Population dynamics of the Quokka, Setonix brachyurus, on the west end of Rottnest I., Western Australia I. Habitat and distribution of the quokka

1967 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
WN Holsworth
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Major Portion ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Group Affiliation ◽  
The West

Data collected over a period of 10 yr is presented on the distribution of a small wallaby, the quokka, on the isolated West End portion of Rottnest I., Western Australia. The density of quokkas in each locality varied with the density of grasses that composed the major portion of their diet. Generally, the animals are non-gregarious and each quokka has a home range of about 10 ac. The home ranges of groups of 25-150 individuals overlap to form group territories. The boundaries of the group territories are stable and in places coincide with topographical features. Young quokkas usually remain in their natal group territory and rarely do permanent changes in group affiliation by animals of any age occur even after the population of adjacent territories has been greatly reduced.

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.

scholarly journals Western Bristlebird Dasyornis longirostris: Response to fire and persistence of home range in the Fitzgerald River National Park, Western Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 172-192
Author(s):  
Shapelle McNee ◽  
Brenda Newbey ◽  
Sarah Comer ◽  
Allan Burbidge ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
National Park ◽  
Fire Management ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Habitat Condition ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Burnt Areas ◽  
Western Australian

We investigated the response of the Western Bristlebird Dasyornis longirostris to fire in the Fitzgerald River National Park (FRNP), Western Australia, over a 34-year period. This species is a threatened Western Australian endemic restricted to a highly fire-prone habitat. Commencing in 1985, we surveyed for occurrence of Western Bristlebirds within the FRNP. Monitoring that was specifically focused on fire impacts began at Fitzgerald Track in November 1994 following a fire the previous month. That site had been surveyed in June and August 1994 before the fire. Fires in other recently surveyed locations in 1997–1998, 2000, 2008 and 2019 allowed for comparisons to be made following further monitoring of these sites. Many Bristlebirds survived a fire then relocated along or near the fire edge, usually in clusters of home ranges where suitable habitat was available. Bristlebirds gradually re-occupied burnt areas when these became suitable, often to home ranges occupied before the fire. There was a tendency for a home range to be occupied for >1 year. A change independent of fire could occur. Areas of vegetation of different fire ages were used by Bristlebirds for differing time periods. Sites in the lower-rainfall areas required longer periods of time for habitat to be recolonised by Bristlebirds and the maximum age of vegetation occupied by Bristlebirds varied between sites. For these reasons, generalised prescriptions are not appropriate, but fire management of individual patches of Bristlebird habitat in the FRNP can be guided by these findings, ensuring that unburnt refuge areas are both protected and retained, with the timing of management actions informed by knowledge of population response and habitat condition.

scholarly journals Home range use in the West Australian seahorse Hippocampus subelongatus is influenced by sex and partner’s home range but not by body size or paired status

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotta Kvarnemo ◽  
Susanne E. Andersson ◽  
Jonas Elisson ◽  
Glenn I. Moore ◽  
Adam G. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
The West ◽  
Adult Sex Ratio ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Home Range Use

AbstractGenetic monogamy is the rule for many species of seahorse, including the West Australian seahorse Hippocampus subelongatus. In this paper, we revisit mark-recapture and genetic data of H. subelongatus, allowing a detailed characterization of movement distances, home range sizes and home range overlaps for each individual of known sex, paired status (paired or unpaired) and body size. As predicted, we find that females have larger home ranges and move greater distances compared to males. We also confirm our prediction that the home ranges of pair-bonded individuals (members of a pair known to reproduce together) overlap more on average than home ranges of randomly chosen individuals of the opposite or same sex. Both sexes, regardless of paired status, had home ranges that overlapped with, on average, 6–10 opposite-sex individuals. The average overlap area among female home ranges was significantly larger than the overlap among male home ranges, probably reflecting females having larger home ranges combined with a female biased adult sex ratio. Despite a prediction that unpaired individuals would need to move around to find a mate, we find no evidence that unpaired members of either sex moved more than paired individuals of the same sex. We also find no effect of body size on home range size, distance moved or number of other individuals with which a home range overlapped. These patterns of movement and overlap in home ranges among individuals of both sexes suggest that low mate availability is not a likely explanation for the maintenance of monogamy in the West Australian seahorse.

