Habitat Effects on Organ Weights, Longevity and Reproduction in the Mountain Brushtail Possum, Trichosurus caninus (Ogilby)

1982 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
JL Barnett ◽  
R.A. How ◽  
WF Humphreys
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Preferred Habitat ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Adult Sex Ratio ◽  
Reproductive Life ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Genetic Characters

Fifty-seven mountain brushtail possums. Trichosurus caninus (Ogilby), were killed and examined from a population in north-eastern New South Wales; 34 were from preferred habitat and 23 from peripheral habitat. Maximum age attained was 17 y for females and 12 y for males. Body, kidney, spleen and male liver weights were greater (P<0.05) in peripheral habitat, and female adrenal glands were heavier (P< 0.05) in preferred habitat. The mean number of corpora lutea per year of reproductive life was greater in peripheral-habitat females (1.56 � 0.13 SE) than in preferred-habitat females (1.18 � 0.11; P<0.05). Adult sex ratio was parity in both habitats but themean annual sex ratio of pouch young was 2.5:1 male : female in preferred habitat and 0.7:1 in peripheral habitat. The phenotypic distri-bution of transferrin differed between habitats. The data suggest that T. caninus in preferred and peripheral habitats were sufficiently distinctive in morphological, demographic, behavioural and genetic characters to be considered distinct subpopulations.

Wildlife road-kills on three major roads in north-eastern New South Wales

2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan D. Taylor ◽  
Ross L. Goldingay
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Road Mortality ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Road Kill ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Survey Technique

Although vehicle-induced mortality of wildlife is well known on roads throughout Australia, few empirical studies describe the extent of this mortality or assess the potential effects on wildlife populations. We recorded 529 roadkills of 53 vertebrate species along a 100-km circuit of three major roads during 20 weekly surveys across winter, spring and summer. This equates to 0.3 road-kills km–1 week–1 or one road-kill every 3.8 km week–1. The most frequently killed native species were the northern brown bandicoot (4 per week), the mountain brushtail possum (2 per week) and the Australian magpie (2 per week). These values are underestimates because our survey technique could not detect all road-kills and ~40% of those left on the roadside disappeared within 7�days. Detailed study of the local population of the brown bandicoot is needed to determine whether such a level of road mortality is sustainable.A logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether any of 10 road and landscape attributes were closely associated with the presence of specific groups of road-kills. Bandicoots were not associated with any measured attributes. Possums were more likely to occur along roads on mid-slopes and ridge-tops. Magpies were associated with roads on ridge-tops. Canopy-dwelling birds were more likely to be killed on 3-lane roads surrounded by dense vegetation.Road-kill surveys such as this are needed to identify species for which road mortality is unsustainable, to determine the influence on threatened species, and to identify important crossing points where road-kills are high. The frequency of road-kill of many ground-dwelling or arboreal mammal species in this study highlights the importance of impact mitigation by road authorities.

Uptake of Baits by Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes): Implications for Rabies Contingency Planning in Australia

1997 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. S. Fleming
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Rural Environment ◽  
Contingency Planning ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Population Reduction ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Bait Station ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
The Mean

Baits containing the bait marker iophenoxic acid were used to quantify bait uptake by red foxes in a rural environment in north-eastern New South Wales. Baits were distributed at a mean density of 4·4 baits km-2. Serum iodine levels were analysed from a sample of 29 foxes shot on two baited sites and a nil-treatment site. The mean percentage of foxes with elevated seral iodine, indicating the consumption of at least one bait, was 58·3%. This rate of bait uptake would not consistently deliver reductions in fox densities or immunisation levels considered necessary for the control of rabies enzootics in Europe and North America. The minimum number known to be alive (MNA) method overestimated population reduction and underestimated abundance. Indirect estimators of population abundance, such as bait-station indices, are of more use in rabies contingency planning and modelling. This is because they are more reliable, are likely to overestimate abundance, and are more precautionary. Shooting of foxes at night was an inefficient method of reducing fox populations.

Effects of Habitat, Host Sex and Age on the Parasites of Trichosurus Caninus (Marsupialia: Phalangeridae) in North-Eastern New South Wales.

