DOCSLIB.ORG

2013-14 LIFE SCIENCES ADDENDUM ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT Contents

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
2013-14 LIFE SCIENCES ADDENDUM ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT Contents 2013-14 LIFE SCIENCES ADDENDUM ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT CONTenTS Animal Welfare Peer Review Committee Report 2013-14 1 Animal Welfare Related Incidents 2013-14 2 Overview of Animal Inventory 4 Animal Inventories Melbourne Zoo 7 Healesville Sanctuary 20 Werribee Open Range Zoo 28 2 2012-13 LIFE SCIENCES ADDENDUM • ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT ANIMAL WELFARE PEER REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT 2013-14 1. Introduction + A person with demonstrable commitment 5. Conclusion to, and established experience in, This is the sixth report of the Zoos Victoria The Animal Welfare Peer Review Committee further ing the welfare of animals who Animal Welfare Peer Review Committee. looks forward to playing an important role is not employed or otherwise by The Committee was established in 2008 by helping Zoos Victoria deliver open and Zoos Victoria the Zoos Victoria Board to deliver improved accountable reporting and the implement- accountability and transparency for animal + A Lay Person who is independent of ation of Industry best practice policies and welfare related matters for Melbourne Zoos Victoria and who is qualified to procedures in 2014-15 and beyond. Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee practice law Open Range Zoo. + Two persons representing the Board Guided by a Charter, the Committee’s The Chairperson of the Committee is a role is to: current member of the Zoos Victoria Board. + Review and provide advice to the Board Kylie White Chairperson in relation to animal welfare incidents at 3. Activities Zoos Victoria’s three properties, including Animal Welfare Peer Review Committee The Committee met on four occasions compliance with internal procedures. Zoological Parks and Gardens Board during the financial year. The Committee It also considers any other matters of 5 August 2014 confirmed currency of the Charter for a related nature referred to it by the the Committee. Board, provided that the work of this Committee does not conflict with, The Committee was presented with an or extend into, research and scientific overview of investigations and resulting procedures which are the responsibility reports on five animal incidents (Asian of the Animal Ethics Committee. Elephant, Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Little Penguin, Parma Wallaby and Red-tailed 2. Membership Black-cockatoo). There were no cases involving free-ranging wildlife found on The Animal Welfare Peer Review Committee Zoos Victoria properties. For all five (AWPRC) comprises a minimum of 6 and incidents the Committee considers that the a maximum of 8 members, each of whom actions and investigations were undertaken are appointed by the Board and who possess consistent with Zoos Victoria’s internal a genuine interest and commitment to the processes. The Committee recommended welfare of animals. additional actions for three cases The Committee make-up represents the (including additional recommendations). following attributes: The Committee noted quarterly Animal + A person with qualifications in veterinary Care Reports and the annual Animal science and with experience relevant to Health Report. captive wildlife management who is not The Committee continues to monitor employed or otherwise by Zoos Victoria implementation of all actions recommended + A suitably qualified person with in animal welfare incident reports. substantial recent experience in the captive management of animals in a zoo, 4. Inventories sanctuary or related field, who is not I attach the animal inventories for the employed or otherwise by Zoos Victoria three Zoos Victoria properties. The Inventories Report documents changes to animal numbers between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2014 and the total number of living animals as at 30 June 2014. The statistics support high levels of animal care across Zoos Victoria and are consistent with industry standards. 2012-13 LIFE SCIENCES ADDENDUM • ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT 1 ANIMAL WELFARE RELATED INCIDENTS 2013-14 Eastern Barred Bandicoot – For nocturnal animals, check bandages The incident report recommended that: immediately following wet weather and The Eastern Bandicoot is one of Zoos + The procedure for exhibit cleaning/ then change if required. In addition, Victoria’s Fighting Extinction species. Zoos maintenance of the penguin facility be veterinarians to check and change Victoria’s support of the Recovery Program amended to include: bandages no less than weekly. It is includes delivery of veterinary care to noted that some species may become – The need for diligence in observing bandicoots who have been released. One stressed by daily handling, so weekly location and activity of penguins bandicoot was transferred from Woodlands rather than daily checks are recomm- when covers to drains and pipes have Historic Park for treatment of a fractured ended to determine if there has been been removed left hock. The bandicoot’s recovery any slippage or soiling of bandages – That when covers to drains/pipes progressed well, and due to the veterinary have been removed, that the exhibit facilities at capacity it was decided that Status: All recommendations