DOCSLIB.ORG

Nankeen Kestrel Preys Upon Western Bearded Dragon

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Australian Field Ornithology 2015, 32, 187–189 Nankeen Kestrel preys upon Western Bearded Dragon Graham R. Fulton School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia Email: [email protected] Summary. A Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides was observed eating an apparently freshly killed Western Bearded Dragon Pogona minor at a beach in south-western Australia. The Kestrel twice flew low over the landscape for 25 m, carrying the slain dragon. The mass of the dragon (43 g) was calculated as 26% of the Kestrel’s mass (164 g). Kestrels taking, and carrying, lizard prey of this size may be uncommon. A range of invertebrate and vertebrate prey (mammals, birds and reptiles) has been recorded in the diet of the Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides (Marchant & Higgins 1993; Johnstone & Storr 1998; Debus 2012). Vertebrates, particularly lizards, can make up a large proportion of prey by biomass (e.g. Olsen et al. 1979; Aumann 2001; Starr et al. 2004) and lizards may be taken more commonly than mammals, owing to the Kestrel’s diurnal habit (Dickman et al. 1991). Large lizards are reported less often and include small dragons (Agamidae), usually those such as Ctenophorus spp., up to ~27 g, but occasionally the Western Bearded Dragon Pogona minor (mean mass 31 g) (Marchant & Higgins 1993; Johnstone & Storr 1998; Aumann 2001; lizard masses from Meiri 2010). Western Bearded Dragon remains were reported from Kestrel pellets by Aumann (2001), but the prey size was undetermined. The report in Johnstone & Storr (1998) was derived from an observation by John Dell, in 1972, of a pair of Kestrels feeding a Western Bearded Dragon to their nestlings (R. Johnstone pers. comm.). Marchant & Higgins (1993) listed the Western Bearded Dragon, citing Barker & Vestjens (1989), who did not give the lizards’ sizes. Marchant & Higgins (1993) also listed the Eastern Bearded Dragon Amphibolurus barbatus (= Pogona barbata), citing Czechura (1971, p. 68) who simply stated, without reference, that ‘Bearded Dragon Lizards’ ‘seem’ to be included in the Kestrel’s diet. The largest prey items recorded for the Kestrel are a Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis (Pacher 2010) and Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes (Oliver 2004). Pacher (2010) reported that the Kestrel could not lift the Dove, but removed its head and carried this away, and Oliver (2004) reported the Kestrel managing laboured flight at ~10 m altitude while carrying the Pigeon. The following observation, of a Nankeen Kestrel carrying and eating an apparently adult Western Bearded Dragon, was made on 3 October 2014, 15 minutes before sunset at the central beach in Warnbro Sound, south-western Australia (32°20′S, 115°44′E). The study site (Warnbro Sound Beach) and bird survey methods are described elsewhere (Fulton 2010). Conditions were cool (~19°C) and overcast. This is a single incident in a long-term study of birds on this beach, currently in its ninth year. 188 Australian Field Ornithology G.R. Fulton Figure 1. Adult male Nankeen Kestrel with Western Bearded Dragon prey, Warnbro Sound Beach, south-western Western Australia, October 2014. Photo: Graham R. Fulton The Nankeen Kestrel is a moderately common bird at this site where it was observed in 142 of 817 surveys (GRF unpublished data). A survey consists of a walked transect of 4 km, 2 km on the beach and 2 km through the hind-dunes. The Kestrel, a male identified by the grey crown and tail, was first observed eating the slain Western Bearded Dragon on the ground ~25 m from the shoreline, ~5 m behind the first line of beach vegetation. The intact appearance of the dragon indicated that it was freshly killed. The Kestrel flew away with its prey only when approached within 15 m. It flew up a slight incline for ~25 m while carrying the dragon, and perched with it atop a low (~1 m) wooden post. As I approached within 10 m, the Kestrel flew again, above the short dune vegetation, with the dragon for ~25 m before descending ~1 m to land on the ground. The Kestrel did not appear to struggle by over-flapping or by showing any obvious labouring in flight. The mass of the Western Bearded Dragon was calculated from the