Tree use, diet and home range of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) at Blair Athol, central Queensland

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 303 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. A. H. Ellis ◽  
A. Melzer ◽  
F. N. Carrick ◽  
M. Hasegawa
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Coal Mine ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Diet Selection ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Free Ranging

Free-ranging koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) were monitored by means of radio-relocation in the area of Blair Athol Coal Mine and surrounding properties. Daytime tree use, home range and diet of these koalas was determined in spring and autumn, as was the leaf moisture composition of potential fodder species. Koalas used on average 93 (male koalas) and 56 (female koalas) trees during the period of observation, occupying home ranges of 135 and 101 ha respectively. Mean sightings per tree were 1.19 for both males and females and home-range sizes were not significantly different between sexes or seasons. Koalas were observed returning to previously used daytime roosting trees infrequently (<12%). Although koalas were observed roosting in trees of the species that they ate, proportional species representation in the diet of these koalas during spring and autumn did not accurately reflect concurrent observations of their daytime tree-roosting behaviour. Koalas were observed to utilise non-fodder species for daytime roosting, and patterns of daytime tree use and diet selection varied between individuals inhabiting adjacent communities within the site. Leaf moisture of tree species represented in koala diets was greater in autumn than spring.

Tree Use by Individual Koalas in a Natural Forest.

1988 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
MA Hindell ◽  
AK Lee
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Preferred Species

The home ranges and species of trees used by 20 koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) were determined in a forest in Victoria containing 6 Eucalyptus spp. Eight animals showed a preference for a tree species from those available within their home ranges. Four koalas preferred E. viminalis, 2 E. ovata and 2 E. macrorhyncha. Preference for tree species was detected only where the preferred species was in low abundance within the animal's home range. These observations confirm that koalas may show individual differences in the species of food trees they prefer. E. viminalis, the preferred species of this population, was the predominant tree species within the home range of 15 of the koalas, which may account for the lack of evidence of preference in the majority of animals.

Koalas continue to occupy their previous home-ranges after selective logging in Callitris - Eucalyptus forest

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodney P. Kavanagh ◽  
Matthew A. Stanton ◽  
Traecey E. Brassil
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Selective Logging ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Eucalyptus Forest ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Callitris Glaucophylla ◽  
One Year ◽  
Cypress Pine

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is a charismatic, high-profile species whose conservation needs are commonly perceived to be incompatible with logging. However, koala biology and the results of chronosequence studies elsewhere suggest that this species may tolerate a degree of habitat alteration caused by logging. In this study, 30 koalas, five in each of six areas available for logging within a mixed white cypress pine (Callitris glaucophylla)–Eucalyptus forest in north-western New South Wales, were radio-tracked for one year during 1997–1998 to determine their movements, home-range sizes and tree preferences. Five months after the study began, three of these areas were logged selectively for sawlogs and thinnings of the white cypress pine, a tree that is important to koalas for daytime shelter. This removed about one-quarter of the stand basal area, but the eucalypt component was unaffected. The remaining three areas were left undisturbed as controls. Radio-tracking continued in all six areas for another seven months. Koalas continued to occupy all or part of their previous home-ranges after selective logging, and home-range sizes remained similar between logged and unlogged areas. Home-ranges for both sexes overlapped and were ~12 ha for males and 9 ha for females. Koala survival and the proportions of breeding females were similar in logged and unlogged areas. The principal food trees of the koala were red gums, mainly Eucalyptus blakelyi and E. chloroclada, and the pilliga box (E. pilligaensis), none of which were logged in this study. These results suggest that selective logging for white cypress pine does not appear to adversely affect koala populations and that koalas may not be as sensitive to logging as previously thought. Further work is required to determine thresholds in the level of retention of koala food trees in logging operations.

