Cats (Felis catus) are more abundant and are the dominant predator of woylies (Bettongia penicillata) after sustained fox (Vulpes vulpes) control

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola J. Marlow ◽  
Neil D. Thomas ◽  
Andrew A. E. Williams ◽  
Brian Macmahon ◽  
John Lawson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Predation Rate ◽  
Felis Catus ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Recovery Programs ◽  
Invasive Predators ◽  
Bettongia Penicillata ◽  
Fox Control

The control of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) is a key component of many fauna recovery programs in Australia. A question crucial to the success of these programs is how fox control influences feral cat abundance and subsequently affects predation upon native fauna. Historically, this question has been difficult to address because invasive predators are typically challenging to monitor. Here, non-invasive DNA analysis was used to determine the fate of radio-collared woylies (Bettongia penicillata) in two reserves in a mesic environment where foxes had been controlled intensively for over two decades. Woylie trap success had increased more than 20-fold after fox baiting commenced in the 1980s but decreased precipitously in 2000. Ninety-eight monitored woylies were killed between 2006 and 2009. DNA analysis of swabs taken from radio-collars and carcasses of these woylies indicated that predation by cats (Felis catus) caused most mortalities (65%) and was three times the fox predation rate (21%). Also, indices of cat abundance were higher in fox-baited sites where foxes were less abundant. Predation on woylies by cats was greater than previously recognised and, by implication, may significantly reduce the effectiveness of fox control programs throughout Australia. Integrated fox and cat control is essential to ensure the success of fauna recovery programs.

The potential for participatory landscape management to reduce the impact of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) on lamb production

2010 ◽  
Vol 37 (8) ◽  
pp. 695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynette J. McLeod ◽  
Glen R. Saunders ◽  
Steven R. McLeod ◽  
Michelle Dawson ◽  
Remy van de Ven
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Landscape Management ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Control Effort ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Spatial Coverage ◽  
Lamb Survival ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Fox Control

ContextRed fox (Vulpes vulpes) predation has an impact on populations of many species throughout its range worldwide, and as such, the red fox is the target of control programs. AimsWe investigated the potential for participatory landscape management to reduce the impact of fox predation on a major prey species, lambs. MethodsThe present study monitored fox-management programs already operating across 4.5 million hectares of regional New South Wales to compare the impact of varying (frequency and spatial coverage) control effort on lamb survival. Key resultsThe frequency and timing of fox control was correlated with lamb survival. Lamb survival was higher in areas where fox baiting was carried out twice a year, in autumn and late winter/spring. Spatial coverage of the control program was also positively correlated with lamb survival. Properties that had near neighbours (up to 2.5 km away) participating in group fox-control programs had higher survival of lambs than properties that did not. ConclusionsThese results support the development of a high level of group participation in fox-control programs that considers both spatial extent and frequency of baiting programs. They also support a movement away from the reactionary, short-term practice of baiting small areas to protect vulnerable prey. ImplicationsCoordinated group-baiting programs are likely to deliver improved lamb survival and should be promoted in areas where ongoing control programs for foxes are necessary.

Evaluating exotic predator control programs using non-invasive genetic tagging

2008 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxine P. Piggott ◽  
Rebecca Wilson ◽  
Sam C. Banks ◽  
Clive A. Marks ◽  
Frank Gigliotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Control Individual ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Sample Design ◽  
Lethal Control ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Before And After

Carnivorous predators are difficult to detect using conventional survey methods, especially at low levels of abundance. The introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Australia is monitored to determine the effectiveness of control programs, but assessing population parameters such as abundance and recruitment is difficult. We carried out a feasibility study to determine the effectiveness of using faecal DNA analysis methods to identify individual foxes and to assess abundance before and after lethal control. Fox faeces were collected in two sampling periods over four separate transects, and genotyped at five microsatellite loci. Two transects were subject to lethal control between collection periods. DNA was extracted from 170 fox faeces and, in total, 54 unique genotypes were identified. Fifteen biopsy genotypes from 30 foxes killed during lethal control were detected among the faecal genotypes. Overall, a similar number of genotypes were detected in both sampling periods. The number of individuals sampled in both periods was low (n = 6) and new individuals (n = 24) were detected in the second collection period. We were also able to detect animals that avoided lethal control, and movement of individuals between transects. The ability to identify individual foxes using these DNA techniques highlighted the shortcomings of the sample design, in particular the spatial scale and distances between transects. This study shows that non-invasive DNA sampling can provide valuable insight into pre and post fox abundance in relation to lethal control, individual behaviour and movement, as well as sample design. The information gained from this study will contribute to the design of future studies and, ultimately, control strategies.

Immediate post-release survival of eastern barred bandicoots Perameles gunnii at Woodlands Historic Park, Victoria, with reference to fox activity.

