DOCSLIB.ORG

The Bare-Nosed Wombat and Its Pathogen, Sarcoptes Scabiei

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Bare-Nosed Wombat and Its Pathogen, Sarcoptes Scabiei The bare-nosed wombat and its pathogen, Sarcoptes scabiei Alynn M. Martin BSc, MSc, GradCertRes Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania, November 2018 Declarations by the author Declaration of originality This thesis contains no material which has been accepted for a degree or diploma by the University of Tasmania or any other institution, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, this thesis contains no material previously published or written by another person, except where due acknowledgement is made in the text of this thesis, nor does the thesis contain any material that infringes copyright. Authority of access This thesis may be made available for loan or limited copying and communication in accordance with the Copyright Act 1968. Statement regarding published work contained in this thesis The publishers of the papers comprising Chapters 2, 3, 5, and Appendix I hold the copyright for that content, and access to the material should be sought from the respective journals. The remaining non-published content of this thesis (Chapters 1, 4, and 6) may be made available for loan and limited copying and communication in accordance with the Copyright Act 1968. Statement of ethical conduct The research associated with this thesis abides by the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, 7th edition, 2004 and the University of Tasmanian Animal Ethics Guidelines. The research presented in this thesis was carried out under University of Tasmania Animal Ethics Approval A14670 (2015-18) and the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water, and the Environment Permits FA1503 (2014- 15), FA15121 (2015-16), FA15122 (2015-16), FA16194 (2016-17), and FA17050 (2017). I acknowledge and agree to the above stated declarations: 01 November 2018 Alynn M. Martin Date PhD Candidate i Statement of co-authorship The following people and institutions contributed to the publication of research undertaken as part of this thesis: Alynn M. Martin: School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania (Candidate) Scott Carver: School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania (Supervisor) Christopher Burridge: School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania (Co-supervisor) • • • • • Sam Banks: College of Engineering, IT and Environment, Charles Darwin University Tamieka Fraser: School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania & Animal Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast Jillian Garvey: School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University Janeane Ingram: School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania John Lesku: School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University Kellie Lovell: Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water, and the Environment Adam Polkinghorne: School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast Kirstin Proft: School of Geography and Spatial Science, University of Tasmania Hayley Ricardo: Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Shane Richards: School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania Georgia Roberts: School of Science and Engineering, Federation University & School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University Adrianna Tompros: Colorado State University ii Publications produced as part of this thesis with contributions by co-authors: Chapter 2 has been published in Royal Society of Open Science: Martin AM, Fraser TA, Lesku JA, Simpson K, Roberts GL, Garvey J, Polkinghorne A, Burridge CP, and S Carver. 2018. The cascading pathogenic consequences of Sarcoptes scabiei infection that manifest in host disease. Royal Society Open Science (5)4: doi.10.1098/rsos.180018. Contributions: SC, AMM, JAL, and CPB conceived and designed the research; AMM, SC, KS, GLR, JG, AP, TAF and CPB collected the data; AMM, JAL, SC analysed the data; AMM, JAL, SC, CPB interpreted results; AMM, SC drafted the manuscript, and all authors participated in manuscript modifications. Chapter 3 has been published in Journal of Applied Ecology: Martin AM, Burridge CP, Ingram J, Fraser TA, and Carver S. 2018. Invasive pathogen drives host population collapse: effects of a travelling wave of sarcoptic mange on bare-nosed wombats. Journal of Applied Ecology 50(1):331-341. Contributions: SC, JI, and CPB conceived and designed the research; AMM, SC, JI, and CPB collected all data; AMM analysed the data; AMM, SC, CPB, and TAF interpreted results; AMM, SC, and CPB drafted the manuscript, and all authors participated in manuscript modifications. Chapter 4 is in review with the Journal of Applied Ecology: Martin AM, Richards