Aversive behaviour by koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) during the course of a music festival in northern New South Wales, Australia

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
New South ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Specific Stimulus ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Music Festival ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Core Areas

The effects of short-term disturbances that result in changes to movement patterns and/or behaviour of wildlife are poorly understood. In this study the movements of seven koalas were monitored before, during and after a five-day music festival. During the monitoring program koalas occupied home-range areas of 0.6–13 ha with one or more core areas of activity. Aversive behaviour in the form of evacuation of known ranging areas was demonstrated by three koalas that had core areas within 525 m of the approximate centre of the festival area, the associated responses comprising movements that were perpendicular to and away from staging areas where music was played. Responses contained within known ranging areas were observed in three other koalas whose core areas were located up to 600 m away. The type of response appeared related to the proximity of koala home ranges to music-staging areas, while the maximum distance associated with an aversive response was 725 m. Six of the radio-tracked koalas returned to their home-range areas following the conclusion of festival activities. While the specific stimulus eliciting aversive behaviour was not identified, responses in all instances were initiated during the musical phase of the festival event. The potential for short-term disturbances such as music festivals to significantly influence the ranging patterns of koalas warrants recognition of possible longer-term ecological consequences for planning and management purposes.

Tree Species Selection by Free-Ranging Koala Populations in Victoria.

1985 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 137 ◽  
Author(s):  
MA Hindell ◽  
KA Handasyde ◽  
AK Lee
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Species Selection ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Individual Trees ◽  
Free Ranging

Tree species selection was studied in free-ranging populations of koalas [Phascolarctos cinereus] on Phillip Island and the Brisbane Ranges in Victoria. At both sites koalas were found mainly on Eucalyptus spp. but occasionally used Acacia spp. Although koalas occurred on most of the Eucalyptus spp. present, both populations showed preferences for one or two species, particularly E. viminalis. Individual koalas showed different preferences, but the majority preferred E. viminalis. Some occurred exclusively on other species even when E. viminalis was close by. Koalas also showed preference for individual trees within a species.

scholarly journals Home range areas of koalas in an urban area of north-east New South Wales

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross L. Goldingay ◽  
Barbara Dobner
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Urban Area ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Minimum Convex Polygon ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
North East ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Primary Habitat

Conserving wildlife within urban areas requires knowledge of habitat requirements and population processes, and the management of threatening factors. The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is one species that is adversely affected by urban development. Sick and injured koalas in the Lismore urban area are regularly taken into care. We radio-tracked koalas released from care in order to estimate home-range areas and to determine their fate. Koalas were tracked for periods of 90–742 days; 7 of 10 survived for a period of at least one year. Home ranges defined by the minimum convex polygon (MCP100%) were large (mean ± s.e. = 37.4 ± 8.2 ha). Analysis using the 95% Fixed Kernel revealed home-range areas of 8.0 ± 1.7 ha. Analysis of the habitat composition of each MCP home range showed that they included 4.3 ± 0.9 ha of primary habitat (dominated by their primary food trees). These home ranges contained 27.6 ± 6.8 ha of non-habitat (cleared or developed land). Koalas crossed roads within their home ranges at least 5–53 times; one crossed the Bruxner Highway near a roundabout at least 32 times over his 2-year tracking period. Future management should include strategic food tree planting that enhances habitat connectivity and minimises the risk of car strike or dog attack.

Mating strategies of Pampean mouse males

2012 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 381-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florencia Bonatto ◽  
Daniela Gomez ◽  
Andrea Steinmann ◽  
José Priotto
Keyword(s):  
Body Size ◽  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Space Use ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Mating Strategies ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Akodon Azarae

Patterns of space use and sexual dimorphism are frequently used to infer mating systems. We examined body size and home range size and intra- and intersexual overlap degree in order to elucidate mating strategy of Akodon azarae males. We studied spacing patterns using 113 and 129 home ranges established by males and females, respectively, in four 0.25 ha enclosures during the breeding season. Significant differences between sexes in home range size and overlap degree were found. Male home ranges were always larger than those of females. We observed exclusive space use among males and among females. Considering only those males that shared their home ranges with females, average intersexual overlap value was about 50%. Males mainly overlap their home ranges with home ranges of two or three females. Significant differences in body size were found between males and females, with males being larger. We concluded that space use and sexual dimorphism in this species is consistent with patterns characteristic of polygynous rodents, and we propose a polygynous system in A. azarae.

