Conservation of a rare arboreal mammal: habitat preferences of the Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo, Dendrolagus lumholtzi

2011 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrid R. Heise-Pavlov ◽  
Sara L. Jackrel ◽  
Spenser Meeks
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Main Trunk ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Dendrolagus Lumholtzi ◽  
Selection Of

Success of conservation efforts of large and cryptic mammals is often limited due to a lack of knowledge of their habitat preferences. This study investigates factors that affect the habitat selection of the rare Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo, Dendrolagus lumholtzi, using signs of its activity. The presence and absence of scratch marks on tree trunks and faecal pellets within a 100-cm radius around them were surveyed on 23 ha within a 65-ha large fragment of rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands, north-eastern Australia in order to classify trees as ‘actively used’ or ‘inactive’. Structural features of the 315 surveyed tree trunks were also recorded. Using discriminant function analysis, ‘actively used’ trees were found to have no epiphytes on the main trunk, less obstruction by neighbouring trees, shrubs or lianas within a 0.5-m radius of the trunk (particularly in the eastern direction), and a smaller diameter at breast height than ‘inactive’ trees. Smaller tree trunks and less obstruction may facilitate a more rapid movement into the canopy as well as provide potential escape routes from predators. More specific knowledge on factors that affect habitat selection of the Lumholtz’ tree-kangaroo will help in a reclassification of the threatened status of this species and assist in more effective conservation efforts.

Selection of sap feed trees by yellow-bellied gliders (Petaurus australis) in north-eastern Queensland, Australia – implications for site-specific habitat management

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
S. R. Heise-Pavlov ◽  
T. Chizinski ◽  
N. E. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Resource Selection ◽  
Habitat Management ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Petaurus Australis ◽  
Selection Of

Knowledge of site-specific ecological factors affecting a species’ resource selection is essential to assist in habitat management for a species’ conservation, particularly for species with narrow resource width. This study aimed to assess whether microhabitat variables affect the selection of Eucalyptus resinifera sap feed trees by yellow-bellied gliders (Petaurus australis) in north-eastern Australia. Microhabitat variables were measured in a simplified way around glider-selected and -non-selected Eucalyptus resinifera trees. Canopy cover and percentage of burnt trunk below breast height were identified as influential on feed tree selection, with feed trees showing a higher percentage of burnt trunk and a lower surrounding canopy cover. While the direct effect of fire on a potential feed tree remains to be clarified, fire may affect the structural composition of vegetation leading to lower surrounding canopy cover around potential feed trees. Thus, any forest management, such as logging and grazing should be practiced with great caution since they affect structural features of the vegetation that may contribute to the selection of feed trees by this species and may also affect its alternative food resources.

Relative abundance, diet and roost selection of the tube-nosed insect bat, Murina florium, on the Atherton Tablelands, Australia

1998 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Schulz ◽  
David Hannah
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Dead Leaf ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Faecal Analysis ◽  
Communal Roost ◽  
Roost Selection ◽  
Middle Range ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Incidental Exposure ◽  
Selection Of

The relative abundance, diet and roost selection of the tube-nosed insect bat, Murina florium (Vespertilionidae), was investigated at Mt Baldy and Ravenshoe State Forests in north-eastern Queensland. In all, 34 M. florium were captured in 263 trap-nights; this was in the middle range of microchiropteran bat species captured. Faecal analysis indicated that the major prey items of M. floriumwere Coleoptera and Araneida. The presence of the latter prey item in faecal pellets suggests that the species is a partial gleaner. Low levels of predominantly myrtaceous pollen collected from head and throat fur indicated only incidental exposure. M. florium used a variety of external roosts in rainforest, with the only communal roost being located in a fallen Archontophoenix leaf suspended from a liana. Other roosts occupied by single M. florium were nests (n = 7) of yellow-throated scrubwrens, Sericornis citreogularis, and fernwrens, Oreoscopus gutturalis, and vertically suspended dead leaf clusters (n = 3). All roosts were located in the rainforest understorey at a mean height of 4.2 m, positioned from close to watercourses up to ridgelines. Bird nests utilised had been modified; the possibility of tent-making behaviour in this species is discussed.

scholarly journals Macro-habitat preferences by the African manatee and crocodiles – ecological and conservation implications

