Successful reintroduction of the brushtail possum to Wadderin Sanctuary in the eastern wheatbelt of Western Australia

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeff Short ◽  
Andrew Hide
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Early Age ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
Initial Release ◽  
Average Rainfall ◽  
Ready Availability ◽  
Extant Population

The brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) was reintroduced to the fox-free habitat of the Wadderin Sanctuary in the eastern wheatbelt of Western Australia in 2008. Subsequent monitoring through to 2013 has revealed a small but healthy extant population that occupies all suitable habitat with some animals moving beyond the predator-free sanctuary to adjoining woodland patches. Possums occurred at a low density and had large home ranges relative to other studies at more mesic sites elsewhere. This is likely linked to the low productivity of the site (annual average rainfall of 332 mm) and one-way dispersal of young across the barrier fence. Possums preferentially occupied woodlands of York gum and salmon gum, utilised rock she-oak habitat, but made little use of shrubland and mallee habitats within the sanctuary. Female possums appeared to mature at an early age and to have young for much of the year. Recruitment was biased towards males in the first four years of establishment; although many appeared to rapidly disappear from the population. The success of this reintroduction is most likely linked to the initial release of possums into vacant habitat, the absence of foxes, and the ready availability of hollows in mature eucalypts and shelter sites in rock crevices.

How many mature microhabitats does a slow-recolonising reptile require? Implications for restoration of bauxite minesites in south-western Australia

2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D. Craig ◽  
Angela M. Benkovic ◽  
Andrew H. Grigg ◽  
Giles E. St J. Hardy ◽  
Patricia A. Fleming ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Random Samples ◽  
Successional Species

If we are to accelerate the recolonisation of restored areas by slow-recolonising species, we must provide suitable microhabitats at appropriate densities. Previous research in south-western Australia has shown that Napoleon’s skink (Egernia napoleonis) rarely recolonises restored areas. We trapped Napoleon’s skink in restoration and unmined forest to confirm the species was late successional. We also radio-tracked six skinks in unmined forest, to determine types and characteristics of used microhabitats, and estimated home ranges to determine required microhabitat densities, with the aim of accelerating skink recolonisation of restored areas. All tracked skinks used logs and hollow-bearing trees. Used logs were larger, and used trees were larger and taller than random samples, probably because large logs and trees were more likely to contain cracks and hollows that provide a refuge from predators. Extrapolations from home-range estimates indicated that a minimum of four logs ha–1 are required in restored areas to facilitate recolonisation by skinks, with skink densities likely to increase with log densities. Our study demonstrated that not all fauna will naturally recolonise restored areas and management of these areas is required to provide suitable habitat for late-successional species. Our approach could potentially be applied to other ecosystems or species.

Subspeciation in the White-tailed Black Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus baudinii, in Western Australia

1974 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
DA Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
Average Rainfall ◽  
History Of ◽  
Lower Mandible

The nomenclatural history of the two forms of white-tailed black cockatoo is discussed. Their correct names are Calyptorhynchus baudinii baudinii Lear for the long-billed form, and C. b. latirostris Carnaby for the short-billed form. C. b. latirostris differs from baudinii in having a slightly shorter wing and shorter culmen, there being virtually no overlap in the range of culmen lengths between adults of the two subspecies. The adult skull of baudinii is wider and higher, with a longer culmen, lower mandible and gonys than latirostris. C. b. baudinii is found in areas with an annual average rainfall of 750 mm or more, whereas lativostris occurs where it is 300–750 mm. C. b. baudinii appears to be resident throughout the year whereas latirostris moves to the higher-rainfall areas during the non-breeding season, returning to the drier areas during the breeding season. For food baudinii depends on the seeds of the marri, Eucalyptus calophylla, whereas latirostris depends on seeds from the small hard fruits of species of Hakea and Dryandra. A mechanism for the separation of the two forms during the breeding season is suggested.

scholarly journals Western Bristlebird Dasyornis longirostris: Response to fire and persistence of home range in the Fitzgerald River National Park, Western Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 172-192
Author(s):  
Shapelle McNee ◽  
Brenda Newbey ◽  
Sarah Comer ◽  
Allan Burbidge ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
National Park ◽  
Fire Management ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Habitat Condition ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Burnt Areas ◽  
Western Australian

