three habitats differed with respect to shrub cover, litter cover, canopy cover and several tree measurements. Mound sites differed from random sites with respect to several variables, and these differences can be attributed to the littercollecting activities of the birds, which disrupt the vegetation on and near the mounds. Internal mound temperatures were recorded over a 12 month period in 10 active mounds, two disused mounds and at two control sites. Active mound temperatures in all three habitats were similar despite significant mound site differences, particularly with respect to canopy cover and incident solar radiation. Whereas the decomposition of litter was the primary source of heat for the mounds in the monsoon and regeneration forests, both solar radiation and microbial decomposition contributed to the heat of the mounds in the sandy coastal vine thicket. Soil temperatures in disused mounds and at control sites decreased with the onset of monsoonal rains, but active mound temperatures remained stable during this period. Behavioural observations were recorded over a 19-week period for a pair of Orange-footed Scrubfowl at an active mound. The collection and incorporation of leaf litter into the mound increased significantly as monsoonal rains intensified. The birds were most active during the early morning period. Hatchlings and juvenile birds were observed in the study area throughout the eight months of field work and one colour banded bird was observed defending two mounds on several occassions.

Stages in the spermatogenic cycle of Ningaui ridei, N. yvonneae and N. timealeyi are defined and the phenology of these stages is presented. In males of Ningaui spp. sexual maturity is reached in the first year, such that after the end of July of each year almost all male Ningaui spp. are considered reproductively mature. Male Ningaui spp. in the active spermatogenic phase are found during the entire season of births (August-January in N. ridei and N. timealeyi but perhaps terminating earlier in N. yvonneae); testes regress to an immature spermatogenic stage after January. There is no indication that in the field adult males die immediately following mating.

Stakeholders are increasingly involved in species conservation. We sought to understand what features of a participatory conservation program are associated with its ecological and social outcomes. We conducted a case study of the management of invasive vertebrates in Australia. Invasive vertebrates are a substantial threat to Australia's native species, and stakeholder participation in their management is often necessary for their control. First, we identified potential influences on the ecological and social outcomes of species conservation programs from the literature. We used this information to devise an interview questionnaire, which we administered to managers of 34 participatory invasive-vertebrate programs. Effects of invasive species were related to program initiator (agency or citizen), reasons for use of a participatory approach, and stakeholder composition. Program initiator was also related to the participation methods used, level of governance (i.e., governed by an agency or citizens), changes in stakeholder interactions, and changes in abundance of invasive species. Ecological and social outcomes were related to changes in abundance of invasive species and stakeholder satisfaction. We identified relations between changes in the number of participants, stakeholder satisfaction, and occurrence of conflict. Potential ways to achieve ecological and social goals include provision of governmental support (e.g., funding) to stakeholders and minimization of gaps in representation of stakeholder groups or individuals to, for example, increase conflict mitigation. Our findings provide guidance for increasing the probability of achieving ecological and social objectives in management of invasive vertebrates and may be applicable to other participatory conservation programs.

A repeatable index of population density for cane toads active around permanent water in the dry season showed that, in the lowlands of the Gulf of Carpentaria, local populations rapidly increased in size following colonization, and remained high (up to 2138 ha-1 on a single night) for at least 19 years. Long-established populations ( ~ 47 years) around Townsville have declined to an average density of 82 ha-1 on a single night. In this area toads are in poor body condition, are smaller, and have a lower proportion of reproductive males than do younger populations. The sizes of fat bodies, and the numbers of ova carried by females, do not appear to have declined in the Townsville populations. The index of population density was found to represent approximately 20% of a Jolly-Seber, capture-recapture estimate of population density for a 2.5-year-old cane toad population. The Jolly-Seber estimate for this young population is up to 45 times the densities of native cane toads in Panama....