1982 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
PJA Presidente ◽  
JL Barnett ◽  
RA How ◽  
WF Humphreys
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Tract ◽  
New South ◽  
Pulmonary Inflammation ◽  
Ixodes Holocyclus ◽  
Preferred Habitat ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Host Sex ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Portal Veins ◽  
Hepatic Portal

The condition of 57 Trichosurus caninus (Ogilby), and their ectoparasites, endoparasites and associated pathology were examined; ages and habitat status of these animals were known. Condition scores for females were greater (P<0.005) than those for males. Seven ectoparasite species (two ticks, five mites), two protozoan and seven helminth (one cestode, six nematodes) species were identified in T. caninus from both preferred and peripheral habitats. Prevalence of Amplicaecum robertsi (Sprent & Mines) larvae and the oxyurid nematode Adelonema trichosuri (Johnston & Mawson) were greater (P<0.05) in T. caninus from peripheral habitat than in preferred-habitat animals. Greater burdens (P<0.05) of the tick Ixodes holocyclus Neumann, two mites Trichosurolaelaps dixoa Domrow and 7. crassipes Womersley, and the trichostrongylid nematode Paraustrostrongylus trichosuri Mawson were found in peripheral-habitat T. caninus. Subadult males harboured greater Paraustrostrongylus burdens (P<0.05) than did subadult females or adult animals. Three Trichosurus vulpecula (Kerr) sympatric with peripheral-habitat T. caninus were also examined. One tick I. trichosuri Roberts, one mite T. crassipes and four helminth species: Bertiella trichosuri Khalil, A. robertsi, Paraustrostrongylus trichosuri and Parastrongyloides trichosuri Mackerras, were identified. The cestode B. trichosuri was recovered from the three T. vulpecula and four peripheral-habitat T. caninus, but only from one T. caninus from preferred habitat. Larval A. robertsi caused focal eosinophilic cholangiohepatitis with dilatation of affected bile ducts in livers of both Trichosurus spp. Eosinophilic vasculitis of hepatic portal veins was associated with ?Sprattia venacavincola (Spratt & Varughese) and focal granulomatous splenitis with sequestered microfilariae in T. caninus. Also, ?Marsupostrongylus minesi Spratt in dilated alveoli caused mild pulmonary inflammation. There were no pathological changes associated with intestinal tract parasites. Free corticosteroid levels in preferred-habitat female T. caninus were greater (P<0.05) than in those from peripheral habitat. This correlated with hyperplastic changes in adrenal glands of these females, but not with parasite burdens.

Population structure and demography of an Algerian population of the Moorish tortoise, Testudo graeca

2007 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slim Benyacoub ◽  
El Hassan El Mouden ◽  
Rachid Rouag ◽  
Chahira Ferrah ◽  
Luca Luiselli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Biology ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Average Growth ◽  
Testudo Graeca ◽  
Algerian Population ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Adult Sex Ratio ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Eastern Algeria ◽  
Demographic Patterns

AbstractDemography and population biology aspects of the Moorish tortoise, Testudo graeca graeca were studied in the Parc National d'El Kala, north-eastern Algeria. Density, which was assessed by capture-mark-recapture procedures in a study plot of 30 ha surface, was 3.73 individuals × ha−1. Adult sex-ratio was nearly equal (1.06 : 1). Sexual maturity was reached at 7-8 years of age in the males and at 9-11 years in the females. The mean age of tortoises was 13.8 ± 6.4 years (n = 88). Maximum longevity was over 20 years in both sexes. The females reached larger body size than the males. The growth was rapid during the early years of age in both sexes, and tended to stop completely by the 9-12 years of life in the males and by the 8-10 years in the females. The instantaneous growth of adults which were recaptured in multiple years indicated an average growth rate of 11.34 mm/year in the males, and of 26.30 mm/year in the females. Mortality was estimated at 3.94%. The main mortality cause for the tortoises of this population was the occurrence of fires spreading throughout the study area. These data are of interest because demographic patterns of Testudo graeca seem to vary not only because of their relative genetical variability, but also because of their relative environmental stress.