2005 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Long ◽  
AJ Robley ◽  
K Lovett
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Wild Population ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Predator Control ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
Fox Control

On mainland Australia, eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii) are now restricted to a single wild population at Hamilton in western Victoria, and recovery efforts are focussed on establishing new populations at reintroduction sites. The success in founding these populations has been variable, and post-release survival has not been accurately quantified. It is believed that predation by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is largely responsible for post-release loss of P. gunnii, despite the implementation of predator control programs at release sites. An intensive fox control program was established to protect 10 released P. gunnii at Woodlands Historic Park, near Melbourne. Monitoring of fox activity was undertaken prior to and after the release in an attempt to better understand the effectiveness of control operations. Seven bandicoots were known to be alive at the conclusion of the study five weeks after their release (and an additional animal was trapped four months later), with weight loss appearing to be an important factor in determining post-release survival. Despite constant levels of bait-take by V. vulpes, fox activity measured from sand-pads remained high. We hypothesise that the presence of suitable refugia is allowing the persistence of a low-density bandicoot population at Woodlands despite constant, high levels of fox activity.

scholarly journals Re-discovering jaguar in remaining coastal Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil by non-invasive DNA analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andiara Silos Moraes de Castro Souza ◽  
Bruno Henrique Saranholi ◽  
Peter Gransden Crawshaw Jr. ◽  
Agustin Javier Paviolo ◽  
Lilian Elaine Rampim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
National Park ◽  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Top Predator ◽  
Resident Population ◽  
Serra Do Mar ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
The Status

Abstract Jaguar populations have been declining in Brazil mostly due to habitat loss and fragmentation, conflict with humans, poaching and reduction of prey. This is dramatically true in the Atlantic Forest, where occurrence of this large felid is now restricted to very few remaining areas. We used a non-invasive DNA analysis to search through felid scats collected in the Santa Virginia Unit (SVU) of the Serra do Mar State Park, to test for the potential presence of jaguar there. Our results indicated at least three individuals (two females and one male) inside SVU, thus confirming at least temporary presence of this top predator in this important protected area. It is now crucial to intensify studies in that area and surroundings, to evaluate the status of these individuals and identify conservation needs to urgently improve the prospects for the establishment of a resident population, allowing it to expand to adjoining units of the Serra do Mar State Park and Serra da Bocaina National Park.

scholarly journals Optimal non‐invasive diagnosis of fetal achondroplasia combining ultrasonography with circulating cell‐free fetal DNA analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Vivanti ◽  
J.‐M. Costa ◽  
A. Rosefort ◽  
P. Kleinfinger ◽  
L. Lohmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Fetal Dna ◽  
Cell Free Fetal Dna

scholarly journals Two Reliable Methodical Approaches for Non-Invasive RHD Genotyping of a Fetus from Maternal Plasma

Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 564
Author(s):  
Jana Bohmova ◽  
Marek Lubusky ◽  
Iva Holuskova ◽  
Martina Studnickova ◽  
Romana Kratochvilova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Buccal Swab ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Pcr Method ◽  
Parallel Reactions

Noninvasive fetal RHD genotyping is an important tool for predicting RhD incompatibility between a pregnant woman and a fetus. This study aimed to assess a methodological approach other than the commonly used one for noninvasive fetal RHD genotyping on a representative set of RhD-negative pregnant women. The methodology must be accurate, reliable, and broadly available for implementation into routine clinical practice. A total of 337 RhD-negative pregnant women from the Czech Republic region were tested in this study. The fetal RHD genotype was assessed using two methods: real-time PCR and endpoint quantitative fluorescent (QF) PCR. We used exon-7-specific primers from the RHD gene, along with internal controls. Plasma samples were analyzed and measured in four/two parallel reactions to determine the accuracy of the RHD genotyping. The RHD genotype was verified using DNA analysis from a newborn buccal swab. Both methods showed an excellent ability to predict the RHD genotype. Real-time PCR achieved its greatest accuracy of 98.6% (97.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity (95% CI)) if all four PCRs were positive/negative. The QF PCR method also achieved its greatest accuracy of 99.4% (100% sensitivity and 98.6% specificity (95% CI)) if all the measurements were positive/negative. Both real-time PCR and QF PCR were reliable methods for precisely assessing the fetal RHD allele from the plasma of RhD-negative pregnant women.

