Ecology of the Little Black Cormorant, Phalacrocorax sulcirostris, and Little Pied Cormorant, P. melanoleucos, in Inland New South Wales II.* Proximate Control of Reproduction

1980 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 85 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Miller
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Water Level ◽  
Linear Combination ◽  
New South ◽  
Freshwater Lakes ◽  
Gonadal Maturation ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Environmental Component ◽  
Black Cormorant ◽  
Breeding Seasons

Populations of P. sulcirostris and P, melano2eucos at a group of freshwater lakes were sampled approximately monthly between March 1972 and May 1975. Both species displayed strong gonadal cycles. In P, sulcirostris these were not regularly related to change in any one environmental component, though linear combination of a cyclic factor (temperature or daylength) with water level and food availability accounted for 85.2% of variation in the testis cycle. In a drought year significantly fewer males produced sperm, and the ratio of those producing much sperm to those producing little was significantly lower than in the two succeeding wet years. Eggs were laid in the wet years but not in the drought year, when there was no secluded, flooded timber in which to nest. In P. melanoleucos the date of onset of testis maturation was regular but that of regression was variable. Gonadal maturation was evidently initiated by increasing daylength and regression was initiated by low temperature, falling water level and perhaps lack of social stimulation. Eggs were laid in each year, but in the drought year not until the lakes refilled. Both major breeding seasons concluded abruptly with the widespread abandonment of eggs and young. In both species laying was completely synchronous within and slightly staggered between subunits of a colony, and very different between colonies.

The breeding behaviour of the endangered regent honeyeater, Xanthomyza phrygia, near Armidale, New South Wales

1998 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damon L. Oliver
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Similar Rate ◽  
Nest Construction ◽  
Aggressive Interactions ◽  
Breeding Behaviour ◽  
South Wales ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Breeding Seasons

The regent honeyea ter, Xanthomyza phrygia, is an endangered woodland bird whose range and population size have decreased in the last thirty years. Suggested reasons for this decline include abnormal breeding behaviour, poor reproductive output, and excessive inter- and intra-specific aggression. This study investigated the breeding behaviour and aggressive interactions of regent honeyeaters during the nest construction, incubation, nestling, and fledgling stages in two consecutive breeding seasons in the Bundarra–Barraba region near Armidale, New South Wales. The female was entirely responsible for nest construction and incubation, which is typical of many honeyeaters. Both parents fed the nestlings, and at a similar rate, although only the female brooded chicks on the nest. Both parents fed the fledglings. The mean frequency at which nestlings (23 times per hour) and fledglings (29 times per hour) were fed is the highest published rate of any non-cooperative honeyeater. Breeding males were involved in significantly more aggressive interactions with conspecifics and other nectarivores than were females, although the overall percentage of day-time spent in aggression for both sexes was low (2.5%). It appears that abnormal breeding behaviour, poor reproductive effort, or excessive aggression are not experienced by this species in northern New South Wales, and that other factors are likely to be responsible for its current low population level.

Chemical composition of some inland surface waters and lake deposits of New South Wales, Australia

1970 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 103 ◽  
Author(s):  
WD Williams ◽  
KF Walker ◽  
GW Brand
Keyword(s):  
Major Ions ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Salt Lakes ◽  
Salinity Range ◽  
Freshwater Lakes ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Major Cations ◽  
Rivers And Lakes ◽  
Lake Deposits

Chemical data are presented for several lakes and two impoundments on the Kosciusko and Monaro plateaux in south-eastern New South Wales, and for two rivers (Paroo and Darling), several freshwater lakes, and deposits from some dry salt lakes in western New South Wales. The concentrations of the major cations and anions, nitrate plus nitrite, and orthophosphate were investigated. For lake deposits, only major ions were investigated. The Kosciusko lakes were extremely fresh (salinity <3 p.p.m.) and chemically dominated by sodium and either bicarbonate, chloride or sulphate ions ; the Monaro peneplain lakes had a considerable salinity range (69-21,244 p.p.m.), and, with increasing salinity, sodium and chloride quickly assumed dominance. The Paroo and Darling Rivers had salinities <400 p.p.m, and the western freshwater lakes <850 p.p.m.; in both rivers and lakes, sodium and bicarbonate were the dominant ions. Deposits from dry salt lakes were mainly sodium chloride.