scholarly journals Reproductive performance in a cat colony over a 10-year period

1970 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy Robinson ◽  
H. W. Cox
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Inverse Relation ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Reproductive Life ◽  
Subsequent Loss ◽  
The Mean

Various aspects of reproductive performance in a cat colony are analysed in order to provide a basis for future studies. The aspects considered are: effect of mortality on litter size at different stages, and differential effect of losses on sex ratio of kittens reared; trend in litter size for successive parities; monthly variation in frequency of litters and litter size; output of kittens per queen per year. The sex ratio for live kittens was found to be 99.3 males per 100 females. Significant lower sex ratios of 65.6 and 79.7 were found in stillborn and in kittens which died between birth and weaning respectively. The mean litter size was 4.20 born (4.07 after deducting stillbirths), 3.65 at weaning. An inverse relation was found between incidence of stillbirths and subsequent loss before weaning. The mortality rate in each case was 1.5 kittens per affected litter. The mean litter size was smaller for the first litter but then increased to a constant 'plateau' until almost the end of the queen's reproductive life. Litters were produced throughout the year, but with greater frequency in the early spring months and again in the late summer. Litter size was greater in the summer months. Kitten mortality was lower in the summer than in the winter. A mean of 10.8 kittens were born per queen per year, and the mean number weaned was 9.4, representing a survival rate of 87 per cent.

Reproduction of Richardson's ground squirrel (Spermophilus richardsonii) in southern Saskatchewan

1972 ◽  
Vol 50 (12) ◽  
pp. 1577-1581 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. H. Sheppard
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Ground Squirrel ◽  
Ground Squirrels ◽  
Spermophilus Richardsonii ◽  
Live Trapping ◽  
Native Grassland ◽  
Adult Sex Ratio ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Sexually Mature

Adult Richardson's ground squirrels (n = 238) were collected near Regina, Saskatchewan in April and May of 1969 and 1970. The adult sex ratio (males: females) of collected animals was 1:3.3 compared with a juvenile sex ratio of 1:1 obtained by live trapping in 1967and 1968. The breeding season extended from 3 to 28 April but 77.8% of all conceptions occurred between 7 and 16 April. All yearlings seemed to be sexually mature and the mean litter size for all females baaed on living embryos was 6.93 ± 0.18. Mortality of embryos was 6.83%. Yearlings were smaller than adults but mean litter sizes of yearlings and adults did not differ. Ground squirrels collected from cropland had a significantly larger mean litter size, were somewhat heavier, and had significantly longer humeri than those from native grassland.

scholarly journals An Isolated and Expanding Population of the Introduced Toad Bufo marinus in New South Wales

1980 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 305 ◽  
Author(s):  
EK Beurden
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Maximum Rate ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Rate Of Spread ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Expanding Population ◽  
Toad Bufo

The distribution of Bufo mannus in north-eastern New South Wales (Australia) was surveyed in 1975 and 1978. Hitherto it had been assumed that the toads in New South Wales were derived from a southward migration from Queensland, but the populations proved to be disjunct, being separated by 25 km of coastal seaboard. Estimated times of first sightings suggest that the toads have been dispersing for at least 12 y from an initial introduction near Byron Bay. The mean rate of spread from Byron Bay is 1.07 km y-1. The maximum rate, 3 km y-1 is attained across flat or gently undulating rural areas. As there are no major climatological or geographic disjunctions at the present boundaries, the Queensland and New South Wales populations are likely to meet within 4-12y, and further dispersal southwards appears certain.

scholarly journals Clinical profiles of diabetic foot ulcer patients undergoing major limb amputation at a tertiary care center in North-eastern Tanzania

