BOOK OF ABSTRACTS Alphabetical author index on page 31

EASTERN GREY KANGAROO POPULATION DYNAMICS

Rachel Bergeron1, David Forsyth2,3, Wendy King1,4 and Marco Festa-Bianchet1,4

1 Département de biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1K 2R1, Canada 2 Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia 3 School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia 4 School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @festa_bianchet

Recent studies of density-dependence in herbivore population dynamics seek to identify the mechanisms underlying these changes. Kangaroo populations experience large fluctuations in size. Early research suggested that rainfall was a good predictor of population changes through its effect on per capita food availability. Population dynamics of large herbivores, however, are likely influenced by interactions between stochastic environmental variation and density dependence. Vital rates can respond differently to environmental variation and to changes in density. In particular, juvenile survival is most sensitive to harsh conditions, and adult survival rarely affected. Consequently, an improved understanding of population dynamics requires monitoring of individuals of known sex and age under a variety of environmental conditions. I will investigate how density, age structure and environmental conditions affect the population dynamics of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) at Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria, where >1200 individuals of known age and sex have been monitored since 2008. I will test the hypothesis that environmental conditions and density dependence have interacting and age-specific roles in generating changes in population size. This study will further our understanding of the factors driving population fluctuations and provide knowledge useful for wildlife management and conservation.

DOUBLE-OBSERVER DISTANCE SAMPLING IMPROVES THE ACCURACY OF DENSITY ESTIMATES FOR THE SOUTHERN GREATER GLIDER

Jemma K. Cripps1, 2, Jenny L. Nelson1, Michael P. Scroggie1,2, Louise K. Durkin1, David S.L. Ramsey1, and Lindy F. Lumsden1.

1 Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia. 2 School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia

[email protected], @drjcripps

Determining population size or density is often fundamental for wildlife conservation. For nocturnal species, indices are commonly used in place of abundance estimates, with spotlighting indices being prevalent. Distance sampling is a collection of techniques that provide estimates of abundance from line transects, by correcting raw counts for imperfect detection. We aimed to develop a method for estimating the abundance and density of the southern greater glider (Petauroides volans volans) in Victoria, Australia. Two observers, 15 minutes apart, surveyed 25 randomly-located 500 m transects, and recorded greater gliders using spotlights and binoculars. Densities and abundances were derived from the line transect data using mark-recapture distance sampling (MRDS) models and were compared with conventional distance sampling models (CDS). Using the double-observer approach, we estimated an overall density of 0.95 gliders ha-1 (95% CI 0.61 - 1.50), giving a population estimate of 24,650 greater gliders across our study area. The corresponding estimates for our study area derived using CDS applied to either both observers’ observations, or to the first observer’s observations only, were 84% and 54% of the MRDS estimate. The analysis confirms that greater gliders are more detectable using the double-observer method and that uncorrected spotlight counts will underestimate abundance.

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POPULATION MONITORING OF THE YELLOW-BELLIED GLIDER IN SUBTROPICAL AUSTRALIA

Ross L. Goldingay, Darren McHugh, and Jonathan Parkyn

School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia.

Email: [email protected]

Population monitoring is fundamental to the conservation of threatened species. We conducted annual monitoring of a yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis) population in Richmond Range National Park in north-east New South Wales (NSW) over a 6-year period. How this species responds to variation in rainfall, which should drive food abundance, is not well documented. We conducted repeat spotlight surveys each year to account for imperfect detection and used counts in an occupancy model to produce indices of abundance. We started with 20 survey transects in year 1, and expanded to 32 in year 4. Transects were dispersed through 23 km of forest. Our surveys produced >400 detections over six years. Mean estimated abundance per 200-m transect varied from 1.7±0.5 individuals in 2017 to 2.6±0.7 in 2018. Variation in abundance did not follow annual rainfall which was 2% above average in 2017 but 56% below average in 2019 when we estimated 2.5±0.9 gliders per transect. This population is of high conservation significance given that the wildfires of 2019/2020 coincided with >50% of the species’ records in NSW and Richmond Range was unaffected.

PATERNAL REPRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL MODULATES MATERNAL EFFECTS ON OFFSPRING SEX BUT NOT MATERNAL ALLOCATION IN KANGAROOS

Luca Montana*, Pauline Toni*, Marco Festa-Bianchet

*equal contribution

Département de biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boulevard de l’Université, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1K 2R1, Canada

Presenter email: [email protected] / Twitter handles: @PowToni @festa_bianchet

Theory predicts that parents should adjust offspring sex ratio when the fitness returns of producing sons or daughters varies. Historically, theories of sex ratio manipulation focussed on maternal strategies and sex-biased maternal allocation, because mothers can influence non-genetic inheritance throughout offspring provisioning and lactation. Paternal effects have been seldom considered, and most studies used birds as model species. In birds, males are the homogametic sex, limiting their control over offspring sex. In mammals, males are the heterogametic sex and could have more control over offspring sex than male birds. We analyzed long-term data on marked kangaroos to investigate how paternal reproductive potential, measured as body mass, influenced offspring sex and sex-biased maternal allocation in interaction with maternal mass. Heavy males produced more sons than they produced daughters, regardless of maternal mass. When fathers were light, the probability of having a son increased with maternal mass. We found no sex-biased maternal allocation: mothers allocated similarly to sons and daughters regardless of paternal mass. Studies of offspring sex manipulation or maternal allocation would benefit from an explicit consideration of paternal traits, as paternal effects can be modulated by maternal effects and vice-versa.

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THE DECLINE AND LIKELY LOSS OF A POPULATION OF THE NORTHERN LONG-NOSED POTOROO POTOROUS TRIDACTYLUS TRIDACTYLUS IN TYAGARAH NATURE RESERVE ON THE NSW FAR NORTH COAST

David Milledge1, Norm Graham2 and Jill Smith3

1Landmark Ecological Services, PO Box 100 Suffolk Park NSW 2481 2NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Byron Bay 3NSW DPIE, Coffs Harbour [email protected]

The population of the Northern Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus tridactylus in Tyagarah Nature Reserve on the NSW far north coast was first recorded in 1985. In 1992 a cage trapping study captured 15 individuals in the central section of the reserve and the population was then estimated at between 80 and 90 individuals. A subsequent cage trapping study in 2004 captured 4 individuals in the southern section of the reserve, but further cage and camera trapping surveys in 2009 and 2012 failed to detect any individuals. Additional camera trapping surveys between 2012 and 2015 and more intensive surveys between 2015 and 2016 also failed to detect any individuals. The lack of detections from targeted surveys between 2009 and 2016 suggests that the Tyagarah population of the subspecies has been lost. Reasons for this loss are unclear but may be due to a combination of factors including isolation by a highway upgrade and urban development, lack of fire over 40 years, an explosion of the local Australian Brush-turkey Alectura lathami population and perhaps predator control programs.

THE LAST CONILURUS: INSIGHTS INTO THE DRASTIC DECLINE AND FUTURE OF THE BRUSH-TAILED RABBIT-RAT (CONILURUS PENCILLATUS)

Cara Penton1, Brenton von Takach1, Hugh Davies1, Ian Radford2, Leigh-Ann Woolley3, Brett Murphy1

Research Institute of Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University1, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Western Australia2, World Wildlife Fund Broome3. Speaker: [email protected] @CaraPenton

Three species of Conilurus were historically present across Australia, now the only surviving species of the genus is Conilurus penicillatus. However, whilst the brush-tailed rabbit-rat was still considered common as recently as the 1990s, it has undergone a rapid decline and exhibited one of the greatest reductions in extent of occurrence in northern Australia. Significant research gaps in the basic ecological knowledge of threatened species creates difficulty in understanding patterns of decline. Here we will present advances in our understanding of the current status and genetics of C. penicillatus populations, the species den and hollow requirements and whether the current availability of tree hollows influences the abundance of C. penicillatus in a mesic tropical savanna. This body of work has utilised genomic sequencing of remnant populations in the Northern Territory and Western Australia as well as radio-tracking, tree hollow monitoring, and population surveys of C. penicillatus on Melville Island. We will present these findings in the context of the five-year review into C. penicillatus as part of the Threatened Species Strategy 20 Mammals by 2020. Furthermore, we will suggest priority populations for the conservation of genetic diversity and management interventions for the persistence of the last Conilurus in Australia.

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LONG-TERM MONITORING OF SQUIRREL GLIDERS (PETAURUS NORFOLCENSIS) IN SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND: INVESTIGATING CAUSES OF DECLINE

Anita Marks1, Ross Goldingay1

1 School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, New South Wales 2480

Email: [email protected]

As urban encroachment continues to subject native fauna to increasing anthropogenic pressures, understanding the factors that can enable persistence of small populations is vital. The squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) is a model species to study in this context. Once widespread throughout eastern Australia, the species’ range has become heavily fragmented, to the point at which the species is of conservation concern within the southern portion of its range. In south-east Queensland populations persist in urban settings. However, isolation by roads and residential development, and exposure to urban predators might limit the persistence of these populations. We investigated the trends in two small, isolated populations of squirrel gliders in Brisbane, Australia. Mark-recapture data were collected annually during 2018–20. We provide population estimates from 2018–2020, using Program MARK. We also measured the intensity of flowering trees, breeding success, and rainfall across these years. Population estimates suggest a decline in the population size since earlier monitoring during 2004–8. Hypotheses we are testing that may explain this trend include: changes in food availability reflecting variation in rainfall, increasing urban encroachment, predation by native and introduced predators, and loss of genetic diversity.

FAT-TAILED DUNNARTS OF THE VICTORIAN GRASSLANDS: NOT SO COMMON AFTER-ALL?

*Emily L Scicluna1, William K Steele2, Hans Brunner3, Brittney P Gill1 & Kylie A Robert1

1 Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia 2 Integrated Planning Group, Melbourne Water, PO Box 4342, East Melbourne, Vic. 3001 3 9 Cooinda Court, Frankston, Vic. 3199 [email protected] - @SciclunaEmily

Grasslands are among the most endangered ecosystems, with ~1% of Victorian grasslands remaining. The overwhelming factor in the decline of Victorian grassland species is loss of suitable habitat. Extinctions of many grassland faunal species have occurred since European settlement, and dramatic range reductions are continuing for those that still exist. The fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata) is the only small ground-dwelling marsupial known to persist in grassland habitats across Victoria. The species is classified as Near Threatened nationally, and Least Concern internationally, however the last long-term targeted surveys for this species in Victoria occurred in the 1970’s. Incidental findings from short-term surveys in the same area suggests a decline. We recreated the direct targeted surveys for fat-tailed dunnarts at the 1970’s site over a 12 month period in 2019, and found no evidence of fat-tailed dunnarts remaining. We additionally performed indirect surveys by examining owl pellet contents collected over an 11 year period (2008-2019) but again found no evidence of the species existing at the site. Our work highlights the need for targeted surveys and the collection of long-term data to better identify species declines. Additionally, our study calls for greater consideration of the vulnerability and conservation status of distinct sub-species.