photograph as follows. The Nankeen Kestrel’s length was ~31.7 cm (mean adult male length from Olsen & Olsen 1987). The mass of the dragon was calculated from its total length (~25.9 cm) by comparison with the Kestrel holding it. The dragon’s snout– vent length (SVL) was calculated from Cogger (2014), i.e. tail = 130% of SVL. Thus, SVL = 11.3 cm. The mass of the dragon (~43 g) was then read from a graph, drawn from a table of SVL versus mass (Craig et al. 2007). The male Kestrel’s average mass is 164 g in spring–summer (Olsen & Olsen 1987). Thus, the dragon was estimated to be 26% of the Kestrel’s mass. In this observation, an adult male Nankeen Kestrel (smaller than an adult female) took a Western Bearded Dragon. In previous reports of large prey taken, either the female Kestrel was implicated or the gender not given (e.g. Oliver 2004; Pacher 2010). This observation suggests that the dragon was killed by the Kestrel, and that the Kestrel could fly with its prey in an unlaboured fashion, although Nankeen Kestrel preys on Western Bearded Dragon 189 without gaining much altitude. However, there are few suitable perches, and the most suitable site to consume the dragon was probably on the ground. Reports in the literature of the Nankeen Kestrel taking this species of dragon are rare and do not state the size or mass of the dragon. Instances of adult dragons being taken by Kestrels are apparently uncommon or rare. Kestrels may not transport reptiles of this size because they can consume them where they are caught. The Kestrel in this observation flew only when approached by the observer. I thank Stephen Debus for his advice and support in writing this note, Ron Johnstone for his prompt communication, and referees Tom Aumann and Jerry Olsen. I thank Scott Thompson for identifying the Western Bearded Dragon. I acknowledge the Nyoongar people, the traditional owners of the land where this study was undertaken. References Aumann, T. (2001). An intraspecific and interspecific comparison of raptor diets in the south-west of the Northern Territory, Australia. Wildlife Research 28, 379–393. Barker, R.D. & Vestjens, W.J.M. (1989). The Food of Australian Birds, I: Non-passerines. CSIRO, Canberra. Cogger, H.G. (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne. Craig, M.D., Garkaklis, M.J., Hardy, G.E.S.J., Grigg, A.H., Grant, C.D., Fleming, P.A. & Hobbs, R.J. (2007). Ecology of the Western Bearded Dragon (Pogona minor) in unmined forest and forest restored after bauxite mining in south-west Western Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology 55, 107–116. Czechura, G. (1971). Field notes on hunting methods of falcons. Sunbird 2, 68–72. Debus, S.J.S. (2012). Birds of Prey of Australia: A Field Guide. 2nd edn. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne. Dickman, C.R., Daly, S.E.J. & Connell, G.W. (1991). Dietary relationships of the Barn Owl and Australian Kestrel on islands off the coast of Western Australia. Emu 91, 69–72. Fulton, G.R. (2010). Non-aggressive response by Bottlenose Dolphin to fish-theft by a Silver Gull. Australian Field Ornithology 27, 85–86. Johnstone, R.E. & Storr, G.M. (1998). Handbook of Western Australian Birds, Volume 1: Non-Passerines. Western Australian Museum, Perth. Marchant, S. & Higgins, P.J. (Eds) (1993). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds, Volume 2: Raptors to Lapwings. Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Meiri, S. (2010). Length-weight allometries in lizards. Journal of Zoology 281, 218–226. Oliver, D.L. (2004). Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides takes Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes. Australian Field Ornithology 21, 47–48. Olsen, P.D. & Olsen, J. (1987). Movements and measurements of the Australian Kestrel Falco cenchroides. Emu 87, 35–41. Olsen, P., Vestjens, W.J.M. & Olsen, J. (1979). Observations on the diet of the Australian Kestrel Falco cenchroides. Emu 79, 133–138. Pacher, J. (2010). Nankeen Kestrel takes Spotted Dove. Australian Field Ornithology 27, 35–37. Starr, M.J., Starr, M. & Wilson, S.C. (2004). Hunting rates and prey of a pair of breeding Nankeen Kestrels Falco cenchroides near Sydney, New South Wales. Australian Field Ornithology 21, 72–75. Received 10 October 2014.
Recommended publications
  • Australian Diurnal Raptors and Airports

