DOCSLIB.ORG

Macropods of the Wet Tropics No

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Macropods of the Wet Tropics No Tropical Topics A n i n t e r p r e t i v e n e w s l e t t e r f o r t h e t o u r i s m i n d u s t r y Macropods of the wet tropics No. 42 September 1997 Tree roos — evolutionary U-turners Notes from the Along with possums, the three types of rainforest macropods — musky rat- kangaroos, pademelons and tree-kangaroos — represent different chapters in Editor the story of macropod evolution in the rainforest. Yes it’s green! All macropods are thought to have Over time, as climates changed, Thanks largely to lobbying by evolved from possum-like animals. In Australian rainforests shrank and Daintree tour operators, funds have the days when most of the Australian grasslands spread. Ground-dwelling been made available from the continent was clothed in rainforest, life macropods continued to adapt to the Daintree Rescue Program to also must have been easy for these tree- new lifestyle and diet, changing in rescue the wet tropics issues of dwelling, leaf-munching marsupials. shape accordingly. Their hindlegs got Tropical Topics. As a result, you However, some of them, at some stage, longer, tails became less flexible and will again receive eight issues per seem to have descended to the teeth and stomachs adapted to grazing year, alternating, as before, between ground, perhaps in search of rather than browsing. Some kangaroos blue issues with marine themes and fallen fruit and fungi. Finding it and wallabies left the forests far green ones with wet tropics themes. to their liking, some stayed behind them as they ranged into arid If, however, you are interested in there. regions. reading only the marine issues, please let me know (address at the While many of these Meanwhile, some kangaroos made back) and I will endeavour to adjust venturesome animals an unpredictable choice. They the mailing list accordingly. changed shape quite looked back up at the trees and Green radically when adapting recognised a food source or, This issue looks at macropods in possum to life on the ground, one perhaps, a refuge from predators. the wet tropics. The Macropod, or species found in today’s Having evolved quite ‘big feet’, superfamily is divided rainforests, has retained thoroughly from tree- into two families. The Potoroidae several possum characteristics. dwelling possums to ground- family includes rat-kangaroos, The musky rat-kangaroo is the dwelling kangaroos, having potoroos and bettongs and the only macropod to have a ‘thumb lost their opposable toes and Macropodidae is made up of the toe’ — an opposable toe on prehensile tails, they headed various kangaroos, wallabies and each hind foot. Possums use this back up into the trees. pademelons. Both of these are for climbing, but the musky rat- Tree-kangaroo represented in the wet tropics by kangaroo is essentially a forest floor Tree-kangaroos have since particularly interesting species. animal, doing little more than readapted to an arboreal life (see clambering through fallen tree page 4) but are still, essentially, branches. Musky rat-kangaroos have kangaroos in trees. However, the also retained the ability to clutch with bizarre decision of their ancestors Please note their tails; possums make good use of to return to the canopy seems to that you are welcome to their prehensile tails when climbing have paid off. Tree-kangaroos photocopy Tropical Topics. whereas kangaroos and wallabies have have managed to survive However, if the text is reproduced heavy straight tails which they use for successfully for millions of years side separately it must not be altered balance and support. by side with their possum ancestors. and must acknowledge the Environmental Protection Agency as the source. Illustrations must not be reused without permission. Please Musky rat-kangaroo contact the editor (details on the Wallaby back page) if in doubt. Outside the rainforests In addition to rainforests, the wet tropics includes other habitat types which appeal to various macropods. Agile wallaby Rock-wallabies The agile wallaby is the most There are at least 15 species of rock-wallabies in Australia, common wallaby in tropical living in rocky habitats where they can easily find shelter coastal Australia — it from predators and from the sun. With granulated