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THE POPULATION ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR OF EASTERN BARRED BANDICOOTS FOLLOWING CONSERVATION TRANSLOCATIONS

Tahlia Townsend1, Anthony Rendall1, Euan Ritchie1, Amy Coetsee2, Duncan Sutherland3,

1Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia, 2Zoos Victoria, Parkville, Victoria, Australia 3Phillip Island Nature Parks, Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia.

Tahlia Townsend School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria

Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahliatownsend/

Australia’s native mammals, especially those in the critical-weight-range, have been decimated by the impacts of invasive predators. Predator-free ‘safe havens’, such as some islands and fenced sanctuaries, have immense conservation value, but can also be challenging to maintain and are relatively small in their geographic extent. Hence, we also need to understand the ability for native wildlife to persist in the presence of invasive predators. In our study, through camera- and live- trapping, we examine the population ecology and behaviour of an endangered species – the eastern barred bandicoot – on three islands where they have been recently introduced as part of conservation translocations – Churchill Island (foxes and cats absent) and Phillip and French Islands (foxes absent, cats present), Victoria. We assess the influence of environmental and demographic factors and cat presence on the success of bandicoot introductions, population density and growth, and the temporal and spatial activity of bandicoots, cats, and long-nosed potoroos (that co-occur on French Island only). We discuss how our findings will help inform and refine the management of critical-weight-range mammals and conservation translocations of wildlife in the presence of feral cats.

A SPATIO-TEMPORAL POPULATION MODEL FOR DIPROTODON

Brianna Martin1, Christopher Johnson1, Barry Brook1

1 School of Natural Sciences and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 700

Email: [email protected]; Twitter: @bree___martin

Extinction events for giant wombat-like Diprotodon and other Australian megafauna began approximately fifty thousand years ago in the Late Pleistocene. The mechanisms of extinction are not yet fully resolved due to scarcity of quality data, though most analyses indicate that human impact was a major contributor, if not the overall primary driver. Previous modelling studies have demonstrated that even careful hunting practices could have placed sufficient pressure on megafauna populations to cause extinction within a millennium. However, combined fossil and archaeological evidence shows that in some geographic locations, the window of overlap for human-megafauna coexistence extended well over ten thousand years. Here, an early-stage computational model is presented for characterising spatial population dynamics over time for Diprotodon. The model comprises meta-population matrix simulations for multi-regional, connected, spatially distinct populations. Each population experiences changes to demography according to local environmental conditions relating to climate, ecosystem resources, and human proximity. The model allows for range shifts, dispersal, local extirpation and for evolution of refugial dynamics over time. Thus, the model provides a framework for testing current extinction hypotheses and for investigation of extinction geo-patterning through time.

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HOW LIMB MORPHOLOGY INFLUENCES MANOEUVRABILITY AND SPEED IN ISOODON MACROURUS

Kaylah Del Simone1, Skye Cameron2, Christofer Clemente3, Taylor Dick4, Robbie Wilson1

1. School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072 2. Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary, WA 6728 3. University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs QLD, 4556 4. School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @DelKaylah

Australian terrestrial mammals that fall within a critical weight range between 35g-5.5kg, are currently facing increased risk of extinction. The large decline in this group has been partially attributed to habitat alteration resulting in loss of complex mosaic habitats, allowing for an increase in predation success. In order to successfully avoid this predation by larger, faster predators, prey species must have a higher manoeuvrability in order to escape. As a semi-fossorial species, Peramelidae have fore-limb morphology reflecting functionality for digging, rather than locomotor ability, and this adaptation could adversely impact escape success. To assess this, we quantified various locomotor variables and their association with limb morphology in Isoodon macrourus (Northern brown bandicoot). It was found that individuals with longer metacarpals, relative to body length, were capable of reaching higher sprint speeds and cornering speeds, coinciding with a decrease in angular velocity and turning radius. Whereas, longer relative hind limb and metatarsal lengths were only associated with a higher sprint speed and didn’t correlate with any turning variables Due to the constrained limb morphology within Peramelidae, these findings can be used as a proxy to assess the locomotor ability of other closely related species, such as the endangered Isoodon auratus, in order to determine their potential escape performance and therefore, predation risk.

A UNIVERSAL POWER LAW FOR THE GROWTH AND FORM OF TEETH, CLAWS, HOOVES, HORNS AND ANTLERS

Alistair R. Evans1,2, Tahlia I. Pollock1, Silke G. C. Cleuren1, William M. G. Parker1, Hazel L. Richards1, Kathleen L.S. Garland1, Timothy E. Wilson3, David P. Hocking1,2, and Justin W. Adams4

1School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 2Geosciences, Museums Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3School of Mathematical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 4Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

[email protected] (@DrTeethAl)

Universal rules of biological growth and form are rare. One such rule is the logarithmic spiral, which has been purported to explain the growth of biological structures such as teeth, claws and horns. However, the logarithmic spiral only describes the path of the structure through space, and cannot generate these shapes. Here we show a new universal rule based on a power law that explains the extreme diversity of tooth shapes in mammals, including humans, mammoths, saber-toothed cats, babirusa pigs, the walrus and the narwhal. This power cascade rule can be used to predict the age of mammals with ever-growing teeth, including elephants and rodents, and determine sex in elephants. We view this as the third general model of tooth development, along with the patterning cascade model for cusp number and spacing, and the inhibitory cascade model that predicts relative tooth size. Beyond the dentition, this new model also explains the growth and evolution of claws, horns, antlers and beaks of vertebrates. This rule operates independently of the logarithmic spiral, and is present throughout these diverse biological systems. The power cascade provides a mechanistic basis for the generation of these pointed structures across the tree of life.

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DID THE THYLACINE VIOLATE THE COSTS OF CARNIVORY?

Douglass S. Rovinsky1, Alistair R. Evans2,3, Damir G. Martin4, and Justin W. Adams1

1Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton VIC Australia 2School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton VIC Australia 3Geosciences, Museums Victoria, Melbourne VIC Australia 4Pixelmind, Viskovo Croatia

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @DSRovinsky

Until its extinction, the thylacine was the largest extant carnivorous marsupial, but little real data exist regarding its body mass. This lack of body mass data makes it difficult to infer its ecology, as the relative masses of predators and their prey strongly affects the predators’ ecology. Under the costs of carnivory model, the most commonly used estimate of 29.5 kg predicts that thylacines would have focused on prey subequal to or larger than themselves; however, many studies of their functional morphology suggest a diet of smaller animals. Here, we use volumetric model-informed regressions to quantitatively estimate the mass of 93 adult thylacines, including two taxidermy specimens and four complete skeletons, representing 40 known-sex specimens. We demonstrate that the prior estimate was nearly 80% too high, with mixed-sex population mean (16.7 kg), mean male (19.7 kg), and mean female (13.7 kg) body masses well below the 29.5 kg estimate and below the 21 kg costs of carnivory threshold. Our data show that the thylacine did not violate the costs of carnivory. The thylacine instead would have occupied the 14.5–21 kg predator mass group characterized by small-prey predators capable of occasionally switching to relatively large-bodied prey if necessary.

NO TRADE-OFF BETWEEN BITING AND SPRINTING PERFORMANCE IN A WILD POPULATION OF NORTHERN QUOLLS (DASYURUS HALLUCATUS)

Sparkes, G.1, Heiniger, J.1, Amir Abdul Nasir, AF.1, Smith, N.1, Cameron, S.F.2,1, Wilson, R1.

1. School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia 2. Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Subiaco East, WA 6008, Australia

Email: [email protected] Ph: +61 413 853 226

Trade-offs occur when an increase in the performance of one trait directly reduces the performance in another – these occur in all moving animals and can be driven by conflicting morphological apparatus. Balancing the competing demands of certain performance traits can factor in determining survival and reproductive success for animals. In northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus), this is determined by an interaction between an individual’s ability to fight conspecifics for mating opportunities and their ability to escape predation. Theoretically, a trade-off should occur because investing in larger heads with stronger jaws that facilitate an increased bite force simultaneously constrains the investment into longer and stronger limbs that facilitate sprinting speed. To assess this, we measured the sprint speed, bite force and morphologies of northern quolls during a three-year study. We found that larger quolls run faster and bite harder than smaller quolls, and further, that quolls run fastest throughout the pre-breeding period but produce a stronger bite post-breeding. Interestingly, we found no evidence for a trade-off between sprint speed and bite force at any level, which suggests that a larger body size facilitates both fighting and running performance simultaneously. This favourable phenotype may ultimately maximise survival and reproductive success for quolls.

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USING 3D GEOMETRIC MORPHOMETRICS TO ECOMORPHOLOGICALLY CHARACTERIZE A RECENT SPECIATION EVENT WITHIN THE GENUS ANTECHINUS

Pietro Viacava1, Simone P. Blomberg1, Andrew Baker2, Matthew Phillips2 and Vera Weisbecker3 1School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia 2School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 3College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Correspondence: Pietro Viacava E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: @pietro_viacava

The genus Antechinus has been subject to many genetic, morphological and ecological assessments, resulting in several re-assignments of species. This taxonomic resolution is critical to characterize the genus diversity and prioritize conservation efforts. Here we evaluate the eco- morphological identification of three genetically supported clades from two species from Eastern Australia: A. subtropicus and A. stuartii “south” and “north”. We used geometric morphometrics to quantify cranial shape variation of 169 individuals. We performed Principal Component Analyses, Procrustes ANOVAs and variation partitioning analyses to identify shape variation and its relationship to geospatial and bioclimatic variables. We found no within-group latitudinal and little bioclimatic co-variation with shape, suggesting a morphological break. We determined interpalatal vacuity distance as the most accurate measurement to discriminate between groups. We speculate that differences in size of incisive foramina may be linked to differentiation of sexual olfactory strategies related to the speciation of A. stuartii north and A. subtropicus. Our morphological results concord with previous molecular studies and suggest the A. stuartii clades and A. subtropicus comprise a young species group. Our research also speaks to the need for protection of biodiversity in an area already heavily burned in the 2020 bushfires and under future fire threats.