Home-range and den use of the mahogany glider, Petaurus gracilis

2000 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen M. Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adjacent Area ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Fragmented Habitat ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Socially Monogamous ◽  
Males And Females

The home-range of the mahogany glider was estimated, and its social behaviour examined, by following radio-collared animals over a two-year period within an area of continuous habitat and an adjacent area of fragmented habitat. The average home range within the continuous habitat was 19.25 ha for males and 20.34 ha for females, with male and female pairs occupying a combined area of 23.15 ha. In contrast, the average home range in the fragmented habitat was 11.05 ha for males and 6.80 ha for females, with a combined home-range of male and female pairs being 11.60 ha. The average overlap of the home ranges of paired males and females was 85.9%, compared with approximately 11% for non-paired individuals, which suggests that mahogany gliders are socially monogamous. For a total of 46 nights on which gliders were considered to behave normally for the entire night, the average foraging distance was 1506 m (range 590–3420 m) with no significant difference between males and females in either the continuous or fragmented habitat. There was, however, a significant difference in the distance individuals travelled during different times of the year, with longer distances being travelled during late dry season/wet season and shorter distances during the early to mid dry season. Mahogany gliders also travelled further when there was a high availability of nectar and pollen than when there was lower availability. A total of 83 dens (tree hollows) were recorded for the mahogany glider, with the poplar gum, Eucalyptus platyphylla, forest red gum, Eucalyptus tereticornis, and Clarkson's bloodwood, Corymbia clarksoniana, being most used.

Home ranges, time budgets and food-tree use in a high-density tropical population of greater gliders, Petauroides volans minor (Pseudocheiridae : Marsupialia)

1996 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 401 ◽  
Author(s):  
SS Comport ◽  
SJ Ward ◽  
WJ Foley
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Kernel Method ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
High Population ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Time Budgets ◽  
High Population Density ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Males And Females

The socio-ecology of Petauroides volans has been studied for subtropical and temperate populations, but not for the northern tropical subspecies, Petauroides volans minor. Data on the effects of a high population density on home ranges, time budgets and food-tree use were obtained by means of radio-telemetry. Three techniques were used to estimate home-range area (kernel, MCP and harmonic mean) and the kernel method was preferred. Estimates of home-range area (defined by the 95% kernel) gave mean values of 2.5 and 1.3 ha for males and females, respectively. Broad overlap of home ranges of males was observed, which has not been reported previously for populations of P. volans. Behaviour patterns for males and females were similar to those in previous studies, although the mating system may differ, possibly because of the high population density. Dietary patterns were similar to those previously reported for this species, the most important food items being young leaves and flower buds of particular eucalypt species, notably Eucalyptus acmenoides.

Ecology of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) in rural south-east Queensland, Australia

1999 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil A. White
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Kernel Estimator ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Arboreal Marsupials ◽  
Males And Females

This study investigated home-range size, utilisation of tree species and patches, and the influence of spacing behaviour by females on social organisation. It was undertaken in south-east Queensland in an area dominated by agricultural activity (beef and dairy cattle and cropping). Extensive clearing in the study area resulted in patches of vegetation that varied in size from less that 1 ha to blocks of 50–100 ha. Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. crebra were the dominant species in these patches and koalas used both species. The average home-range size (delineated by the 95% probability polygon from a kernel estimator) was 34.4 ha and 15.0 ha for males and females respectively; that delineated by the 70% probability polygon was 12.5 ha and 5.0 ha for males and females respectively. Koalas were not reliant on corridor systems and sometimes moved further than 5 km in a season. Koalas have few non-food-related requirements, i.e. they do not need den sites, nest sites, display areas, etc. Furthermore, they do not utilise the understorey and their mobility between patches does not appear to be compromised by the absence of corridors of trees. It is suggested that, in comparison with other arboreal marsupials, it should be relatively easy to provide habitat for koalas within rural areas.

Home ranges of free-ranging cats (Felis catus) in Brooklyn, New York

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 178-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Haspel ◽  
Robert E. Calhoon
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Home Range ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Felis Catus ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Utilization Distribution ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Free Ranging

Home range size is stable among free-ranging cats in Brooklyn, New York. Marked male and female cats had mean home ranges of 2.6 (95% CI, 2.38–2.87) and 1.7 ha (95% CI, 1.57–1.98), respectively, as estimated by the population utilization distribution. Males had significantly larger home ranges, used the perimeter of their ranges more, and had greater variability in home range size than females. Gender differences in body weight accounted for observed differences in home range size; the seeking of estrous females by males could not account for differences in male and female home ranges. The availability of garbage or abandoned buildings, neighborhood, season, or experimental supplementary feeding did not influence home range size.

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