SA, Fraser TA, Polkinghorne A, Burridge CP, and S Carver. Population-scale treatment informs solutions for control of environmentally transmitted wildlife disease. Contributions: SC, AMM, SAR, and CPB conceived and designed the research; AMM, SC, AP, TAF and CPB collected the data; AMM, SC, and SAR analysed the data; SAR developed the statistical models, AMM, SC, SAR, CPB, and AP interpreted results; AMM, SC, and SAR drafted the manuscript, and all authors participated in manuscript modifications. iii Chapter 5 is accepted to be published in Evolutionary Applications: Martin AM, Carver S, Proft K, Fraser TA, Polkinghorne A, Banks S, and CP Burridge. Isolation, marine transgression, and translocation of the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus). Contributions: AMM, SC, and CPB conceived and designed the research; AMM, SC, AP, TAF, SB and CPB collected the data; AMM, KP, and CPB analysed the data; AMM, SC, SB, CPB, and KP interpreted results; AMM, SC, and CPB drafted the manuscript, and all authors participated in manuscript modifications. Appendix I is published (online) in Australian Mammalogy: Martin AM, Ricardo H, Tompros A, Fraser TA, Polkinghorne A, S Carver. Burrows with resources have greater visitation and may enhance mange transmission among wombats. Australian Mammalogy, DOI: 10.1071/AM18013 Contributions: AMM and SC conceived and designed the research; AMM, SC, AP, and TAF collected the data; AMM, AT, and HR analysed the data; AMM, SC, HR, and AT interpreted results; AMM and SC drafted the manuscript, and all authors participated in manuscript modifications. • • • • • We, the undersigned, agree with the above stated proportion of work undertaken for each of the above published (or submitted) peer-reviewed manuscripts contributing to this thesis: Scott Carver Christopher Burridge Greg Jordan Candidate’s supervisor Candidate’s co-supervisor Head of Discipline School of Natural Sciences School of Natural Sciences School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania University of Tasmania University of Tasmania Date: 08/11/2018 Date: 08/11/2018 Date: 08/11/2018 iv Acknowledgements It goes without saying that to be at this point after four years of postgraduate research, I have received an overwhelming amount of support, encouragement, and help from many people, and a deep and heartfelt ‘thank you’ is in order. First and foremost, thank you to my supervisors, Drs. Scott Carver and Christopher Burridge. Without your guidance and support, none of this would have been possible. Thank you for challenging me to be a better researcher, for understanding my limits and encouraging me to work beyond them, for always making time and having an open door throughout this process, and for believing in me when I doubted myself. I dare say you are the best pair of advisors any postgraduate student could hope for, and I have been extremely lucky. You have made all the difference in my PhD journey. To all of those who volunteered with me over the past four years: to Katja Gutwein and Nick Bean for helping me set up more than 100 burrow flaps in Narawntapu National Park; to Tierney O’Sullivan, Marion Fourquez, Jo Horton, Chris Kozakiewicz, and Belle Monk for helping me trap and process wombats in the cold of winter; to Danielle Madden, Alyce Hennessey, Samantha James, Sybil Sim, Dana Maxwell, Alex Doyle, Weibke Knoblauch, Lisa Mckay, Renee Dodd, Emma Nichols, and Jeremy O’Wheel for putting in long and hard hours surveying wombats and wombat burrows; and to Adri Tompros, Hayley Ricardo, and Sandon James, for your help in data collection and organization. To the staff in the School of Natural Sciences: to Adam Smolenski for spending countless hours with me in the lab providing me with invaluable knowledge and expertise; to Jodi Noble, Morgan Green, Amanda Noble, Clancy Carver and Anna McEldowney for always having answers and solutions to my questions; to Ashley Edwards for giving me the opportunity to develop my skills as a demonstrator and a teacher; and last but not least, to Helen Stephens for her endless optimism in reading and editing countless drafts of my grant proposals – thanks for having faith in my work. To all of the people and associations who provided my project essential funding and resources to carry out this research: Sally Bryant from the Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC), Dr. Bill Holsworth (Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment), the Wildlife Disease Association Australasian Sector, and Mange Management. To my office mates: Riana Gardiner (my other half), Rowena Hamer, Sebastien Comte, David Hamilton, Vince Scoleri, and Cat Hamilton – thank you all for being my home away from home and my TAS family, for all the laughs, coffee breaks, office dinners, life chats, and adventures. To the Carver Lab and Funky Genomics Group: thanks for hearing out my ideas and brainstorming with me. You’re the finest group of researchers I know, and I look forward to v ongoing collaborations with you in the future. To the gym crew – special mention Luke Granger, Trudy Kennedy, Adam Shephard, Anthony Koutoulous, Aon Poolprem-Johnson, and Ray Mouchet – for all the epic workouts and comradery. To my dear friends who have been there for me through the entire four years – Amy Edwards, Erfan Aghasian, Mesfer Al Qhanti, Terry Hisiridis – thanks for being a huge and irreplaceable part of my life. Last but certainly not least, to my family, who has been my rock throughout this journey. To my parents, William and Theresa Martin, for always encouraging me to pursue my academic and career goals, for lifting me up in my times of failure, and for loving me unconditionally.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Genetic Epidemiology and Pathology of Raccoon-Derived Sarcoptes Mites from Urban Areas of Germany
    Medical and Veterinary Entomology (2014) 28 (Suppl. 1), 98–103 Genetic epidemiology and pathology of raccoon-derived Sarcoptes mites from urban areas of Germany Z. RENTERÍA-SOLÍS1,A.M.MIN2, S. ALASAAD3,4, K. MÜLLER5, F.-U. MICHLER6, R. SCHMÄSCHKE7, U. WITTSTATT8, L. ROSSI2 andG. WIBBELT1 1Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany, 2Department of Animal Production, Epidemiology and Ecology, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy, 3Doñana Biological Station, Spanish National Research Council (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Seville, Spain, 4Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, 5Clinic for Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany, 6Group for Wildlife Research, Institute of Forest Botany and Forest Zoology, Technical University of Dresden, Tharandt, Germany, 7Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany and 8Department of Animal Diseases, Zoonoses and Infection Diagnostics, Landeslabor Berlin–Brandenburg, Berlin, Germany Abstract. The raccoon, Procyon lotor (Carnivora: Procyonidae), is an invasive species that is spreading throughout Europe, in which Germany represents its core area. Here, raccoons mostly live in rural regions, but some urban populations are already established, such as in the city of Kassel, or are starting to build up, such as in Berlin. The objective of this study was to investigate Sarcoptes (Sarcoptiformes: Sarcoptidae) infections in racoons in these two urban areas and to identify the putative origin of the parasite. Parasite morphology, and gross and histopathological examinations of diseased skin tissue were consistent with Sarcoptes scabiei infection. Using nine microsatellite markers, we genotyped individual mites from five raccoons and compared them with Sarcoptes mites derived from fox, wild boar and Northern chamois, originating from Italy and Switzerland.
    [Show full text]
  • Sarcoptes Scabiei, Psoroptes Ovis
    Mounsey et al. Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:3 http://www.parasitesandvectors.com/content/5/1/3 RESEARCH Open Access Quantitative PCR-based genome size estimation of the astigmatid mites Sarcoptes scabiei, Psoroptes ovis and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus Kate E Mounsey1,2, Charlene Willis1, Stewart TG Burgess3, Deborah C Holt4, James McCarthy1,5 and Katja Fischer1* Abstract Background: The lack of genomic data available for mites limits our understanding of their biology. Evolving high- throughput sequencing technologies promise to deliver rapid advances in this area, however, estimates of genome size are initially required to ensure sufficient coverage. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR was used to estimate the genome sizes of the burrowing ectoparasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei, the non-burrowing ectoparasitic mite Psoroptes ovis, and the free-living house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Additionally, the chromosome number of S. scabiei was determined by chromosomal spreads of embryonic cells derived from single eggs. Results: S. scabiei cells were shown to contain 17 or 18 small (< 2 μM) chromosomes, suggesting an XO sex- determination mechanism. The average estimated genome sizes of S. scabiei and P. ovis were 96 (± 7) Mb and 86 (± 2) Mb respectively, among the smallest arthropod genomes reported to date. The D. pteronyssinus genome was estimated to be larger than its parasitic counterparts, at 151 Mb in female mites and 218 Mb in male mites. Conclusions: This data provides a starting point for understanding the genetic organisation and evolution of these astigmatid mites, informing future sequencing projects. A comparitive genomic approach including these three closely related mites is likely to reveal key insights on mite biology, parasitic adaptations and immune evasion.