HOMOGENEOUS SHAPE OF PLATYPUS SKULLS ACROSS THE SPECIES’ SOUTHERN DISTRIBUTION

Vera Weisbecker1, Katharine Balolia2, Patrick Green3, Gavin Perri2, Ariel Marcy3

1 College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park SA 5042. 2 College Arts & Social Sciences, Australian National University, Acton ACT 2601 3 School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia QLD 4072 [email protected]; @weisbeckerlab

Up to 30% of the platypus’ current habitat is modelled to be uninhabitable due to climate change by 2070, and water pollution due to the 2020 bushfires have put substantial stress on affected local populations. This raises the question of whether declining platypus populations could be augmented by individuals from elsewhere without loss of local adaptation. While this is normally determined using genetic comparisons, we here assess morphological adaptation through 3D geometric morphometrics of the specialised platypus skull. We compared shape variation and between the three genetically distinct southern platypus populations of Tasmania and two southern mainland populations). We found sexual dimorphism in skull size, but strikingly, there was no size difference in latitude or according to population. Larger skulls tended to have elongated beaks with a sharper angle relative to the rest of the skull, and narrower braincases. This suggests size- dependent differences in how the skull is positioned relative to the body during foraging. Same- sized individuals of a population are only slightly different, suggesting that the genetic divergence between platypus populations does not coincide with extensive morphological adaptation. Crossing different populations or translocating individuals is therefore unlikely to cause morphological mismatches with the environment.

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EXTREME BILATERAL POLYDACTYLY IN A WILD-CAUGHT WESTERN GREY KANGAROO, MACROPUS FULIGINOSUS

Natalie M. Warburton1,2, Martin Cake3, Khama R. Kelman3

1Medical, Molecular and Forensic Science, Murdoch University, MURDOCH 6150 Western Australia. 2 Earth and Planetary Sciences, Western Australian Museum, WELSHPOOL Western Australia 3School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, MURDOCH 6150 Western Australia.

Presenter email: [email protected]; twitter: @aNATomy_Lab

Polydactyly is a congenital malformation resulting from an autosomal dominant mutation manifesting as supernumerary digits of the hands or feet. It is most commonly reported in humans and domestic mammals, there have also been isolated examples across a range of wild vertebrate species. Here we report a case of extremely unusual bilateral preaxial polydactyly on the pectoral limbs of a male Western Grey Kangaroo (M. fuliginosus) from the South West region of Western Australia, in which two supernumerary digits were present on each manus. A supernumerary digit I on each manus was rudimentary in morphology without extrinsic muscular connections. However, supernumerary digit II present on each manus had fully-developed extrinsic and intrinsic muscular connections, suggesting that these digits possessed normal function in flexion and extension. The carpal bones exhibited a number of subtle differences in morphology when compared to normal pentadactyl individuals. The presence of a distal, rather than proximal, epiphysis on the first metacarpal was unexpected but further investigation suggested that this characteristic is perhaps more variable (in this species at least) than has been previously recognized. This case provides an unusual example to be considered within the broader context of limb development.

SEALING THE DEAL: AUSTRALASIAN FOSSILS ‘FLIP’ THE EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF THE SOUTHERN TRUE SEALS

James P. Rule1,2, Justin W. Adams1, Felix G. Marx3, Alistair R. Evans1, Erich M.G. Fitzgerald1,2.

1 Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. 2 Museums Victoria, Melbourne, Australia. 3 Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, New Zealand.

Email: [email protected], Twitter: @Palaeo_JRule

Southern true seals (monachines) are currently thought to have evolved in the North Atlantic alongside their northern counterparts (phocines). Limited dispersal events through the thermal equatorial barrier resulted in the Antarctic distribution of elephant seals and lobodontins, and the tropical distribution of monk seals. However, this well-established evolutionary hypothesis is overly informed by fossils from the Northern Hemisphere, with fossils from the Southern Hemisphere extremely rare. Here we present an extinct species of monk seal from New Zealand (3.4–3 Ma), the first southern representative of the group. We include this species in a total evidence phylogenetic framework (using a fossilised birth-death model) for the first time, to test the well- established evolutionary hypothesis for true seals. We then investigated their biogeographic history, body size evolution, and environmental tolerances using phylogenetic comparative methods in R. These fossils completely flip the evolutionary history of the monachines, demonstrating an early presence in the Southern Hemisphere, and multiple dispersals across the equator. True seals as a whole also demonstrate broad environmental tolerances, with minimal shifts in the evolution of body size. This ‘flipped’ evolutionary history for the group has profound implications for how they might respond to the changing global environment.

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WHAT HAPPENS UNDER THE COVER OF DARKNESS: MULTIPLE PATERNITY IN AN AUSTRALIAN MICROBAT

Danielle Eastick1*, Stephen Griffiths1, Katherine Harrisson1,2, Nick Murphy1, and Kylie Robert1

1 Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086 Australia 2 Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084 Australia

*Correspondence: [email protected]; Twitter: @danieastick

Many temperate-zone microbats mate months prior to conception, made possible due to female sperm storage. This creates a unique opportunity for sperm competition and cryptic female choice. Mating does not guarantee paternity, and in these species the males that invest in accordance with sperm competition theory may have the upper hand. Here we used single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the first time to investigate multiple paternity in three ongoing mark- recapture populations of Gould’s wattled bats (Chalinolobus gouldii) during 2014-2016. We observed multiple paternity in approximately 30% of twins at all three populations, making Gould’s wattled bats the fourth species worldwide to exhibit this life history trait. Additionally, in 2016 we observed a second round of pups within the breeding season, and these twins all had full paternity. Mating systems in microbats are inherently difficult to study, however the use of techniques such as this to understand life history will allow us to make the observations required to gain critical information needed to ensure the survival of microbat species under continuing urbanisation. We discuss the potential positive and negative consequences of these mating systems and present useful information on the techniques used.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: USING TRAPS AND PREDATOR SCAT TO DETERMINE RECOGNITION OF PREDATORS BY AUSTRALIAN MAMMALS

Megan Edwards1,2, Julia Hoy2, Sean FitzGibbon1, Peter Murray3

1 School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland 2 Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre, The University of Queensland 3School of Sciences, University of Southern Queensland [email protected] @intrepid_meg

In Australia, introduced predators such as cats (Felis catus) have been implicated in the reduction and extinction of many species from their native ranges. It is suggested that one reason for this devastating extinction record is that as Australia’s native wildlife exhibit varying degrees of naivety to the threat that mammalian predators pose. To determine if Australian mammals responded to the faeces of two predators – the cat, and the native spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), we used the most commonly used method of determining predator recognition, the use of Elliotts and cage traps with predator faeces present, combined with camera traps, in three locations in south- east Queensland. The presence of either cat or quoll faeces did not influence the trap success or camera success of any of the species in the study, suggesting that these Australian native mammals didn’t appear to recognise either cat or quoll faeces as a threat, and thus did not avoid traps with predator faeces present. Furthermore, the use of cameras revealed interesting interactions between mammals and traps, identifying how not to catch animals!

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DAMMING INSIGHTS: THE IMPACTS OF RIVER REGULATION ON PLATYPUS POPULATIONS

Tahneal Hawke1, Gilad Bino1, Richard T. Kingsford1

1Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, 2052 NSW, Australia.

E: [email protected] Twitter: @Tahneal_hawke

Platypuses are semi-aquatic monotremes, endemic to eastern Australia, their distribution overlapping the country’s most regulated rivers. Changes to flow regimes from dams have altered critical platypus habitat, yet our understanding of their impacts to platypuses remains poor. We aimed to investigated differences in platypus captures, estimated abundances, and demographics upstream and downstream of large dams, and on adjacent free-flowing rivers across three regions. In the Snowy and Border Rivers regions, there were no differences in captures upstream and downstream of dams. In the Upper Murray Rivers region, captures and abundances were significantly lower and demographics were impacted downstream of the dam on the Mitta Mitta River, compared to the upstream section and the free-flowing Ovens River. Changes to the flow regime on the Mitta Mitta River have been more extreme than on rivers in the Snowy and Border Rivers regions, with significant changes to the temperature, volume, and seasonality of flows. Altered flows on the Mitta Mitta River are likely impacting platypus breeding success and macroinvertebrate food sources. To mitigate the impacts of river regulation on platypus populations and other freshwater species, flows in regulated rivers should be managed to mimic natural hydrological regimes.

THE SLIP: LOCOMOTOR ACCIDENTS AFFECT HOW ANIMALS USE THEIR PHYSICAL LANDSCAPE

Rebecca Wheatley1, Jessie Buettel1, Barry Brook1, Christopher Johnson1, Rory Wilson2

1 School of Natural Sciences and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001; Email: [email protected]; Twitter: @modsupial 2 Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom

Many of us are familiar with the temporary loss of control that comes with slipping on a patch of ice, or tripping on the stairs. We are also well aware of the consequences these locomotor accidents can have, from the minimal (and sometimes humorous) to the severe (resulting in injury). Though locomotor accidents are an intuitive concept, they have never previously been considered in the broad context of wild animals’ spatial assortment. Animals alter their habitat use in response to the energetic demands of movement (‘energy landscapes’) and the risk of predation or other fatal injury (‘the landscape of fear’), however recent research suggests animals also select habitats and move in ways that minimise their chance of accidents. We propose that animals consider the costs of an ‘accident landscape’ in addition to energy landscapes and the landscape of fear, when deciding when, where, and how to move in their daily lives. We present a novel framework describing how features of physical landscapes interact with animal size, morphology, and behaviour to affect the risk and severity of accidents, and predict how these accident landscapes might interact with those of energy and fear to dictate movement decisions – with a focus on mammals!

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SCATS ALL YOU GOT? DEVELOPING FAECAL MONITORING TECHNIQUES TO EVALUATE TRANSLOCATION SUCCESS OF ‘TRAP-SHY’ MAMMAL SPECIES

Saul Cowen1, Michael Smith2, Shelley McArthur1 and Kym Ottewell1

1 Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Locked Bag 104, Bentley, WA 6983, Australia 2 Australian Wildlife Conservancy, PO Box 8070, Subiaco East, Perth, WA 6008, Australia

Minimally invasive wildlife monitoring techniques have increased in popularity as researchers seek to reduce their impact on animal welfare and improve monitoring efficacy in large landscapes. Such techniques can also be valuable for monitoring scarce or ‘trap-shy’ species. Banded and rufous hare-wallabies do not readily enter live-capture traps and are difficult to observe on camera traps, even when lured. These species do not have individually unique markings, making the identification of individual animals difficult. Faecal DNA monitoring may represent an alternative monitoring method for hare-wallabies. We developed an array of microsatellite markers for both species and ran in- and ex-situ DNA degradation trials using banded hare-wallaby scats in two locations where the species had recently been translocated: Dirk Hartog Island and Mt Gibson Sanctuary in Western Australia. Results of these trials were used to design a scat monitoring protocol which was tested on Dirk Hartog Island in November 2019. Results indicated that a) hare-wallaby identities can be discriminated using genetic techniques to species and individual levels and b) banded and rufous hare-wallabies segregate in the landscape according to habitat. It is planned that faecal DNA monitoring will be the main method of assessing the ongoing success of these translocations.

