Dingoes in North-Western Australia.

1992 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 509 ◽  
Author(s):  
PC Thomson ◽  
K Rose ◽  
NE Kok
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Social Organization ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Age Determination ◽  
Behavioural Ecology ◽  
Hunting Behaviour ◽  
North Western

This issue comprises 8 papers by P. C. Thomson (some in collaboration with K. Rose and N. E. Kok) on the dingo in North Western Australia. They cover the behavioural ecology including activity patterns, diet, hunting behaviour, social organization, population dynamics, dispersal, age determination and immobilization using darts fired from an aircraft.

Predicting the ecological impact of cane toads (Bufo marinus) on threatened camaenid land snails in north-western Australia

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 533 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Pearson ◽  
Matthew Greenlees ◽  
Georgia Ward-Fear ◽  
Richard Shine
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Bufo Marinus ◽  
Land Snails ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Habitat Overlap ◽  
Litoria Caerulea ◽  
North Western

The spread of cane toads (Bufo marinus) through north-western Australia may threaten populations of endemic camaenid land snails because these snails exhibit restricted geographic distributions, low vagility and ‘slow’ life-histories. We conducted laboratory trials to determine whether toads would consume camaenids if they encountered them, and conducted field surveys to evaluate the likelihood of such encounters (on the basis of habitat overlap). In laboratory trials with 13 camaenid species, cane toads were more likely to consume camaenids than were two species of native frogs that we tested (Cyclorana australis, Litoria caerulea). However, field surveys suggested that many camaenids are active on vertical surfaces in limestone outcrops, and cane toads rarely venture into these habitats. Although the preferred habitats and activity patterns of camaenids thus reduce their vulnerability to cane toads, we recommend regular surveys of toad and snail numbers to monitor toad impacts. Given the restricted distributions of threatened saxicoline camaenid species in the Kimberley, localised management of grazing stock and fire is feasible to maintain vine-thicket vegetation cover and snail populations, as well as reducing open habitats favoured by toads.

The behavioural ecology of dingoes in north-western Australia. III. Hunting and Feeding behaviour, and diet.

1992 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 531 ◽  
Author(s):  
PC Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Feeding Ecology ◽  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Canis Familiaris ◽  
Alternative Food ◽  
Behavioural Ecology ◽  
Large Prey ◽  
Radio Tracking ◽  
Cooperative Effort ◽  
North Western

Observations from aerial radio-tracking were used together with analysis of scat and stomach samples to investigate the feeding ecology of dingoes, Canis familiaris dingo, on the lower Fortescue River in Western Australia. Between 1977 and 1984, 1948 records of hunting and feeding were obtained, and 352 scats and 119 stomachs were collected. Dingoes preyed predominantly on kangaroos, Macropus robustus and M. rufus, the most abundant and widely distributed of the larger native mammals in the area. In one site dingoes partially switched to alternative food (smaller prey and cattle carrion) when kangaroo abundance declined. However, they continued to hunt and kill kangaroos even when easyto- obtain cattle carrion was available. The increased utilisation of smaller prey by dingoes coincided with changes in sociality (disintegration of packs and an increased number of solitary dingoes). In a sheepgrazing area, sheep were 'easy' prey and dingoes killed sheep and kangaroos in excess of their needs for food, although kangaroo remained a major component of their diet. Dingoes cooperating in groups were more successful than solitary dingoes in hunting large prey (kangaroos, calves). Cooperative effort was not required for dingoes to catch or kill sheep.

The behavioural ecology of dingoes in north-western Australia. II. Activity patterns, breeding season and pup rearing

1992 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 519 ◽  
Author(s):  
PC Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Scent Marking ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Mating Period ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
Radio Contact ◽  
North Western

This paper reports aspects of a long-term study (1975-84) of the ecology, social organisation and behaviour of dingoes, Canis familiaris dingo, on the lower Fortescue River in Western Australia. In all, 170 dingoes were fitted with radio-collars and tracked from aircraft. Dingoes were sighted during 59% of the 13 618 occasions that they were being radio-tracked during the day. Radio-tracking yielded 31 229 daytime and 3016 night-time locations of radio-collared dingoes. The average duration of radio contact with 146 dingoes was 9 months (range 1-35 months). Dingoes were most active around sunrise and sunset, moderately active during the night, and least active during the heat of the day. Travelling (local meandering and more purposeful movement) was the most commonly witnessed activity. Levels of scent-marking (raised-leg urination and ground-scratching), howling and general activity increased over the 2-3 months prior to the mating period, suggesting that dingoes may have a long pro-oestrus (1-2 months). Whelping took place from mid-May to mid-August (mean date 18 July). The characteristics of natal dens are described. The pattern of activities associated with pup-rearing, including alloparental behaviour, closely followed that of related canids.