    Australian Diurnal Raptors and Airports

    Australian diurnal raptors and airports Photo: John Barkla, BirdLife Australia William Steele Australasian Raptor Association BirdLife Australia Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group Forum Brisbane, 25 July 2013 So what is a raptor? Small to very large birds of prey. Diurnal, predatory or scavenging birds. Sharp, hooked bills and large powerful feet with talons. Order Falconiformes: 27 species on Australian list. Family Falconidae – falcons/ kestrels Family Accipitridae – eagles, hawks, kites, osprey Falcons and kestrels Brown Falcon Black Falcon Grey Falcon Nankeen Kestrel Australian Hobby Peregrine Falcon Falcons and Kestrels – conservation status Common Name EPBC Qld WA SA FFG Vic NSW Tas NT Nankeen Kestrel Brown Falcon Australian Hobby Grey Falcon NT RA Listed CR VUL VUL Black Falcon EN Peregrine Falcon RA Hawks and eagles ‐ Osprey Osprey Hawks and eagles – Endemic hawks Red Goshawk female Hawks and eagles – Sparrowhawks/ goshawks Brown Goshawk Photo: Rik Brown Hawks and eagles – Elanus kites Black‐shouldered Kite Letter‐winged Kite ~ 300 g Hover hunters Rodent specialists LWK can be crepuscular Hawks and eagles ‐ eagles Photo: Herald Sun. Hawks and eagles ‐ eagles Large ‐ • Wedge‐tailed Eagle (~ 4 kg) • Little Eagle (< 1 kg) • White‐bellied Sea‐Eagle (< 4 kg) • Gurney’s Eagle Scavengers of carrion, in addition to hunters Fortunately, mostly solitary although some multiple strikes on aircraft Hawks and eagles –large kites Black Kite Whistling Kite Brahminy Kite Frequently scavenge Large at ~ 600 to 800 g BK and WK flock and so high risk to aircraft Photo: Jill Holdsworth Identification Beruldsen, G (1995) Raptor Identification. Privately published by author, Kenmore Hills, Queensland, pp. 18‐19, 26‐27, 36‐37.
  • Observations on the Raptor Community of the Pilbara Region of Western Australia

    Observations on the Raptor Community of the Pilbara Region of Western Australia

    129 AUSTRALIAN FIELD ORNITHOLOGY 2011, 28, 129–132 Observations on the Raptor Community of the Pilbara Region of Western Australia A.J.G. SUTTON 157 Nawaday Way, Singleton, New South Wales 2330 (Email: [email protected]) Summary Fourteen species of diurnal raptor were observed during roadside surveys and nest searches of the Newman district, in the eastern Pilbara region of arid north-western Australia, in 1987–88. Breeding data (months in which nestlings were present) are presented for eight of these species, and dietary observations or pellet analyses are presented for five. Raptor community structure, particularly with respect to bird-eating falcons in various size-classes, appeared similar to that elsewhere in the arid zone. Introduction There has been only one detailed study of the diurnal raptor community in the Australian arid zone, in the south-west of the Northern Territory (Aumann 2001a–d). Otherwise, apart from historical annotated bird or raptor lists for parts of the arid zone, there has been one other study of diurnal raptors, in arid north- eastern South Australia (Falkenberg et al. 2000; Falkenberg 2011), and an anecdotal account of some of the raptors at sites also in arid South Australia (Debus et al. 2006). This paper presents the results of road-transect surveys and nest searches for raptors in arid north-western Australia, obtained during a study on the Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos (see Sutton 2011). Study area and methods The study area was that part of the Pilbara region within a 100-km radius of Newman (23°21′S, 119°43′E), in the Ophthalmia Range off the eastern Hamersley Range in arid north-western Western Australia (see Sutton 2011 for further details and references).
  • A Guide to the Birds of Barrow Island