IMPACT OF FIRE AND HABITAT COMPOSITION ON THE DAILY ROO-TINE OF MACROPODS

Erin Thomas1, Julian Di Stefano1, Matthew Swan1

1School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne, 4 Water St Creswick, Victoria 3363 Australia. [email protected] Twitter: @ErinBThomas

The diel cycle exerts an important influence on the behaviour of many animals. For example, crepuscular species have activity peaks at dusk and dawn, often resulting in fluctuating resource requirements across the 24-hr cycle. Macropodid marsupials are crepuscular and for many species’ resources selection changes throughout the day. Landscape properties such as the spatial arrangement of fire age classes and the extent of different land-use types may dictate daily habitat use. My research aims to determine the response of four sympatric macropod species, swamp wallabies (Wallabia bicolor), red-necked wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus), eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) and western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) to site-level variables (time since fire, habitat structure, food availability) and landscape-level variables (proportion of agricultural pasture to native vegetation, fire age class diversity) across the 24-hour cycle. Camera trap data will be used to establish an activity index for each species. This index will be used as the response variable in generalised additive mixed models, that will determine which variable(s) are driving macropod activity and if their relative influence changes across the 24-hour cycle. The outcome of my study will provide insights into macropod management in fragmented agricultural landscapes and improve our understanding of their resource requirements.

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THE ‘COOT OF THE PROBLEM: DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE METHOD OF RADIO- TRACKING SHARK BAY BANDICOOTS PERAMELES BOUGAINVILLE

Kelly Rayner1, Colleen Sims1, Fiona Knox2 and Saul Cowen1

1 Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Locked Bag 104, Bentley, WA 6983, Australia 2 School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia [email protected]

Radio-tracking remains a widely-used tool for investigating the movement and behaviour of many different vertebrate taxa, especially mammals. Radio-collars offer an effective method to optimise attachment duration with animal welfare considerations. However, the morphology of some smaller mammal species makes collar attachment challenging and other methods can prove ineffective. This has been the case for the Shark Bay bandicoot and movement studies and post-release monitoring of translocations have been hindered as a result. We undertook a captive collaring trial on two male Shark Bay bandicoots to develop an effective method of attaching transmitters, whilst minimising the likelihood of adverse welfare impacts. We found that collars produced the best result for attachment duration and animal welfare and that optimal fit was obtained under general anaesthetic. The optimal method was then implemented in full-scale translocations to Dirk Hartog Island in 2019 and 2020, with 20 animals collared. Collars remained attached for up to seven weeks but most were removed after four to five, with all bandicoots surviving until collar removal. Collaring bandicoots allowed daily monitoring for most of this period and provided valuable information on behaviour and survivorship which in turn allowed evaluation of the short-term success of the translocation.

TOO HOT FOR THE DEVIL? DID CLIMATE CHANGE CAUSE THE MID-HOLOCENE EXTINCTION OF THE TASMANIAN DEVIL (SACROPHILUS HARRISII) FROM MAINLAND AUSTRALIA?

Shane D. Morris1,3, Christopher N. Johnson1,2, Barry W. Brook1,2.

1 School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia. 2 ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage. 3 [email protected] @shane_d_morris

During the mid-Holocene, the two largest carnivorous marsupials—the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) and the Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus)—were extirpated from mainland Australia. The role of climate change in this event has been hotly debated in the literature, yet no study has assessed the direct effect of climate on either animal’s physiology. Here we test whether climate change could have affected the stability and favourability of the energy and water requirements of the Tasmanian devil its prey, and the productivity of its environment during this period. Physiological outputs were quantified using mechanistic species distribution models. The stability and favourability of these were compared between a period of known climatic and suspected demographic stability (6-8k BP) and the extinction period (2.4-5k BP). There is no evidence of widespread negative effect of climate on the physiological parameters for the devil on the mainland. There is support for a role of climate in a bottleneck of the Tasmanian population that coincided approximately with mainland extinction. These results suggest that climate did not play a significant role in the mainland extinction. Instead, the extinction is best explained by competition from the dingo (Canis dingo) or cultural and demographic changes in the human population.

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LIFE IS A HIGHWAY: PREDICTING ROAD DEATHS FOR URBAN RINGTAIL POSSUMS (PSEUDOCHEIRUS PEREGRINUS)

Ehlana G. Davidson1, Ami F. Amir Abdul Nasir1, Robbie S. Wilson1.

1 School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072 Email: [email protected]

Road mortality is a major threat to marsupials in Australia, especially for species that live in urban environments due to their closer proximity to road networks. The common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) is ubiquitous across urban areas in eastern Australia, and as such, is a frequent victim of vehicle collisions. However, the factors that influence urban ringtail possum road mortality are currently unknown. Over the course of 5 months, we measured housing density, proximity to viable habitat, traffic volume and the actual speeds driven by vehicles within our two suburb study site in west Brisbane. Additionally, we recorded the density of live possums along transects within our study site and collected a total of 20 roadkill possums during the course of this study. We used these data to predict road mortality with two separate generalised linear spatial models. Ringtail possums were more likely to be killed on roads with lower proximities to habitat and higher possum densities, housing densities, traffic volumes and vehicle speeds. Our findings can help identify roads with higher probabilities of vehicle collisions with possums, and where mortality mitigation strategies could be implemented to reduce those probabilities.

THE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIOURAL ADAPTATIONS IN KOALAS (Phascolarctos cinereus) IN RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Dalene Adam1#, Stephen Johnston1, and William Ellis2

1Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture & Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia. 2Koala Ecology Group, School of Agriculture & Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia.

#[email protected]

A vital element of koala conservation is understanding behavioural and physiological plasticity in this species which may allow them to adapt to climatic extremes; however, this information is lacking in the literature. The aim was to investigate the koalas’ response to different environmental conditions, with a particular focus on body temperature, in order to gain an insight into their critical limits that might drive habitat (and microclimate) selection. Koalas were surgically implanted with thermal data loggers to measure internal body temperature, simultaneously koala physiology and behaviour as well as environmental conditions were monitored. Body temperature maxima occurred when the koalas were at rest rather than during periods of activity. Furthermore, koalas appeared to adopt adaptive heterothermy in order to cope with prolonged periods of elevated ambient temperatures. Preliminary calculations suggest koalas could potentially save energy (and reduce passive heat gain) by seeking refuge in densely foliated trees. Therefore, access to cool areas in summer could be a driver of habitat selection. The results demonstrate that a complex physiological and behavioural interaction exists, and that koalas are able to select cooler refugia against the heat. It also highlights the need for further research to fully understand the koalas’ limits to predict future distribution under climate change scenarios.

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PLASMA PROGESTERONE DURING GESTATION OF THE SHORT-BEAKED ECHIDNA (TACHYGLOSSUS ACULEATUS)

K.J. Dutton-Regester1, T. Keeley1, J. Fenelon2, A. Roser3, H. Meer3, M. Pyne, M.B. Renfree2, S.D. Johnston1

1School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia. 2School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia 3Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Queensland, 4223, Australia [email protected], @kate_regester

There is currently no detailed description of monotreme gestational physiology. This study documented the changes in plasma progesterone and pouch morphology during pregnancy from mating to egg laying (oviposition) in six sexually mature female captive short-beaked echidnas. Female echidnas housed at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary were paired with a male during the breeding season (July – October) and monitored daily by video surveillance to confirm reproductive behaviour. Female echidnas were anaesthetised to collect plasma samples and assess pouch morphology three times a week. Seven gestation periods were documented. From mating, progesterone concentrations increased within 4 to 7 days (Mean ± SEM 5.2 ± 0.6 d), reached peak levels within 6 to 15 days (Mean ± SEM 11.3 ± 1.3 d), before declining to baseline levels by day 19 to 21 (Mean ± SEM 19.2 ± 0.2 d). Pouch margins progressively thickened as progesterone concentrations increased. Oviposition typically occurred shortly before the return to baseline progesterone levels. Where a confirmed mating was observed (n = 3), oviposition occurred on day 17. The luteal phase was consistently 14 to 16 days long (Mean ± SEM 14.8 ± 0.4 d). We conclude that active pregnancy in the echidna is 17 - 20 days from mating.

UNTANGLING THE WEB OF INTERACTIONS BETWEEN STRESS, GLUCOCORTICOIDS, AND REPRODUCTION

Kerry V. Fanson1,2*, Emily Scicluna2, Kylie A. Robert2, Marissa L. Parrott3

1Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia 2Department of Ecology, Environment & Evolution, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia 3Wildlife Conservation & Science, Zoos Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia

Presenter e-mail: [email protected], Twitter: @FansonKerry

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are often equated with stress, and therefore thought to inhibit reproduction. Most evidence for this comes from hormone manipulation studies in a limited number of species. However, hormone manipulations can result in unnatural physiological imbalances, and results may not be biologically meaningful. Our goal was to examine the relationship between endogenous GCs and reproductive success in females. We conducted a systematic review of studies that reported unmanipulated GC levels in successful vs unsuccessful breeders in captive and wild populations. To get a broad taxonomic perspective, we included all vertebrate species. Results varied depending on when in the reproductive cycle GC measurements were taken. This suggests that there may be a more complex, nuanced relationship between GCs and reproduction that requires more attention in order to better understand the effects of stress.

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ARBOREAL FOLIVORES IN THE HEAT

James M. Turner Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @Torpidator

Heatwaves negatively impact wildlife populations and their effects are predicted to worsen with ongoing global warming. Animal mass mortality at extremely high ambient temperature is evidence for physiological dysfunction caused by exposure to environmental conditions outside those that individuals can tolerate. I give an overview of how heatwaves may impact arboreal marsupial folivores (the koala and some pseudocheirid and phalangerid possums and allies), which must also contend with dietary plant secondary metabolites—naturally occurring toxins that limit the type and amount of food they can consume—in light of folivores’ decreasing ability to process these compounds with increasing ambient temperature. Escalating heatwaves may constrain the ability of folivores to feed and rehydrate, which could negatively impact body condition, reproductive success and population persistence. The distribution of many of these species is already impacted by habitat destruction and the exacerbating effects of climate change will likely further limit opportunities for survival in the future. To aid conservation efforts, improving our understanding of animal responses to environmental heat is crucial.