    [Show full text]
  • Reproductionreview
    REPRODUCTIONREVIEW Wombat reproduction (Marsupialia; Vombatidae): an update and future directions for the development of artificial breeding technology Lindsay A Hogan1, Tina Janssen2 and Stephen D Johnston1,2 1Wildlife Biology Unit, Faculty of Science, School of Agricultural and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia and 2Australian Animals Care and Education, Mt Larcom 4695, Queensland, Australia Correspondence should be addressed to L A Hogan; Email: [email protected] Abstract This review provides an update on what is currently known about wombat reproductive biology and reports on attempts made to manipulate and/or enhance wombat reproduction as part of the development of artificial reproductive technology (ART) in this taxon. Over the last decade, the logistical difficulties associated with monitoring a nocturnal and semi-fossorial species have largely been overcome, enabling new features of wombat physiology and behaviour to be elucidated. Despite this progress, captive propagation rates are still poor and there are areas of wombat reproductive biology that still require attention, e.g. further characterisation of the oestrous cycle and oestrus. Numerous advances in the use of ART have also been recently developed in the Vombatidae but despite this research, practical methods of manipulating wombat reproduction for the purposes of obtaining research material or for artificial breeding are not yet available. Improvement of the propagation, genetic diversity and management of wombat populations requires a thorough understanding of Vombatidae reproduction. While semen collection and cryopreservation in wombats is fairly straightforward there is currently an inability to detect, induce or synchronise oestrus/ovulation and this is an impeding progress in the development of artificial insemination in this taxon.
    [Show full text]
  • The Kangaroo Island Tammar Wallaby
    The Kangaroo Island Tammar Wallaby Assessing ecologically sustainable commercial harvesting A report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation by Margaret Wright and Phillip Stott University of Adelaide March 1999 RIRDC Publication No 98/114 RIRDC Project No. UA-40A © 1999 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 0 642 57879 6 ISSN 1440-6845 "The Kangaroo Island Tammar Wallaby - Assessing ecologically sustainable commercial harvesting " Publication No: 98/114 Project No: UA-40A The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report. This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186. Researcher Contact Details Margaret Wright & Philip Stott Department of Environmental Science and Management University of Adelaide ROSEWORTHY SA 5371 Phone: 08 8303 7838 Fax: 08 8303 7956 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: http://www.roseworthy.adelaide.edu.au/ESM/ RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 4539 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Published in March 1999 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint ii Foreword The Tammar Wallaby on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, is currently managed as a vertebrate pest.
    [Show full text]
  • Bearing up Well? Understanding the Past, Present and Future of Australia's Koalas
    Gondwana Research 25 (2014) 1186–1201 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Gondwana Research journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/gr GR focus review Bearing up well? Understanding the past, present and future of Australia's koalas Karen H. Black a,⁎, Gilbert J. Price b, Michael Archer a, Suzanne J. Hand a a School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia b Department of Earth Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia article info abstract Article history: The modern Koala Phascolarctos cinereus is the last surviving member of a once diverse family Phascolarctidae Received 20 October 2013 (Marsupialia, Phascolarctomorphia). Nine genera and at least 16 species of koala are known. Late Oligocene sed- Received in revised form 17 December 2013 iments of central Australia record the oldest fossils and highest