soles, ranges all across the top which have been compared with off-road tyres, they hop end from Broome in WA easily through this inhospitable environment, arching their to Rockhampton in tails over their backs to aid their balance. They become Queensland — and is active in the late afternoon, feeding throughout the night on probably the most a wide variety of plants. commonly seen wallaby in the wet tropics. Mobs of agile wallabies can Mareeba rock-wallaby be seen grazing when they emerge from resting A number of rock-wallaby species which lack any distinct places in dense vegetation in the late afternoon — or even markings were regarded as the same species until the 1970s earlier on gloomy days. Unfortunately, they are also likely to when scientists discovered that their chromosome numbers be seen dead at the side of the road. and shapes differed. Swamp wallaby In 1992 three distinct species — the allied, Sharman’s and, in the wet tropics, the Mareeba rock-wallaby — were The swamp wallaby is a peculiar creature. Although it looks formally described, distinguished only by their chromosome like a typical wallaby, its teeth are different, it has a different make-up. (They also look similar to the unadorned rock- reproduction strategy and it behaves in a different way. wallaby, with which they were once all grouped.) Just to Also, while other ‘typical’ wallabies* have 16 chromosomes, confuse the issue further, the Mareeba rock-wallaby the male swamp wallaby has only 11 and the female 10. It is interbreeds with Godman’s rock-wallaby and a hybrid race, thought to be the only surviving member of the genus with mixed characteristics, exists where the ranges of the Wallabia. two species meet. The swamp wallaby can be found all along the east coast. It The Mareeba rock-wallaby is found hides in thick undergrowth in forests and woodlands during from the Mitchell River, near Mount the day, coming out at night to eat. A browsing rather than Carbine, in the north to south of grazing animal, it prefers coarser shrubs and bushes to Mount Garnet, and inland to grass. It also eats agricultural crops close to shelter as well Mungana. (Godman’s is found as plants such as hemlock which are highly poisonous to north from Mount Carbine to cattle and people. Despite its name, the swamp wallaby is Bathurst. Although once more likely to be found in hills than swamps. common on Black Mountain, near Cooktown, it is now rare In the wet tropics, the swamp wallaby is less common than there.) the agile wallaby and although similar in size can be distinguished from it by its very dark colour. It has a yellow Like the two similar species, to rufous front and Queensland animals tend to have a the colour of the Mareeba white tip to the tail. It is also more solitary than the agile rock-wallaby varies, from wallaby. almost black to light brown, according to the colour of the *In the genus macropus. rock on which it lives. Northern bettong Belonging to the same family (potoroid) as the musky rat- composed of a soft nutritious core and an outer coating kangaroo, bettongs also retain some ‘primitive’ which contains reproductive spores. characteristics from their possum-like ancestors. Their tails are prehensile and, although not as strong as a possum’s, Numbers of these truffles seem to increase dramatically after are used to carry nesting material. Their stomachs, teeth and fire. The reason for this may be connected to the limb proportions are also different from those of more relationship between the parent fungi and the forest. Known typical macropods. as mycorrhizae, these fungi form associations with trees. Wrapping themselves around the tree roots they extract Only three populations of the northern bettong are known sugars produced by the plants but also feed back water, to exist — small ones on the Mt Windsor and the Carbine nitrogen and phosphorus. It is a close relationship without Tablelands and the other on the Lamb Range, in the vicinity which either party could die. of Davies Creek National Park. This animal’s preferred habitat is wet sclerophyll forest which generally occupies a When the forest is burnt, the stress experienced by the trees fairly narrow strip between rainforest and dry sclerophyll. may be transmitted to the fungi which, faced with possible With the decrease in burning by Aboriginal people and death, reproduce. The