    A Guide to the Birds of Barrow Island

    A Guide to the Birds of Barrow Island Operated by Chevron Australia This document has been printed by a Sustainable Green Printer on stock that is certified carbon in joint venture with neutral and is Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) mix certified, ensuring fibres are sourced from certified and well managed forests. The stock 55% recycled (30% pre consumer, 25% post- Cert no. L2/0011.2010 consumer) and has an ISO 14001 Environmental Certification. ISBN 978-0-9871120-1-9 Gorgon Project Osaka Gas | Tokyo Gas | Chubu Electric Power Chevron’s Policy on Working in Sensitive Areas Protecting the safety and health of people and the environment is a Chevron core value. About the Authors Therefore, we: • Strive to design our facilities and conduct our operations to avoid adverse impacts to human health and to operate in an environmentally sound, reliable and Dr Dorian Moro efficient manner. • Conduct our operations responsibly in all areas, including environments with sensitive Dorian Moro works for Chevron Australia as the Terrestrial Ecologist biological characteristics. in the Australasia Strategic Business Unit. His Bachelor of Science Chevron strives to avoid or reduce significant risks and impacts our projects and (Hons) studies at La Trobe University (Victoria), focused on small operations may pose to sensitive species, habitats and ecosystems. This means that we: mammal communities in coastal areas of Victoria. His PhD (University • Integrate biodiversity into our business decision-making and management through our of Western Australia)
  • Intelligence of Bearded Dragons Sydney Herndon

    Intelligence of Bearded Dragons Sydney Herndon

    Murray State's Digital Commons Honors College Theses Honors College Spring 4-26-2021 Intelligence of Bearded Dragons sydney herndon Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/honorstheses Part of the Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons Recommended Citation herndon, sydney, "Intelligence of Bearded Dragons" (2021). Honors College Theses. 67. https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/honorstheses/67 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Honors College at Murray State's Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Honors College Theses by an authorized administrator of Murray State's Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Intelligence of Bearded Dragons Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Murray State University Honors Diploma Sydney Herndon 04/2021 i Abstract The purpose of this thesis is to study and explain the intelligence of bearded dragons. Bearded dragons (Pogona spp.) are a species of reptile that have been popular in recent years as pets. Until recently, not much was known about their intelligence levels due to lack of appropriate research and studies on the species. Scientists have been studying the physical and social characteristics of bearded dragons to determine if they possess a higher intelligence than previously thought. One adaptation that makes bearded dragons unique is how they respond to heat. Bearded dragons optimize their metabolic functions through a narrow range of body temperatures that are maintained through thermoregulation. Many of their behaviors are temperature dependent, such as their speed when moving and their food response. When they are cold, these behaviors decrease due to their lower body temperature.
  • Niche Modeling for the Genus Pogona (Squamata: Agamidae) in Australia: Predicting Past (Late Quaternary) and Future (2070) Areas of Suitable Habitat

    Niche Modeling for the Genus Pogona (Squamata: Agamidae) in Australia: Predicting Past (Late Quaternary) and Future (2070) Areas of Suitable Habitat

    Niche modeling for the genus Pogona (Squamata: Agamidae) in Australia: predicting past (late Quaternary) and future (2070) areas of suitable habitat Julie E. Rej1,2 and T. Andrew Joyner2 1 Department of Wildlife Ecology, The Wilds, Cumberland, OH, USA 2 Department of Geosciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA ABSTRACT Background: As the climate warms, many species of reptiles are at risk of habitat loss and ultimately extinction. Locations of suitable habitat in the past, present, and future were modeled for several lizard species using MaxEnt, incorporating climatic variables related to temperature and precipitation. In this study, we predict where there is currently suitable habitat for the genus Pogona and potential shifts in habitat suitability in the past and future. Methods: Georeferenced occurrence records were obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, climate variables (describing temperature and precipitation) were obtained from WorldClim, and a vegetation index was obtained from AVHRR satellite data. Matching climate variables were downloaded for three different past time periods (mid-Holocene, Last Glacial Maximum, and Last Interglacial) and two different future projections representative concentration pathways (RCPs 2.6 and 8.5). MaxEnt produced accuracy metrics, response curves, and probability surfaces. For each species, parameters were adjusted for the best possible output that was biologically informative. Results: Model results predicted that in the past, there was little suitable habitat for P. henrylawsoni and P. microlepidota within the areas of their current range. Past areas of suitable habitat for P. barbata were predicted to be similar to the current 16 March 2018 Submitted prediction. Pogona minor and P.
  • An Annotated Type Catalogue of the Dragon Lizards (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) in the Collection of the Western Australian Museum Ryan J