BMC Surgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Shabhay ◽  
Pius Horumpende ◽  
Zarina Shabhay ◽  
Andrew Mganga ◽  
Jeff Van Baal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Limb Amputation ◽  
Foot Ulcers ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcers ◽  
Random Blood Glucose ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Diabetic foot ulcers complications are the major cause of non-traumatic major limb amputation. We aimed at assessing the clinical profiles of diabetic foot ulcer patients undergoing major limb amputation in the Surgical Department at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), a tertiary care hospital in North-eastern Tanzania. Methods A cross—sectional hospital-based study was conducted from September 2018 through March 2019. Demographic data were obtained from structured questionnaires. Diabetic foot ulcers were graded according to the Meggitt-Wagner classification system. Hemoglobin and random blood glucose levels data were retrieved from patients’ files. Results A total of 60 patients were recruited in the study. More than half (31/60; 51.67%) were amputated. Thirty-five (58.33%) were males. Fifty-nine (98.33%) had type II diabetes. Nearly two-thirds (34/60; 56.67%) had duration of diabetes for more than 5 years. The mean age was 60.06 ± 11.33 years (range 30–87). The mean haemoglobin level was 10.20 ± 2.73 g/dl and 9.84 ± 2.69 g/dl among amputees. Nearly two thirds (42/60; 70.00%) had a haemoglobin level below 12 g/dl, with more than a half (23/42; 54.76%) undergoing major limb amputation. Two thirds (23/31; 74.19%) of all patients who underwent major limb amputation had mean hemoglobin level below 12 g/dl. The mean Random Blood Glucose (MRBG) was 13.18 ± 6.17 mmol/L and 14.16 ± 6.10 mmol/L for amputees. Almost two thirds of the study population i.e., 42/60(70.00%) had poor glycemic control with random blood glucose level above 10.0 mmol/L. More than half 23/42 (54.76%) of the patients with poor glycemic control underwent some form of major limb amputation; which is nearly two thirds (23/31; 74.19%) of the total amputees. Twenty-eight (46.67%) had Meggitt-Wagner classification grade 3, of which nearly two thirds (17:60.71%) underwent major limb amputation. Conclusion In this study, the cohort of patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers treated in a tertiary care center in north-eastern Tanzania, the likelihood of amputation significantly correlated with the initial grade of the Meggit-Wagner ulcer classification. High blood glucose levels and anaemia seem to be also important risk factors but correlation did not reveal statistical significance.

Effectiveness of protected areas in north-eastern New South Wales: recent trends in six measures

2002 ◽  
Vol 106 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.L Pressey ◽  
G.L Whish ◽  
T.W Barrett ◽  
M.E Watts
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Recent Trends

Outflow ignimbrite sheets from Late Carboniferous calderas, Currabubula Formation, New South Wales, Australia

1983 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. 487-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. McPhie
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Sedimentary Facies ◽  
Late Carboniferous ◽  
The West ◽  
Pyroclastic Deposits ◽  
Flow Units ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Accretionary Lapilli ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Thickness Variations

SummaryRegionally mappable, silicic, outflow ignimbrite sheets are interbedded with fluvial volcanogenic conglomerates and sandstones of the Late Carboniferous Currabubula Formation of north-eastern N.S.W. Four of the most widespread of these ignimbrites are described and defined as members. The oldest member is comprised of many thin, originally non-welded flow units. Interbedded accretionary lapilli horizons may indicate phreatomagmatic activity at vent during the eruption in addition to local rain-flushing of co-ignimbrite ash clouds. Of the three other members, two are multiple flow-unit sheets, 160–180 m in aggregate thickness. Substantial portions of these sheets were originally welded. The remaining member is a simple welded ignimbrite characterized by abundant spherulites and lithophysae. Irregular pre-eruption topography and contemporaneous erosion were responsible for thickness variations of the ignimbrite sheets. Some palaeovalleys, now delineated by the ignimbrites, persisted in spite of repeated pyroclastic influxes. Relic pumice, shards and crystal fragments are ubiquitous components of the sedimentary facies of the Currabubula Formation, and were probably derived from originally poorly consolidated pyroclastic deposits such as airfall ash layers and non-welded ignimbrites. No surface trace of the sources of these ignimbrites exists. However, internal facies, thickness variations and volumes of the ignimbrites indicate that they periodically emanated from a multiple-caldera terrain which was continuously active during the Late Carboniferous, and located several kilometres to the west of present exposures.

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