have been should not be left unattended, even the bandicoot would be transferred to an implemented. for brief periods enclosure at Australian Bush. Two further veterinary checks confirmed that recovery Little Penguin + At the next Wild Sea staff meeting, the was continuing well. A further veterinary + During the breeding season, Little Supervisor shall remind all staff of the check was scheduled but delayed by three Penguins spend large periods of time in above requirements (including follow-up days. Video surveillance footage indicated nest-boxes. Husbandry practices seek with any staff members not present). the bandicoot to be moving well and having to minimise disturbance to nesting birds, + The potential to place cameras in a normal gait. The delayed veterinary check while seeking assurance that we can nest-boxes is determined, or alternatively, occurred, at which time the foot of the account for all penguins. An adult penguin modification of next-box design to enable injured leg was found to be dead as the known to be incubating eggs was reported more effective monitoring, so that bandage had become wet and subsequently missing. A search occurred, but neither accurate counting of all penguins in tightened around the bandicoot’s leg the penguin nor any remains were found. colony can occur on a more regular basis. cutting off blood supply. A decision was Some two months later an inspection of Status: Most recommendations have made for euthanasia of the bandicoot. The the balance tank (part of the Life Support been implemented. Assessing potential Committee agreed that the period between System for Wild Sea) occurred, and a dead for cameras. veterinary checks was too long given the penguin was retrieved from the tank. circumstances. Recommendations The most likely explanation is that whilst Asian Elephant regarding housing of injured bandicoots the penguin exhibit was being cleaned, and ensuring frequency of veterinary and covers removed from drains that the Asian Elephants are active nocturnally; and bandage checks have since been penguin had fallen in and was carried to zoos provide a range of enrichment items, implemented. the water balance tank where it later died. including suspended tyres, overnight to promote activity cycles comparable to The incident report recommended that: Due to the amount of time between the penguin’s disappearance and recovery, those of wild elephants. During an early + A procedure and training program for it has not been possible to be more morning check of the elephants, Sanook housing and monitoring animals with specific about events. a ten-month old calf was observed lying bandages to be implemented. This on the floor in the barn. Another elephant The Committee agreed with the should include: was standing near Sanook, and keepers recommendations provided in the report House animals with bandages indoors sensed that something was wrong. Closer and requested further consideration whenever possible, however if housing inspection indicated that Sanook was dead. be given to a physical head count outside is unavoidable then: A review of footage captured by surveill- immediately after cleaning or maint- ance cameras revealed Sanook’s head – F or diurnal animals, keepers to check enance that has resulted in the removal had become caught in a suspended tyre. bandages daily for ,moisture, undue of the drain covers. Post-mortem results showed bruising soiling, slippage, unravelling and around the trachea and two fractured discomfort and report on findings to trachea rings, suggesting asphyxiation. In veterinary department. This practice response to this event, tyres are no longer is already in place, individual treatment used overnight for enrichment, but continue plans will stress the need for keeper to be used when keepers are on site. vigilance with this practice 2 2012-13 LIFE SCIENCES ADDENDUM • ZOOS VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT This event prompted the need to review Fence-lines were inspected to identify any The incident report recommended that: the safety of all enrichment items locations that may permit access by foxes. + Procedures are revised to ensure that following the transition from free-contact Housing of all animals that might poten- Job Safety Analyses (including the ZV to protected-contact. Whilst this was an tially be killed by foxes was assessed, and Wildlife Impact Assessment Protocol) unforeseen accident, the Committee felt if not considered fox-proof options for are compiled and read
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Ecomorph Convergence in Stick Insects (Phasmatodea) with Emphasis on the Lonchodinae of Papua New Guinea
    Brigham Young University BYU ScholarsArchive Theses and Dissertations 2018-07-01 Ecomorph Convergence in Stick Insects (Phasmatodea) with Emphasis on the Lonchodinae of Papua New Guinea Yelena Marlese Pacheco Brigham Young University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd Part of the Life Sciences Commons BYU ScholarsArchive Citation Pacheco, Yelena Marlese, "Ecomorph Convergence in Stick Insects (Phasmatodea) with Emphasis on the Lonchodinae of Papua New Guinea" (2018). Theses and Dissertations. 7444. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/7444 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Ecomorph Convergence in Stick Insects (Phasmatodea) with Emphasis on the Lonchodinae of Papua New Guinea Yelena Marlese Pacheco A thesis submitted to the faculty of Brigham Young University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Michael F. Whiting, Chair Sven Bradler Seth M. Bybee Steven D. Leavitt Department of Biology Brigham Young University Copyright © 2018 Yelena Marlese Pacheco All Rights Reserved ABSTRACT Ecomorph Convergence in Stick Insects (Phasmatodea) with Emphasis on the Lonchodinae of Papua New Guinea Yelena Marlese Pacheco Department of Biology, BYU Master of Science Phasmatodea exhibit a variety of cryptic ecomorphs associated with various microhabitats. Multiple ecomorphs are present in the stick insect fauna from Papua New Guinea, including the tree lobster, spiny, and long slender forms. While ecomorphs have long been recognized in phasmids, there has yet to be an attempt to objectively define and study the evolution of these ecomorphs.