resulting abundance of truffles may graziers, rainforest is advancing into wet sclerophyll and come at the best time for the bettongs, when this little animal’s habitat is in danger of shrinking. conditions are dry and other food scarce. In return, the bettongs, by The northern bettong is strictly nocturnal, sleeping in a consuming the truffles, disperse grassy nest under the skirt of a grass tree or in a hollow log the fungal spores. Bettongs are during the day. Using its well-clawed forefeet and elongated therefore a vital part of these third toes, it digs up grass roots, tubers and the fruiting forest ecosystems. bodies of underground fungi. Known as truffles, these are a very important part of the bettong’s diet. They are 2 Out and about Report stranded marine wildlife Note: Items past their 'use-by The Department of Environment and date' have been removed from this the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park page for website.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Black-Footed Rock Wallaby Factsheet
    BLACK-FOOTED ROCK WALLABY FACTSHEET Black-footed rock wallabies are highly agile Brush-tailed rock wallabies are closely related The Threatened Species Network is a macropods able to move bound expertly to the Rothschild's rock wallaby and like them, community-based through very rugged and steep areas. They are very timid, never venturing far from their program of the are found in the arid zone of Central Australia. rock shelters. The two species can be Australian Once widespread in the central desert regions distinguished by to the dorsal stripe, which is Government’s Natural of the Northern Territory, South Australia and not present on the Rothschild's rock wallaby. Heritage Trust and Western Australia, the black-footed rock WWF Australia. wallaby is now found in only a few scattered locations. Where do they live? Black-footed rock wallabies live in rocky escarpment country, gorges, granite outcrops, What do they look like? sandstone cliffs and scree slopes in ranges Black-footed rock wallabies grow to just half a with hummock grassland, occasional fig trees metre tall. They are smaller and much more and low shrubs, caves and coastal limestone finely built than euros (common wallaroo), cliffs. They rely on narrow crevices and small which are found in caves for shelter similar areas. and protection from predators. There are five subspecies of the The stronghold of black-footed rock black-footed rock wallaby, which are wallabies is in the distinguished by their MacDonnell Range geographic range and near Alice Springs differences in their size in the Northern and fur colouration. Territory.
    [Show full text]
  • Red-Necked Wallaby (Bennett’S Wallaby) Macropus Rufogriseus
    Red-necked Wallaby (Bennett’s Wallaby) Macropus rufogriseus Class: Mammalia Order: Diprotodontia Family: Macropodidae Characteristics: Red-necked wallabies get their name from the red fur on the back of their neck. They are also differentiated from other wallabies by the white cheek patches and larger size compared to other wallaby species (Bioweb). The red-necked wallaby’s body fur is grey to reddish in color with a white or pale grey belly. Their muzzle, paws and toes are black (Australia Zoo). Wallabies look like smaller kangaroos with their large hindquarters, short forelimbs, and long, muscular tails. The average size of this species is 27-32 inches in the body with a tail length of 20-28 inches. The females weigh about 25 pounds while the males weigh significantly more at 40 pounds. The females differ from the males of the species in that they have a forward opening pouch (Sacramento Zoo). Range & Habitat: Flat, high-ground eucalyptus Behavior: Red-necked wallabies are most active at dawn and dusk to avoid forests near open grassy areas in the mid-day heat. In the heat, they will lick their hands and forearms to Tasmania and South-eastern promote heat loss. (Animal Diversity) These wallabies are generally solitary Australia. but do forage in small groups. The males will have boxing matches with one another to determine social hierarchy within populations. They can often be seen punching, wrestling, skipping, dancing, standing upright, grabbing, sparring, pawing, and kicking. All members of the kangaroo and wallaby family travel by hopping. Red-necked wallabies can hop up to 6 feet in the air.