INFRA-RED IMAGINING OF WILD ECHIDNAS REVEALS POTENTIAL OF EVAPORATIVE AND THERMAL WINDOWS TO FACILITAE HEAT LOSS

Christine E. Cooper1 and Philip C. Withers2

1School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia. [email protected] @CECooperEcophys 2School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth Western Australia. [email protected] @WithersCompPhys

Short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) inhabit most of the Australian continent. Despite tolerance of climatic extremes over their broad distribution, echidnas are considered to have poor thermoregulatory capability. Absence of both sweat glands and panting led to the assumption that echidnas were intolerant of high ambient temperatures. A re-investigation of echidna physiology led us to propose that echidnas have a typically mammalian thermoregulatory capacity, and hypothesise that the blood sinus at the moist bill tip may provide an evaporative thermal window. We used thermal imaging to investigate avenues of heat loss for echidnas. There were differences in the temperature of various body surfaces; highest for ear and lowest for nose tip. The surface temperature of all body parts was related to environmental wet bulb globe temperature, although there were differences in the slopes for these relationships. The slope was highest for body surface, suggesting that spines provide good insulation, and lowest for ear. The sparsely furred ventral surface and inside of the legs were hotter than the body, with the potential to function as thermal windows. The nose tip was an effective evaporative surface, equal to wet bulb temperature. It is moist for electroreception but can also facilitate evaporative heat loss.

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INSENSIBLE WATER LOSS OF ALPINE ANTECHINUSES: ARID-MESIC DIFFERENCES?

Philip C. Withers1, Christine E. Cooper2, Gerhard Körtner3 and Fritz Geiser3

1School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia. [email protected] @WithersCompPhys 2School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia. [email protected] @CECooperEcophys 3School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales [email protected] [email protected]

Insensible evaporative water loss is an important component of the water budget of terrestrial mammals and is theoretically driven by the water vapour pressure deficit between the animal and the ambient air. We show here for two species of alpine dasyurid marsupial (Antechinus agilis and A. swainsonii) that, although insensible evaporative water loss decreased at elevated ambient relative humidities in thermoneutrality (30°C), the decline was less than expected from the water vapour pressure deficit. This suggests that insensible evaporative water loss is physiologically controlled. There were no effects of relative humidity on body temperature or metabolic rate, but wet and dry thermal conductance increased for A. agilis at high humidities. We conclude that control of insensible evaporative water loss contributes to precise thermoregulation by these species when exposed to elevated humidity. The magnitude of insensible evaporative water loss control was similar for these alpine species and two other small dasyurid marsupials from more arid habitats, so control of insensible water loss is unlikely to be a water-conserving strategy. Partitioning of evaporative water loss into cutaneous and respiratory components suggested that the control mechanisms are related to cutaneous water loss, presumably via changes in skin blood flow, lipids or water content.

THE 2019-2020 BUSHFIRES: STATE-WIDE PICTURE OF KOALA RESCUE AND REHABILITATION IN NSW

Daniel Lunney1,2,3 and Indrie Sonawane1

1Department of Planning, Industry and Env1ronment; 2Faculty of Science, SOLES, University of Sydney; and 3Australian Museum.

Koala rescue from the bushfires over the extended 2019-2020 season in NSW was a high-profile media topic over many months. The information not available at the time of the fires was the number of koalas taken into care and their fate. This matter is not only of wide public interest, it is important information for the conservation and management of koalas. The fire season ended in March 2020. In June 2020 we wrote to every licensed koala rescue and rehabilitation group in NSW (n=8) seeking to quantify the impact of the 2019-2020 bushfires. All the groups responded, providing numbers to each of our questions. The answers were: 206 koalas came into care due to the bushfires, of these 98 were either euthanised or died, 74 were released and the remainder were still in care, but due for release soon. The number of koalas that came into care for reasons not related to the fires over the same time period was 337. The peak months for rescue were November in the northern part of the state and February in the southern part of the state.

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RAPID MOBILISATION OF EXISTING NETWORKS IN RESPONSE TO HABITAT LOSS AFTER WILDFIRE

Gary Fry1, Gary Howling1, Tim Cronin2

1. Great Eastern Ranges Limited, Suite 1.07, 55 Miller Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 2. World Wide Fund for Nature Australia, Level 1, 1 Smail Street, Ultimo NSW 2007 [email protected] @gjfry

Following the catastrophic fires of the summer of 2019 2020, the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative (GER) was well placed to work with its existing network of local groups, landholders and connectivity conservation alliances to connect and restore cross-tenure, multi-property corridors in priority areas. GER has partnered with WWF-Australia and, working with its network, is coordinating complementary projects that are restoring habitat and supporting the movement of koalas and other forest dependent species such as greater gliders and spotted-tailed quolls, taking place in strategic locations across the Great Eastern Ranges. The different types of projects include  Restoration of feed areas - Coordinated replanting of key feed areas with high volume nectar-producing shrubs and trees to support nomadic species such as flying foxes and honeyeaters.  Replacement habitat - Establishment of supplementary habitat for small, tree-dependent mammals such as gliding possums, phascogales and microbats through the installation of nest boxes to replace the natural tree hollows that have been lost. Included will be the restoration of native understorey increasing insect and small vertebrate prey numbers, as well as strategic management of feral predators.  Facilitating wildlife movement - Protection and enhancement of forest corridors to enable movement of koalas and other forest-dependent native animals.

DRIVERS OF GROUND-DWELLING MAMMAL DIVERSITY IN A FIRE-PRONE LANDSCAPE

Amy Smith1,2, Holly Sitters1, Julian Di Stefano1 1University of Melbourne, Department of Ecosystem and Forest Science, 4 Water Street, Creswick, Vic, 3363, Australia. 2Corresponding author: Email: [email protected]

Australia’s forests and woodlands have been fragmented by agriculture, urbanisation and forestry, and in many fragmented systems, fire is used as a management tool to reduce wildfire risk and enhance biodiversity. Currently, fire managers seek to promote biodiversity by maintaining a range of fire-age classes to suit the requirements of a range of species. However, this approach assumes mammals respond directly to time since fire, without consideration of other factors acting on mammal communities. In this project I investigate the effects of abiotic factors (e.g., climate, topography), landscape structure (the composition and configuration of land-use types), fire history and vegetation structure on ground-dwelling mammal communities in the heathy woodland of western Victoria. I am using data from live trapping and camera trapping to investigate ground- dwelling mammal community composition and species richness. Results will identify the key drivers of mammal community composition, and help managers better understand how planned burning affects mammal communities.

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THE EFFECT OF TIME SINCE FIRE, HABITAT STRUCTURE AND MOONLIGHT ON SMALL MAMMAL BEHAVIOUR

Pip Taylor1, Julian Di Stefano1, Matthew Swan1

1School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne, 4 Water St Creswick, Victoria 3363 Australia. [email protected]

Many prey species have evolved to respond to both direct and indirect indications of the presence of a predator. Moonlight illumination varies by 3-4 orders of magnitude between full and new moon phases. The predation risk hypothesis suggests that a temporal increase in moon illumination will reduce prey activity as predation risk is presumed to be higher with greater moon illumination. As vegetation provides shelter from predators, time since fire and habitat structure may also play a role in prey species’ response to moonlight. My research aims to determine the response of small mammal activity to time since fire, habitat structure and moonlight in the heathy woodlands of south-western Victoria. Camera trap data was used to establish an activity index for 7 small mammal species. This index was used as a response variable in generalised linear mixed effects models to determine which variables are influencing small mammal activity. Preliminary results suggest that 6 out of the 7 small mammal species reduce their activity with increasing moonlight. In addition, vegetation structure also has an influence on small mammal activity. The results of this study will help to inform researchers and land managers of appropriate times for targeted small mammal surveys.

THE INFLUENCE OF FIRE EXTENT, CONFIGURATION AND DIVERSITY ON SMALL MAMMAL POPULATIONS IN HEATHLAND ECOSYSTEMS

Lily J Wheeler1,2, Julian Di Stefano2 and Luke T Kelly1

1Biodiversity Dynamics Research Group, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne, Baldwin Spencer Building, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010 2Fire Ecology and Biodiversity Group, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne, 4 Water Street, Creswick, VIC 3363

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @LilyJWheeler

Australia has the world’s worst rate of mammal extinctions. Two of the main drivers of this are inappropriate fire regimes and habitat loss. These drivers shape entire landscapes and as such it is essential research and management considers the influence of these drivers at appropriately large scales. While studies in heathland ecosystems have advanced our understanding of mammals’ association with fire, the role of fire regimes remains poorly known. We completed a ‘whole-of- landscape study’ to determine how landscape mosaics of fire and vegetation affect small mammal populations in western Victorian Heathland. Specifically, I asked if the configuration and diversity of fire within the landscape, and the presence of treeless heath vegetation, affects small mammal presence and diversity. Study landscapes were selected to represent variation in the amount of long- unburnt vegetation (35+ years) and diversity of post-fire age classes. Camera-traps were deployed at 138 sites across 23 landscapes. We detected eight small mammal species, including yellow- footed antechinus, heath mice and bush rats. Preliminary results indicate heath mice occurrence is higher when treeless heath vegetation is present. By determining landscape conditions required for species to persist I will boost forecasts of changes in biodiversity and enhance conservation efforts in Victoria’s unique heathlands.

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FACTORS INFLUENCING HOME RANGE SIZE OF THE GREATER BILBY POPULATIONS IN FENCED RESERVES

Cassandra Arkinstall1, Sean FitzGibbon1, Katherine Moseby2 and Peter Murray3 1 School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia 2 School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia 3 School of Sciences, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia Email: [email protected]

Understanding the factors that affect an animal’s home range size and movements are key to the management of threatened species, particularly in fenced reserves where space and resources are constrained. This study focuses on fenced populations of the Greater bilby at two sites, Currawinya National Park in semi-arid south-west Queensland; and Arid Recovery Reserve in South Australia’s arid zone. The aims of this research are to determine if home range size and movements are significantly influenced by climatic zone and animal density. Lightweight GPS data loggers are being used to calculate home range size and movements at both sites. This research is ongoing, with key results obtained from the use of GPS loggers on bilbies at Currawinya. Home ranges of bilbies reintroduced at Currawinya were significantly larger than bilby home ranges reported from previous radio-telemetry studies of wild and fenced populations. The average home range size for males was 7.30km2 and 0.34km2 for females. The home range of one male encompassed more than 65% of the fenced area (18.77km2) in an exploratory phase, soon after release. Initial insights from these GPS loggers indicate that bilbies are highly mobile and can occupy large home ranges, even within fenced reserves.

