scholarly journals Assessment of distribution patterns for the grey kangaroo within southern Queensland : an application and appraisal of faecal pellet counts and aerial survey for the study of grey kangaroo density and distribution

1983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg (Gregory J. E.) Hill
Keyword(s):  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Aerial Survey ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Pellet Counts

Seasonal Movement PAtterns of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo in Southern Queensland

1982 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 373 ◽  
Author(s):  
GJE Hill
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Soil Moisture Storage ◽  
Seasonal Movement ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Moisture Storage

A 2-y study was made of seasonal movement patterns of the eastern grey kangaroo, Macropus giganteus Shaw, in the Warwick district of south-eastern, and the Bollon district of south-western, Queensland. Faecal pellet counts were used to obtain indices of kangaroo usage of cleared country adjacent to cover. Kangaroos were sensitive to changes in forage status, particularly pasture phenology. As quality and quantity of forage reserves declined, animals made progressively greater use of cleared areas. This resulted in marked seasonal changes in distribution patterns. Of the variables quantified (rainfall, soil moisture storage and pasture growth), rainfall provided the best correlations with kangaroo usage of cleared country, explaining 55% (P = 0.002) of the variation in distribution at Warwick and 91% (P = 0.001) of that at Bollon.

A Technique for Estimating the Numbers of Eastern Gray Kangaroos, Macropus-Giganteus, Grazing a Given Area of Pasture

1986 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 335 ◽  
Author(s):  
RJ Perry ◽  
ML Braysher
Keyword(s):  
Decay Rate ◽  
Relative Density ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Absolute Number ◽  
Pellet Group ◽  
Potential Error ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Pellet Density

This paper outlines a technique for estimating, by means of faecal pellet counts, the absolute number of eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, grazing on a given area in the A.C.T. Absolute numbers were obtained by comparing relative density of pellets on the area to be assessed, with pellet density in the grey kangaroo enclosure at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, which has a known area and a known kangaroo population. The decay rate of pellets in three different areas did not vary significantly. The average number of pellets per pellet group was similar in all three areas, but during drought kangaroos tended to drop fewer pellets per group. However, the potential error caused by this can be avoided if the control and test areas are assessed at the same time. The problem of defining a group is eliminated by counting individual pellets rather than groups.

A Study of Habitat Preferences in the Grey Kangaroo

1981 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 245 ◽  
Author(s):  
GJE Hill
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Habitat Structure ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
And Cluster Analysis ◽  
Food Reserves ◽  
Open Woodland ◽  
Climax Forest

In a state forestry reserve in south-eastern Queensland, indices of grey kangaroo abundance were obtained from faecal pellet counts and were related to habitat structure by analysis of variance, multiple regression and cluster analysis. Of these, cluster analysis proved the most effective technique. Results identified a preference for habitats displaying an abundance of food reserves and shelter. Climax forest and open woodland type habitats were relatively little used.

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.

Methods for Small-Scale Surveys of Grey Kangaroo Populations

1985 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
GM Coulson ◽  
JA Raines
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Critical Conditions ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Transect Counts

Small-scale survey methods which have previously been applied to grey kangaroos were evaluated on a population of known size. The total population size of free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, on Rotamah Island in the Gippsland Lakes of Victoria was determined by a drive count. Two types of small-scale survey methods were evaluated against this total: line transect counts and faecal pellet counts. The line transect estimates were not significantly different from the known population size, and grey kangaroos appear to meet the critical conditions of the models. Counts of individual faecal pellets gave an acceptable estimate of population density, whereas counts based on pellet groups had significant positive bias.

scholarly journals Factors affecting the distribution and abundance of the Endangered volcano rabbit Romerolagus diazi on the Iztaccihuatl volcano, Mexico

Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 366-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Hunter ◽  
Will Cresswell
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Type ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Lower Altitude ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Closed Forest ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Strict Enforcement

AbstractThe volcano rabbit Romerolagus diazi is an Endangered species endemic to Mexico, with a range of < 400 km2. We investigated threats from destruction, fragmentation and degradation of habitat, hunting, and cattle grazing intensity in relation to the distribution and abundance of the volcano rabbit on the Iztaccihuatl volcano. Faecal pellet counts were taken as a proxy for rabbit abundance in 1,718 random 0.2 m2 quadrats at 859 sampling points along 25 transects, covering an area of c. 100 km2 at altitudes of 3,400–4,000 m. Presence of the species was significantly associated with absence of closed forest, absence of long grass types (not bunchgrass), shallow inclines, absence of cattle grazing, lower altitude, low hunting pressure (measured by proximity to ranger station), absence of bare ground and, contrary to previous findings, increased frequency of fire. The species was significantly more abundant in habitats with a greater percentage cover of zacaton (bunchgrass) and short grass types. It was significantly less abundant in areas with more hunting (measured by proximity to ranger station) and cattle grazing. Key conservation priorities are therefore the protection of the subalpine zacaton bunchgrass-dominated habitat type, strict enforcement of hunting laws and the removal of livestock from relevant national park boundary areas. However, the results suggest that frequent fires have a significant positive effect on the occurrence of the volcano rabbit as a result of habitat improvement and this is often a consequence of anthropogenic management of land for cattle grazing.