The importance of insects and lerp in the diet of juvenile regent honeyeaters, Xanthomyza phrygia: implications for the conservation of an endangered woodland bird

1998 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damon L. Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
The Other ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Eucalypt Species ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Breeding Seasons

The dietary items fed to regent honeyeater, Xanthomyza phrygia, nestlings and fledglings by adults were recorded in two consecutive breeding seasons in the Bundarra–Barraba region west of Armidale, New South Wales. Insects were the most common dietary items fed to juveniles (53% of identified items), followed by lerp (26.5%) and nectar (20.5%). Nestlings were fed mostly insects (58% of feeds), and carbohydrates (nectar and lerp) made up the rest of their diet. Fledglings, however, were fed mainly carbohydrates (nectar and lerp comprised 61.2% of all items) while protein from insects was the other major component of their diet. Males tended to feed juveniles more insects than did females, although there were no significant divisions of labour between parents in selecting dietary items for nestlings or fledglings. This study highlights the importance of insects and lerp in the diet of juvenile regent honeyeaters, and the diversity of plant species on which their parents foraged. The species shows a broader resource selection than was found in previous studies which considered the species to be highly nectarivorous and selective for a few key eucalypt species. The importance of insects and carbohydrates other than nectar in the diet of the regent honeyeater needs to be recognised in the development of conservation strategies for the species.

Zooplankton species richness and abiotic conditions in Thirlmere Lakes, New South Wales, Australia, with reference to water-level fluctuations

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-123
Author(s):  
Tsuyoshi Kobayashi ◽  
Martin Krogh ◽  
Hiroyuki ◽  
Russell J. Shiel ◽  
Hendrik Segers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Water Level ◽  
Lake Water ◽  
New South ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Water Level Fluctuations ◽  
Zooplankton Species ◽  
Abiotic Conditions ◽  
Lake Water Level ◽  
South Wales

Water-level fluctuations can have significant effects on lake biological communities. Thirlmere Lakes are a group of five interconnected lakes located near Sydney. Water levels in Thirlmere Lakes have fluctuated over time, but there has been a recent decline that is of significant concern. In this study, we examined over one year the species composition and richness of zooplankton (Rotifera, Cladocera and Copepoda) and abiotic conditions in Lakes Nerrigorang and Werri Berri, two of the five Thirlmere lakes, with reference to lake water level. We recorded a total of 66 taxa of zooplankton, with the first report of the rotifer Notommata saccigera from Australia, and the first report of the rotifers Keratella javana, Lecane rhytida and Rousseletia corniculata from New South Wales. There was a marked difference in abiotic conditions between the two lakes, with more variable conditions in Lake Nerrigorang. There was a significant positive correlation between zooplankton species richness and lake water level but only for Lake Nerrigorang. Although the two lakes are closely situated and thought to be potentially connected at high water levels, they show distinct ecological characters and the effect of water-level fluctuations on zooplankton species richness seems to differ between the lakes.

Nantokite from New South Wales

1894 ◽  
Vol 10 (48) ◽  
pp. 326-327
Author(s):  
A. Liversidge
Keyword(s):  
Water Level ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Mining Company ◽  
Broken Hill ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Silver Mining ◽  
Original Water

Some specimens of this rare mineral have recently been kindly forwarded to me by Mr. J. R. McKay, Manager of the Broken Hill South Silver Mining Company, New South Wales, together with a report upon them by Mr. J. O. Armstrong of the above mine, and Mr. A. D. Carmichael of the Broken Hill Proprietary Block 10 mine, as follows :—“Mineral found at the Broken Hill South Mine, at the 300 feet level in the carbonate of lead stopes, below original water level.

Effect of sowing time and nitrogen on rice cultivars of differing growth duration in New South Wales 2. Biomass production and partitioning

1994 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 939
Author(s):  
RF Reinke ◽  
LG Lewin ◽  
RL Williams
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Short Duration ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Biomass Accumulation ◽  
Rice Cultivars ◽  
Growth Duration ◽  
Sowing Time ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Long Duration

In New South Wales, rice cultivars with shorter growth duration are sought to reduce water use and to increase the efficiency of rice production. We examined the biomass accumulation of a short-duration cultivar in comparison with 3 long-duration cultivars across a range of sowing time and nitrogen treatments. The biomass accumulation of the short-duration cultivar was smaller than that of the long-duration cultivars, but the yield potential was similar. This was achieved by the production of similar number of florets per m2, despite smaller biomass at flowering, and greater harvest index. Only early-sown treatments resulted in smaller yield of the short-duration cultivar due to restricted biomass accumulation and floret production. A simple biological model of post-anthesis growth, which included the effect of low temperature, predicted growth with an accuracy similar to that of the measurements. The low temperature function assumed growth stopped following a daily minimum temperature below a specified threshold, and the number of days without growth was a function of the severity of the temperature. We concluded that the yield of short-duration cultivars may be less stable when stress occurs during grain filling because there is less biomass at anthesis and, therefore, less reserve available to fill the grain.