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Blue-Tongue Lizard)
    Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions Tiliqua scincoides intermedia (Northern Blue-tongue Lizard) Image: Copyright, Rick Shine You are invited to provide your views and supporting reasons related to: 1) the eligibility of Tiliqua scincoides intermedia (Northern Blue-tongue Lizard) for inclusion on the EPBC Act threatened species list in the Critically Endangered category and 2) the necessary conservation actions for the above species. Evidence provided by experts, stakeholders and the general public are welcome. Responses can be provided by any interested person. Tiliqua scincoides intermedia (Northern Bluetongue Skink) consultation document Page 1 of 18 Anyone may nominate a native species, ecological community or threatening process for listing under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) or for a transfer of an item already on the list to a new listing category. The Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes the assessment of species to determine eligibility for inclusion in the list of threatened species and provides its recommendation to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment. Responses are to be provided in writing either by email to: [email protected] or by mail to: The Director Species Information and Policy Section, Wildlife, Heritage and Marine Division Department of the Environment and Energy PO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601 Responses are required to be submitted by Friday 14 May 2021. Contents of
    [Show full text]
  • TAG Operational Structure
    PARROT TAXON ADVISORY GROUP (TAG) Regional Collection Plan 5th Edition 2020-2025 Sustainability of Parrot Populations in AZA Facilities ...................................................................... 1 Mission/Objectives/Strategies......................................................................................................... 2 TAG Operational Structure .............................................................................................................. 3 Steering Committee .................................................................................................................... 3 TAG Advisors ............................................................................................................................... 4 SSP Coordinators ......................................................................................................................... 5 Hot Topics: TAG Recommendations ................................................................................................ 8 Parrots as Ambassador Animals .................................................................................................. 9 Interactive Aviaries Housing Psittaciformes .............................................................................. 10 Private Aviculture ...................................................................................................................... 13 Communication ........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Stick Insects Fact Sheet
    Stick Insects Fact Sheet Female Titan Stick Insect. Image: QM, Jeff Wright. Introduction Biology Stick and leaf insects, scientifically known as phasmids, Females lay eggs one at a time, often with a flick of their are among the largest of all insects in the world. At 26 cm, abdomens to throw the egg some distance. An individual the Titan Stick Insect (Acrophylla titan) is the longest of female drops eggs at a rate of one to several per day and all Australian insects. Phasmids have perfected the art of she can produce between 100 and 1,300 eggs in her life- camouflage. Some resemble sticks and foliage so closely time. They fall to the ground and lie in the leaf litter. they even feature false buds, thorns and ragged leaf-like flanges. Small wonder they are rarely seen except after storms when they are blown out of threes and shrubs. Phasmids are sometimes confused with a different group of insects, the mantids. Also called Praying Mantids, these are predators with large, spiny front legs, held folded ready to strike and grasp prey. In contrast, Phasmids are herbivores (plant-eaters) with simple front legs that are similar in size and structure to their other legs. A variety of insect eggs. (on left). An ant carrying a stick insect egg (on right). Images: QM, Jeff Wright. All stick insects feed on fresh leaves. Some browse on a wide variety of trees and shrubs but others are fussy, eating only a limited range of host plants that are often closely Stick insect eggs are generally oval, and superficially seed- related to each other.
