Comparative foraging preferences of the greater stick-nest rat Leporillus conditor and the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus: implications for regeneration of arid lands.

2003 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 135 ◽  
Author(s):  
SA Ryan ◽  
KE Moseby ◽  
DC Paton
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Arid Zone ◽  
South Australia ◽  
High Water ◽  
European Rabbit ◽  
High Water Content ◽  
Shrub Species ◽  
Foraging Preferences ◽  
Acacia Aneura

Dietary preferences of the greater stick-nest rat (Leporillus conditor) and the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were compared using cafeteria trials and direct observations. Despite overlap, these species exhibited differences in dietary preference. L. conditor showed a strong preference for chenopod shrub species and other plant species with a high water content including Gunniopsis quadrifida and Calandrinia remota. L. conditor also preferred female bladder saltbush (Atriplex vesicaria) foliage to male. O. cuniculus ate a greater selection of plant species in most trials with their most preferred species including mulga (Acacia aneura), Salsola kali and Calandrinia remota. Both O. cuniculus and L. conditor preferred seedlings of perennial species to adult cuttings. L. conditor has recently been re-introduced to a 14 km� O. cuniculus, cat (Felis catus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) proof exclosure in the arid zone of South Australia. The re-introduction of this herbivore and the removal of exotic herbivores may change the vegetation structure and composition within the exclosure by restricting growth of some succulent chenopod species but allowing the regeneration of tall shrub species such as Acacia aneura which are usually limited by O. cuniculus grazing.

The effects of browsing by feral and re-introduced native herbivores on seedling survivorship in the Australian rangelands

2009 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola T. Munro ◽  
Katherine E. Moseby ◽  
John L. Read
Keyword(s):  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Arid Zone ◽  
Shrub Species ◽  
Perennial Plant ◽  
Seedling Survivorship ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Perennial Shrubs ◽  
Acacia Aneura ◽  
Acacia Ligulata

Browsing by introduced cattle (Bos taurus) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) can limit the recruitment of some arid zone tree and shrub species. In a study conducted at the Arid Recovery Reserve, Roxby Downs, SA, we aimed to quantify initial recruitment changes in shrubs after the removal of cattle and rabbits and the re-introduction of locally extinct fauna. The presence and abundance of seedlings was measured at groves of seven native perennial shrubs over 6 years under four browsing treatments: (1) ‘reserve-reintroductions’ [re-introduced greater stick-nest rats (Leporillus conditor), burrowing bettongs (Bettongia lesueur) and greater bilbies (Macrotis lagotis)], (2) ‘reserve-no browsers’, (3) ‘pastoral-stocked’ (rabbits and cattle), and (4) ‘pastoral-destocked’ (rabbits). Recruitment of mulga (Acacia aneura F.Muell. ex Benth.), silver cassia (Senna artemisioides subsp. petiolaris Randell) and sandhill wattle (Acacia ligulata A.Cunn. ex Benth.) was significantly greater in the two browsing regimes inside the Reserve than in the two pastoral regimes. The number of recruits of these three species declined at ‘pastoral-destocked’ and ‘pastoral-stocked’ sites but increased at ‘reserve-reintroductions’ and ‘reserve-no browsers’ sites from 2001 to 2006. Narrow-leaf hopbush (Dodonaea viscose (L.) Jacq.) showed a trend towards increased recruitment at sites in both browsing regimes inside the Reserve, but decreased recruitment at sites in both pastoral regimes. Native plum (Santalum lanceolatum R.Br.), native apricot (Pittosporum phylliraeoides orth. var. DC.) and bullock bush (Alectryon oleifolius (Desf.) S.T.Reynolds) exhibited no significant difference in recruitment between the four browsing regimes within the study timeframe. These results suggest that excluding rabbits and stock may benefit the germination and survival of mulga, silver cassia and sandhill wattle. To date, re-introduced native herbivores at low numbers have not been found to negatively affect the recruitment or growth rate of the seven perennial plant species studied.