The behavioural ecology of dingoes in north-western Australia. V. Population dynamics and variation in the soical system

1992 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 565 ◽  
Author(s):  
PC Thomson ◽  
K Rose ◽  
NE Kok
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Social System ◽  
Canis Familiaris ◽  
Behavioural Ecology ◽  
High Population Density ◽  
Dispersal Strategy ◽  
The Social ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
North Western

Between 1975 and 1984, 105 radio-collared dingoes, Canis familiaris dingo, were tracked and observed from aircraft on the Fortescue River in Western Australia. The majority of dingoes were members of 18 territorial packs, including four pairs. Five packs were monitored for more than three years. Most bitches became pregnant, including those 9-10 months old, although not all litters were raised. Packs raised an average of 1.1 litters per year. Instances of packs raising the litters of two bitches in a year were recorded. The area (up to 400km*2) was covered initially (1975-78) by a mosaic of stable pack territories. Little emigration occurred and population density rose to a peak of 22.2 dingoes per 100km*2 in 1978 due to an increase in pack size. Perturbations to the social system, including disintegration of some packs, an increase in emigration, shifts of pack territories and contraction of territories into the most favoured areas, coincided with high population density and a reduced food supply. After aerial baiting in 1980 killed all the dingoes from the study site, immigrants from surrounding areas established a new population. The increase in density was moderated by the formation of new pairs or packs that occupied surrounding vacant areas. The dispersal strategy of pack members was a major factor affecting the population density of dingoes in the study area.

The behavioural ecology of dingoes in north-western Australia. VI. Temporary extraterritorial movements and dispersal

1992 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 585 ◽  
Author(s):  
PC Thomson ◽  
K Rose ◽  
NE Kok
Keyword(s):  
Small Groups ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Canis Lupus ◽  
Site Fidelity ◽  
Dispersal Distance ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Behavioural Ecology ◽  
Buffer Zones ◽  
Control Work ◽  
North Western

Between 1975 and 1984, 105 radio-collared dingoes, Canis familiaris dingo, were tracked and observed from aircraft on the Fortescue River in Western Australia. Dingoes maintained strong site fidelity and seldom travelled far beyond their territories. In total, 81 forays (moves > 2km beyond territory boundaries) were identified from 6598 independent locations of pack members; 80 were < 10km from territory boundaries. Forays involved individuals as well as small groups; 68.2% of 22 confirmed individual forays were made by males. Forays occurred in all seasons and years. Some forays appeared to be related to subsequent dispersal. A total of 25 dingoes dispersed as solitary individuals. Mean dispersal distance beyond known pack territories was 20.1km (n = 19, range = 1-184 km). Males tended to disperse further than females and had a higher incidence of dispersal. Five groups of pack members and one entire pack also dispersed. The incidence of dispersal was highest when population density was high and food supply was low. Dispersal was facilitated by the availability of vacant areas. Humans caused much of the mortality of dispersing dingoes. The patterns of dispersal by individuals and groups, and the factors that influence them are similar for dingoes and the related canid, the wolf, Canis lupus. Control work in buffer zones must provide a satisfactory dispersal sink to minimise the risk of incursions by dingoes into livestock-grazing areas.

Persistence of giants: population dynamics of the limpet Scutellastra laticostata on rocky shores in Western Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 646 ◽  
pp. 79-92
Author(s):  
RE Scheibling ◽  
R Black
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Size Structure ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Maximum Size ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Adult Survival ◽  
Rocky Shores ◽  
Adult Size ◽  
Decadal Time Scale

Population dynamics and life history traits of the ‘giant’ limpet Scutellastra laticostata on intertidal limestone platforms at Rottnest Island, Western Australia, were recorded by interannual (January/February) monitoring of limpet density and size structure, and relocation of marked individuals, at 3 locations over periods of 13-16 yr between 1993 and 2020. Limpet densities ranged from 4 to 9 ind. m-2 on wave-swept seaward margins of platforms at 2 locations and on a rocky notch at the landward margin of the platform at a third. Juvenile recruits (25-55 mm shell length) were present each year, usually at low densities (<1 m-2), but localized pulses of recruitment occurred in some years. Annual survival rates of marked limpets varied among sites and cohorts, ranging from 0.42 yr-1 at the notch to 0.79 and 0.87 yr-1 on the platforms. A mass mortality of limpets on the platforms occurred in 2003, likely mediated by thermal stress during daytime low tides, coincident with high air temperatures and calm seas. Juveniles grew rapidly to adult size within 2 yr. Asymptotic size (L∞, von Bertalanffy growth model) ranged from 89 to 97 mm, and maximum size from 100 to 113 mm, on platforms. Growth rate and maximum size were lower on the notch. Our empirical observations and simulation models suggest that these populations are relatively stable on a decadal time scale. The frequency and magnitude of recruitment pulses and high rate of adult survival provide considerable inertia, enabling persistence of these populations in the face of sporadic climatic extremes.

scholarly journals Large‐scale eDNA metabarcoding survey reveals marine biogeographic break and transitions over tropical north‐western Australia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina West ◽  
Michael J. Travers ◽  
Michael Stat ◽  
Euan S. Harvey ◽  
Zoe T. Richards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
North Western
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