We investigated the response of the Western Bristlebird Dasyornis longirostris to fire in the Fitzgerald River National Park (FRNP), Western Australia, over a 34-year period. This species is a threatened Western Australian endemic restricted to a highly fire-prone habitat. Commencing in 1985, we surveyed for occurrence of Western Bristlebirds within the FRNP. Monitoring that was specifically focused on fire impacts began at Fitzgerald Track in November 1994 following a fire the previous month. That site had been surveyed in June and August 1994 before the fire. Fires in other recently surveyed locations in 1997–1998, 2000, 2008 and 2019 allowed for comparisons to be made following further monitoring of these sites. Many Bristlebirds survived a fire then relocated along or near the fire edge, usually in clusters of home ranges where suitable habitat was available. Bristlebirds gradually re-occupied burnt areas when these became suitable, often to home ranges occupied before the fire. There was a tendency for a home range to be occupied for >1 year. A change independent of fire could occur. Areas of vegetation of different fire ages were used by Bristlebirds for differing time periods. Sites in the lower-rainfall areas required longer periods of time for habitat to be recolonised by Bristlebirds and the maximum age of vegetation occupied by Bristlebirds varied between sites. For these reasons, generalised prescriptions are not appropriate, but fire management of individual patches of Bristlebird habitat in the FRNP can be guided by these findings, ensuring that unburnt refuge areas are both protected and retained, with the timing of management actions informed by knowledge of population response and habitat condition.

scholarly journals "Paradise" and "Cloverdowns": following natural systems

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
Dean melvin
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
Natural Systems ◽  
Perennial Vegetation ◽  
Average Rainfall

Two properties, "Paradise" and "Cloverdowns", are farmed by the Melvin family near Dowerin in the central wheatbelt of Western Australia (see Fig. 1, Hobbs 2003). The annual average rainfall is 350 mm and, before Europeans settled the area, it was well vegetated with perennial vegetation. The sandplain soils were dominated by mallees Eucalyptus spp., Kwongan or heath (predominantly Myrtaceae, Proteaceae and Leguminosae), and patches of York Gum E. loxophleba woodland. The heavier soils such as the brown sandy loams and red brown loams were clothed in woodland of Salmon Gum E. salmonophloia and York gum. The gravelly sands were covered by Tamma scrub which was dominated by sheoak Allocasuarina spp.

Rainfall salt accessions in the Queensland Murray - Darling Basin

Soil Research ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 637 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. W. Biggs
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
Collection Method ◽  
Salt Deposition ◽  
Ionic Concentrations ◽  
Murray Darling Basin ◽  
Average Rainfall ◽  
East West

Two east–west transects were established in southern Queensland to quantify rainfall inputs of chloride and associated ions. Electrical conductivity, pH, and major and minor ions were measured at 9 sites within the Queensland Murray–Darling Basin and 1 site to the east. Variability at some sites was high, possibly a function of the sample collection method. Ionic concentrations decreased with distance inland, a trend similar to that observed elsewhere in Australia, although values closer to the coast were higher than observed in southern and western Australia. Equations to predict both annual average rainfall chloride mass deposition and total salt deposition were derived.

scholarly journals A Study on Urban Inundation Using SWMM in Busan, Korea, Using Existing Dams and Artificial Underground Waterways

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 1708
Author(s):  
Yeon-Moon Choo ◽  
Sang-Bo Sim ◽  
Yeon-Woong Choe
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Flood Damage ◽  
Virtual Model ◽  
Sustainable Cities ◽  
Annual Average ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Average Rainfall ◽  
Reduction Methods ◽  
Urbanized Areas

The annual average rainfall in Busan area is increasing, causing frequent flooding of Busan’s Suyeong and Oncheon rivers. Due to the increase in urbanized areas and climate change, it is difficult to reduce flood damage. Therefore, new methods are needed to reduce urban inundation. This study models the effects of three flood reduction methods involving Oncheon River, Suyeong River, and the Hoedong Dam, which is situated on the Suyeong. Using EPA-SWMM, a virtual model of the dam and the rivers was created, then modified with changes to the dam’s height, the installation of a floodgate on the dam, and the creation of an underground waterway to carry excess flow from the Oncheon to the Hoedong Dam. The results of this study show that increasing the height of the dam by 3 m, 4 m, or 6 m led to a 27%, 37%, and 48% reduction in flooding, respectively, on the Suyeong River. It was also found that installing a floodgate of 10 × 4 m, 15 × 4 m, or 20 × 4 min the dam would result in a flood reduction of 2.7% and 2.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the construction of the underground waterway could lead to an expected 25% flood reduction in the Oncheon River. Measures such as these offer the potential to protect the lives and property of citizens in densely populated urban areas and develop sustainable cities and communities. Therefore, the modifications to the dam and the underground waterway proposed in this study are considered to be useful.

scholarly journals Movements of the Eastern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus) in Nova Scotia

2016 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 379
Author(s):  
T. L. Imlay ◽  
J. Saroli ◽  
T. B. Herman ◽  
S. W. Mockford
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Annual Variation ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Daily Movement ◽  
The Status ◽  
Best Fit