Using faecal pellet counts along transects to estimate quokka (Setonix brachyurus) population density

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt W. Hayward ◽  
Paul J. de Tores ◽  
Michael J. Dillon ◽  
Barry J. Fox ◽  
Peter B. Banks
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Jarrah Forest ◽  
Linear Relationships ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Transect Counts ◽  
Fox Control ◽  
Broad Scale

A study was conducted to determine the validity of using transect counts of faecal pellet groups to estimate population densities of a threatened, macropodid marsupial – the quokka (Setonix brachyurus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1830)). Mark–recapture estimates of population density were regressed against counts of faecal pellet groups at six sites with and three sites without fox control within the northern jarrah forest of Western Australia. Significant linear relationships were found between population density and pellet counts for all sites (r2 = 0.56, P < 0.02) and when all unbaited sites were excluded (r2 = 0.98, P < 0.01). We suggest that this method could be used for broad-scale monitoring of this threatened species.

scholarly journals Online appendix 1:Changing distributions of larger ungulates in the Kruger National Park from ecological aerial survey data

Koedoe ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
George J. Chirima ◽  
Norman Owen-Smith ◽  
Barend F.N. Erasmus
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Regional Distribution ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Aerial Survey ◽  
Kruger National Park ◽  
Western Boundary ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
The North ◽  
Distribution Ranges

Documenting current species distribution patterns and their association with habitat types is important as a basis for assessing future range shifts in response to climate change or other influences. We used the adaptive local convex hull (a-LoCoH) method to map distribution ranges of 12 ungulate species within the Kruger National Park (KNP) based on locations recorded during aerial surveys (1980–1993). We used log-linear models to identify changes in regional distribution patterns and chi-square tests to determine shifts in habitat occupation over this period. We compared observed patterns with earlier, more subjectively derived distribution maps for these species. Zebra, wildebeest and giraffe distributions shifted towards the far northern section of the KNP, whilst buffalo and kudu showed proportional declines in the north. Sable antelope distribution contracted most in the north, whilst tsessebe, eland and roan antelope distributions showed no shifts. Warthog and waterbuck contracted in the central and northern regions, respectively. The distribution of impala did not change. Compared with earlier distributions, impala, zebra, buffalo, warthog and waterbuck had become less strongly concentrated along rivers. Wildebeest, zebra, sable antelope and tsessebe had become less prevalent in localities west of the central region. Concerning habitat occupation, the majority of grazers showed a concentration on basaltic substrates, whilst sable antelope favoured mopane-dominated woodland and sour bushveld on granite. Buffalo showed no strong preference for any habitats and waterbuck were concentrated along rivers. Although widespread, impala were absent from sections of mopane shrubveld and sandveld. Kudu and giraffe were widespread through most habitats, but with a lesser prevalence in northern mopane-dominated habitats. Documented distribution shifts appeared to be related to the completion of the western boundary fence and widened provision of surface water within the park. Conservation implications: The objectively recorded distribution patterns provide a foundation for assessing future changes in distribution that may take place in response to climatic shifts or other influences.

scholarly journals Opportunistically collected data from aerial surveys reveal spatio-temporal distribution patterns of marine debris in German waters

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 2893-2903
Author(s):  
Bianca Unger ◽  
Helena Herr ◽  
Sacha Viquerat ◽  
Anita Gilles ◽  
Patricia Burkhardt-Holm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Aerial Survey ◽  
Marine Debris ◽  
Encounter Rate ◽  
The North ◽  
Aerial Surveys ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
German Waters ◽  
The Baltic

AbstractMarine debris is known for its ubiquitousness and harmful effects on marine life. This study is the first analysis to provide information on the distribution of floating marine debris in German waters using aerial survey data collected between 2002 and 2016. During regular harbour porpoise monitoring flights, 191,167 km were covered and 26,512 floating debris items recorded (average encounter rate 0.1387 items/km). Debris was encountered more often in the North Sea than in the Baltic Sea (0.16 items/km; 0.08 items/km). The average encounter rate was higher in offshore waters than in coastal areas. Overlaps of marine debris distribution with ‘Special Areas of Conservation’ are a particular reason for concern. Moreover, the spring months (March–May) were identified to be the time of the year with the highest average encounter rates for marine debris. Fishing-related debris was shown to contribute up to 25% of the total number of all observed items. This study shows that opportunistically collected data on marine debris from aerial surveys are valuable for identifying distribution patterns of floating debris without additional survey effort and costs. These data can be used as baseline information to inform management schemes such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Road-Kills of the Swamp Wallaby, Wallabia-Bicolor, on North-Stradbroke-Island, Southeast Queensland

1989 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 95 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Osawa
Keyword(s):  
Significant Variation ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
The Road ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Wallabia Bicolor ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Southeast Queensland ◽  
Swamp Wallaby ◽  
Made In

A total of 127 road-kills of the swamp wallaby, Wallabia bicolor, on North Stradbroke Island in south-east Queensland was recorded between May 1981 and April 1982. The majority of kills were of adults. Road-kills occurred mainly at night, suggesting that W. bicolor is nocturnal, and were significantly correlated with the number of vehicles brought onto the island by ferries. Faecal pellet counts were made in classified habitats along the road in order to determine the relationship between the population density and road-kills of W. bicolor. Road-kills were significantly correlated with the faecal pellet counts in the Disturbed Ares (narrow, artificially cleared areas adjacent to the road) but not with the counts in the Native Area (i.e. native forest). This indicates that the wallabies were attracted to the disturbed area and became more susceptible to being killed by vehicles. There was no significant variation in the number of road-kills between lunar phases.

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