Seasonal changes in the diet of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from three different Mediterranean habitats in south-western Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary R. Martin ◽  
Laurie E. Twigg ◽  
Lina Zampichelli
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Summer Rainfall ◽  
High Water ◽  
European Rabbit ◽  
High Water Content ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Remnant Vegetation

Abstract.�Seasonal changes in the diet of rabbits from three temperate (Mediterranean) areas in south-western Australia were identified using microscopic determination of the percentage occurrence of various food groups in sampled stomachs. The sites differed in soil type and in the availability of summer perennials, native vegetation bush remnants (size of, and number of plant species), improved pastures, and summer rainfall, and hence, enabled a comparison of the diet of rabbits from the different vegetation communities. Although the diet of these rabbits was quite flexible, with some switching in food items occurring between seasons, there were marked differences in the proportion of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous species eaten in each habitat. There was a strong reliance on seeds (1-5 species) during late spring and summer in all three habitats. Guildford grass (Romulea rosea) leaf and corms were a major component of the diet in the two habitats where this species was common. Further, as a result of the summer die-off of pasture species, there was a shift in where rabbits sourced food items during winter and summer. Pasture species were eaten during winter, but rabbits fed mainly on those dicotyledons found only in the surrounding scrub during summer. This suggests that rabbits may impact negatively upon such remnant vegetation at this time. Rabbits in all three habitats consumed several plant species with high water content (>54%) during summer, presumably to help maintain their water balance. Rabbits also consumed the seeds and foliage of several weed/nuisance species in each habitat, but any role of rabbits in weed dispersal was not determined.

scholarly journals ASSESSMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF PLANTS OF THE GENUS Fragaria UNDER CONDITIONS OF WATER DEFICIT – A STUDY REVIEW

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-39
Author(s):  
Marta Rokosa ◽  
Małgorzata Mikiciuk
Keyword(s):  
Water Deficit ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
High Water ◽  
Temperate Climate ◽  
Future Research ◽  
High Water Content ◽  
Species Response ◽  
Influence Of Water ◽  
Specific Species ◽  
Response To Water

The genus Fragaria belongs to the Rosaceae family. The most popular representatives of this species are the strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) and wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.), whose taste and health benefits are appreciated by a huge number of consumers. The cultivation of Fragaria plants is widespread around the world, with particular emphasis on the temperate climate zone. Increasingly occurring weather anomalies, including drought phenomena, cause immense losses in crop cultivation. The Fragaria plant species are very sensitive to drought, due to the shallow root system, large leaf area and the high water content of the fruit. There have been many studies on the influence of water deficit on the morphological, biochemical and physiological features of strawberries and wild strawberries. There is a lack of research summarizing the current state of knowledge regarding of specific species response to water stress. The aim of this study was to combine and compare data from many research carried out and indicate the direction of future research aimed at improving the resistance of Fragaria plants species to stress related to drought. These plants show patterns of response to stress caused by drought, such as: osmotic adjustment, reduction of transpiration and photosynthesis, and increased efficiency of water use. Drought also causes significant changes in the composition and palatability of the fruit of the Fragaria plant species.

Longevity record for a wild European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from South Australia

2009 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 65 ◽  
Author(s):  
David E. Peacock ◽  
Ron G. Sinclair
Keyword(s):  
Epidemiological Study ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
South Australia ◽  
European Rabbit ◽  
Birth Date ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
European Rabbits ◽  
Haemorrhagic Disease

A population of European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has been monitored since November 1996 through mark–recapture as part of a longitudinal epidemiological study into two Australian rabbit biocontrol agents, rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) and myxomatosis. A female rabbit, first captured as a subadult in late November 1999, was recaptured 18 times before its final capture at the end of February 2007. The longevity of this rabbit, being from its calculated birth date to the date it was last captured, was 7.6 years. A review of the literature indicates this to be the longest lifespan recorded for a European rabbit in the wild.

