Comparative ecology of western grey kangaroos (Macropus fulginosus) and euros (M. robustus erubescens) in Durokoppin Nature Reserve, isolated in the central wheatbelt of Western Australia

1994 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 307 ◽  
Author(s):  
GW Arnold ◽  
DE Steven ◽  
JR Weeldenberg
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Native Vegetation ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Leg Length ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Helicopter Survey ◽  
Individual Size

The populations of western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) and euros (M. robustus erubescens) in a 1196-ha area of native vegetation in the central wheatbelt of Western Australia were studied over six years (1985-91). The area was isolated from other remnants of native vegetation by at least 1.4 km. Captures were made periodically throughout each year and the animals weighed and measured. In all, 152 animals were captured (83 euros and 69 western grey kangaroos). The data for each sex and species were assigned to 'seasons' (February-July or August-January) and assessments made of body condition. The weights and tail circumstances, adjusted for individual size by regression on leg length, were higher for western grey kangaroos but not for euros in August-January. Euro males varied significantly in weight from year to year; euro females and grey males and females did not. Too few grey females were captured to analyse seasonality of reproduction. The estimated birth dates of 68 euro pouch young were distributed equally throughout the study period. There were approximately equal numbers of each species in an estimate made in 1988 from a helicopter survey, with a total (� s.e.) of 191�29 kangaroos. The mean faecal pellet counts on 42 Tied transects of 100 m2 did not differ significantly over the period 1985-88. These counts showed that the overall use of the different vegetation types varied by a factor of two. Heaths had the highest pellet counts and open mallee or woodland the least, with Allocasuarina-dominated shrublands being intermediate. Spotlight surveys around the reserve boundary showed a highly significant difference in distribution of the two species. This was confirmed by analysis of the home ranges of 13 radio-collared individuals. Euros showed a strong preference for areas of York gum-wandoo-jam woodland with a herbaceous ground layer and areas with tall Allocasuarina or dense heath. In contrast, the western grey kangaroos preferred the heathlands and open woodlands without a herbaceous ground cover. The sex ratios of the whole populations seen in spotlight searches was 0.72 : 1.00 (males: females) for western grey kangaroos and 0.81 : 1.00 for euros. Both differ significantly from parity. There was a higher proportion of female euros amongst the animals seen in the western part of the reserve than in the eastern part. These populations relied mainly on the resources of the reserve. The average number of kangaroos seen on adjacent farmland on any one night varied from 3.6 in 1986 to 13.5 in 1991. A significantly higher proportion of males of both species were seen on farmland.

A Study of Grey Kangaroo Density Using Pellet Counts

1981 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 237 ◽  
Author(s):  
GJE Hill
Keyword(s):  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Average Density ◽  
Sampling Efficiency ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Significant Variance ◽  
Pellet Group ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Pellet Density

During May and July 1978 two faecal pellet surveys were conducted to attain indices of abundance for a stable population of grey kangaroos within a 33-km2 block of state forest in southern Queensland. The study area was divided into 25-ha cells, from which approximately one-fifth were selected by random means for survey. Each cell was sampled by two parallel transects 100 m apart. Along each transect 25 regularly spaced 0.001-ha circular plots were searched for faecal pellets within particular age ranges. Results were 4634 � 19% and 5071 � 19% pellets km-2 per day respectively (Y � SE). The two surveys displayed no significant variance in estimates of average density. Preliminary surveys produced no significant difference in estimates of faecal pellet density between plots of 0.001 and 0.0003 ha. This held true for counts of pellet totals and pellet group totals. Sampling efficiency was superior for the larger plot.

Survey of feral honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies for Nosema apis in Western Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 47 (7) ◽  
pp. 883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Manning ◽  
Kate Lancaster ◽  
April Rutkay ◽  
Linda Eaton
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Nosema Apis ◽  
The South ◽  
South West ◽  
Feral Populations ◽  
Significant Difference

The parasite, Nosema apis, was found to be widespread among feral populations of honey bees (Apis mellifera) in the south-west of Western Australia. The location, month of collection and whether the feral colony was enclosed in an object or exposed to the environment, all affected the presence and severity of infection. There was no significant difference in the probability of infection between managed and feral bees. However, when infected by N. apis, managed bees appeared to have a greater severity of the infection.