    [Show full text]
  • Tammar Wallaby Macropus Eugenii (Desmarest, 1817)
    Tammar Wallaby Macropus eugenii (Desmarest, 1817) Description Dark, grizzled grey-brown above, becoming rufous on the sides of the body and the limbs, especially in males. Pale grey-buff below. Other Common Names Dama Wallaby (South Australia) Distribution The Western Australian subspecies of the Tammar Wallaby was previously distributed throughout most of the south-west of Western Australia from Kalbarri National Park to Cape Arid on the south coast Photo: Babs & Bert Wells/DEC and extending to western parts of the Wheat belt. Size The Tammar Wallaby is currently known to inhabit three islands in the Houtman Abrolhos group (East and West Wallabi Island, and an introduced population on North Island), Garden Island near Perth, Kangaroo Island wallabies Middle and North Twin Peak Islands in the Archipelago of the Head and body length Recherche, and several sites on the mainland - including, Dryandra, Boyagin, Tutanning, Batalling (reintroduced), Perup, private property 590-680 mm in males near Pingelly, Jaloran Road timber reserve near Wagin, Hopetoun, 520-630 mm in females Stirling Range National Park, and Fitzgerald River National Park. The Tammar Wallaby remains relatively abundant at these sites which Tail length are subject to fox control. 380-450 mm in males They have been reintroduced to the Darling scarp near Dwellingup, 330-440 mm in females Julimar Forest near Bindoon, state forest east of Manjimup, Avon Valley National Park, Walyunga National Park, Nambung National Park and to Karakamia and Paruna Sanctuaries. Weight For further information regarding the distribution of this species Western Australian wallabies please refer to www.naturemap.dec.wa.gov.au 2.9-6.1 kg in males Habitat 2.3-4.3 kg in females Dense, low vegetation for daytime shelter and open grassy areas for feeding.
    [Show full text]
  • Antipredator Behaviour of Red-Necked Pademelons: a Factor Contributing to Species Survival?
    Animal Conservation (2002) 5, 325–331 © 2002 The Zoological Society of London DOI:10.1017/S1367943002004080 Printed in the United Kingdom Antipredator behaviour of red-necked pademelons: a factor contributing to species survival? Daniel T. Blumstein1,2, Janice C. Daniel1,2, Marcus R. Schnell2,3, Jodie G. Ardron2,4 and Christopher S. Evans4 1 Department of Organismic Biology, Ecology and Evolution, 621 Charles E. Young Drive South, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606, USA 2 Cooperative Research Centre for the Conservation and Management of Marsupials, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia 3 Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia 4 Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia (Received 15 January 2002; accepted 17 June 2002) Abstract Australian mammals have one of the world’s worst records of recent extinctions. A number of stud- ies have demonstrated that red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have a profound effect on the population biol- ogy of some species. However, not all species exposed to fox predation have declined. We studied the antipredator behaviour of a species that has not declined – the red-necked pademelon (Thylogale thetis), and contrasted it with previous studies on a species that has declined – the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), to try to understand behavioural factors associated with survival. We focused on two antipredator behaviours: predator recognition and the way in which antipredator vigilance is influ- enced by the presence of conspecifics. We found that predator-naïve pademelons responded to the sight of certain predators, suggesting that they had some degree of innate recognition ability.
    [Show full text]
  • New Operational Taxonomic Units of Enterocytozoon in Three Marsupial Species Yan Zhang1, Anson V
    Zhang et al. Parasites & Vectors (2018) 11:371 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-018-2954-x RESEARCH Open Access New operational taxonomic units of Enterocytozoon in three marsupial species Yan Zhang1, Anson V. Koehler1* , Tao Wang1, Shane R. Haydon2 and Robin B. Gasser1* Abstract Background: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a microsporidian, commonly found in animals, including humans, in various countries. However, there is scant information about this microorganism in Australasia. In the present study, we conducted the first molecular epidemiological investigation of E. bieneusi in three species of marsupials (Macropus giganteus, Vombatus ursinus and Wallabia bicolor) living in the catchment regions which supply the city of Melbourne with drinking water. Methods: Genomic DNAs were extracted from 1365 individual faecal deposits from these marsupials, including common wombat (n = 315), eastern grey kangaroo (n = 647) and swamp wallaby (n = 403) from 11 catchment areas, and then individually tested using a nested PCR-based sequencing approach employing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and small subunit (SSU) of nuclear ribosomal DNA as genetic markers. Results: Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 19 of the 1365 faecal samples (1.39%) from wombat (n =1), kangaroos (n = 13) and wallabies (n =5).TheanalysisofITS sequence data revealed a known (designated NCF2) and four new (MWC_m1 to MWC_m4) genotypes of E. bieneusi. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequence data sets showed that MWC_m1 (from wombat) clustered with NCF2, whereas genotypes MWC_m2 (kangaroo and wallaby), MWC_m3 (wallaby) and MWC_m4 (kangaroo) formed a new, divergent clade. Phylogenetic analysis of SSU sequence data revealed that genotypes MWC_m3 and MWC_m4 formed a clade that was distinct from E.