species diversity. Five species are known from the Accepted 22 December 2013 early to middle Miocene rainforest assemblages of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, Queensland. With the Available online 30 December 2013 onset of dryer conditions after the middle Miocene climatic optimum (~16 Ma), rainforest habitats contracted Handling Editor: M. Santosh resulting in the apparent extinction of three koala lineages (Litokoala, Nimiokoala, Priscakoala). Phascolarctos first appears in the fossil record during the Pliocene and the modern species around 350 ka. Despite a dramatic Keywords: decline in taxonomic diversity to a
    [Show full text]
  • 3966 Tour Op 4Col
    The Tasmanian Advantage natural and cultural features of Tasmania a resource manual aimed at developing knowledge and interpretive skills specific to Tasmania Contents 1 INTRODUCTION The aim of the manual Notesheets & how to use them Interpretation tips & useful references Minimal impact tourism 2 TASMANIA IN BRIEF Location Size Climate Population National parks Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area (WHA) Marine reserves Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) 4 INTERPRETATION AND TIPS Background What is interpretation? What is the aim of your operation? Principles of interpretation Planning to interpret Conducting your tour Research your content Manage the potential risks Evaluate your tour Commercial operators information 5 NATURAL ADVANTAGE Antarctic connection Geodiversity Marine environment Plant communities Threatened fauna species Mammals Birds Reptiles Freshwater fishes Invertebrates Fire Threats 6 HERITAGE Tasmanian Aboriginal heritage European history Convicts Whaling Pining Mining Coastal fishing Inland fishing History of the parks service History of forestry History of hydro electric power Gordon below Franklin dam controversy 6 WHAT AND WHERE: EAST & NORTHEAST National parks Reserved areas Great short walks Tasmanian trail Snippets of history What’s in a name? 7 WHAT AND WHERE: SOUTH & CENTRAL PLATEAU 8 WHAT AND WHERE: WEST & NORTHWEST 9 REFERENCES Useful references List of notesheets 10 NOTESHEETS: FAUNA Wildlife, Living with wildlife, Caring for nature, Threatened species, Threats 11 NOTESHEETS: PARKS & PLACES Parks & places,
    [Show full text]
  • Cercartetus Lepidus (Diprotodontia: Burramyidae)
    MAMMALIAN SPECIES 842:1–8 Cercartetus lepidus (Diprotodontia: Burramyidae) JAMIE M. HARRIS School of Environmental Science and Management, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, 2480, Australia; [email protected] Abstract: Cercartetus lepidus (Thomas, 1888) is a burramyid commonly called the little pygmy-possum. It is 1 of 4 species in the genus Cercartetus, which together with Burramys parvus form the marsupial family Burramyidae. This Lilliputian possum has a disjunct distribution, occurring on mainland Australia, Kangaroo Island, and in Tasmania. Mallee and heath communities are occupied in Victoria and South Australia, but in Tasmania it is found mainly in dry and wet sclerophyll forests. It is known from at least 18 fossil sites and the distribution of these reveal a significant contraction in geographic range since the late Pleistocene. Currently, this species is not listed as threatened in any state jurisdictions in Australia, but monitoring is required in order to more accurately define its conservation status. DOI: 10.1644/842.1. Key words: Australia, burramyid, hibernator, little pygmy-possum, pygmy-possum, Tasmania, Victoria mallee Published 25 September 2009 by the American Society of Mammalogists Synonymy completed 2 April 2008 www.mammalogy.org Cercartetus lepidus (Thomas, 1888) Little Pygmy-possum Dromicia lepida Thomas, 1888:142. Type locality ‘‘Tasma- nia.’’ E[udromicia](Dromiciola) lepida: Matschie, 1916:260. Name combination. Eudromicia lepida Iredale and Troughton, 1934:23. Type locality ‘‘Tasmania.’’ Cercartetus lepidus: Wakefield, 1963:99. First use of current name combination. CONTEXT AND CONTENT. Order Diprotodontia, suborder Phalangiformes, superfamily Phalangeroidea, family Burra- myidae (Kirsch 1968). No subspecies for Cercartetus lepidus are currently recognized.