Limnological studies of waterfowl habitat in south-western New South Wales. I. Water chemistry

1985 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 59 ◽  
Author(s):  
SV Briggs ◽  
MT Maher ◽  
SM Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Water Chemistry ◽  
Water Level ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Iron Phosphate ◽  
Moisture Regime ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Waterfowl Habitat ◽  
Phosphate Nitrate ◽  
The Relationship

Water chemistry in two impermanent wetlands in inland south-westem New South Wales was studied as part of a larger investigation into the relationship between water level rises and waterfowl breeding in such wetlands. Ionic dominances, nutrient levels and relationships between nutrient or ion and wetland, season, water level and moisture regime are considered. Sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride concentrations, conductivity and pH were inversely related to water level. Total loads of iron, phosphate, nitrate and sulfate increased as the wetlands flooded during wetting phases. Nitrate and phosphate levels in experimental tanks also peaked after flooding. The effect of wetland drying and reflooding on nutrient availability is discussed.

Reproduction of Pseudomys novaehollandiae (Muridae) in the Wild

1980 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 385 ◽  
Author(s):  
CM Kemper
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
New South ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
First Year ◽  
Reproductive Condition ◽  
South Wales ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Preputial Glands ◽  
Breeding Seasons

A total of 291 P. novaehollandiae were observed during a 4-y study in the Nelson Bay and Smith Lake regions of New South Wales. Reproductive organs were examined from males and females, May 1972-May 1974; reproductive condition of females was noted during a CMR study, August 1974-July 1976. Breeding seasons (conceptions and births) occurred between August and early January (4-5 months) in the first 3 years and between September and March (7 months) in the last year. Second-year females produced three or four litters in short seasons, four or five litters in the long season and up to 20 offspring per season. First-year females produced one litter in short seasons and one or two litters in the long season. Mean litter size was 4.56 (2-6). Ovarian follicles were largest in September and smallest in May. Small, inactive CL persisted in parous females until May. Placental scars were present in all sampled months. Vaginae remained closed during the non-breeding season. In mature males testes and epididymides contained sperm from July to March. Vesicular, prostate and preputial glands were enlarged and secretory from September to December. Testes were smallest and least developed in May and June. Males were divided into five categories depending on age and overall reproductive condition. Sexual maturity was reached in the breeding season of birth by some males (33%) and females (13-88%). More females matured early when population density was low. Food abundance and quality may have been important variables in regulating the timing of the breeding season.

Life history characteristics of two Australian honeyeaters (Meliphagidae)

2000 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugh A. Ford ◽  
Steve Trémont
Keyword(s):  
Life History ◽  
Breeding Success ◽  
Cooperative Breeding ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
New South ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Annual Productivity ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Australian Passerines

Most endemic Australian passerines that have been studied display long breeding seasons, multiple nesting attempts, small clutches, low annual productivity, high longevity and a high incidence of cooperative breeding. We compare the life histories of two large endemic honeyeaters (Meliphagidae) near Armidale, New South Wales. Red wattlebirds, Anthochaera carunculata, have a long breeding season, with many nesting attempts and clutches of two eggs, similar to other honeyeaters whose breeding biology has been studied. Noisy friarbirds, Philemon corniculatus, which are spring and summer visitors to the study area, have shorter breeding seasons, usually making one attempt and have a modal clutch size of three. Both species had incubation and nestling periods of about 16 days. Friarbirds apparently have a laying interval of 24 hours, the same as other honeyeaters, but unlike some other endemic passerines, which have laying intervals of 48 hours. Breeding success did not differ between the species, with young fledging from 32.7% of wattlebird nests and 40.9% of friarbird nests. The reproductive strategy of the noisy friarbird thus differs quantitatively from the apparent norm for other honeyeaters and many other Australian endemic passerines.

Coccidiosis in wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.), at four sites in different climatic regions in eastern Australia I. Relationship with the age of the rabbit

1968 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 69 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Stodart
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
New South ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Climatic Regions ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Breeding Seasons

A total of 2881 rabbits were shot during 1962-64 in regular samples from four sites representing different climatic regions in eastern Australia. Samples of the faeces were examined for coccidial oocysts. Seven species of Eimeria (E. stiedae, E. media, E. perforans, E. irresidua, E. magna, E. piriformis, and E. exigua) were recorded. Dried lens weight and paunched (eviscerated) body weight of the rabbits were used as estimates of age. A decrease in oocyst output with increasing age of the rabbit was apparent when progeny of particular breeding seasons were followed and when all data were grouped together at the subalpine site. Linear regression analysis showed that the decrease was greatest at the subalpine site, where the young had high oocyst counts, less in the subtropical and Mediterranean climates, and virtually absent at the arid site. The rate of the decrease varied between species; it was greatest for E. magna and was slight and variable in occurrence for E. piriformis. Adult rabbits transported from the arid site to infected pasture in Canberra were found from 1 to 10 weeks after release to have an oocyst count comparable to that of young rabbits at the subalpine site. Cage-reared progeny of the rabbits from the arid site were more susceptible to accidental infection than cage-reared progeny of rabbits from the temperate southern tablelands of New South Wales.

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