Exploring the use of a fragmented landscape by a large arboreal marsupial using incidental sighting records from community members

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrid R. Heise-Pavlov ◽  
Alan Gillanders
Keyword(s):  
Average Distance ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Fragmented Landscape ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Analytical Tools

Effective conservation of large mammalian species within a human-modified landscape depends on the knowledge of their ability to utilise available suitable habitat within a matrix of unsuitable habitat. We use incidental sightings of Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) in north-eastern Australia that were recorded by community members in a non-standardised way to assess the functional connectivity of the highly fragmented landscape of the Atherton Tablelands for this species. By applying spatial analytical tools to available mapped information on landscape attributes and the reported sightings it was found that the species shows a low matrix resistance. Since most sightings within the matrix were found within 150 m of a patch with suitable habitat and the average distance between these patches was 77 m it can be concluded that Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos are able to reach most fragmented suitable habitat given certain limitations of the accuracy of the used maps and sighting locations. Based on distances between suitable habitat patches and their predominant size of up to 2 ha we expect that the species can include several fragments into its home range. More sightings of Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos than expected by chance within the matrix during dry seasons combined with shorter than expected distances into the matrix suggests the existence of seasonal resource-driven movements of this species. Due to the non-standardised nature of the data the derived conclusions need to be tested in rigorous scientific projects before they can be integrated into the development of conservation strategies for Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroos on the Atherton Tablelands.

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.

scholarly journals Dugong dugonfeeding in tropical Australian seagrass meadows: implications for conservation planning

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha J. Tol ◽  
Rob G. Coles ◽  
Bradley C. Congdon
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Nitrogen Content ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Seagrass Species ◽  
Seagrass Meadows ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Seagrass Biomass ◽  
Intertidal Seagrass

Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are listed as vulnerable to extinction due to rapid population reductions caused in part by loss of seagrass feeding meadows. Understanding dugong feeding behaviour in tropical Australia, where the majority of dugongs live, will assist conservation strategies. We examined whether feeding patterns in intertidal seagrass meadows in tropical north-eastern Australia were related to seagrass biomass, species composition and/or nitrogen content. The total biomass of each seagrass species removed by feeding dugongs was measured and compared to its relative availability. Nitrogen concentrations were also determined for each seagrass species present at the sites. Dugongs consumed seagrass species in proportion to their availability, with biomass being the primary determining factor. Species composition and/or nitrogen content influenced consumption to a lesser degree. Conservation plans focused on protecting high biomass intertidal seagrass meadows are likely to be most effective at ensuring the survival of dugong in tropical north-eastern Australia.

Is stocking barramundi (Lates calcarifer) in north-eastern Queensland a threat to aquatic biodiversity?

2013 ◽  
Vol 64 (10) ◽  
pp. 992 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Russell ◽  
P. A. Thuesen ◽  
F. E. Thomson ◽  
T. N. Power
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Predatory Fish ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Lates Calcarifer ◽  
Species Of Conservation Concern ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Conservation Concern ◽  
Coastal River

The stocking of predators can have significant consequences on recipient aquatic ecosystems. We investigated some potential ecological impacts of stocking a predatory fish (Lates calcarifer) into a coastal river and a large impoundment in north-eastern Australia. L. calcarifer was mostly found in slower-moving, larger reaches of the river or in the main body of the impoundment where there was abundant suitable habitat. In the tidally influenced freshwater reaches of the coastal river, L. calcarifer predominately consumed aytid and palaemonid shrimp that were associated with local macrophyte beds or littoral grasses. In this area the diets of juvenile stocked and wild L. calcarifer were similar and stocked fish displayed a high degree of site fidelity. Further upstream in the river, away from tidal influence, and in the impoundment, fish were the main prey item. Cannibalism was uncommon and we suggest that, at the current stocking densities, there was little dietary evidence of predatory impacts from L. calcarifer on species of conservation concern. We caution against introducing novel predatory species such as L. calcarifer in or near areas that are outside their natural range and are known to support rare, threatened or endangered species.

Proterozoic thermal activity in the Archaean basement of the Disko Bugt region and eastern Nuussuaq, West Greenland: evidence from K-Ar and 40Ar-39Ar mineral age investigations

1999 ◽  
pp. 55-64
Author(s):  
Henrik Rasmussen ◽  
Paul Martin Holm
Keyword(s):  
Structural Development ◽  
Thermal Activity ◽  
Excess Argon ◽  
Original Series ◽  
West Greenland ◽  
Precambrian Rocks ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Radiogenic Argon

NOTE: This article was published in a former series of GEUS Bulletin. Please use the original series name when citing this article, for example: Rasmussen, H., & Holm, P. M. (1999). Proterozoic thermal activity in the Archaean basement of the Disko Bugt region and eastern Nuussuaq, West Greenland: evidence from K-Ar and 40Ar-39Ar mineral age investigations. Geology of Greenland Survey Bulletin, 181, 55-64. https://doi.org/10.34194/ggub.v181.5113 _______________ K-Ar and 40Ar-39Ar analyses of amphiboles from Archaean amphibolites and gneisses show that Proterozoic tectono-thermal activity has played an important role in the metamorphic and structural development of the Precambrian rocks around north-eastern Disko Bugt and in eastern Nuussuaq. Proterozoic thermal activity lead to resetting of the K-Ar ages of amphiboles in eastern Nuussuaq, resulting in ages of c. 1750 to 1925 Ma; in the Disko Bugt area the effects are seen in total or partial resetting with K-Ar ages scattering mostly between 2750 and 1870 Ma. Resetting is caused either by total diffusion of earlier accumulated radiogenic argon or by complete recrystallisation of the amphiboles. Archaean 40Ar-39Ar ages obtained from mafic xenoliths within the Atâ tonalite show that not all parts of the area suffered argon loss during Proterozoic reheating. Incorporation of significant proportions of excess argon in some amphiboles is seen from 40Ar-39Ar mineral age spectra obtained for samples from supracrustal rocks and from mafic xenoliths in the Atâ tonalite. Phlogopite phenocrysts from a lamproite stock yielded a K-Ar age of 1764 ± 24 Ma, identical to a previously determined K-Ar age of the matrix phlogopite. These ages probably date the emplacement of the lamproite, and mark the time after which no tectono-thermal events affected the area.