Comparison of stirrup lengths chosen for flatwork by novice and experienced riders

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 223-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Andrews-Rudd ◽  
C. Farmer-Day ◽  
H.M. Clayton ◽  
J.M. Williams ◽  
D.J. Marlin
Keyword(s):  
Standing Position ◽  
Knee Angle ◽  
Leg Length ◽  
Greater Trochanter ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Function ◽  
Leg Position ◽  
Combined Data

Although stirrups may be considered an essential part of equestrian equipment, there is little research describing their use and function. The aim of the present study was to compare stirrup lengths chosen for flatwork by novice and experienced riders, and to measure the associated leg position and knee angles. Ten novice and ten experienced riders, with kinematic markers attached to their greater trochanter, lateral femoral epicondyle, and lateral fibular malleolus, mounted three horses and a mechanical horse. The riders selected an appropriate stirrup length for flatwork by adjusting the unnumbered stirrup leathers. Stirrup length was measured and expressed as a percentage of the rider’s leg length measured from the greater trochanter to the floor when standing. Lateral photographs were taken from both sides with the riders mounted on each horse in a standing position. The kinematic markers were digitised to measure knee angle and ankle position relative to the hip in the anteroposterior direction. Within riders, there was no significant difference in stirrup length between the three live horses or between the mechanical horse and live horse. Experienced riders consistently selected a significantly longer stirrup length as a percentage of their leg length compared with novice riders (combined data for live horses and mechanical horse; P=0.005). Experienced riders demonstrated a significantly larger knee angle (combined data for live horses and mechanical horse) compared with novice riders (118±8° and 109±7°, respectively; P=0.016). Novice riders had a significantly larger knee angle on the mechanical horse compared with the live horse (115±9° versus 107±9°, respectively; P=0.003). The relatively longer stirrup length selected by experienced riders is thought to reflect the development of an independent seat, which implies the ability to move the legs independently of the pelvis. The chair seat adopted by novice riders on the mechanical horse could be considered counter to improving their equitation skills.

scholarly journals Signs of wildlife activity and Eucalyptus wandoo condition

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 146 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. L. Moore ◽  
M. D. Craig ◽  
L. E. Valentine ◽  
G. E. St J. Hardy ◽  
P. A. Fleming
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Soil Disturbance ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Foraging Effort ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrates ◽  
Eucalyptus Wandoo ◽  
Tree Condition

Soil disturbance by terrestrial vertebrates when foraging for food and shelter is not only a sign of activity but an ecosystem function required for soil health. Many forests and woodlands worldwide are currently showing signs of a decline in condition due to various causes. Eucalyptus wandoo, endemic to south-west Western Australia, has undergone a decline in condition over the last decade. This paper explores the influence of E. wandoo condition (e.g. loss of canopy) and the associated changes in the habitat (e.g. changes in leaf litter and bare ground cover) on the foraging activities and soil disturbance by vertebrates. The number of diggings and scats, a representation of the foraging effort by some vertebrates, were recorded in Dryandra Woodland and Wandoo Conservation Park, Western Australia. Mixed-model ANOVAs were used to explore the relationships between the number of scats and diggings with tree and habitat characteristics. More vertebrate diggings and scats were recorded beneath healthier E. wandoo trees. Diggings and scats were also correlated with time since last fire and seasonal differences, with more time since last fire and wetter months related to more diggings and scats. Changes in foraging effort, or turnover of soil by vertebrates, could be a result modification of the level of soil turnover and alter many ecosystem services such as tree recruitment and nutrient cycling, in turn altering the habitat quality and even tree condition itself.

scholarly journals A comparison of screw versus drill and curettage epiphysiodesis to correct leg-length discrepancy