    [Show full text]
  • Local Population Structure of a Naturally Occurring Metapopulation of the Quokka (Setonix Brachyurus Macropodidae: Marsupialia)
    Biological Conservation 110 (2003) 343–355 www.elsevier.com/locate/biocon Local population structure of a naturally occurring metapopulation of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus Macropodidae: Marsupialia) Matt W. Haywarda,b,c,*, Paul J. de Toresb,c, Michael J. Dillonc, Barry J. Foxa aSchool of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia bDepartment of Conservation and Land Management, Wildlife Research Centre, PO Box 51 Wanneroo, WA6946, Australia cDepartment of Conservation and Land Management, Dwellingup Research Centre, Banksiadale Road, Dwellingup, WA6213, Australia Received 8 May 2002; received in revised form 18 July 2002; accepted 22 July 2002 Abstract We investigated the population structure of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) on the mainland of Western Australia using mark– recapture techniques. Seven previously known local populations and one unconfirmed site supporting the preferred, patchy and discrete, swampy habitat of the quokka were trapped. The quokka is now considered as locally extinct at three sites. The five remaining sites had extremely low numbers, ranging from 1 to 36 individuals. Population density at these sites ranged from 0.07 to 4.3 individuals per hectare. There has been no response to the on-going, 6 year fox control programme occurring in the region despite the quokkas’ high fecundity and this is due to low recruitment levels. The remaining quokka populations in the northern jarrah forest appear to be the terminal remnants of a collapsing metapopulation. # 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Population structure; Predation; Reproduction; Setonix brachyurus; Vulnerable 1. Introduction The Rottnest Island quokka population fluctuates around 5000 with peaks of 10,000 individuals (Waring, The quokka (Setonix brachyurus Quoy & Gaimard 1956).
    [Show full text]
  • Feratox® As a Humane Control Agent for Wallabies in Tasmania
    Feratox® as a Humane Control Agent for Wallabies in Tasmania Mick Statham Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, and Mt. Pleasant Labs, Kings Meadows, Tasmania, Australia Charles T. Eason Dept. of Ecology, Lincoln University, Lincoln, and Connovation Research Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand Helen L. Statham Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia Lee Shapiro and Duncan MacMorran Connovation Research Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand ABSTRACT: Compound 1080 has been used to control native wallabies and possums in Tasmania for over 50 years. Public concern in relation to humaneness and its effects on domestic dogs and nontarget species has led to opposition to its use. Feratox®, a form of encapsulated cyanide pellet registered for brushtail possum control in New Zealand, was considered as a replacement toxin. Trials in New Zealand showed that the material is fast-acting and humane in wallabies. In Tasmania, protocols were developed using bait stations that would minimise access by nontarget macropods and wombats. In field trials using Feratox®, however, there was excessive spillage of toxic pellets and variation in bait take between seasons by Tasmanian pademelons. Further work is under way to resolve these issues to see if protocols can be developed for the safe and effective use of cyanide pellets in areas where nontarget mammals are prevalent. KEY WORDS: Australia, bait development, Bennett’s wallaby, brushtail possum, Feratox®, humane toxicants, Macropus rufogriseus, New Zealand, nontarget species, poisons, potassium cyanide, Tasmania, Tasmanian pademelon, Thylogale billardierii, Trichosurus vulpecula, wallaby Proc. 24th Vertebr. Pest Conf. (R. M. Timm and K. A.