    [Show full text]
  • Insects, Beetles, Bugs and Slugs of Mt Gravatt Conservation Reserve
    Insects, beetles, bugs and slugs of Mt Gravatt Conservation Reserve Compiled by: Michael Fox www.megoutlook.org/flora-fauna/ © 2015-20 Creative Commons – free use with attribution to Mt Gravatt Environment Group Ants Dolichoderinae Iridomyrmex sp. Small Meat Ant Attendant “Kropotkin” ants with caterpillar of Imperial Hairstreak butterfly. Ants provide protection in return for sugary fluids secreted by the caterpillar. Note the strong jaws. These ants don’t sting but can give a powerful bite. Kropotkin is a reference to Russian biologist Peter Kropotkin who proposed a concept of evolution based on “mutual aid” helping species from ants to higher mammals survive. 4-Nov-20 Insects Beetles and Bugs - ver 5.9.docx Page 1 of 59 Mt Gravatt Environment Group – www.megoutlook.wordpress.com Insects, beetles, bugs and slugs of Mt Gravatt Conservation Reserve Formicinae Opisthopsis rufithorax Black-headed Strobe Ant Formicinae Camponotus consobrinus Banded Sugar Ant Size 10mm Eggs in rotting log 4-Nov-20 Insects Beetles and Bugs - ver 5.9.docx Page 2 of 59 Mt Gravatt Environment Group – www.megoutlook.wordpress.com Insects, beetles, bugs and slugs of Mt Gravatt Conservation Reserve Formicinae Camponotus nigriceps Black-headed Sugar Ant 4-Nov-20 Insects Beetles and Bugs - ver 5.9.docx Page 3 of 59 Mt Gravatt Environment Group – www.megoutlook.wordpress.com Insects, beetles, bugs and slugs of Mt Gravatt Conservation Reserve Formicinae Polyrhachis ammon Golden-tailed Spiny Ant Large spines at rear of thorax Nest 4-Nov-20 Insects Beetles and Bugs - ver 5.9.docx Page 4 of 59 Mt Gravatt Environment Group – www.megoutlook.wordpress.com Insects, beetles, bugs and slugs of Mt Gravatt Conservation Reserve Formicinae Polyrhachis australis Rattle Ant Black Weaver Ant or Dome-backed Spiny Ant Feeding on sugar secretions produced by Redgum Lerp Psyllid.