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 509-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Troy ◽  
B. Shore ◽  
P. Miller ◽  
S. Mahan ◽  
D. Hedequist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Operative Time ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Leg Length Discrepancy ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Leg Length ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Length Discrepancy ◽  
Baseline Activity ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose To compare two common surgical techniques of epiphysiodesis: drill/curettage epiphysiodesis (PDED) versus cross screw epiphysiodesis (PETS). The hypothesis is that the two techniques have similar efficacy but demonstrate differences in length of hospital stay (LOS), time to return to activity and complication rates. Methods A retrospective review of growing children and adolescents less than 18 years old who required an epiphysiodesis with leg-length discrepancy (LLD) of 2 cm to 6 cm with minimum two years of follow-up was conducted. Characteristics including age at surgery, gender, epiphysiodesis location, side, operative time, LOS and hardware removal were compared across treatment groups. LLD, expected growth remaining (EGR) and bone age were determined preoperatively and at most-recent visit. The correction ratio (change in EGR) was calculated along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) to assess if correction in leg length was achieved. Results A total of 115 patients underwent epiphysiodesis in the femur (53%), tibia (24%) or a combination (24%). The cohort was 47% male, with a mean age of 12.6 years (7.7 to 17.7) at surgery. Median follow-up was 3.7 years (2.0 to 12.7). In all, 23 patients underwent PETS and 92 patients had PDED. Both treatment groups achieved expected LLD correction. There was no significant difference in median operative time, complication rates or LOS. PETS patients returned to activity at a mean 1.4 months (interquartile range (IQR) 0.7 to 2.1) while PDED patients returned at a mean 2.4 months (IQR 1.7 to 3) (p < 0.001). Conclusion Effectiveness in achieving expected correction, LOS and operative time are similar between screw and drill/curettage epiphysiodesis. Patients undergoing PETS demonstrated a faster return to baseline activity than patients with PDED. Level of Evidence: III

Home range of the allied rock-wallaby, Petrogale assimilis

1994 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 65 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Horsup
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Major Effect ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Temporal Separation ◽  
Dry Tropics ◽  
Shelter Site ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mean Size ◽  
Core Areas

The home range and movements of the allied rock wallaby, Petrogale assimilis, a small macropod of the seasonally wet-dry tropics of Queensland, were studied over a 22-month period. There was no significant difference in the size of home ranges (95% isopleth) or core areas (65% isopleth) of males and females. Home ranges were generally elliptical with a mean size of 11.9 ha. Season had a major effect on home ranges. The following measures were all significantly greater in the dry seasons than in the wet seasons: home-range size (larger), home-range shape (more elongate), distance moved by females when feeding (longer), distance between shelter site and home-range centre of activity (longer). Feeding movements of males did not vary seasonally and were as long as dry-season movements of females, suggesting that movements of males are primarily determined by behavioural rather than physiological considerations. The overlap of rock-wallaby home ranges varied little between the sexes or seasons and averaged 38%. Core areas overlapped by an average of 22%; however, feeding adult rock-wallabies rarely met other conspecifics, except their partners. A comparison of the fixes of unpaired wallabies that had overlapping home ranges showed that temporal separation was occurring. In contrast, the home ranges of consort pairs showed extremely high temporal and spatial overlap. Rock-wallabies exhibited strong fidelity to their home ranges. The overlap of the seasonal home ranges and core areas of each individual rock wallaby averaged 68% and 52%, respectively. However, the seasonal home range of a socially immature adult male altered in location and size as he matured socially until it stabilised when he obtained a permanent consort.

Effects of the coastal brown ant Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius), on the ant fauna of the Perth metropolitan region, Western Australia

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 81 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. May ◽  
B. E. Heterick
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Pitfall Trap ◽  
The Other ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
Pheidole Megacephala ◽  
Apparent Displacement ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Almost All