    An Annotated Type Catalogue of the Dragon Lizards (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) in the Collection of the Western Australian Museum Ryan J

    RECORDS OF THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM 34 115–132 (2019) DOI: 10.18195/issn.0312-3162.34(2).2019.115-132 An annotated type catalogue of the dragon lizards (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) in the collection of the Western Australian Museum Ryan J. Ellis Department of Terrestrial Zoology, Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, Western Australia 6986, Australia. Biologic Environmental Survey, 24–26 Wickham St, East Perth, Western Australia 6004, Australia. Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT – The Western Australian Museum holds a vast collection of specimens representing a large portion of the 106 currently recognised taxa of dragon lizards (family Agamidae) known to occur across Australia. While the museum’s collection is dominated by Western Australian species, it also contains a selection of specimens from localities in other Australian states and a small selection from outside of Australia. Currently the museum’s collection contains 18,914 agamid specimens representing 89 of the 106 currently recognised taxa from across Australia and 27 from outside of Australia. This includes 824 type specimens representing 45 currently recognised taxa and three synonymised taxa, comprising 43 holotypes, three syntypes and 779 paratypes. Of the paratypes, a total of 43 specimens have been gifted to other collections, disposed or could not be located and are considered lost. An annotated catalogue is provided for all agamid type material currently and previously maintained in the herpetological collection of the Western Australian Museum. KEYWORDS: type specimens, holotype, syntype, paratype, dragon lizard, nomenclature. INTRODUCTION Australia was named by John Edward Gray in 1825, The Agamidae, commonly referred to as dragon Clamydosaurus kingii Gray, 1825 [now Chlamydosaurus lizards, comprises over 480 taxa worldwide, occurring kingii (Gray, 1825)].
  • A Plague of Mice at Warren by J

    A Plague of Mice at Warren by J

    July J HOBBS, Mice Plague 43 r971 who made the first general ornithological collection in the area. That man, a young fellow named George Harper, who had reached Australia from Britain about 1820 with letters of recom­ mendation from Sir Walter Scott, was given a grant of land at Picton, whence he appears to have ranged considerably in amas­ sing natural history material. In consequence, according to the Sydney Gazette of February 3, 1827, he was then able to take to Britain a great many specimens, including no fewer than 1675 bird­ skins, as well as two living Emus that rather alarmed Sir Walter Scott. Some of Harper's bird-skins were bought by Sir William Jardine; others were acquired by the Edinburgh Museum. It would be interesting now, 140-odd years later, to have news of those specimens. A Plague of Mice at Warren By J. N. HOBBS, Katoomba, New South Wales INTRODUCTION It is generally accepted that certain species of birds will con­ gregate at plagues of insects or rodents, but more detailed docu­ mentations of such visitations are rare. House Mice, Mus musculus were in plague proportions in many parts of the wheat belt of eastern and southern Australia in the autumn and early winter of 1970. In May 1970, I made a short visit to Warren, New South Wales, one of the areas overrun by the mice. I had been there also in December 1969, before the build-up in the numbers of mice, and, therefore, was able to mal<e a comparison of the numbers of known and probable birct"'predators of mice at the two visits.
  • Adenoviruses in Free-Ranging Australian Bearded Dragons

