Water metabolism and renal function and structure in eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus): responses to water deprivation

2000 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 335 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. E. Blaney ◽  
T. J. Dawson ◽  
H. C. K. McCarron ◽  
R. Buffenstein ◽  
A. K. Krockenberger
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Function ◽  
Arid Zone ◽  
Water Restriction ◽  
Water Metabolism ◽  
The Past ◽  
Red Kangaroo ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Additional Water ◽  
Urine Concentrations ◽  
Arid Rangelands

The eastern grey kangaroo (M. giganteus) is usually found in mesic habitats but in the past 30–40 years it has expanded its range into arid rangelands. A suggested reason for this expansion has been the provision of additional water sites for domestic stock. In this study we examined aspects of kidney function and water metabolism of M. giganteus. This was done during normal hydration and water restriction so that the water-conserving abilities of M. giganteus could be compared with those of the red kangaroo (M. rufus), the habitat of which is arid rangelands and desert. The indices relative medullary thickness (RMT) and medullary to cortical ratio, derived from the morphology of the kidney, are indicators of renal concentrating ability. In M. giganteus both these indices were lower than in M. rufus: the RMT was 5.24 0.15 (mean s.e.) for M. giganteus and 6.00 0.10 for M. rufus. Measured maximal urine concentrations of these species were 2444 59 (M. giganteus) and 3135 165 mosmol kg–1 (M. rufus), with the respective maximum individual concentrations being 2752 and 4054 mosmol kg–1. Kidney function in hydrated and dehydrated M. giganteus was assessed via glomerular filtration rate, urine flow rate and concentration index. As measured by these parameters, M. giganteus had renal water-conserving capacities similar to, or superior to, those of many comparable-sized arid-zone-inhabiting placental mammals, but below those of M. rufus. Water metabolism, as measured by water turnover, showed a similar pattern.

The Effect of Temporary Closure of Watering Points on Grazing Intensity of Red and Grey Kangaroos With Related Observations on Feral Goats.

1997 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 157 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Freudenberger ◽  
RB Hacker
Keyword(s):  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Red Kangaroo ◽  
Goat Grazing ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Arid Rangelands ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Temporary Closure ◽  
Feral Goat

In this study we examined the utility of manipulating artificial waters as a means of managing total grazing pressure in semi-arid rangelands of eastern Australia. We tested the efficacy of 'Finlayson trough' exclosure technology at three locations, over two summers, in paddocks with red kangaroos (Macropus rufirs) and two species of grey kangaroo (M. giganteus and M. fuliginosus). We also examined the effect of closing off five waters on the distribution of feral goat grazing intensity at one study site. Generally, there were no apparent reductions in kangaroo and goat grazing intensity following 6-10 weeks of water exclosure, the exception being a minor reduction in red kangaroo grazing intensity at one location. We concluded that kangaroo and goat grazing pressure cannot be substantially reduced by simply closing off waters in and near paddocks for several months. Key words: kangaroos, water exclosure. feral goats, grazing pressure, paddock spelling

Diets and foraging behaviour of red and eastern grey kangaroos in arid shrub land: is feeding behaviour involved in the range expansion of the eastern grey kangaroo into the arid zone?

2004 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 169 ◽  
Author(s):  
TJ Dawson ◽  
KJ McTavish ◽  
BA Ellis
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Arid Zone ◽  
Foraging Strategies ◽  
Foraging Patterns ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Macropus Rufus ◽  
Dietary Niche ◽  
Domestic Stock ◽  
Total Feeding

Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) have expanded into arid areas usually the habitat of red kangaroos (Macropus rufus). Extra watering sites for domestic stock is the suggested reason. However, changes in vegetation also have occurred due to grazing from domestic stock. We investigated the foraging strategies of M. giganteus and M. rufus in arid rangeland to see if these are involved in the range changes. Foraging patterns were similar, with both species mostly foraging at night; total feeding times were the same. M. giganteus and M. rufus had differing diets, though there was considerable overlap of 81 - 87%. Both species were highly selective, having similar narrow dietary niche breaths. Differences in plant preferences occurred and though both species had a preference for grass that of M. giganteus was higher. A larger foregut in M. giganteus reinforces its focus on grass. M. rufus also selected dicot forbs and malvaceous sub-shrubs. Both kangaroos showed avoidance of abundant chenopod shrubs (saltbushes and bluebushes) and trees. It is likely that the changes to arid-zone vegetation, with a shift to grass and annual dicot forbs, has been important for the expansion of M. giganteus, possibly combined with the greater availability of water.

The ontogeny of the pancreas in macropodid marsupials

1978 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 487
Author(s):  
AW White ◽  
CJF Harrop
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Relative Size ◽  
Pancreatic Tissue ◽  
Pancreatic Development ◽  
Endocrine Tissue ◽  
Red Kangaroo ◽  
Slow Development ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Insulin Secreting Cells ◽  
Acinar Tissue

The development of the endocrine pancreas in kangaroos was examined histologically with tissue from three kangaroo species, the red kangaroo Megaleia rufa, the euro Macropus robustus erubescens, and the grey kangaroo Macropus giganteus. The relative size of the pancreas of the pouch young was found not to differ significantly from that of adults. Stages of pancreatic development were described from the frequency of the occurrence of the pancreatic epithelial ducts and the B or insulin-secreting cells, while the development and distribution of the A2 or glucagon-producing cells was also observed. In pouch young of less than 22 days of age the pancreas is dominated by ductular epithelial and undifferentiated pancreatic cells. From days 42 to 97 of pouch life B endocrine cells tend to be concentrated together and ductular tissue encroaches into areas previously dominated by connective tissue. After 120-135 days the first A2 cells are apparent and are usually located at the periphery of the islets, which now take on a distinctive appearance as the acinar tissue expands and separates them. After 135 days of pouch life A2 cells outnumber B cells; the endocrine tissue assumes an adult appearance after 150-160 days. The major difference between the development of pancreatic tissue in foetal sheep and pouch-young kangaroo is the prolonged dominance of connective tissue and the slow development of endocrine tissue in the former.

Form, weight, and indole content of pineal organs of red and grey kangaroos.

1965 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 727 ◽  
Author(s):  
WB Quay ◽  
PC Baker
Keyword(s):  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Pineal Organ ◽  
Red Kangaroo ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Available Information

The pineal organ of the red kangaroo (Megaleia rufa) is shown to be distinguishable from that of the grey kangaroo (Macropus canguru) by being symmetrically bilobate instead of rounded distally. Pineal weights in the two species were similar. At least in M. rufa pineal size appeared to increase with age - from 6.4-15.6 mg in animals aged about 1 yr to 40.1 mg in a female 6+ years old. In comparison with the nocturnal indole contents of the pineal in rats, those of kangaroos have similar levels of 5- methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine (melatonin) and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid to the nocturnal values recorded in the literature for rats, but a lower level of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). Available information on vertebrate pineal weights and indoles does not provide evidence for any obviously distinctive evolutionary or functional status for the marsupial pineal organ as compared with that of some eutherian mammals or of some birds and reptiles.

Water metabolism in desert sheep. Effects of various degrees of water restriction on the distribution of body water in Marwari sheep

1972 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 685 ◽  
Author(s):  
GR Purohit ◽  
PK Ghosh ◽  
GC Taneja
Keyword(s):  
Interstitial Fluid ◽  
Extracellular Fluid ◽  
Body Water ◽  
Water Restriction ◽  
Water Metabolism ◽  
Water Requirements ◽  
Total Blood ◽  
Daily Water ◽  
Body Compartments ◽  
Total Body