    [Show full text]
  • Spotted Tailed Quoll (Dasyurus Maculatus)
    Husbandry Guidelines for the SPOTTED-TAILED QUOLL (Tiger Quoll) (Photo: J. Marten) Dasyurus maculatus (MAMMALIA: DASYURIDAE) Author: Julie Marten Date of Preparation: February 2013 – June 2014 Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, Richmond Course Name and Number: Captive Animals Certificate III (18913) Lecturers: Graeme Phipps, Jacki Salkeld, Brad Walker DISCLAIMER Please note that this information is just a guide. It is not a definitive set of rules on how the care of Spotted- Tailed Quolls must be conducted. Information provided may vary for: • Individual Spotted-Tailed Quolls • Spotted-Tailed Quolls from different regions of Australia • Spotted-Tailed Quolls kept in zoos versus Spotted-Tailed Quolls from the wild • Spotted-Tailed Quolls kept in different zoos Additionally different zoos have their own set of rules and guidelines on how to provide husbandry for their Spotted-Tailed Quolls. Even though I researched from many sources and consulted various people, there are zoos and individual keepers, researchers etc. that have more knowledge than myself and additional research should always be conducted before partaking any new activity. Legislations are regularly changing and therefore it is recommended to research policies set out by national and state government and associations such as ARAZPA, ZAA etc. Any incident resulting from the misuse of this document will not be recognised as the responsibility of the author. Please use at the participants discretion. Any enhancements to this document to increase animal care standards and husbandry techniques are appreciated. Otherwise I hope this manual provides some helpful information. Julie Marten Picture J.Marten 2 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS It is important before conducting any work that all hazards are identified.
    [Show full text]
  • Incursions/ Excursions
    CMA Region Examples of Incursions/ Excursions (location) Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre – Queenscliff Corangamite Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre – Geelong Conservation Ecology Centre – Cape Otway Black Snake Company East Gippsland Fishcare Bug Blitz Meet the maremmas – penguin guard dogs tours at Warrnambool. Glenelg Hopkins Budj Bim tours of World Heritage listed National Heritage Landscapes at Lake Condah. Tour of Yatmerone Reserve through the Penshurst Volcanoes Discovery Centre. Winton Wetlands Euroa Arboretum Goulburn Broken Mansfield Zoo Shepparton Botanic Gardens Yea Wetlands Welcome to the Kyabram Fauna Park - Protecting Australia's Wildlife Heritage Mallee Environmental Education at the Mildura Eco Village Strathallan Landcare Group- Squirrel Glider Sanctuary Tours (Echuca area) North Central PepperGreen Farm (Bendigo Based) TZR Reptiles and Wildlife Incursions (Bendigo Based) Wild Action Zoo (Macedon based) North East SEED School Excursions & Educational Directory Friends of the Mitta Melbourne’s Living Museum of the West CERES Edithvale-Seaford Wetland Education Centre Ecolink Healesville Sanctuary Port Phillip & Mt Rothwell Western Port Phillip Island Nature Parks Port Phillip Eco Centre Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria- Melbourne and Cranbourne Serendip Sanctuary Waterwatch Bunurong Environment Centre, Inverloch West Gippsland Bass Coast’s Environmental Detectives Heart Morass with Bug Blitz Trust Little Desert Nature Lodge Wimmera Halls Gap Zoo Jamie & Kims Mobile Zoo Wildlife incursions 2021 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants – Incursions/Excursions www.landcareaustralia.org.au/victorian-junior-landcare-biodiversity-grants 2021 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants – Incursions/Excursions www.landcareaustralia.org.au/victorian-junior-landcare-biodiversity-grants .