Geospatial information informs bonobo conservation efforts

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Nackoney ◽  
Jena Hickey ◽  
David Williams ◽  
Charly Facheux ◽  
Takeshi Furuichi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Data ◽  
Pan Paniscus ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Geospatial Information ◽  
République Démocratique Du Congo ◽  
Nous Montrons ◽  
Dynamic Conservation

The endangered bonobo (Pan paniscus), endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is threatened by hunting and habitat loss. Two recent wars and ongoing conflicts in the DRC greatly challenge conservation efforts. This chapter demonstrates how spatial data and maps are used for monitoring threats and prioritizing locations to safeguard bonobo habitat, including identifying areas of highest conservation value to bonobos and collaboratively mapping community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) zones for reducing deforestation in key corridor areas. We also highlight the development of a range-wide model that analysed a variety of biotic and abiotic variables in conjunction with bonobo nest data to map suitable habitat. Approximately 28 per cent of the range was predicted suitable; of that, about 27.5 per cent was located in official protected areas. These examples highlight the importance of employing spatial data and models to support the development of dynamic conservation strategies that will help strengthen bonobo protection. Le bonobo en voie de disparition (Pan paniscus), endémique à la République Démocratique du Congo (DRC), est menacé par la chasse et la perte de l’habitat. Deux guerres récentes et les conflits en cours dans le DRC menacent les efforts de conservation. Ici, nous montrons comment les données spatiales et les cartes sont utilisées pour surveiller les menaces et prioriser les espaces pour protéger l’habitat bonobo, inclut identifier les zones de plus haute valeur de conservation aux bonobos. En plus, la déforestation est réduite par une cartographie collaborative communale de gestion de ressources dans les zones de couloirs essentiels. Nous soulignons le développement d’un modèle de toute la gamme qui a analysé un variété de variables biotiques et abiotiques en conjonction avec les données de nid bonobo pour tracer la carte d’un habitat adéquat. Environ 28 per cent de la gamme est prédit adéquat; de cela, environ 27.5 per cent est dans une zone officiellement protégée. Ces exemples soulignent l’importance d’utiliser les données spatiales et les modèles pour soutenir le développement de stratégies de conservations dynamiques qui aideront à renforcer la protection des bonobos.

Freshwater Cyanobacteria of North-Eastern Australia: 2. Chroococcales

Phytotaxa ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 133 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
GLENN B. MCGREGOR
Keyword(s):  
Light Microscopy ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Detailed Account ◽  
Ecological Data ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Rivers And Streams ◽  
Original Illustrations ◽  
Freshwater Habitats

This volume provides the first detailed account of the Chroococcales of north-eastern Australia. It provides keys, morphological and ecological data for 6 families, 33 genera and 112 species, and photomicrographs and original illustrations to enable the identification of natural populations based on stable and recognizable characters observable with the aid of light microscopy. Distributional data are based on extensive surveys at 270 sites representing the major freshwater habitats including rivers and streams, palustrine and lacustrine wetlands, thermal springs, and man-made reservoirs in Queensland and the Northern Territory as well as a review of the Australian phycological literature. 

Some physical and chemical features of two upland crater lakes in tropical north-eastern Australia

1999 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 159 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Stability ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Euphotic Zone ◽  
Open Water ◽  
Crater Lakes ◽  
Ground Temperatures ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Physical And Chemical ◽  
Continuous Deposition

Lakes Barrine and Eacham, ~1.0 and 0.5 km2 area, 67 and 63 m depth respectively, lie at ~740 m a.s.l., ~17°S in north-eastern Australia. Seasonal changes in their volumes modelled from meteorological data correspond well with observations at Eacham. Temperature profiles through 6 years show summer stratification with a metalimnion at 20–30 m; in winter, near isothermy is usually attained. At Barrine, thermal stability varies between winter and summer (<500 and >4000 g-cm cm-2 respectively). Mixing is related to low ground temperatures during periods of generally low thermal stability; exceptionally it penetrates to >60 m. Oxygen saturation decreases from the surface to ~20% at the base of the euphotic zone (15–21 m) but oxygen is carried lower by mixing after which anoxia commonly rises to ~40 m. At Barrine, Fe-reducing redox (<200 mV) usually occurs below 50 m, but during mixing this boundary falls to within 1 m of the mud–water interface. The Barrine solution is dilute (total dissolved solids 55–58 mg L-1), and that of Eacham is more so. A concentrated monimolimnion has developed in the lowermost 2–3 m at Barrine but not at Eacham. Sedimentation at the middle of each lake results from the continuous deposition of open-water products punctuated by the redistribution of coarser detritus from the ‘shallows’ at times of deep mixing. The resultant laminations are preserved only at Barrine, protected by the chemical stability of the monimolimnion.

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