WOMBAT AS ECOSYSTEM ENGINEERS: SUMMER V WINTER

Bojarojc, Kate1, Crismale, Brooke1, Stannard, Hayley2, Emanuel Mark1, Old, Julie1

1School of Science, Hawkesbury Campus, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia. 2 School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia. [email protected]

Wombats are semi-fossorial mammals native to Australia. They are ecosystem engineers; hence it is important to explore how wombat burrows influence the surrounding environment. We conducted a study of wombat burrows across six sites at Wolgan Valley, NSW throughout winter 2019 and summer 2020. Burrow humidity and temperature were measured and soil, plant, invertebrate and vertebrate compositions sampled at each burrow. Burrow temperatures were found to be lower than the ambient temperature, and humidity was found to be higher inside the burrow. Soil around the burrow was found to be relatively consistent being of a dark Munsell and highly acidic suggesting the soil is of sub-optimal nutrient availability for plant growth and development. Furthermore, native and naturalised plant species were more prevalent in close proximity to the burrow than invasive species. The location of the burrow had a greater influence on invertebrate composition than distance from the burrow. Invertebrate abundance varied significantly according to season, richness however did not. Twentyone vertebrate species were found in proximity to the burrows, however only thirteen interacted with the burrow. Whilst vertebrate richness and abundance did vary according to season and site, it was not found to be statistically significant. The only species to be observed entering the burrow, was the wombat. It is recommended that the investigation be reconducted to explore seasons outside that of summer and winter in order to determine if those intermediate seasons also affected the wombat’s role as an ecosystem engineer.

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THE PRIVATE LIFE OF THE GREATER BILBY: EXPLORING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN BILBIES RELEASED INTO A SEMI-WILD SANCTUARY

Kate Cornelsen1, Neil Jordan1,2, Andrew Elphinstone2

1Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia 2Taronga Institute of Science of Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia

Email: [email protected] twitter: @kate_cornelsen

Species reintroductions aim to reinstate species within their former range. Long-term persistence of re-introduced populations can depend on genetic diversity. Genetic diversity can be boosted by introducing more, genetically diverse animals to a population. However, if new animals are unable to reproduce, due to competition with established animals, this strategy may not be effective. Greater Bilbies (Macrotis lagotis) were released in stages to a 110 ha semi-wild sanctuary where bilby sociality and breeding was examined to (i) test social connection strength between individual bilbies and release groups, and (ii) determine if strong association between male-female pairs could be linked to early breeding success. Bilbies from both release groups (N1=9, N2=7) were fitted with VHF transmitters and GPS to track their movements for six-months post-release. Burrow sharing and nightly proximity was used to define social connections. Bilbies shared burrows on 44% of (1778) occasions, with most observations between mixed sex groups (76% of 782 sharing observations). Burrow sharing may be important for bilby breeding, and our data suggests that established males likely out-competed new males for these breeding opportunities. Early parentage results indicate that social position, and association strength between male-female pairs may be important for bilby breeding success.

WOMBAT MICROBES: FROM POUCHES TO POO

Raphael Eisenhofer1,2, Kristofer Helgen3, Ian Smith4, David Taggart5, Sesilje Weiss6

1. ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage 2. School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide 3. Australian Museum Research Institute 4. Zoos South Australia 5. School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide 6. University of Copenhagen

Email: [email protected] Twitter: R_Eisenhofer

Mammals arose in a microbial world and have had to adapt to and cooperate with microbes to improve their fitness. Recent research has demonstrated that microbes can perform important functions for mammals, such as the biosynthesis of essential nutrients, enhanced harvest of energy from recalcitrant foods, detoxification of harmful plant defence compounds, and protection against pathogens. However, the bulk of mammal:microbe research has focused on placentals, with marsupials receiving little attention. Focusing on the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat (SHNW), we sought to understand how microbes influence the physiology and ecology of this species. Using high-throughput DNA sequencing (16S rRNA gene and metagenomic), we found: 1) That captivity significantly alters the SHNW gut microbial composition and diversity, and wild populations of SHNWs living in different habitat types (degraded, native grass intact) harbour distinct gut microbial communities. 2) Microbial communities exhibit biogeographic patterns through the gastrointestinal tract, lining up with physiological work done by Barboza and Hume in the 90’s. 3) The SHNW reproductive cycle drastically influences the diversity of microbes inhabiting the pouch, with reproductively active females possessing significantly lower pouch microbial diversity. These and other findings expand our understanding of how microbes can impact the health and ecology of our native marsupials, with potential implications for captive breeding and conservation, and will form the basis for future comparative studies.

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POPULATION STRUCTURE AND GENE FLOW BETWEEN CULVERT ROOSTS OF A SPECIALIST TRAWLING BAT IN A SUBTROPICAL CITY

Vanessa Gorecki1, Boyd Tarlinton1, Stuart Parsons1 and Caroline Hauxwell1

1 School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia [email protected]

Urban environments can fragment habitats and introduce barriers to movement between populations, and this can have a profound effect on the population structure and viability of urban wildlife populations. We used single nucleotide polymorphisms and the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to study the genetic structure and gene flow in a culvert roosting population of a specialist trawling bat, within an urban environment. The large-footed myotis (Myotis macropus) is a trawling bat with a specialisation for foraging directly over water surfaces and movement across landscapes is restricted to riparian corridors. We found genetic differentiation between all roosts sampled. Gene flow was moderate between peri-urban populations and restricted between urban populations. We found evidence of female philopatry and pairs of related females within roosts. Our results suggest M. macropus has a harem social structure and a promiscuous breeding system due to limited shared paternal ancestry. The urban roosts in our study had more related pairs than the peri-urban roosts. Our results suggest that female dispersal distances are less than 30 km and gene dispersal is male mediated.

Population connectivity of southern Ningaui (Ningaui yvonneae) in the Scotia Mallee region, NSW

Faye Wedrowicz1, Fiona Hogan1, Helen P. Waudby2, Kate Callister1, Martin Westbrooke1, Ray Dayman2, Singarayer Florentine1, David Egan2, Grant Palmer1, Michael Todd2, and Tim Simpson1

1School of Science, Psychology, and Sports, Federation University, Australia, Mt Helen, Ballarat, VICTORIA 3350 2Environment, Energy and Science, Biodiversity, Conservation and Science Directorate, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Albury, NSW 2640; [email protected]; @hpwecology

Southern Ningaui is a patchily distributed small dasyurid of semi-arid regions of southern Australia. In NSW, the species is classified as vulnerable and part of a targeted landscape-scale management program. We investigated population structure, genetic diversity and paired individual relatedness of two groups (southern and northern) of Southern Ningaui in the Scotia Mallee region. We collected tissue from individuals caught at 42 trap sites and used DArTseq technology (Diversity Arrays Technology Pty Ltd, Canberra) to genotype samples. Single nucleotide polymorphism data were examined and filtered with the dartR package. Genotypes of 56 individuals and 6,509 loci were used for population structure analysis, using STRUCTURE, GENELAND and adegenet software packages dataset. Results from these analyses all indicated that the individuals sampled fell into two discrete genetic clusters, with little mixing between northern and southern individuals. Private alleles were identified in both the north (n = 470) and south (n = 389) genetic clusters, which indicates genetic differentiation between the groups. Pair relatedness analysis indicated that most individuals were unrelated and related individuals (n = 7; r >0.06) were separated by distances of up to approximately 8 km. Inbreeding levels within both the north (Fis 0.068) and south (Fis 0.074) were low.

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USING DNA FROM SCATS TO EXPLORE TROPHIC INTERACTIONS

Linda E Neaves1

1Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, ACT

Presenter email: [email protected] Twitter: Linda_Neaves

Australian ecological communities have, and continue to undergo dramatic alterations as a result of anthropogenic changes. Despite its relevance to conservation and restoration, our understanding of trophic interactions is still limited. DNA meta-barcoding of scats provides a non- invasive means of assessing diet. However, there is a trade-off between the breadth of species detected and resolution, with lower taxonomic levels typically difficult to distinguish. Using a novel genomic approach, broad-brush meta-barcodes were combined with other more informative regions of the genome (“extended barcode”) to increase resolution. Further, this approach can also be used to identify the target animal, both at species and individual levels or even assess the microbiome. Testing of scats from captive animals where diet is known showed it was as effective at detection of taxa, but capable of providing greater resolution. Interestingly, tests on wild and giant panda demonstrated this approach was capable of distinguishing individual bamboo species in the diet, which are impossible to distinguish using meta-barcodes alone. This approach has the potential to substantially enhance our understanding of trophic interactions, particularly in dietary specialists, such as koala or bettong or species which may be adversely impacting on species of conservation concern, such as foxes.

THE ROLE OF CHROMOSOMAL REARRANGEMENTS IN SPECIATION OF ROCK- WALLABIES

Sally Potter1,2, Mark Eldridge2, Jason Bragg3, Janine Deakin4, Mark Kirkpatrick5, Rustamzhon Turakulov1, Richard Edwards6, Craig Moritz1

1 Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia 2 Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, Sydney, NSW, Australia 3 National Herbarium of New South Wales, The Royal Botanical Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney, NSW, Australia 4 Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia 5 Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, United States of America 6 School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia

How DNA is packaged into chromosomes has important consequences for genome function and ultimately, evolution. From a long history of cytogenetic research, Australia is known to have unique species radiations with extensive chromosome variation that are excellent model systems for understanding the role of chromosome rearrangements in speciation. The rock-wallabies (genus Petrogale) are a group of Australian marsupials proposed as a classic example of rapid chromosomal speciation. This genus has the most extensive chromosomal rearrangements of any group of marsupials: the 17 recognised species comprise 23 distinct karyotypes. Here, I will present our recent findings about the role of chromosome rearrangements in processes of divergence amongst species in northeast Queensland which share some of the most complex chromosomal rearrangements. Recently diverged, we still cannot resolve the phylogenetic relationships of these species. However, we now have genomic coverage which enables us to separate out species and determine that gene flow is limited between species, contradicting previous studies.

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UNDERSTANDING PATTERNS OF PHENOTYPIC AND GENETIC DIVERGENCE IN ISLAND MAMMALS TO IMPROVE CONSERVATION OUTCOMES

Kate Rick 1, 3, Nicola Mitchell 1, Kym Ottewell 1, 2, Kenny J. Travouillon 3

1 School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia; [email protected]; [email protected] 2 Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, Crawley, WA 6983, Australia; [email protected] 3 Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, WA 6986; [email protected]

The loss of biological diversity is a major global issue, and with over 20% of Australian endemic terrestrial mammals currently threatened, it is vital to implement effective conservation strategies. Conservation efforts rely on a robust taxonomy, which may be confounded by varying levels of divergence between populations (the ‘speciation continuum’) and discrepancies in how species are defined. Further, the taxonomy of many species has not been re-evaluated with modern statistical techniques or complementary approaches. Uncertain or incorrect taxonomic classification can lead to unintended negative outcomes; diverged populations may be inappropriately crossed, leading to outbreeding depression, or alternatively, populations that are genetically depauperate may be inappropriately classified as distinct, blocking beneficial augmentation of gene flow. Here, we overview a new project that will explore the use of next-generation genomic data, combined with traditional morphometrics, to assess the distinctness of populations of three threatened Australian mammals – the dibbler (Parantechinus apicalis), the burrowing bettong (Bettongia lesueur) and the rufous-hare wallaby (Lagorchestes hirsutus). We will highlight the importance of understanding the evolutionary mechanisms driving divergence in these populations, and the implications for admixing populations in translocations.