    [Show full text]
  • SPOTTED-TAILED QUOLL (Tiger Quoll)
    Husbandry Guidelines for the SPOTTED-TAILED QUOLL (Tiger Quoll) (Photo: J. Marten) Dasyurus maculatus (MAMMALIA: DASYURIDAE) Date By From Version 2014 Julie Marten WSI Richmond v 1 DISCLAIMER Please note that this information is just a guide. It is not a definitive set of rules on how the care of Spotted- Tailed Quolls must be conducted. Information provided may vary for: Individual Spotted-Tailed Quolls Spotted-Tailed Quolls from different regions of Australia Spotted-Tailed Quolls kept in zoos versus Spotted-Tailed Quolls from the wild Spotted-Tailed Quolls kept in different zoos Additionally different zoos have their own set of rules and guidelines on how to provide husbandry for their Spotted-Tailed Quolls. Even though I researched from many sources and consulted various people, there are zoos and individual keepers, researchers etc. that have more knowledge than myself and additional research should always be conducted before partaking any new activity. Legislations are regularly changing and therefore it is recommended to research policies set out by national and state government and associations such as ARAZPA, ZAA etc. Any incident resulting from the misuse of this document will not be recognised as the responsibility of the author. Please use at the participants discretion. Any enhancements to this document to increase anima l care standards and husbandry techniques are appreciated. Otherwise I hope this manual provides some helpful information. Julie Marten Picture J.Marten 2 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS It is important before conducting any work that all hazards are identified. This includes working with the animal and maintaining the enclosure.
    [Show full text]
  • The Spectacular Sea Anemone 438 by U
    THE AUSTRAL IAN MUSEUM will be 150 years old in March 1977. TAMS has its 5th birthday at the same time. Like all healthy five year olds, TAMS is full of fun, eager to learn about the world and constantly on the go! 1977 is a celebration year. Members enjoy a full and varied programme, are entitled to a discount at the Museum bookshop and have reciprocal rights with many other Societies in Australia and overseas. Join the Society today. THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM SOCIETY 6-8 College Street, Sydney 2000 Telephone: 33-5525 from 1st February, 1977 AUSTRAliAN NATURAl HISTORY DECEMBER 1976 VOLUME 18 NUMBER 12 PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM, 6-8 COLLEGE STREET, SYDNEY PRESIDENT, MICHAEL PITMAN DIRECTOR, DESMOND GRIFFIN A SATELLITE VIEW OF AUSTRALIA 422 BY J.F . HUNTINGTON A MOST SUCCESSFUL INVASION 428 THE DIVERSITY OF AUSTRALIA'S SKINKS BY ALLEN E. GREER BOTANAVITI 434 TH E ELUSIVE FIJIAN FROGS BY JOHN C. PERNETTA AND BARRY GOLDMAN THE SPECTACULAR SEA ANEMONE 438 BY U. ERICH FRIESE PEOPLE, PIGS AND PUNISHMENT 444 BY O.K . FElL COVER: The sea anemone, Adamsia pal/iata, lives ·com­ IN REVIEW mensally with the hermit crab, Pagurus prideauxi. (Photo: AUSTRALIAN BIRDS AND OTHER ANIMALS 448 U. E. Friese) A nnual Subscriptio n : $4 .50-Australia; $A5-Papua New Guinea; $A6-other E DITOR/DESIGNE R countr ies. Single copies : $1 ($1.40 posted Australia); $A 1.45-Papua New NANCY SMITH Guinea; $A 1.70-other countries. Cheque or money order p ayable to The ASSISTANT EDITOR Australian Museum should be sent to The Secretary, The Australian Museum, ROBERT STEWART PO Box A285, Sydney South 2000.
    [Show full text]
  • Creatures That Can Kill You 5
    AROUND THE WORLD PREVIEWITH WSNAKES Preview Snakes slither through nearly every country on Earth. Most snakes are harmless, but some of them are are anything but. In this chapter, we will travel from India to Australia to Africa. The scariest, the deadliest, and the most feared snakes—they’re all here! 1 Around The World With Snakes AROUNDIn a rice THEfield in WORLD India, a young WITH worker namedSNAKES Abhay stepped carefully around the plants he tended. As always, Abhay listened for any quick rustling through the leaves or, worse yet, In a ricea sudden field hissing. in India, But as thea youngsky began workergrowing named Abhaydark stepped with rain carefully clouds, Abhay around became the careless plants he in his hurry to finish his job. He moved quickly tended.through As always, some tallerAbhay plants listened that blocked for any his quick rustlingview through of the ground. the leaves or, worse yet, a sudden hissing. But as the sky began growing dark with rain clouds, Abhay became careless in his hurry to finish his job. He moved quickly through some taller plants that blocked his view of the ground. Then, just at the edge of the field, Abhay felt something very strange. It was as if a thick cord of rope had been yanked beneath his left foot. 3 4 MARIE NOBLE In that same instant, Abhay saw a flash of brown and gold rise up before him—the dreaded Indian cobra. It was not the first time he had seen this terrifying snake. From the time he was a young child, Abhay had often seen these 6- to 10-foot snakes slithering through the village where he lived.