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 Impact of natural salt lick on the home range of Panthera tigris at the Royal Belum Rainforest, Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan Andrew Lazarus ◽  
Azlan Che-Amat ◽  
Muhammad Muzammil Abdul Halim Shah ◽  
Azwan Hamdan ◽  
Hasliza Abu Hassim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Nutritional Ecology ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Panthera Tigris ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Salt Lick ◽  
Save Energy ◽  
Salt Licks

AbstractNatural salt lick (sira) is a strategic localisation for ecological wildlife assemblage to exhibit geophagy which may act as a population dynamic buffer of prey and predators. Undoubtedly, many agree that geophagy at natural licks is linked to nutritional ecology, health and assembly places facilitating social interaction of its users. Overall, natural salt licks not only save energy of obtaining nutrient leading to health maintenance but also forms the basis of population persistence. The Royal Belum Rainforest, Malaysia (Royal Belum) is a typical tropical rainforest in Malaysia rich in wildlife which are mainly concentrated around the natural salt lick. Since this is one of the most stable fauna ecology forest in Malaysia, it is timely to assess its impact on the Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris) home range dynamics. The three-potential home ranges of the Malayan tiger in this rainforest were selected based on animal trails or foot prints surrounding the salt lick viz (e.g. Sira Kuak and Sira Batu; Sira Rambai and Sira Buluh and Sira Papan) as well as previous sightings of a Malayan tiger in the area, whose movement is dependent on the density and distribution of prey. Camera traps were placed at potential animal trails surrounding the salt lick to capture any encountered wildlife species within the area of the camera placements. Results showed that all home ranges of Malayan tiger were of no significance for large bodied prey availability such as sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), and smaller prey such as muntjacs (Muntiacus muntjac) and wild boar (Sus scrofa). Interestingly, all home range harbour the Malayan tiger as the only sole predator. The non-significance of prey availability at each home range is attributed to the decline of the Malayan tiger in the rainforest since tigers are dependant on the movement of its preferred prey surrounding natural salt licks. Thus, the information from this study offers fundamental knowledge on the importance of prey-predator interaction at salt lick which will help in designing strategy in rewilding or rehabilitation programs of the Malayan tiger at the Royal Belum Rainforest.

The spatial dynamics of White-browed Babbler groups in a fragmented agricultural landscape

2002 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter G. Cale
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Group Movements

White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus groups occupying linear strips of vegetation had breeding territories that were smaller in area and had longer linear dimensions than those occupying patches. A group's non-breeding home range was larger than its breeding territory. Groups occupying linear/patch home ranges expanded the linear extent and area of their home ranges more than those within other home range configurations. Some groups moved during the non-breeding season and this was more likely to occur if the group occupied a remnant with a low abundance of invertebrates during summer. Some groups that moved returned prior to the next breeding season, but the majority were never seen again. New groups moved into the study sites and established in vacant home ranges. This suggests that those groups that left the study sites may have established new home ranges elsewhere. Breeding site fidelity was lower in groups that had failed in previous breeding attempts. Therefore, group movements were influenced by the feeding and breeding quality of the habitat. However, the configuration of the local population also influenced group movements with those groups on the edge of a local population being more likely to move than those in the interior. New groups were formed by two processes; group dispersal, where groups generally filled a vacant home range, and group budding, which involved the splitting of a large group. Group dispersal maintained group densities while group budding increased the density of groups in a local population. These two processes were common, producing localized fluctuations in the density of groups. Since babbler groups contain only one breeding pair, changes in group density represent changes in effective population size. Therefore, group dynamics may be important to the persistence of local populations of White-browed Babblers, especially in landscapes that have suffered from habitat loss and fragmentation.

Koalas continue to occupy their previous home-ranges after selective logging in Callitris - Eucalyptus forest

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodney P. Kavanagh ◽  
Matthew A. Stanton ◽  
Traecey E. Brassil
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Selective Logging ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Eucalyptus Forest ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Callitris Glaucophylla ◽  
One Year ◽  
Cypress Pine