    [Show full text]
  • Sarcoptes Scabiei: Past, Present and Future Larry G
    Arlian and Morgan Parasites & Vectors (2017) 10:297 DOI 10.1186/s13071-017-2234-1 REVIEW Open Access A review of Sarcoptes scabiei: past, present and future Larry G. Arlian* and Marjorie S. Morgan Abstract The disease scabies is one of the earliest diseases of humans for which the cause was known. It is caused by the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei,thatburrowsintheepidermisoftheskinofhumans and many other mammals. This mite was previously known as Acarus scabiei DeGeer, 1778 before the genus Sarcoptes was established (Latreille 1802) and it became S. scabiei. Research during the last 40 years has tremendously increased insight into the mite’s biology, parasite-host interactions, and the mechanisms it uses to evade the host’s defenses. This review highlights some of the major advancements of our knowledge of the mite’s biology, genome, proteome, and immunomodulating abilities all of which provide a basis for control of the disease. Advances toward the development of a diagnostic blood test to detect a scabies infection and a vaccine to protect susceptible populations from becoming infected, or at least limiting the transmission of the disease, are also presented. Keywords: Sarcoptes scabiei, Biology, Host-seeking behavior, Infectivity, Nutrition, Host-parasite interaction, Immune modulation, Diagnostic test, Vaccine Background Classification of scabies mites The ancestral origin of the scabies mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, Sarcoptes scabiei was initially placed in the genus Acarus that parasitizes humans and many families of mammals is and named Acarus scabiei DeGeer, 1778. As mite no- not known. Likewise, how long ago the coevolution of S. menclature has evolved, so has the classification of S.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Water Requirements for the Rubicon River
    Environmental Water Requirements for The Rubicon River Tom Krasnicki Aquatic Ecologist Water Assessment and Planning Branch Water Resources Division DPIWE. Report Series WRA 02/01 May, 2002. Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS i GLOSSARY OF TERMS ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 1. INTRODUCTION 3 2. THE RUBICON RIVER 3 2.1 General Description 4 2.1.1 Catchment and Drainage System 3 2.1.2 Geomorphology and Geology 6 2.1.3 Climate and Rainfall 7 2.1.4 Vegetation 8 2.1.5 Land Use and Degradation 9 2.1.6 Port Sorell Estuary 9 2.1.7 Hydrology 11 2.2. Site Selection 13 2.2.1 The Rubicon River at Smith and Others Rd. 13 3. VALUES 15 3.1 Community Values 15 3.2 State Technical Values 17 3.3 Endangered species 18 3.4 Values Assessed 19 4. METHODOLOGY 20 4.1 Physical Habitat Data 20 4.2 Biological Data 21 4.2.1 Invertebrates 21 4.2.2 Fish 21 4.3 Hydraulic Simulation 21 4.4 Risk Analysis 22 5. RESULTS 24 5.1 Physical Habitat Data 24 5.2 Biological Data 25 5.3 Risk Analysis 26 6. DISCUSSION 29 6.1 Vertebrate Fauna 30 6.1.1 Mordacia mordax and Geotria australis 30 6.1.2 Gadopsis marmoratus 30 6.1.3 Pseudaphritis urvillii 31 6.1.4 Galaxias truttaceus and Galaxias maculatus 31 6.1.5 Galaxias brevipinnis and Neochanna cleaveri 31 6.1.6 Prototroctes maraena 32 6.1.7 Lovettia sealii and Retropinna tasmanica 32 6.1.8 Anguilla australis 32 6.1.9 Salmo trutta 32 6.1.10 Nannoperca australis and Perca fluviatilis 33 6.2 Invertebrate Fauna 33 6.2.1 Astacopsis gouldi 33 6.3 Flow Recommendations 34 6.3.1 Rubicon River at Smith and Others Rd.
    [Show full text]
  • A New Family of Diprotodontian Marsupials from the Latest Oligocene of Australia and the Evolution of Wombats, Koalas, and Their Relatives (Vombatiformes) Robin M
    www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN A new family of diprotodontian marsupials from the latest Oligocene of Australia and the evolution of wombats, koalas, and their relatives (Vombatiformes) Robin M. D. Beck1,2 ✉ , Julien Louys3, Philippa Brewer4, Michael Archer2, Karen H. Black2 & Richard H. Tedford5,6 We describe the partial cranium and skeleton of a new diprotodontian marsupial from the late Oligocene (~26–25 Ma) Namba Formation of South Australia. This is one of the oldest Australian marsupial fossils known from an associated skeleton and it reveals previously unsuspected morphological diversity within Vombatiformes, the clade that includes wombats (Vombatidae), koalas (Phascolarctidae) and several extinct families. Several aspects of the skull and teeth of the new taxon, which we refer to a new family, are intermediate between members of the fossil family Wynyardiidae and wombats. Its postcranial skeleton exhibits features associated with scratch-digging, but it is unlikely to have been a true burrower. Body mass estimates based on postcranial dimensions range between 143 and 171 kg, suggesting that it was ~5 times larger than living wombats. Phylogenetic analysis based on 79 craniodental and 20 postcranial characters places the new taxon as sister to vombatids, with which it forms the superfamily Vombatoidea as defned here. It suggests that the highly derived vombatids evolved from wynyardiid-like ancestors, and that scratch-digging adaptations evolved in vombatoids prior to the appearance of the ever-growing (hypselodont) molars that are a characteristic feature of all post-Miocene vombatids. Ancestral state reconstructions on our preferred phylogeny suggest that bunolophodont molars are plesiomorphic for vombatiforms, with full lophodonty (characteristic of diprotodontoids) evolving from a selenodont morphology that was retained by phascolarctids and ilariids, and wynyardiids and vombatoids retaining an intermediate selenolophodont condition.