Persistence of dead trees and fallen timber in the arid zone: 76 years of data from the T.G.B. Osborn Vegetation Reserve, Koonamore, South Australia

2004 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Sinclair
Keyword(s):  
Temperate Forests ◽  
Arid Zone ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Dead Trees ◽  
Standing Dead ◽  
Acacia Aneura ◽  
Permanent Quadrats

Very little information is available about how long dead trees remain standing, or fallen logs persist, in the Australian arid zone. Data on dead timber longevity were extracted from records of both permanent quadrats and photopoints on the T.G.B. Osborn Vegetation Reserve on Koonamore Station, South Australia. Two species were examined, Acacia aneura (mulga) and Myoporum platycarpum (false sandalwood, sugarwood). Some individuals of mulga are capable of standing dead for over 75 years, while dead M. platycarpum may stand for over 60 years. Dead Myoporum trees remained standing for an average of 31.2 � 5.7 years, fallen trunks persisted for 38.4 � 3.7 years. Standing dead A. aneura persisted on average for 40.0 � 3.7 years, fallen trunks for 22.4� 6.3 years. These figures are almost certainly underestimates. The reasons why are discussed and some comparisons made with temperate forests and tropical mangroves.

Regeneration of the vegetation on Koonamore vegetation Reserve, 1926-1962.

1964 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 205 ◽  
Author(s):  
EAA Hall ◽  
RL Specht ◽  
CM Eardley
Keyword(s):  
Community Dynamics ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Range Management ◽  
Perennial Species ◽  
Shrub Species ◽  
The North ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Perennial Vegetation ◽  
Acacia Aneura ◽  
Arid Vegetation

Koonamore Vegetation Reserve was established on an overgrazed section of arid vegetation in the north-eastern district of South Australia, in July 1925. It was fenced to exclude sheep and rabbits, or so it was hoped. This paper discusses the regeneration of perennial vegetation since that date. The species common on the Reserve (trees- Acacia aneura, Casuarina cristata, Myoporum platycarpum, Heterodendrum oleifolium, Eucarya acuminata; tall shrubs-Eremophila sturtii, E. scoparia, E. longifolia, Acacia burkittii, Cassia nemophila, C. sturtii; low shrubs-Atriplex vesicaria, A. stipitata, Kochia sedifolia) are characteristic of large areas of arid southern Australia. Little or no regeneration of most of the tree and shrub species has occurred in unprotected areas. Many stands are showing obvious signs of senescence and many trees have died. Rabbits appear to be a major problem hampering regeneration. However, stands of Atriplex spp. in paddocks adjacent to the south and east sides of the Reserve have provided a seed source for effective recolonization of some denuded areas within the Reserve. The regeneration of Cassia spp. has also been spectacular in some places. Problems in regeneration and fluctuations in numbers of perennial species are discussed in relation to community dynamics, range management, and soil erosion.

scholarly journals Influence of Leaf Physical Properties on Single-Leaf Vibrational Response to Sound

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
Mengmeng Li ◽  
Jian Kang
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Leaf Size ◽  
High Water ◽  
High Water Content ◽  
Vibrational Amplitude ◽  
Sound Stimulation ◽  
Single Leaf ◽  
Wide Range

Plant leaves respond to environmental sounds by vibration. This study aimed to examine such responses by evaluating the influences of physical properties on vibrational amplitude, velocity and frequency before and during sound stimulation. Nine plant species with a wide range of leaf sizes, qualities and thicknesses and petiole lengths, widths and thicknesses were selected. In the absence of external sound, the leaf amplitude was ~1 μm, the vibrational velocity was ~0.05 mm s-1 and the vibrational frequency was ~0–15 Hz. After sound stimulation, however, the amplitude increased by 1–5.4×, the velocity was 1.75–14.1× higher and produced another spectral peak at ~80–95 Hz. Nevertheless, the amplitude and velocity varied by up to 1–10× among species mainly because of differences in leaf texture. However, these factors did not markedly change in succulent leaves because their thick epidermal cuticles and high water content buffered vibrations. In contrast, leathery leaves and papery and membranous leaves were highly responsive to sound stimuli. Leaf size, mass and thickness and petiole length, width and thickness also influenced leaf vibration. There is a positive correlation between noise reduction and leaf velocity. Noise reduction effect increases with the increase in leaf velocity until about 0.6 mm s−1 and then decreases. The relationship between leaf physical properties and leaf vibration may be used to study sound response and noise reduction in different plant species.