The distribution of water in the different body compartments of eight sheep of the Marwari breed was determined after imposing the following treatments: watering ad lib., restriction to 75%, 50%, and 25% respectively of normal daily water requirements (each treatment of 5 days' duration, with a 7-day normal drinking regime between treatments), and complete deprivation of water for 3 days. The total body water, the total blood and plasma volumes, and the extracellular, intracellular, and interstitial fluid volumes of the animals began to decrease when the water intake was reduced below 75% of the normal daily requirement. A reduction to 25% normal was similar in its effect to complete deprivation, at which the plasma volume fell by 43% and the extracellular fluid volume by 33%. The findings clearly point to an unusual ability of these animals to maintain circulation even when faced with considerable haemoconcentration.

scholarly journals Faunistic study on the freshwater ciliates from Delhi, India

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeeva Susan Abraham ◽  
Renu Gupta ◽  
Sripoorna Somasundaram ◽  
Ilmas Naqvi ◽  
Swati Maurya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arid Zone ◽  
Lower Proportion ◽  
Free Living ◽  
The Past ◽  
Soil Ciliates ◽  
Ciliate Species ◽  
Freshwater Bodies ◽  
Staining Methods ◽  
River Yamuna ◽  
Freshwater Ciliates

AbstractThe ciliated protist communities show richness as well as uniqueness. This is true both for aquatic and soil ciliates. Delhi region lies in the subtropical semi-arid zone wherein the temperatures are highest in May-June and lowest in January. It also receives its monsoonal rainfall during the month of July-August. Thus, the region offers ideal conditions for the growth and proliferation of aquatic living beings. During the past three decades, a series of investigation has been carried out on the freshwater free-living ciliate fauna from fourteen sites at the river Yamuna and different freshwater bodies in Delhi. Samples were brought to the laboratory, ciliates were identified using live-cell observations and silver staining methods. A large number of Spirotrich species and a lower proportion belonging to class Heterotrichea, Litostomaea, Phyllopharyngea, Oligohymenophorea, Prostomatea, and Colpodea were identified. A total of 55 species belonging to 7 classes, 16 orders, 26 families, 40 genera were identified and documented. Ciliate diversity was found to be highest in the water sample from Okhla bird sanctuary (OBS). All ciliate species recorded during the present study have been listed and their general characteristics have been discussed.

Geoarchaeology of Aboriginal Landscapes in Semi-arid Australia

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Holdaway ◽  
Patricia Fanning
Keyword(s):  
Aboriginal People ◽  
Arid Zone ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
The Past ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Arid Zone Research

This book provides readers with a unique understanding of the ways in which Aboriginal people interacted with their environment in the past at one particular location in western New South Wales. It also provides a statement showing how geoarchaeology should be conducted in a wide range of locations throughout Australia. One of the key difficulties faced by all those interested in the interaction between humans and their environment in the past is the complex array of processes acting over different spatial and temporal scales. The authors take account of this complexity by integrating three key areas of study – geomorphology, geochronology and archaeology – applied at a landscape scale, with the intention of understanding the record of how Australian Aboriginal people interacted with the environment through time and across space. This analysis is based on the results of archaeological research conducted at the University of New South Wales Fowlers Gap Arid Zone Research Station between 1999 and 2002 as part of the Western New South Wales Archaeology Program. The interdisciplinary geoarchaeological program was targeted at expanding the potential offered by archaeological deposits in western New South Wales, Australia. The book contains six chapters: the first two introduce the study area, then three data analysis chapters deal in turn with the geomorphology, geochronology and archaeology of Fowlers Gap Station. A final chapter considers the results in relation to the history of Aboriginal occupation of Fowlers Gap Station, as well as the insights they provide into Aboriginal ways of life more generally. Analyses are well illustrated through the tabulation of results and the use of figures created through Geographic Information System software. Winner of the 2015 Australian Archaeology Association John Mulvaney Book Award

Further Observations on the Plants Eaten by Kangaroos and Sheep Grazing Together in a Paddock in South-Western Queensland