Stakeholders are increasingly involved in species conservation. We sought to understand what features of a participatory conservation program are associated with its ecological and social outcomes. We conducted a case study of the management of invasive vertebrates in Australia. Invasive vertebrates are a substantial threat to Australia's native species, and stakeholder participation in their management is often necessary for their control. First, we identified potential influences on the ecological and social outcomes of species conservation programs from the literature. We used this information to devise an interview questionnaire, which we administered to managers of 34 participatory invasive-vertebrate programs. Effects of invasive species were related to program initiator (agency or citizen), reasons for use of a participatory approach, and stakeholder composition. Program initiator was also related to the participation methods used, level of governance (i.e., governed by an agency or citizens), changes in stakeholder interactions, and changes in abundance of invasive species. Ecological and social outcomes were related to changes in abundance of invasive species and stakeholder satisfaction. We identified relations between changes in the number of participants, stakeholder satisfaction, and occurrence of conflict. Potential ways to achieve ecological and social goals include provision of governmental support (e.g., funding) to stakeholders and minimization of gaps in representation of stakeholder groups or individuals to, for example, increase conflict mitigation. Our findings provide guidance for increasing the probability of achieving ecological and social objectives in management of invasive vertebrates and may be applicable to other participatory conservation programs.

Deliverance Island, Kerr Islet and Turu Cay in north-western Torres Strait support a major nesting population and the most northerly recorded rookery of the flatback turtle, Natator depressa. Nesting occurs there year round, with a peak in the early months of the year. The islands are insignificant nesting sites for the green turtle, Chelonia mydas, and the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata. The N. depressa turtles that nest in western Torres Strait-north-eastern Gulf of Carpentaria are smaller and lay smaller eggs on average than the N. depressa turtles that breed in the southern Great Barrier Reef. On Deliverance Island, the inhabitants of nearby Queensland islands and Papua New Guinea coastal villages infrequently harvest N. depressa eggs as well as the green turtles that feed over the surrounding reef flats.

The concise report and results for my OEH study  "Eastern Pygmy Possum Program and Recovery Plan for Ku-ring-gai Municipality". Email to OEH on 20 April:, 2020: Draft 1 of my concise licence report. I still have 3 dot points to add on my work on Habitat Loss, MTB Track impacts, Hazard Reduction burn impact assessment and Recovery from Climate Change exacerbated Drought effects.

The concurrent presence in a suburban environment of a juvenile Channel-billed Cuckoo (Scythrops novaehollandiae) with its Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina) host parents and two other juveniles with their Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides) host parents allowed opportunities to compare behaviour. Observations documented included some begging and feeding behaviour of the juvenile cuckoos and their host parents, interactions between the host and juvenile birds, the weaning strategies adopted by the host species, and interactions with an adult Channel-billed Cuckoo.

Wombats are large marsupial grazers native to Australia. They are 'ecosystem engineers' due to their burrowing, impacting rates of soil turnover, assisting with nutrient cycling and water infiltration, and creating habitat for other species. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of available information on the habitat and distribution, abundance and threats to bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus), and to provide a critical review of the current gaps in our knowledge to aid future management of the species. Bare-nosed wombats were previously widespread. Since European settlement their range has reduced. While habitat loss and contraction impact population numbers, bare-nosed wombat populations are also threatened by roadkill, introduced species, legal and illegal human persecution, and disease. Further research is required to understand the historic range of bare-nosed wombats, as well as current population numbers, so that we can determine the threats that most significantly impact this species. Increasing our understanding of habitat requirements, distribution and population numbers, as well as how to mitigate threats, will aid future management and conservation strategies for the species.

This study investigated the population dynamics of three species of dasyurid marsupials in sand ridge habitat of the Simpson Desert, western Queensland, over a 10-year period between March 1990 and December 1999. The lesser hairy-footed dunnart (Sminthopsis youngsoni), was captured most consistently over the period of study, followed by the wongai ningaui (Ningaui ridei), and the mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda). Rates of recapture were low (4.5-22.2%), probably because individuals of each species are very mobile. All species bred in late winter or early spring when animals were aged at least 8-10 months, and independent juveniles first appeared usually in summer. S. youngsoni reared a second litter in late spring or early summer in 3 of the 10 years studied, when the availability of food was likely to have been high; neither N. ridei nor D. cristicauda were known to attempt a second litter within a season.