    [Show full text]
  • Proteomic and Genomic Characterisation of Venom Proteins from Oxyuranus Species
    This file is part of the following reference: Welton, Ronelle Ellen (2005) Proteomic and genomic characterisation of venom proteins from Oxyuranus species. PhD thesis, James Cook University Access to this file is available from: http://eprints.jcu.edu.au/11938 Chapter 1 Introduction and literature review Chapter 1 Introduction and literature review 1.1 INTRODUCTION Animal venoms are an evolutionary adaptation to immobilise and digest prey and are used secondarily as a defence mechanism (Tu and Dekker, 1991). Intriguingly, evolutionary adaptations have produced a variety of venom proteins with specific actions and targets. A cocktail of protein and peptide toxins have varying molecular compositions, and these unique components have evolved for differing species to quickly and specifically target their prey. The compositions of venoms differ, with components varying within the toxins of spiders, stinging fish, jellyfish, octopi, cone shells, ticks, ants and snakes. Toxins have evolved for the varying mode of actions within different organisms, yet many enzymes are common to different venoms including L-amino oxidases, esterases, aminopeptidases, hyaluronidases, triphosphatases, alkaline phosphomonoesterases, 2 2 phospholipases, phosphodiesterases, serine-metalloproteases and Ca +IMg +-activated proteases. The enzymes found in venoms fall into one or more pharmacological groups including those which possess neurotoxic (causing paralysis or interfering with nervous system function), myotoxic (damaging muscle), haemotoxic (affecting the blood,
    [Show full text]
  • Hoser, R. T. 2018. New Australian Lizard Taxa Within the Greater Egernia Gray, 1838 Genus Group Of
    Australasian Journal of Herpetology 49 Australasian Journal of Herpetology 36:49-64. ISSN 1836-5698 (Print) Published 30 March 2018. ISSN 1836-5779 (Online) New Australian lizard taxa within the greater Egernia Gray, 1838 genus group of lizards and the division of Egernia sensu lato into 13 separate genera. RAYMOND T. HOSER 488 Park Road, Park Orchards, Victoria, 3134, Australia. Phone: +61 3 9812 3322 Fax: 9812 3355 E-mail: snakeman (at) snakeman.com.au Received 1 Jan 2018, Accepted 13 Jan 2018, Published 30 March 2018. ABSTRACT The Genus Egernia Gray, 1838 has been defined and redefined by many authors since the time of original description. Defined at its most conservative is perhaps that diagnosis in Cogger (1975) and reflected in Cogger et al. (1983), with the reverse (splitters) position being that articulated by Wells and Wellington (1985). They resurrected available genus names and added to the list of available names at both genus and species level. Molecular methods have largely confirmed the taxonomic positions of Wells and Wellington (1985) at all relevant levels and their legally available ICZN nomenclature does as a matter of course follow from this. However petty jealousies and hatred among a group of would-be herpetologists called the Wüster gang (as detailed by Hoser 2015a-f and sources cited therein) have forced most other publishing herpetologists since the 1980’s to not use anything Wells and Wellington. Therefore the most commonly “in use” taxonomy and nomenclature by published authors does not reflect the taxonomic reality. This author will not be unlawfully intimidated by Wolfgang Wüster and his gang of law-breaking thugs using unscientific methods to destabilize zoology as encapsulated in the hate rant of Kaiser et al.
    [Show full text]