    [Show full text]
  • Platypus Collins, L.R
    AUSTRALIAN MAMMALS BIOLOGY AND CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT Stephen Jackson © CSIRO 2003 All rights reserved. Except under the conditions described in the Australian Copyright Act 1968 and subsequent amendments, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, duplicating or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Contact CSIRO PUBLISHING for all permission requests. National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry Jackson, Stephen M. Australian mammals: Biology and captive management Bibliography. ISBN 0 643 06635 7. 1. Mammals – Australia. 2. Captive mammals. I. Title. 599.0994 Available from CSIRO PUBLISHING 150 Oxford Street (PO Box 1139) Collingwood VIC 3066 Australia Telephone: +61 3 9662 7666 Local call: 1300 788 000 (Australia only) Fax: +61 3 9662 7555 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.publish.csiro.au Cover photos courtesy Stephen Jackson, Esther Beaton and Nick Alexander Set in Minion and Optima Cover and text design by James Kelly Typeset by Desktop Concepts Pty Ltd Printed in Australia by Ligare REFERENCES reserved. Chapter 1 – Platypus Collins, L.R. (1973) Monotremes and Marsupials: A Reference for Zoological Institutions. Smithsonian Institution Press, rights Austin, M.A. (1997) A Practical Guide to the Successful Washington. All Handrearing of Tasmanian Marsupials. Regal Publications, Collins, G.H., Whittington, R.J. & Canfield, P.J. (1986) Melbourne. Theileria ornithorhynchi Mackerras, 1959 in the platypus, 2003. Beaven, M. (1997) Hand rearing of a juvenile platypus. Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Shaw). Journal of Wildlife Proceedings of the ASZK/ARAZPA Conference. 16–20 March.
    [Show full text]
  • Mount Emerald Wind Farm, Herberton Range North Queensland
    Mount Emerald Wind Farm, Herberton Range North Queensland Environmental Impact Statement Volume 2 (EPBC 2011/6228) Prepared by: Prepared for: RPS AUSTRALIA EAST PTY LTD RATCH AUSTRALIA CORPORATION LTD 135 Lake Street Level 4, 231 George Street, Cairns Brisbane, Queensland 4870 Queensland, 4001 T: +61 7 4031 1336 T: +61 7 3214 3401 F: +61 7 4031 2942 F: +61 7 3214 3499 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.ratchaustralia.com Client Manager: Mellissa Jess Report Number: PR100246 / R72846 Version / Date: VA / Volume 2 rpsgroup.com.au Mount Emerald Wind Farm, Herberton Range North Queensland Environmental Impact Statement Volume 2 IMPORTANT NOTE Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism, or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this report, its attachments or appendices may be reproduced by any process without the written consent of RPS Australia East Pty Ltd. All enquiries should be directed to RPS Australia East Pty Ltd. We have prepared this report for the sole purposes of RATCH Australia Corporation Ltd (“Client”) for the specific purpose of only for which it is supplied (“Purpose”). This report is strictly limited to the purpose and the facts and matters stated in it and does not apply directly or indirectly and will not be used for any other application, purpose, use or matter. In preparing this report we have made certain assumptions. We have assumed that all information and documents provided to us by the Client or as a result of a specific request or enquiry were complete, accurate and up-to-date.