Influence of Fire and Edaphic Factors on Germination of the Arid Zone Shrubs Acacia aneura, Cassia nemophila and Dodonaea Viscosa

1990 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 269 ◽  
Author(s):  
KC Hodgkinson ◽  
RE Oxley
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Arid Zone ◽  
Moisture Level ◽  
Fuel Load ◽  
Dodonaea Viscosa ◽  
Shrub Species ◽  
Soil Moisture Level ◽  
Germination Response ◽  
Acacia Aneura ◽  
Semi Arid

The germination of some shrub species may be enhanced following fire in shrublands and woodlands. This paper reports the germination response of Acacia aneura, Cassia nemophila and Dodonaea viscosa - common shrub species in semi-arid and arid woodlands - to laboratory fires over a range of intensities and durations. Seeds were subjected to fires of different intensities in the controlled environment of a glasshouse. Depth of seed placement in the soil, soil moisture level and amount and type of fuel influenced the percentage of seeds that germinated. Amounts of shredded paper fuel, equivalent to typical grass fuel levels in semi-arid woodlands did not enhance the germinability of seeds of any of the species, except for A. aneura on a moist or wet soil surface. A high, dense fuel load (simulating slow burning, low- intensity litter fires) either increased or decreased the germinability of surface and buried seeds of all species, depending upon soil moisture level and depth of seeds. The germination response to the heat of fires differed significantly between species: A . Aneura germination increased substantially at low levels of peak temperature up to 60°C whereas germination of C. nemophila increased to a lesser extent and D. viscosa was not affected at all over this low temperature range. Seeds of all species were killed by slow burning litter fires when the temperature exceeded 80°C. These results confirm the view that fire- promoted germination does not result from the burning of fine fuels per se but occurs only where there is litter buildup and when the soil temperature does not exceed the lethal threshold of 70-80°C.

Features of spring feeding of sterlet of the middle course of the Northern Dvina river

2020 ◽  
pp. 8-17
Author(s):  
A. Bykov ◽  
D. Palatov ◽  
I. Studenov ◽  
D. Chupov
Keyword(s):  
Benthic Communities ◽  
High Water ◽  
Food Composition ◽  
Fish Growth ◽  
High Water Content ◽  
Feeding Intensity ◽  
Biting Midges ◽  
Size Groups ◽  
Main Components ◽  
A Minor

The article provides information about the features of spring feeding of sterlet in the spawning grounds of the middle course of the Northern Dvina river in may 2019. The main and secondary groups of forage objects in the diet of this species of sturgeon are characterized. The article considers the variability of the sterlet food composition with an increase in the size of fish from 30 to 60 cm. In the process of fish growth in the diet of the Severodvinsk sterlet, the main components in terms of occurrence and mass in all size groups are the larvae of Brooks and chironomids. A minor occurrence was the larvae of midges, biting midges, stoneflies, mayflies and small clams. To random and seasonal food are the larvae of water bugs, butterflies, flies, beetles and eggs of other fish. The feeding intensity of the smaller sterlet (30–40 cm) was significantly higher than that of the fish in the size groups 40–50 and 50–60 cm. Fundamental changes in the diet of the Severodvinsk sterlet for the main food objects for more than sixty years of observations have not been established. During periods of high water content of the Northern Dvina due to seasonal changes in the structure of benthic communities, the value of Brooks in the diet of sterlet increases and the proportion of chironomids decreases.

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