Web Ecology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Luiselli ◽  
G. C. Akani ◽  
N. Ebere ◽  
F. M. Angelici ◽  
G. Amori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Coastal Lagoons ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Null Model ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
West African ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
Type Selection ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract. African manatees (Trichechus senegalensis) and crocodiles are threatened species in parts of their range. In West Africa, crocodiles may constitute the main predators for manatees apart from humans. Here, we explore the macro-habitat selection of manatees and two species of crocodiles (West African crocodiles Crocodylus suchus and dwarf crocodile Osteolaemus tetraspis) in the Niger Delta (Nigeria), testing the hypotheses that (i) manatees may avoid crocodiles in order to minimize risks of predation, and (ii) the two crocodile species do compete. The study was carried out between 1994 and 2010 with a suite of different field techniques. We observed that the main macro-habitat types were freshwater rivers and coastal lagoons for manatees, mangroves for West African crocodiles, and rivers and creeks for dwarf crocodiles, with (i) the three species differing significantly in terms of their macro-habitat type selection, and (ii) significant seasonal influence on habitat selection of each species. Null models for niche overlap showed a significantly lower overlap in macro-habitat type use between manatee and crocodiles, whereas the two crocodiles were relatively similar. Null model analyses did not indicate any competitive interactions between crocodiles. On the other hand, manatees avoided macro-habitats where crocodiles, and especially West African crocodiles, are abundant.

Studying food preferences in captive cryptic folivores can assist in conservation planning: the case of the Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi)

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrid Heise-Pavlov ◽  
Clare Anderson ◽  
Andrea Moshier
Keyword(s):  
Food Selection ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Tropical Rainforests ◽  
Fragmented Landscape ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Browse Species ◽  
General Preference ◽  
Dendrolagus Lumholtzi

Food preferences of the arboreal Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi), endemic to the tropical rainforests of north-eastern Australia, are largely unknown, but are likely to affect the movements of this mammal within its home range and across a fragmented landscape. Food selection was investigated by applying a consumption ranking system to 35 browse species provided to six captive animals throughout different years. Animals consumed foliage from a wide range of rainforest tree species, but at different intensities, suggesting that Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo is a selective folivore. All studied animals showed a general preference for the foliage of the northern olive (Chionanthus ramiflorus) and the umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla) throughout the year while foliage from acacias (Acacia spp.), milky pine (Alstonia scholaris) and pink ash (Alphitonia petriei) was less frequently consumed. Foliage from figs (Ficus spp.) and the northern tamarind (Diploglottis diphyllostegia) was consumed at higher rates only at certain times of the year, suggesting the existence of seasonal preferences. The knowledge of general and seasonal food preferences of this large arboreal mammal may allow a better prediction of animal movements and therefore can assist in conservation efforts. Recommendations for the integration of these findings in restoration projects are given.

Floristic and structural components of habitat use by the eastern pygmy-possum (Cercartetus nanus) in burnt and unburnt habitats

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayesha I. Tulloch ◽  
Chris R. Dickman
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
New South ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Structural Components ◽  
Pitfall Trapping ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Cercartetus Nanus

The eastern pygmy-possum (Cercartetus nanus) occurs broadly but patchily in south-eastern Australia. It is a small, difficult-to-trap marsupial with poorly known resource and habitat preferences. This study investigated the structural and floristic habitat resources used and selected by C. nanus in Royal National Park (which was heavily burnt by bushfire in 1994) and Heathcote National Park (most of which had remained unburnt for over two decades at the time of study), in central-coastal New South Wales. Three different sampling methods were used – pitfall traps, Elliott traps and hair tubes – with pitfall trapping being by far the most effective method for detecting C. nanus. Live-trapping in different habitats revealed higher numbers of C. nanus in unburnt and burnt woodland, burnt heathland and burnt coastal complex than in unburnt coastal complex and burnt and unburnt rainforest. To identify the components of habitat contributing to this pattern, we first scored floristic and structural features of vegetation around trap stations and then quantified habitat components further by using spool- and radio-tracking. We found little evidence that C. nanus responded to any structural components of habitat, although arboreal activity was greater, not surprisingly, in wooded than in burnt heathland habitats. C. nanus was associated most strongly with the abundance of certain plants in the Proteaceae and Myrtaceae. In particular, the species prefers Banksia spp. (probably for food) and Eucalyptus and Xanthorrhoea spp. (probably for shelter).

scholarly journals Status, conservation and habitat selection of the Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae on Lanzarote (Canary Islands)

1996 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurelio Martín ◽  
Manuel Nogales ◽  
Miguel A. Hernández ◽  
Juan Antonio Lorenzo ◽  
Félix M. Medina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Canary Islands ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Total Count ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Houbara Bustard ◽  
Selection Of

SummaryA Houbara survey of Lanzarote and the small island of Graciosa, during December 1993, resulted in a total count of 146 birds and an estimated total population of about 400 Houbaras. These numbers are higher than found on most previous surveys of Fuerteventura, considered as the main stronghold of this subspecies, and indicate that the Houbara population on Lanzarote is much more important than was formerly supposed. A study of habitat preferences showed that the species tended to select zones with greater height of shrubs.

scholarly journals Habitat selection of the Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) in an intensively managed agricultural environment