    Adenoviruses in Free-Ranging Australian Bearded Dragons

    Veterinary Microbiology 234 (2019) 72–76 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Veterinary Microbiology journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/vetmic Adenoviruses in free-ranging Australian bearded dragons (Pogona spp.) T ⁎ Timothy H Hyndmana, Jonathon G Howardb, Robert JT Doneleyc, a Murdoch University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia b Exovet Pty Ltd., East Maitland, New South Wales, 2323, Australia c UQ Veterinary Medical Centre, University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: Adenoviruses are a relatively common infection of reptiles globally and are most often reported in captive Helodermatid adenovirus 2 central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). We report the first evidence of adenoviruses in bearded dragons in Atadenovirus their native habitat in Australia. Oral-cloacal swabs and blood samples were collected from 48 free-ranging Diagnostics bearded dragons from four study populations: western bearded dragons (P. minor minor) from Western Australia Diagnosis (n = 4), central bearded dragons (P. vitticeps) from central Australia (n = 2) and western New South Wales (NSW) (n = 29), and coastal bearded dragons (P. barbata) from south-east Queensland (n = 13). Samples were tested for the presence of adenoviruses using a broadly reactive (pan-adenovirus) PCR and a PCR specific for agamid adenovirus-1. Agamid adenovirus-1 was detected in swabs from eight of the dragons from western NSW and one of the coastal bearded dragons. Lizard atadenovirus A was detected in one of the dragons from western NSW. Adenoviruses were not detected in any blood sample. All bearded dragons, except one, were apparently healthy and so finding these adenoviruses in these animals is consistent with bearded dragons being natural hosts for these viruses.
  • NSW REPTILE KEEPERS' LICENCE Species Lists 1006

    NSW REPTILE KEEPERS' LICENCE Species Lists 1006

    NSW REPTILE KEEPERS’ LICENCE SPECIES LISTS (2006) The taxonomy in this list follows that used in Wilson, S. and Swan, G. A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, Reed 2003. Common names generally follow the same text, when common names were used, or have otherwise been lifted from other publications. As well as reading this species list, you will also need to read the “NSW Reptile Keepers’ Licence Information Sheet 2006.” That document has important information about the different types of reptile keeper licenses. It also lists the criteria you need to demonstrate before applying to upgrade to a higher class of licence. THESE REPTILES CAN ONLY BE HELD UNDER A REPTILE KEEPERS’ LICENCE OF CLASS 1 OR HIGHER Code Scientific Name Common Name Code Scientific Name Common Name Turtles Monitors E2018 Chelodina canni Cann’s Snake-necked Turtle G2263 Varanus acanthurus Spiney-tailed Monitor C2017 Chelodina longicollis Snake-necked Turtle Q2268 Varanus gilleni Pygmy Mulga Monitor G2019 Chelodina oblonga Oblong Turtle G2271 Varanus gouldii Sand Monitor Y2028 Elseya dentata Northern Snapping Turtle M2282 Varanus tristis Black-Headed Monitor K2029 Elseya latisternum Saw-shelled Turtle Y2776 Elusor macrurus Mary River Turtle E2034 Emydura macquarii Murray Short-necked Turtle Skinks T2031 Emydura macquarii dharra Macleay River Turtle A2464 Acritoscincus platynotum Red-throated Skink T2039 Emydura macquarii dharuk Sydney Basin Turtle W2331 Cryptoblepharus virgatus Cream-striped Wall Skink T2002 Emydura macquarii emmotti Emmott’s Short-necked Turtle W2375
  • Australia's Raptors: Diurnal Birds of Prey and Owls

    Australia's Raptors: Diurnal Birds of Prey and Owls

    xvi Australia’s Raptors: Diurnal Birds of Prey and Owls Birds Australia Conservation Statement No. 2 24 WINGSPAN / December 1997 December 1997 / WINGSPAN 25 bird electrocution and collision mortality due to power assets: REFERENCES the Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax and Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae in Tasmania, Australia’. In: 2nd General texts: International Conference on Raptors, Urbino, Italy, October AUSTRALIA’S Debus, S. (1998), Birds of Prey of Australia: A Field Guide, OUP, 1996, Raptor Research Foundation, Provo. Melbourne. 21. Gaffney, R. (1994), ‘Community support to manage forests Higgins, P. J. (ed.) (in press), Handbook of Australian, New for nesting Wedge-tailed Eagles Aquila audax fleayi in RAPTORS: Zealand and Antarctic Birds, vol. IV, Parrots to Dollarbird, OUP, Tasmania’. In: A. Norton (ed), Conserving Biological Diversity Melbourne. in Temperate Forest Ecosystems, Centre for Resource and Hollands, D. (1984), Eagles, Hawks and Falcons of Australia, Environmental Science, Australian National University, Nelson, Melbourne. DIURNAL BIRDS Canberra, pp. 87–8. Hollands, D. (1991), Birds of the Night: Owls, Frogmouths and 22. Mooney, N. J. & Taylor, R. J. (1996), ‘Value of nest site Nightjars of Australia, Reed, Balgowlah. protection in ameliorating the effects of forestry operations on Marchant, S. & Higgins, P. J. (1993), Handbook of Australian, the Wedge-tailed Eagle in Tasmania’. In: D. Bird, D. Varland OF PREY AND New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, vol. II, Raptors to Lapwings, & J. Negro (eds), Raptors in Human Landscapes, Academic OUP, Melbourne. Press, New York, pp. 275–82. Olsen, P. (1995), Australian Birds of Prey, University of New 23. Olsen, P. & Olsen, J. (1978), ‘Alleviating the impact of OWLS South Wales Press, Sydney.
  • Adenovirus Infection in Bearde