    [Show full text]
  • Efficacy of Afoxolaner in a Clinical Field Study in Dogs Naturally Infested with Sarcoptes Scabiei
    Parasite 2016, 23,26 Ó F. Beugnet et al., published by EDP Sciences, 2016 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2016026 Available online at: www.parasite-journal.org RESEARCH ARTICLE OPEN ACCESS Efficacy of afoxolaner in a clinical field study in dogs naturally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei Frédéric Beugnet1,*, Christa de Vos2, Julian Liebenberg2, Lénaïg Halos1, Diane Larsen1, and Josephus Fourie2 1 Merial S.A.S., 29 avenue Tony Garnier, 69630 Lyon, France 2 Clinvet International (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 11186, 9321 Universitas, South Africa Received 31 March 2016, Accepted 5 June 2016, Published online 17 June 2016 Abstract – The acaricidal efficacy of afoxolaner (NexGardÒ, Merial) was evaluated against Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis in a field efficacy study, when administered orally at a minimum dose of 2.5 mg/kg to dogs naturally infested with the mites. Twenty mixed-breed dogs of either sex (6 males and 14 females), aged over 6 months and weighing 4–18 kg, were studied in this randomised controlled field efficacy trial. Dogs, naturally infested with Sarcoptes sca- biei var. canis confirmed by skin scrapings collected prior to allocation, were randomly divided into two equal groups. Dogs in Group 1 were not treated. Dogs in Group 2 were treated on Days 0 and 28. On Days 0 (pre-treatment), 28 (pre-treatment) and 56, five skin scrapings of similar size were taken from different sites with lesions suggestive of sarcoptic mange. The extent of lesions was also recorded on Days 0, 28 and 56, and photographs were taken. Dogs treated orally with afoxolaner had significantly (p < 0.001) lower mite counts than untreated control animals at Days 28 and 56 with no mites recovered from treated dogs at these times (100% efficacy based on mite counts).
    [Show full text]
  • Western Field Ornithologists April 2020 Newsletter
    Western Field Ornithologists April 2020 Newsletter Message from WFO President Kurt Leuschner The coronavirus pandemic is now impacting society in serious and profound ways. Every day we learn more about this virus, its toll on society, and the habits we need to practice in order to minimize its spread. As you learned from our earlier message, the WFO board decided that we must postpone our annual conference that was set to be held in September in Reno. We did this to protect the health of our members and to protect WFO from a potentially significant financial loss. We’re very disheartened that we had to cancel what was to be our 50th anniversary celebration of the founding of Western Field Ornithologists. The venue was exciting, we were organizing wonderful field trips led by stellar leaders, speakers were on tap, and we looked forward to seeing old friends and the chance to make new ones. Our annual WFO conference is a signature annual accomplishment and we are fully aware of how important this yearly event is for everyone. WFO is both a scientific and a social organization. Interacting with one another and enjoying each other’s company is a key reason many of us are part of the WFO. This newsletter and others to follow are one way we can keep the WFO community engaged and further our mission even though we may not physically see many of you again until 2021. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the articles and updates, the artwork, the information on some of our board members, and the art and writings by several young scholars.
    [Show full text]