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-109
Author(s):  
Tamás Márton Németh ◽  
Petra Kelemen ◽  
Ágnes Csiszár ◽  
Gyula Kovács ◽  
Sándor Faragó ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Agricultural Environment ◽  
North West ◽  
Coturnix Coturnix ◽  
The Common ◽  
Intensively Managed ◽  
Common Quail ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract This study investigated the habitat selection of the Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) during the breeding season of 2014 in an intensively managed agricultural environment (LAJTA Project, North-West Hungary). In order to assess the habitat preferences of the Common Quail, habitat composition around occupied plots were compared with unoccupied control plots. To characterize the habitat, a total of 11 variables related to vegetation structure and diversity, food availability and landscape were quantified. Multivariate methods (PCA and GLMs) were used to distinguish the main factors influencing habitat selection and to model the presence of the Common Quail. Based on our results, in the LAJTA Project, high probability of Common Quail presence can be predicted in plots with higher herbaceous cover and more abundant arthropod communities. The network of ecotone habitats, particularly the proximity to woody habitats, also appeared to have significant importance during the breeding season.

Habitat preference for fire scars by feral cats in Cape York Peninsula, Australia

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (8) ◽  
pp. 623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugh W. McGregor ◽  
Hannah B. Cliff ◽  
John Kanowski
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Fire Scars ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Cape York ◽  
The Impact

Context Feral cats are implicated in the decline of terrestrial native mammals across northern Australia. Research in the Kimberley region of north-western Australia found feral cats strongly selected for fire scars when hunting, suggesting that intensifying fire regimes will have severe consequences for declining prey species. Aims We tested the generality of cat–fire interaction beyond the Kimberley, by measuring habitat selection of feral cats in relation to fire scars and habitat types in north-eastern Australia. Methods Our study was conducted at Piccaninny Plains Wildlife Sanctuary, Cape York Peninsula. We live-captured feral cats during the dry season of 2015, released them with GPS collars set to record fixes at 15-min intervals, and recaptured cats 4 months later. We created dynamic habitat maps of vegetation types, fire and wetlands, and compared cat habitat selection using discrete choice modelling. We also measured cat density from arrays of camera traps and examined cat diet by analysis of stomach contents. Key results We obtained GPS movement data from 15 feral cats. Feral cats selected strongly for recent fire scars (1 or 2 months old), but avoided fire scars 3 months old or older. Three long-distance movements were recorded, all directed towards recent fire scars. Cats also selected for open wetlands, and avoided rainforests. Density of cats at Piccaninny Plains was higher than recorded elsewhere in northern Australia. All major vertebrate groups were represented in cat diet. Conclusions We showed that feral cats in north-eastern Australia strongly select for recent fire scars and open wetlands. These results are consistent with those from the Kimberley. Together, these studies have shown that amplified predation facilitated by loss of cover is likely to be a fundamental factor driving mammal decline across northern Australia. Implications Reducing the frequency of intense fires may indirectly reduce the impact of feral cats at a landscape scale in northern Australia. We also suggest that managers target direct cat control towards open wetlands and recently burnt areas, which cats are known to favour.

Den habitat selection of the chinese bamboo rat (Rhizomys sinensis) in Northern Guangxi China

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
YUAN Bao-dong ◽  
PAN Yang ◽  
YAN Yong-feng
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Human Disturbance ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Slope Position ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Goodness Of Fit Test ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Bamboo Rat ◽  
Selection Of

A habitats comprises a range of environmental features that provide adequate resources for wildlife to survive. Consequently, the criteria of habitat selection by animals, combines a wider spectrum of both environmental and other factors, with major prerequisites being food resources, availability of shelter and suitable conditions for reproduction. The den habitat selection of the Chinese bamboo rat (Rhizomys sinensis) was studied in Yuanbaoshan Nature Reserve, Guangxi China. The Vanderloeg and Scavia selectivity index (Ei) indicates that the Chinese bamboo rat shows a preference for all habitat features except for slope, slope position and distance to water (P>0.05). Chi-square goodness of fit test showed that canopy density, shelter from wind, distance between shrubs, shrub density, elevation, southern aspect, human disturbance and food abundance, were the preferred features (P less than 0.05). With regards to human disturbance, the Chinese bamboo rat preferred places >1000 m away from human habitation. An eastern and southern sloping direction, a 20°^~40° slope and an elevation range of >1800m were more frequently used. The Chinese bamboo rat prefers habitats lying above 1000m in elevation with high shrub density (with shrub separation under 0.1m). Principle component analysis indicates that concealment factors, geographical factors, interference factors, food factors, and water factors affect the den habitat character of the Chinese bamboo rat. Our results support the notion that the habitat preferences of the Chinese bamboo rat are a tradeoff between suitable habitat features and avoidance of potential human interactions.

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