    Adenovirus Infection in Bearde

    Fact sheet Adenoviral hepatitis is a common cause of neonatal and juvenile mortality in captive bearded dragons (Pogona spp.) in the USA. Although adenoviral infection has been reported in both captive and free-living bearded dragons in Australia, there is little information on the prevalence of disease. Disease associated with adenovirus has only been reported in captive bearded dragons. Both free-living reptiles and captive populations are at risk from this virus in Australia. Adenoviruses are medium-sized (80–110 nm), non-enveloped viruses containing a double stranded DNA genome (Moormann et al. 2009). Adenoviral infections have been recorded from a large number of reptile species including snakes, dragons, skinks, geckos, chameleons, monitors, crocodiles and tortoises (Jacobson 2007). Adenoviruses are generally regarded as being species specific and the majority of infections in bearded dragons have been caused by Agamid adenovirus-1 (AgAdv-1), as confirmed by PCR (Wellehan et al. 2004; Kübber-Heiss et al. 2006; Wagner et al. 2007; Moormann et al. 2009; Doneley et al. 2014; Hyndman and Shilton 2016). However, there is one report of lizard atadenovirus infection in a western bearded dragon (Pogona minor minor), while AgAdv-1 has been found in a central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis), a species in the same subfamily as bearded dragons (Hyndman and Shilton 2011). Given the high prevalence of AgAdv-1 in bearded dragons overseas it seems likely that some, if not all, of the adenovirus infections in bearded dragons reported before the advent of PCR were due to AgAdv-1 virus (Julian and Durham 1982; Frye et al.
  • Shape of Western Australian Dragon Lizards (Agamidae)

    Shape of Western Australian Dragon Lizards (Agamidae)

    Amphibia-Reptilia 26 (2005): 73-85 Shape of Western Australian dragon lizards (Agamidae) Graham G. Thompson1, Philip C. Withers2 Abstract. For 41 species of Western Australian agamid lizards, we found that most appendage lengths vary isometrically, so shape is largely independent of size. Of the three methods we used to quantitatively remove the effects of size on shape, the two that use principal component analysis (PCA; Jolicoeur, 1963; Somers, 1986; 1989) provided similar results, whereas regression residuals (against body length) provided a different interpretation. Somers’ size-free PCA approach to remove the size-effects was the most useful because it provided ‘size-free’ scores for each species that were further analysed using other techniques, and its results seemed more biologically meaningful. Some, but not all, of the variation in size-free shape for these lizards could be related to phylogeny, retreat choice and performance traits. Introduction that ratios should not be used for a variety of reasons. Many authors have used residuals of The obvious differences in head and limb di- morphological characteristics regressed against mensions (shape) among species of Western a body dimension (e.g. snout-to-vent length) to Australian (WA) dragon lizards (Agamidae; remove the effects of size before assessing the subsequently referred as dragons) are probably relationship between ‘size-free’ shape and habi- related to performance traits, behaviour and pre- tat use (e.g. Malhotra and Thorpe, 1997; Van- ferred habitat (Losos, 1990; Garland and Losos, hooydonck and Van Damme, 1999; Herrel et 1994; Miles, 1994; Malhotra and Thorpe, 1997; al., 2001, 2002; Kohlsdorf et al., 2001).