This paper reports on the apparent displacement of native and exotic ants from gardens in the Perth Metropolitan region by the coastal brown ant (Pheidole megacephala (Fabricius)). Twelve gardens were sampled, four with P. megacephala present, and eight (the controls) where the ant was judged to be absent. Eight out of the 26 ant species recorded (including the coastal brown ant) were introduced. Ninety-two per cent of pitfall trap contents comprised the four most abundant species: P. megacephala, lridomyrmex chasei (Forel), Tetramorium simillimum (F. Smith) and Paratrechina ?obscura (Mayr). Three of the four P. megacephala-dominated gardens were depauperate of almost all other ant species. The fourth P. megacephala-infested garden had a relatively small number of coastal brown ants (104), and the highest number of ant species was found in that garden. The removal of this outlier garden left an average range of one to three species for the other three P. megacephala-infested gardens. Control gardens had between five and 12 ant species. Total ant abundance ranged from an average of 1 027 per P. megacephala-infested garden (increasing to 1 171 if the outlier garden is removed) to 146 at control gardens. There was a significant difference both in ant richness and ant abundance between the controls and P. megacephala-infested gardens (P < 0.05). This remained the case when figures for coastal brown ants were excluded from calculations.

Assessment of habitat usage by bats in the rangelands of Western Australia: comparison of echolocation call count and stable isotope analysis methods

2012 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 277 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. Bullen ◽  
J. N. Dunlop
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Stable Isotope Analysis ◽  
Charles Darwin ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Understorey Vegetation ◽  
Foliage Density ◽  
Habitat Usage

The activity levels of seven species of insectivorous microbats in five habitats widespread across the Charles Darwin Reserve in the Murchison region of Western Australia were measured using echolocation detectors and compared with results of habitat usage revealed by stable isotope analysis. The activity levels were further compared with projective foliage density as a surrogate of productivity within each habitat. Habitat use, estimated from echolocation activity of the microbat species and from stable isotope analysis of their fur, agree and each provides complementary information on the habitats preferred by species. Both methods show that five of the species, Chalinolobus gouldii, C. morio, Mormopterus species 3, Nyctophilus geoffroyi and Tadarida australis, are active and forage over each of the five habitats. Scotorepens balstoni is shown by both methods to prefer habitats with C3 woodland over C4 shrubs and grasses. Vespadelus baverstocki is shown by both methods to fly and forage over habitats with developed arid-zone shrubland understorey vegetation. The echolocation method shows that bat activity levels align with the foliage mass of the vegetation as measured by the projected foliage density. The species’ stable isotope signatures show that the insects captured are feeding primarily on the ground cover of the habitats. The two species that have high δC signatures, S. balstoni and V. baverstocki, are shown to be most active in habitats with a C4 ground cover.

Post-fire seeding with ryegrass: implications for understorey plant communities and overall effectiveness

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 518
Author(s):  
Melissa A. McMaster ◽  
Andrea Thode ◽  
Michael Kearsley
Keyword(s):  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Plant Invasions ◽  
Bare Soil ◽  
Italian Ryegrass ◽  
Exotic Plant ◽  
Vegetative Cover ◽  
High Severity ◽  
Significant Difference

Seeding following high-severity wildfires is motivated by the goals of increasing vegetative cover and decreasing bare soil in order to minimise soil erosion and exotic plant invasions. We compared the ground cover and vegetation response of seeded versus non-seeded areas located in the Warm Fire in northern Arizona, where post-fire seeding treatments with Italian ryegrass (Lolium perenne spp. multiflorum (L.)) were conducted in 4000 ha of high-severity burned areas. Over the course of the study, we observed no significant difference between seeded and non-seeded plots in percentage of bare soil, total vegetative cover or exotic plant cover. However, there were significant differences in plant community composition as revealed by PERMANOVA and Indicator Species Analysis. Two years post-fire there were significantly fewer ponderosa pine seedlings, and the cover of annual and biennial forbs was significantly lower in plots that were seeded with Italian ryegrass. In the third year, the cover of native bunch grasses was significantly lower in seeded plots. The differences we observed may be due to differences in pre-existing vegetation composition because of the geographic separation of the plots across the landscape. Our results illustrate the ineffectiveness of post-fire seeding in achieving the goals of increasing vegetative cover and decreasing the invasion of non-native plants, and we suggest that alternative post-fire remediation should be considered in the future.

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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document