    [Show full text]
  • Ba3444 MAMMAL BOOKLET FINAL.Indd
    Intot Obliv i The disappearing native mammals of northern Australia Compiled by James Fitzsimons Sarah Legge Barry Traill John Woinarski Into Oblivion? The disappearing native mammals of northern Australia 1 SUMMARY Since European settlement, the deepest loss of Australian biodiversity has been the spate of extinctions of endemic mammals. Historically, these losses occurred mostly in inland and in temperate parts of the country, and largely between 1890 and 1950. A new wave of extinctions is now threatening Australian mammals, this time in northern Australia. Many mammal species are in sharp decline across the north, even in extensive natural areas managed primarily for conservation. The main evidence of this decline comes consistently from two contrasting sources: robust scientifi c monitoring programs and more broad-scale Indigenous knowledge. The main drivers of the mammal decline in northern Australia include inappropriate fi re regimes (too much fi re) and predation by feral cats. Cane Toads are also implicated, particularly to the recent catastrophic decline of the Northern Quoll. Furthermore, some impacts are due to vegetation changes associated with the pastoral industry. Disease could also be a factor, but to date there is little evidence for or against it. Based on current trends, many native mammals will become extinct in northern Australia in the next 10-20 years, and even the largest and most iconic national parks in northern Australia will lose native mammal species. This problem needs to be solved. The fi rst step towards a solution is to recognise the problem, and this publication seeks to alert the Australian community and decision makers to this urgent issue.
    [Show full text]
  • The Kangaroo Island Tammar Wallaby
    The Kangaroo Island Tammar Wallaby Assessing ecologically sustainable commercial harvesting A report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation by Margaret Wright and Phillip Stott University of Adelaide March 1999 RIRDC Publication No 98/114 RIRDC Project No. UA-40A © 1999 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 0 642 57879 6 ISSN 1440-6845 "The Kangaroo Island Tammar Wallaby - Assessing ecologically sustainable commercial harvesting " Publication No: 98/114 Project No: UA-40A The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report. This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186. Researcher Contact Details Margaret Wright & Philip Stott Department of Environmental Science and Management University of Adelaide ROSEWORTHY SA 5371 Phone: 08 8303 7838 Fax: 08 8303 7956 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: http://www.roseworthy.adelaide.edu.au/ESM/ RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 4539 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Published in March 1999 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint ii Foreword The Tammar Wallaby on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, is currently managed as a vertebrate pest.
    [Show full text]
  • Grand Australia Part Ii: Queensland, Victoria & Plains-Wanderer
    GRAND AUSTRALIA PART II: QUEENSLAND, VICTORIA & PLAINS-WANDERER OCTOBER 15–NOVEMBER 1, 2018 Southern Cassowary LEADER: DION HOBCROFT LIST COMPILED BY: DION HOBCROFT VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM GRAND AUSTRALIA PART II By Dion Hobcroft Few birds are as brilliant (in an opposite complementary fashion) as a male Australian King-parrot. On Part II of our Grand Australia tour, we were joined by six new participants. We had a magnificent start finding a handsome male Koala in near record time, and he posed well for us. With friend Duncan in the “monster bus” named “Vince,” we birded through the Kerry Valley and the country towns of Beaudesert and Canungra. Visiting several sites, we soon racked up a bird list of some 90 species with highlights including two Black-necked Storks, a Swamp Harrier, a Comb-crested Jacana male attending recently fledged chicks, a single Latham’s Snipe, colorful Scaly-breasted Lorikeets and Pale-headed Rosellas, a pair of obliging Speckled Warblers, beautiful Scarlet Myzomela and much more. It had been raining heavily at O’Reilly’s for nearly a fortnight, and our arrival was exquisitely timed for a break in the gloom as blue sky started to dominate. Pretty-faced Wallaby was a good marsupial, and at lunch we were joined by a spectacular male Eastern Water Dragon. Before breakfast we wandered along the trail system adjacent to the lodge and were joined by many new birds providing unbelievable close views and photographic chances. Wonga Pigeon and Bassian Thrush were two immediate good sightings followed closely by Albert’s Lyrebird, female Paradise Riflebird, Green Catbird, Regent Bowerbird, Australian Logrunner, three species of scrubwren, and a male Rose Robin amongst others.
    [Show full text]