Watamu Mida creek coastal areas, mainly the shoreline, the mangroves and the general environment have been changing due to the impact of land use change, shoreline erosion, human population pressure and the expansion of tourism sector. This research assesses the impact of land use change on mangrove dynamics and shoreline erosion as well as the main driving factors that cause these changes in Watamu Midacreek. This study uses old aerial photographs (1969 and 1989), current high resolution satellite images World view (2010) and ground truthing in combination with information from the local community to analyze the impact of change in land use from 1969-2010. Land use and cover types were visually interpreted, digitized and delineated using aerial photographs of 1969, 1989 and 2010 satellite images in ArcGIS.9.3.1 and ERDAS IMAGINE 2014 software. The results of the land use change between 1969 and 1989 showed a decline of scrub land, miscellaneous coastal vegetation, coastal bush, thicket with trees and mangroves, whereas new types of land use which emerged during this period were town and barren land. The greatest land use change rate observed between 1969 and 1989 was in miscellaneous coastal vegetation at 2.5%, while coastal bush experienced a significant negative change rate of −6.5%. The main land use changes observed between 1989 and 2010 were increasing coastal bush, an expansion of town and urban areas, hotels and private holiday houses. Encroachments into the mangrove forest have been observed both by local people and foreign private holiday house owners. The change in land use had an impact on shoreline changes as well. Areas mainly covered by old trees, and coastal bushes which protected the shoreline from erosion currently have been converted into very big hotels and several private holiday house complexes. The main drivers of land use change were human population growth and policy (through weakness of law enforcement). Policies and regulations which are not currently implemented need to be updated based on the current pressure-state situation, and there should be strong law enforcement and strict regulation to control any unplanned developments along the coast and in the neighboring hinterland.

The most common canopy trees in the savannas of northern Australia, Eucalyptus tetrodonta and E. miniata are also two of the most common species harvested to make didgeridoos, the traditional musical instrument of northern Australian Aboriginal peoples now experiencing high demand from international markets. Most of the trees of the area naturally have hollow cores, or pipes, due to termite

Fire impact Monsoon rainforest Groundwater A B S T R A C T The wild population of the palm Ptychosperma macarthurii near Darwin, in monsoonal northern Australia, is regionally endangered and provides a focus to illustrate a range of issues pertinent to conservation of rainforest habitat. Surveys in 1990 found that several populations exhibited a polarised size class structure typified by large adults and small juvenile plants. Over the following decade, in the absence of wildfire and in a period of reduced disturbance from introduced buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), cattle (Bos indicus) and pig (Sus scrofa), sufficient small juvenile plants survived and grew so as to infill the intermediate size classes. Three stage (bifid, juvenile and adult) transition matrix models characterised the population as declining under all observed conditions (intrinsic rate of increase:

Stages in the spermatogenic cycle of Ningaui ridei, N. yvonneae and N. timealeli are defined and the phenology of these stages is presented. In males of Ningaui spp. sexual maturity is reached in the first year, such that after the end of July of each year almost all male Ningaui spp. are considered reproductively mature. Male Ningaui spp. in the active spermatogenic phase are found during the entire season of births (August-January in N. ridei and N. timeateyibtt perhaps terminating earlier in N. yvonneae); testes regress to an immature spermatogenic stage after January. There is no indication that in the field adult males die immediately following mating.

A description about Darwin and the Northern Territory’s natural landscapes, ecosystems and wildlife. I also discuss the dramatic seasons of the monsoonal north and the storms birthed within this steamy tropical environment. This is a section of the main story “Monsoon Thunder in the Land of Fire and Flood.’

In light of a 3.5 m saltwater crocodile found today north of Australia's third largest city, and south of its 'usual' natural habitat in Northern Queensland, I have re-released my radio interview in script-print here.

I discuss the impacts of global warming, and other human related impacts that will either facilitate or hinder the movements of crocs and gators, in both the USA and Australia.

Many Australians misunderstand the real Darwin, yet it is popular with international tourists. Why is Darwin so unique and why do many Australians know so very little about the world's most multicultural tropical city? If you like Indigenous culture, tropical ecosystems and tropical storms, then this story is worth a look.