The disjunct Eastern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus) population in southwest Nova Scotia is listed as “threatened” by the committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. A study of the movements of the species at two lakeshore locations known to support a high density of Eastern Ribbonsnakes was undertaken in 2007 and 2008. Average seasonal movements at both sites ranged from 17 m to 84 m for juvenile snakes and 21 m to 130 m for adults; one neonate was recaptured during the study after travelling 32 m. The maximum distance travelled by an individual snake was 391 m in one season. The best-fit model to explain differences in daily movement patterns included year (P = 0.041), indicating that there is annual variation in the movements of this species. Low recapture rates precluded accurate estimates of home-range size, which varied roughly from 0.16 ha to 0.78 ha. Both movements and home ranges were larger than previously documented in Nova Scotia, but maximum distances travelled were consistent with a previous study in Michigan. Most documented movements were along the lakeshore within contiguous, suitable habitat. More work is needed to understand the frequency of large movements and triggers that initiate movements, e.g., changes in water levels, habitat suitability, or prey availability.

Building selection by the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 186
Author(s):  
Yuqing Chen ◽  
Bruce Doran ◽  
Sharyn Sinclair-Hannocks ◽  
John Mangos ◽  
Philip Gibbons
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Trichosurus Vulpecula ◽  
Building Maintenance ◽  
National University ◽  
The Common ◽  
Common Brushtail Possum

Abstract ContextThe common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is a protected native species in Australia that can access buildings in urban areas and cause considerable damage or disruption to building occupants. Although several strategies to discourage this species from entering buildings have been recommended, few have been evaluated empirically. AimsOur study aims to analyse how landscaping and building construction influence occupancy of buildings by the common brushtail possum. MethodsWe collated reports of possums occupying 134 buildings over 12 years on the campus of The Australian National University (ANU), in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). We used generalised linear modelling (GLM) to identify associations between the total number of reported possum-related incidents for buildings and a range of landscape and building characteristics. Key resultsControlling for the effect of building size, we found that the number of reported possum-related incidents in buildings was positively associated with the percentage of tree and shrub canopy cover within the calculated home-range buffer distance of 49m from buildings, length of canopy overhanging roofs and building age, and negatively associated with tree species richness and number of trees with natural hollows and nest boxes within 49m of buildings. There were likely to be more possum-related reports from buildings in areas where the dominant tree genus was native, buildings with parapets (walls extending above the roof), buildings with structures penetrating from the roof, buildings with tile roofs and gable roofs. ConclusionsA combination of suitable habitat surrounding buildings, suitable access to the roofs of buildings and weak points in building roofs (e.g. parapets, roof penetrations), makes them more vulnerable to occupancy by the common brushtail possum. Implications Our results provided clues for managing existing buildings, or designing new buildings, in a way that may reduce the likelihood of occupancy by the common brushtail possum. Our study also demonstrated how building-maintenance records can be used to address human–wildlife conflict over time.

scholarly journals The distribution of antibodies to HHV-6 compared with other herpesviruses in young children

1990 ◽  
Vol 105 (3) ◽  
pp. 603-607 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. J. Farr ◽  
G. B. Harnett ◽  
G. R. Pietroboni ◽  
M. R. Bucens
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Cord Blood ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Other ◽  
Early Age ◽  
Rapid Rise ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Igm Antibodies

SUMMARYSera from 141 infants aged 0–12 months were examined for IgG antibodies to HHV-6, HSV, CMV, VZV and EBV and for HHV-6 specific IgM. Following the decline in maternal antibody, antibody to HHV-6 was found to rise by 5–6 months and approached the level found in adults by 11–12 months. In contrast the antibody rates for the other herpesviruses were much slower to rise, especially in the case of CMV and EBV. HHV-6 IgM antibodies were detected mainly in age groups showing a rapid rise in antibody to HHV-6. HHV-6-IgM was not detected in 235 cord blood samples. The data suggest that HHV-6 infection is acquired horizontally, at a very early age in Western Australia.

Western Australian Species-Rich Kwongan (Sclerophyllous Shrubland) Affected by Drought

1980 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 573 ◽  
Author(s):  
RJ Hnatiuk ◽  
AJM Hopkins
Keyword(s):  
Water Stress ◽  
Drought Stress ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Perennial Species ◽  
Australian Species ◽  
Vegetative Regeneration ◽  
Average Rainfall ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Western Australian

Observations of responses to aseasonal water stress are reported for 238 above-ground perennial species of native vascular plants in a 20 km2 area of Western Australia surveyed during the second consecutive year of below average rainfall. Eighty-six species (36%) were found with dead individuals. Both vegetative regeneration and seedling regeneration appeared to be successful means of surviving drought stress in this region. The drought affected species of the families Proteaceae and Epacridaceae more than those of other major families. There are similarities in the response of the vegetation to the two main, irregularly occurring phenomena, aseasonal drought and fire: both can affect vegetation over large areas and yet leave considerable patches within the area that are little affected. Together these two factors contribute to the production of complex and dynamic mosaic-patterns in the vegetation.

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