A NEW DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR NON-INVASIVE GENETIC MONITORING OF THE GHOST BAT, MACRODERMA GIGAS: CUSTOM-DESIGNED SNP ARRAYS USING THE AGENA MASSARRAY PLATFORM

Rujiporn Thavornkanlapachai1, Kyle Armstrong2,3, Nicola Hanrahan4, Kym Ottewell1* 1 Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, Western Australia 6152, Australia 2 School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia 3 South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia 4 Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Bourke Street Richmond, New South Wales 2753, Australia

* email: [email protected] Twitter: @persoonia

Genomic sequencing tools have become widely used in wildlife conservation, but until recently such techniques have had limited application to samples obtained non-invasively (e.g. scats, hair, feathers) due to low DNA quality and quantity. Here, we report the application of targeted genotyping-by-sequencing using the MassArray platform on faecal samples obtained from the ghost bat, Macroderma gigas, for use as a novel genetic monitoring approach for this Vulnerable, disturbance-sensitive species. Utilising single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified through DArT analysis, we applied a suite of selection criteria to identify a subset of loci with high information content and reproducibility, and ultimately designed three Pilbara-specific multiplex arrays (44-50 SNPs per panel) for genotyping on the Agena MassArray platform. In a case study, 160 faecal samples from seven caves were genotyped using the SNP arrays, which identified 34 unique genotypes (individuals). SNP genotypes had improved accuracy over microsatellites with <1% genotyping error between replicate samples. At the study site, faecal deposition patterns differentiated between putative resident and transient bats and bat ‘recaptures’ identified through scats elucidated spatial and temporal patterns of bat movements. Our MassArray SNP panels offer an ideal tool for obtaining individual genotype information suitable for mark-recapture analysis for ongoing monitoring of this EPBC-listed species.

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WHY IS THE QUENDA (ISOODON FUSCIVENTER) PARAPHYLETIC?

Kenny J. Travouillon1, Sarah Comer2, Linette Umbrello1,3, Jenelle Ritchie1, Salvador Gomez1, Anna J. MacDonald4, Terry Bertozzi5,6, and Steven J. B. Cooper5,6

1Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, WA, 6986 Australia; E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Twitter: @TravouillonK 2Parks and Wildlife Service South Coast Region, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Albany WA 6330, Australia; E-mail: [email protected] 3Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington WA 6151, Australia. 4John Curtin School of Medical Research and Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia; E- mail: [email protected] 5South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia; E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] 6School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia

The recently published molecular phylogeny (Cooper et al. 2020) for the genus Isoodon confirmed that the Quenda (Isoodon fusciventer) in the south west of WA was distinct genetically to the east coast Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus). The Quenda was, however, also recovered in a paraphyletic group with individuals from Ravensthorpe and Daw Island not forming a clade with rest of the Quenda specimens. This talk will concentrate only on the Ravensthorpe population to identify whether morphological data also recovers them as a distinct clade. We used specimens in museum collections, measuring skins and skulls, and looking at cranial and dental morphological differences. We also used data collected in the field on live individuals during routine surveying. We found that there were significantly different skull and pes sizes between the Ravensthorpe and Perth Hills populations investigated. We undertook additional fieldwork east of Albany. We report the result of this fieldwork, which support that the new taxon was present in the area. The taxonomic rank of the new taxon will be decided by integrating existing data with the results of targeted exon-capture sequencing analyses (Oz Mammals Genomics Project).

SPATIAL ECOLOGY OF THE NORTHERN QUOLL IN THE PILBARA

Lorna Hernandez-Santin1, Melinda Henderson2, Shaun W. Molloy2, Judy A. Dunlop3 and Robert A. Davis2

1Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia. 2School of Science, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia. 3Science and Conservation Division, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington 6151, Western Australia, Australia.

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @LorNature

Understanding the spatial requirements of a species allows one to tailor actions that can help protect species and their habitats. We investigated the spatial needs of the endangered northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) in the Pilbara. We analysed field data based on GPS-telemetry or a combination of GPS and VHF telemetry for 11 northern quolls with data collected over two week periods. Using MCP and Kernel methods, we found average short-term ranges of193 ha and 115 ha for males, and for the only female with reliable data the estimates were 34 ha and 23 ha, respectively, with Kernel based core areas that were between five and three times smaller for males and the female, respectively. We found support for our hypothesis that ranges differ between seasons, but with a seasonal trend that was different from that expected. The ranges of males during the premating/mating season were smaller than during the pouch-young season. Our study provides the first detailed attempt to define and understand short-term movement behaviour of the Pilbara northern quoll. The information derived from our study can help to increase the accuracy of predictive outputs and better inform habitat prioritisation and conservation management of the Pilbara northern quoll population.

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THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN IMPROVED SCAT SURVEY METHOD FOR KOALAS PHASCOLARCTOS CINEREUS

Alex Jiang1, Andrew Tribe2, Peter Murray3

1 School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD4343, Australia. 2 The Turner Family Foundation, PO Box 108, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006, Australia. 3 The University of Southern Queensland, Darling Heights, QLD 4350, Australia. Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @AlexKoalaMan

Koala scat surveys are important to investigate koala presence and distribution in large forested areas where it is impractical to conduct direct observation surveys. However, current scat survey methods are problematic due to lack of either accuracy or feasibility. This study aimed to establish a new koala scat survey method with improved accuracy compared with existing methods, and practical in the field. We developed a new Balanced Koala Scat Survey method (BKSS), and evaluated it in the field by analysing scat detectability variations and comparing it with a current survey method, the Spot Assessment Technique (SAT), to determine scat searching accuracy. The results revealed that current methods were biased by assigning consistent searching effort for all trees, because effective searching time to detect the first scat was significantly affected by Koala Activity Level (KAL – the proportion of trees found with scats among all 30 trees in a survey site). Compared to BKSS, SAT tended to yield more false negative outcomes; SAT may miss up to 46% of trees with scats when KAL was low. The application of BKSS is expected to greatly enhance the reliability of koala scat surveys in determining koala distribution and thus improve their conservation management.

INVASIVE MESOPREDATOR RELEASE

Matthew Rees1, Jack Pascoe2, Brendan Wintle1, Alan Robley3, Mark Le Pla2, Emma Birnbaum2, Bronwyn Hradsky1

1 Quantitative & Applied Ecology Group, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia 2 Conservation Ecology Centre, Otway Lighthouse Rd, Cape Otway, VIC, Australia 3 Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Heidelberg [email protected] @matt_w_rees

The mesopredator release hypothesis predicts that red foxes limit feral cat population density—a concern given the large effort in controlling foxes across Australia. To test this, we spent three years surveying the mammals through 62,415 camera-trap nights in south-west Victoria. We monitored two separate regions using an experimental design centred around fox control. We identified 138 individual cats based on their unique coat markings and used spatial mark-resight models to estimate their density. In the region with long-term lethal fox control, cat density was 292% higher where foxes were least active, having a knock-on effect for prey species. In another region with newly implemented fox control, cat density was 43% higher where foxes were least active, however, this relationship was more uncertain. Our study is one of first to quantify mesopredator release by estimating predator density directly and using experimental designs with replication. Contrary to expectations, cat density was nearly three times higher in more wet and rugged forests of the Western Otway Ranges, compared to the flatter dry forests of the Glenelg region. Our results also show that we are likely to be underestimating cat density in wet and structurally complex environments.

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EXTINCT BURROWING BATS (NOCTILIONOIDEA: MYSTACINIDAE) SIGNAL LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY IN NEW ZEALAND

Suzanne J Hand

PANGEA Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney 2052, Australia; [email protected]; @SuzanneHand

The bat family Mystacinidae is part of the Gondwanan bat superfamily Noctilionoidea. It is restricted to New Zealand today, but once also occurred in Australia. The semi-terrestrial mystacinids, also known as burrowing or short-tailed bats, are morphologically and ecologically very distinctive chiropterans, with many specialised skeletal traits. The two Recent Mystacina species, M. tuberculata and M. robusta, are known from numerous Pleistocene and Holocene cave deposits in New Zealand, but fossils show that mystacinids lived in Australia 26–12 million years ago and were present in New Zealand from at least the early Miocene 19–16 million years ago. This review of the mystacinid fossil record indicates that there has been significant decline in morphological and ecological diversity in this bat family on both sides of the Tasman. After the middle Miocene, global climate change brought colder and drier conditions, with significant changes to vegetation and environments. It is likely that this general cooling and drying trend triggered overall loss in bat diversity in New Zealand, and evidently for many other groups as well.

TORN LIMB FROM LIMB: PREY PROCESSING IN TASMANIAN DEVILS (SARCOPHILUS HARRISII)

Tahlia I. Pollock1, Daniel Hunter3, Alistair R. Evans1,2, and David P. Hocking1

1. School of Biological Sciences, 25 Rainforest Walk, Monash University, Australia 2. Geosciences, Museums Victoria, Melbourne, Australia 3. The Natural History Film Unit, Anglesea, Australia

Presenter email: [email protected] Twitter: @TIPollock

The success of carnivorous mammals is determined not only by their ability to locate and kill prey, but also their efficiency at consuming it. Breaking large prey into pieces small enough to swallow is challenging due to the many strong and tough materials that make up a carcass (including hide, muscle and bone). Carnivores therefore require a diverse suite of prey processing behaviours to make the most of their catch. Tasmanian devils occupy a unique ecological role as Australia’s only large marsupial scavengers – notorious for their ability to consume almost all of a carcass. To determine how they do this we studied 5.5 hours of video footage of captive and wild devils feeding at carcasses, recording the repertoire of prey processing behaviours displayed. We documented 12 distinct behaviours, performed at frequencies that varied throughout feeds and between groups. Prey size influenced behaviours used, as different techniques appear better suited to handling whole carcasses or large pieces (pulling and pinning) or smaller pieces (holding and manipulating). Group size impacted the frequency of social pulling behaviours, increasing with number of animals present. These findings demonstrate the broad behavioural repertoire that enables Tasmanian devils to efficiently handle and consume large prey.