1974 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Griffiths ◽  
R Barker ◽  
L Maclean
Keyword(s):  
Species Difference ◽  
Severe Drought ◽  
N Content ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Red Kangaroo ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Good Agreement ◽  
Made In

In 8 periods between February 1967 and June 1968, covering a severe drought and subsequent rain, samples of 66 species of dicotyledons and 50 species of monocotyledons were collected from a large paddock in semiarid 'mulga-box' country in south-western Queensland. The mean N content of the dicotyledons ranged from 1.51 to 2.85 g/100 g DM, and that of the monocotyledons from 0.70 to 1.86 g/100 g DM.Stomach or faecal samples were analysed for plant parts. When known plant mixtures were given to 2 grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) and two sheep there was no species difference in the digestibility of the different plants or in the size distribution of faecal particles. Comparison of stomach and rectal samples from 5 shot kangaroos and 7 shot sheep showed quite good agreement. Samples of the faeces of sheep, grey kangaroo and a few red kangaroo (Megaleia rufa) were collected from the ground at the same intervals as the plant samples, dried and analysed for N and for plant parts. Detailed results are given. The grey kangaroos consistently ate more grasses than the sheep. The N content of sheep faeces was higher than that of kangaroo faeces, reflecting the higher protein intake of the sheep. The results confirm those of an earlier study (NAR 38, 1829) made in 1963–4 in a period of average rainfall. The authors conclude that competition between sheep and kangaroos is small.

A comparative study of macroscopic and microscopic dimensions of the intensine in five macropods (Marsupialia: Macropodidae). I. Allometric relationships.

1992 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 91 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Osawa ◽  
PF Woodall
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Confidence Limits ◽  
Surface Areas ◽  
Red Kangaroo ◽  
A Value ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Macropus Rufus ◽  
Villous Height ◽  
Kleiber’S Law ◽  
Swamp Wallaby

Macroscopic and microscopic dimensions of the intestines in five macropod species (the red kangaroo, Macropus rufus; the eastern grey kangaroo, M. giganteus; the agile wallaby, M. agilis; the swamp wallaby, Wallabia bicolor; and the red-necked pademelon, Thylogale thetis) were investigated allometrically in relation to body mass. In general, the length of the small intestine changed in an area : volume (A:V) compensating manner, but the circumference showed negative allometry such that the overall change in surface areas, both ground and mucosal (including the contribution of villi), were isometric but also included the coefficient derived from 'Kleiber's Law' (0.75) in their 95 and 99% confidence limits, respectively. Villous height and width generally showed no significant correlations with body size, but villous density was lower in large individuals. The allometry coefficient for the length of the large intestine was generally near the A:V compensating value (0.5) in most intraspecific analyses but much higher in the interspecific analysis, suggesting that some factor other than body size might be important (possibly dietary fibre). Caecal length was significantly correlated with body size only in two largest species (M. rufus and M. giganteus) and the interspecific analysis gave a value near A:V compensation).

Distribution and abundance of kangaroos (Marsupialia: Macropodidae) at the time of European contact: South Australia.

1994 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
R.D. Barker ◽  
G. Caughley
Keyword(s):  
South Australia ◽  
The State ◽  
Historical Records ◽  
Apparent Increase ◽  
European Contact ◽  
Red Kangaroo ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Historical Distribution ◽  
Aboriginal Languages

Historical records, and the names of animals within Aboriginal languages, were analysed to compare the distribution and density of kangaroos at European contact with those of today. We gave up this attempt for the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Macropus giganteus, presently restricted to the extreme south-east of the state, because it was never differentiated historically from the Southern Grey Kangaroo, M. fuliginosus, which occurs right across the southern portion of the state. The historical distribution of the latter species, and of the Red Kangaroo, M. rufus, seems to have been similar to their distribution today. Past densities are difficult to extract from historical records and are not sufficiently reliable to justify comparison with present densities. We note however an apparent increase in density of 'kangaroos' in the mid-1800s.

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