Studies of the Ground-dwelling Mammals of Eucalypt Forests in North-eastern New South Wales: the Species, their Abundance and Distribution

1997 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Catling ◽  
R. J. Burt
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Felis Catus ◽  
Widespread Distribution ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Eucalypt Forests ◽  
Abundance And Distribution

The distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in the major vegetation alliances in the eucalypt forests within an area of c. 24000 km2 in north-eastern New South Wales were examined. Data for 33 species of mammal from 21 areas containing 30 vegetation alliances were collected. Four notable aspects of the data were the absence or low abundance of the introduced fox (Vulpes vulpes), the widespread distribution and abundance of the cat (Felis catus), the diversity and abundance of medium-sized native mammals and the diversity of small mammals. Although differences occurred between areas and alliances, there was no significant difference in the number of native and introduced species. The ground-dwelling mammals present in the eucalypt forests of north-eastern New South Wales were more diverse and in greater abundance than those found in forests of south-eastern New South Wales. However, some species, such as the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), appear to be in urgent need of protection and management if they are to persist.

A Comparison of Predator Scat Analysis With Conventional Techniques in a Mammal Survey of Contrasting Habitats in Gippsland, Victoria.

1978 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 75 ◽  
Author(s):  
GR Friend
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Felis Catus ◽  
Pine Plantations ◽  
Scat Analysis ◽  
Feral Cat ◽  
Eucalyptus Forest ◽  
Contrasting Habitats ◽  
Cattle And Sheep ◽  
Mammal Survey

In Gippsland, Victoria, in pine plantations and the adjacent native eucalyptus forest, mammal population was estimated by the usual methods and by analysis of ffaeces of predators. Predators were fox (Vulpes vulpes), feral cat (Felis catus), dog and dingo. Prey species found in faeces included 1 monotreme, 18 marsupial and 10 placental mammals, including the predators. Remains of cattle and sheep were found, presumably eaten as carrion. Remains of plants, or of animals other than the groups noted, were not required to be identified for the purpose of the study, nor were prey species attributed to each species of predator.

scholarly journals Change in the diet of sooty owls (Tyto tenebricosa) since European settlement: from terrestrial to arboreal prey and increased overlap with powerful owls

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohan J. Bilney ◽  
Raylene Cooke ◽  
John White
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring System ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Large Array ◽  
Dietary Overlap ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Critical Weight ◽  
Terrestrial Mammal ◽  
European Settlement ◽  
Fox Control

The current diet of the sooty owl (Tyto tenebricosa) was determined by analysing freshly regurgitated pellets collected beneath their roosting sites in East Gippsland, Victoria. Comparisons were then made with: (i) prehistoric and historic diet from bone deposits found in cave roosts, and (ii) diet of a sympatric owl species, the powerful owl (Ninox strenua). Sooty owls consumed a large array of terrestrial mammal species before European settlement, but only three terrestrial species were detected in their current diet, a reduction of at least eight species since European settlement. To compensate, sooty owls have increased their consumption of arboreal prey from 55% to 81% of their diet. Arboreal species are also a major component of the powerful owl diet and this prey shift by sooty owls has increased dietary overlap between these two species. Predation by foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and other feral species is likely to have reduced the amount of terrestrial prey available to sooty owls since European settlement. Investigation of changes in the diet of sooty owls may offer a unique monitoring system for evaluating the ability of fox-control strategies to influence increases in numbers of critical-weight-range mammals.

The fate of dried meat baits laid for fox control: the effects of bait presentation on take by foxes and non-target species, and on caching by foxes

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 371 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Thomson ◽  
N. E. Kok
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Lower Proportion ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Mixed Farming ◽  
Radio Transmitters ◽  
Fox Control

Non-toxic, dried meat baits (45 g) containing small radio-transmitters were laid on cleared sandplots in mixed farming and grain-growing areas in Western Australia. Baits were either buried, tethered by wire trace to a hidden peg, or simply laid untethered on the surface. Baits were exposed for 1 night only and new transects were established each day. Data were available on 1521 baits. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) visited 23% of plots and took baits from 64% of those visited. Unburied baits (both tethered and untethered) were taken significantly more frequently than the buried baits. Of all baits taken by foxes, 25% were cached. Foxes were more likely to cache buried baits than either tethered or untethered baits. Excluding baits taken to cubs, foxes cached baits 3–380 m (mean 87�m) from their original locations. Some baits were carried to cub dens up to 1.25�km away. The fate of 27�cached baits was monitored for varying periods. Of these baits, 59% were later eaten by foxes, most within 3�days. Non-target species took 3% of the baits on offer. Birds were the most common non-target animals to take baits, and in some cases dropped baits up to 400 m away. In terms of takes relative to visits, most takes by birds were of the untethered baits (88%, cf. 33% for tethered, 17% for buried baits). Compared with other baits, a significantly lower proportion of the untethered baits that were taken by birds was actually eaten. Baits cached by foxes and baits moved by birds represent a potential hazard to farm dogs and vulnerable fauna. Recommendations on bait presentation, distance restrictions, and likely risk to farm dogs and non-target species are discussed.

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