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CHARACTERISING INJURIES AND PATHOLOGY OF COMMON DOLPHIN (DELPHINUS DELPHIS) MORTALITIES IN THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SARDINE FISHERY

1Catherine Kemper, 1Ikuko Tomo, 1Giorgia Bovari, 2Derek Hamer, 1Susan Gibbs, 1Tomoyo Segawa Fellows

1South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia 5000 23/40 Valley Street, West Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7000

Presenter: Catherine Kemper ([email protected])

Mortality of dolphins in fishing operations is a concern worldwide. Linking beach-washed carcasses with fishing method is fundamental to understanding the true extent of mortality. This study characterised injuries and pathologies of 49 common dolphins collected during 2006–2019 from the South Australian Sardine Fishery (purse seine). Necropsies were performed with follow- up evaluation of histopathology, life history and skeleton fractures. Neonates, calves and juveniles accounted for 59% and of 14 mature females, 11 were pregnant and/or lactating. No chronic disease/infections were observed and body condition was robust 48 dolphins. Bruising and subdermal haemorrhaging (moderate to severe) were observed in all dolphins. Net and rope marks (75% of dolphins), and broken/missing teeth (65%) were observed. Fluid and froth were observed in lungs of 98% and 38%, respectively. Acute, unhealed bone fractures were documented in 48%, most associated with haemorrhaging. All dolphins displayed pulmonary oedema, and many had congested organs and mild heart pathology. In contrast, severe heart pathologies were described in dolphins taken in the Eastern Tropical Pacific purse seine tuna fishery. We conclude that the primary cause of death was blunt trauma associated with entanglement. Future research includes investigating South Australian beach-washed carcasses in relation to characteristics described above.

DO ARTIFICIAL WATER STATIONS PUT NATIVE WILDLIFE AT RISK OF PREDATION AND DISEASE TRANSMISSION?

Elliot Webb1*, Clare McArthur1, Laura Woolfenden2, Damien Higgins2, Mark B. Krockenberger2, Valentina S. A. Mella1

1. School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2. Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

*[email protected]

Providing animals with supplementary water is a technique used in conservation to offer an immediate positive impact to wildlife. We assessed potential benefits and costs of water supplementation in the Liverpool Plains, NSW, by investigating the behavioural response of animals to weather and previous visitor species to assess the risk of lethal and non-lethal predation, and by determining the risk of disease transmission at water stations. We found that koalas, brushtail possums and foxes responded to hot, dry weather with longer visits to water stations, suggesting a benefit of water stations to native wildlife but also to invasive species. Native animals did not respond to previous visitors, even when this was a potential predator. Cats visited stations for longer and investigated more after sugar glider visits, suggesting potential risk of predation at water stations. We found that the presence of pathogens at the stations depended on season and not on the number of species that visited. The increased presence of pathogens in summer may represent a potential risk of disease transmission. Water stations are an effective conservation tool as they can benefit native species during hot, dry weather but risks associated with using supplemental water should always be considered.

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STRONTIUM CONCENTRATION IN MARSUPIAL TEETH – INSIGHTS INTO LIFE HISTORY

William M. G. Parker1, Justin W. Adams2, Alistair R. Evans1,3

1. School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 2. Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3. Geosciences, Museums Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

[email protected] (@WMGParker), [email protected], [email protected] (@DrTeethAl)

Life history is characterised by the timing and emphasis an organism places on growth, survival and reproduction. This information is fundamental to a species’ biology but may vary between populations and can be difficult to obtain. High resolution trace element analysis is emerging as a powerful tool with which to reveal aspects of life history from mineralised tissues. Using the X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy (XFM) beamline of the Australian Synchrotron we have produced elemental maps from the sectioned teeth of a range of marsupial taxa (e.g. Macropus giganteus, Notamacropus eugenii & Vombatus ursinus). We find strontium to be a particularly informative indicator of life history; concentration rises in abundance until an individual is weaned and then oscillates strongly on a likely seasonal basis. XFM trace element analysis is extremely effective in macropods as the dentine of the lower mandibular incisor records a continuous and prolonged period of development (>5 years in M. giganteus). Refinement of this technique and pairing with incremental growth line data can provide unique insights into the life history of marsupial taxa from museum collections and fossil deposits.

INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE ROLE OF AUSTRALIAN OMNIVOROUS MARSUPIALS AS SEED DISPERSERS

Bryony Palmer1,3, Gabrielle Beca1,4, Leonie Valentine1,4, Todd Erickson1,2,6, Richard Hobbs1,7

1 School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009 2 Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 2 Kattidj Close, Kings Park, 6005, WA, Australia 3 [email protected] 4 [email protected] 5 [email protected] 6 [email protected] 7 [email protected]

Globally, many mammal species are key dispersal agents for plant seed via endozoochory (the dispersal of seeds via ingestion by a vertebrate animal). In Australia, however, the importance of mammalian seed dispersers is not well known. We performed two related studies to investigate endozoochory in omnivorous Australian marsupials. In the first study, we presented seeds to captive woylies (Bettongia penicillata) and quenda (Isoodon fusciventer). We documented the gut- passage time and compared the germination percentage of seeds retrieved from their scats to unconsumed (control) seed. In the second study, we collected scat samples from five species – woylies, boodies (B. lesueur), quenda, golden bandicoots (I. auratus) and bilbies (Macrotis lagotis) – across nine sites located in Western and South Australia (fourteen species-site combinations). We recorded seeds found in the scat samples and tested their viability and germination percentage. Less than half of the seeds presented to the captive animals were found intact in their scats, but seeds were frequently recorded in the scats of the wild animals. Successful germination of seeds retrieved from a range of scat samples, from both the captive and wild animals, indicates that Australian marsupials may play a greater role in seed dispersal dynamics than is currently recognised.

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ABUNDANCE AND SPECIES RICHNESS OF SMALL MAMMALS AND REPTILES ACROSS THREE REGIONAL ECOSYSTEMS IN CENTRAL QUEENSLAND

Miranda Rew-Duffy1, Rebecca Diete2, Martine Maron3, John Hunter4, and Luke Leung1

1 School of Agriculture and Food Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343 2 Bush Heritage Australia, Melbourne, VIC 3000 3School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072 4School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351

Email: [email protected]

Understanding species richness and abundance is useful for optimising management and conservation of different ecosystems. This study aimed to determine abundance and richness of small mammals and reptiles of three regional ecosystems in Central Queensland: Callitris, Angophora and Eucalyptus woodlands on sandy soil (RE 11.10.6); Eucalyptus woodlands on basalt soil (RE 11.8.5); and semi-evergreen vine thicket (RE 11.8.3). Surveys were conducted at 30 sites using white-flash Reconyx camera traps baited with peanut butter bait balls and oil mixture from February to June 2020. Mean relative abundance of small mammals in semi-evergreen vine thicket was 1.5 and 4 times greater than that in Eucalyptus woodlands, and Callitris, Angophora and Eucalyptus woodlands, respectively. Mean relative abundance of reptiles in Callitris, Angophora and Eucalyptus woodlands was 2 and 2.9 times greater than that in semi-evergreen vine thicket and Eucalyptus woodlands. Species richness was not significantly different between the regional ecosystems. These findings suggest that different regional ecosystems in Central Queensland support differing abundances of small mammals and reptiles; possibly due to differences in the availability of food and shelter resources. Understanding the mechanics of these observations may be useful for the adaptive management of land managed for conservation.

AN INTERPRETATION OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE SMALL MAMMALS OF HORSESHOE CAVE AT THE END PLEISTOCENE AND HOLOCENE

Jake Newman-Martin1 2, Kenny J. Travouillon1, and Alison J. Blyth2

1Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, WA, 6986 Australia; E-mail: [email protected]; Twitter: @TravouillonK 2Curtin University Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102 Australia; E-mail: [email protected], jake.newman- [email protected]; Twitter: @BlythAJ, @UppityMallard

In 1969 Professor Michael Archer conducted a dig in Horseshoe cave on the Nullarbor Plain in order to investigate the former distribution of the Thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus). Much of the cave material was left unsorted beyond a preliminary species list and two radiocarbon dates. A re-examination of the mammalian material provides insight into the small mammal communities at the end of the Pleistocene and the Holocene on the Nullarbor Plain. Material was sorted and identified to species based on cranial and dental characteristics. Individual specimens were counted to recover MNI (minimum number of individuals) and NISP (number of identified specimens) in each 10 cm spit of the cave stratigraphy to calculate abundance over time through the 291 cm deep deposit. Changes in the abundance of arboreal and arid adapted species through time enable us to make inferences about the habitat on the Nullarbor through past climatic and anthropogenic changes. Additionally, by comparing morphometric measurements from sub-fossil material from Horseshoe Cave to reference dental material at WAM, it was found that there are potential new mammalian taxa present, suggesting that the number of extinctions on the Nullarbor in the recent past is higher than currently calculated.

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PRESENTERS E-MAIL Page

Adam [email protected] 14

Arkinstall [email protected] 20

Bergeron [email protected] 1

Bojarojc [email protected] 20

Cooper [email protected] 16

Cornelsen [email protected] 21

Cowen [email protected] 12

Cripps [email protected] 1

Davidson [email protected] 14

Del Simone [email protected] 6

Dutton-Regester [email protected] 15

Eastick [email protected] 10

Edwards [email protected] 10

Eisenhofer [email protected] 21

Evans [email protected] 6

Fanson [email protected] 15

Fry [email protected] 18

Goldingay [email protected] 2

Gorecki [email protected] 22

Hand [email protected] 27

Hawke [email protected] 11

Hernandez-Santin [email protected] 25

Jiang [email protected] 26

Kemper [email protected] 28

Lunney [email protected] 17

Marks [email protected] 4

Martin [email protected] 5

Milledge [email protected] 3

Montana [email protected] 2

Morris [email protected] 13

Neaves [email protected] 23

Newman-Martin [email protected] 30

Ottewell (Thavornkanlapachai) [email protected] 24

Palmer [email protected] 29

Parker [email protected] 29

Penton [email protected] 3

Pollock [email protected] 27

Potter [email protected] 23

Rayner [email protected] 13

Rees [email protected] 26

Rew-Duffy [email protected] 30

Rick [email protected] 24

Rovinsky [email protected] 7

Rule [email protected] 9

Scicluna [email protected] 4

Smith [email protected] 18

Sparkes [email protected] 7

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Taylor [email protected] 19 Thavornkanlapachai (Ottewell) 24

Thomas [email protected] 12

Townsend [email protected] 5

Travouillon [email protected] 25

Turner [email protected] 16

Viacava [email protected] 8

Warburton [email protected] 9

Waudby (Wedrowicz) [email protected] 22

Webb [email protected] 28 Wedrowicz (Waudby) 22

Weisbecker [email protected] 8

Wheatley [email protected] 11

Wheeler [email protected] 19

Withers [email protected] 17

32