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is a charismatic, high-profile species whose conservation needs are commonly perceived to be incompatible with logging. However, koala biology and the results of chronosequence studies elsewhere suggest that this species may tolerate a degree of habitat alteration caused by logging. In this study, 30 koalas, five in each of six areas available for logging within a mixed white cypress pine (Callitris glaucophylla)–Eucalyptus forest in north-western New South Wales, were radio-tracked for one year during 1997–1998 to determine their movements, home-range sizes and tree preferences. Five months after the study began, three of these areas were logged selectively for sawlogs and thinnings of the white cypress pine, a tree that is important to koalas for daytime shelter. This removed about one-quarter of the stand basal area, but the eucalypt component was unaffected. The remaining three areas were left undisturbed as controls. Radio-tracking continued in all six areas for another seven months. Koalas continued to occupy all or part of their previous home-ranges after selective logging, and home-range sizes remained similar between logged and unlogged areas. Home-ranges for both sexes overlapped and were ~12 ha for males and 9 ha for females. Koala survival and the proportions of breeding females were similar in logged and unlogged areas. The principal food trees of the koala were red gums, mainly Eucalyptus blakelyi and E. chloroclada, and the pilliga box (E. pilligaensis), none of which were logged in this study. These results suggest that selective logging for white cypress pine does not appear to adversely affect koala populations and that koalas may not be as sensitive to logging as previously thought. Further work is required to determine thresholds in the level of retention of koala food trees in logging operations.

Movement patterns of feral predators in an arid environment – implications for control through poison baiting

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 422 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. E. Moseby ◽  
J. Stott ◽  
H. Crisp
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Sand Dunes ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Poison Baiting ◽  
Specific Variation

Control of introduced predators is critical to both protection and successful reintroduction of threatened prey species. Efficiency of control is improved if it takes into account habitat use, home range and the activity patterns of the predator. These characteristics were studied in feral cats (Felis catus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in arid South Australia, and results are used to suggest improvements in control methods. In addition, mortality and movement patterns of cats before and after a poison-baiting event were compared. Thirteen cats and four foxes were successfully fitted with GPS data-logger radio-collars and tracked 4-hourly for several months. High intra-specific variation in cat home-range size was recorded, with 95% minimum convex polygon (MCP) home ranges varying from 0.5 km2 to 132 km2. Cat home-range size was not significantly different from that of foxes, nor was there a significant difference related to sex or age. Cats preferred habitat types that support thicker vegetation cover, including creeklines and sand dunes, whereas foxes preferred sand dunes. Cats used temporary focal points (areas used intensively over short time periods and then vacated) for periods of up to 2 weeks and continually moved throughout their home range. Aerial baiting at a density of 10 baits per km2 was ineffective for cats because similar high mortality rates were recorded for cats in both baited and unbaited areas. Mortality was highest in young male cats. Long-range movements of up to 45 km in 2 days were recorded in male feral cats and movement into the baited zone occurred within 2 days of baiting. Movement patterns of radio-collared animals and inferred bait detection distances were used to suggest optimum baiting densities of ~30 baits per km2 for feral cats and 5 per km2 for foxes. Feral cats exhibited much higher intra-specific variation in activity patterns and home-range size than did foxes, rendering them a potentially difficult species to control by a single method. Control of cats and foxes in arid Australia should target habitats with thick vegetation cover and aerial baiting should ideally occur over areas of several thousand square kilometres because of large home ranges and long-range movements increasing the chance of fast reinvasion. The use of temporary focal points suggested that it may take several days or even weeks for a cat to encounter a fixed trap site within their home range, whereas foxes should encounter them more quickly as they move further each day although they have a similar home-range size. Because of high intra-specific variability in activity patterns and home-range size, control of feral cats in inland Australia may be best achieved through a combination of control techniques.

scholarly journals The home-range concept: are traditional estimators still relevant with modern telemetry technology?

2010 ◽  
Vol 365 (1550) ◽  
pp. 2221-2231 ◽  
Author(s):  
John G. Kie ◽  
Jason Matthiopoulos ◽  
John Fieberg ◽  
Roger A. Powell ◽  
Francesca Cagnacci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Animal Movement ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Data Intensive ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Location Data ◽  
Utilization Distributions

Recent advances in animal tracking and telemetry technology have allowed the collection of location data at an ever-increasing rate and accuracy, and these advances have been accompanied by the development of new methods of data analysis for portraying space use, home ranges and utilization distributions. New statistical approaches include data-intensive techniques such as kriging and nonlinear generalized regression models for habitat use. In addition, mechanistic home-range models, derived from models of animal movement behaviour, promise to offer new insights into how home ranges emerge as the result of specific patterns of movements by individuals in response to their environment. Traditional methods such as kernel density estimators are likely to remain popular because of their ease of use. Large datasets make it possible to apply these methods over relatively short periods of time such as weeks or months, and these estimates may be analysed using mixed effects models, offering another approach to studying temporal variation in space-use patterns. Although new technologies open new avenues in ecological research, our knowledge of why animals use space in the ways we observe will only advance by researchers using these new technologies and asking new and innovative questions about the empirical patterns they observe.

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