A Study of Grey Kangaroo Density Using Pellet Counts

1981 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 237 ◽  
Author(s):  
GJE Hill
Keyword(s):  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Average Density ◽  
Sampling Efficiency ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Significant Variance ◽  
Pellet Group ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Pellet Density

During May and July 1978 two faecal pellet surveys were conducted to attain indices of abundance for a stable population of grey kangaroos within a 33-km2 block of state forest in southern Queensland. The study area was divided into 25-ha cells, from which approximately one-fifth were selected by random means for survey. Each cell was sampled by two parallel transects 100 m apart. Along each transect 25 regularly spaced 0.001-ha circular plots were searched for faecal pellets within particular age ranges. Results were 4634 � 19% and 5071 � 19% pellets km-2 per day respectively (Y � SE). The two surveys displayed no significant variance in estimates of average density. Preliminary surveys produced no significant difference in estimates of faecal pellet density between plots of 0.001 and 0.0003 ha. This held true for counts of pellet totals and pellet group totals. Sampling efficiency was superior for the larger plot.

A Technique for Estimating the Numbers of Eastern Gray Kangaroos, Macropus-Giganteus, Grazing a Given Area of Pasture

1986 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 335 ◽  
Author(s):  
RJ Perry ◽  
ML Braysher
Keyword(s):  
Decay Rate ◽  
Relative Density ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Absolute Number ◽  
Pellet Group ◽  
Potential Error ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Pellet Density

This paper outlines a technique for estimating, by means of faecal pellet counts, the absolute number of eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, grazing on a given area in the A.C.T. Absolute numbers were obtained by comparing relative density of pellets on the area to be assessed, with pellet density in the grey kangaroo enclosure at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, which has a known area and a known kangaroo population. The decay rate of pellets in three different areas did not vary significantly. The average number of pellets per pellet group was similar in all three areas, but during drought kangaroos tended to drop fewer pellets per group. However, the potential error caused by this can be avoided if the control and test areas are assessed at the same time. The problem of defining a group is eliminated by counting individual pellets rather than groups.

Methods for Small-Scale Surveys of Grey Kangaroo Populations

1985 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
GM Coulson ◽  
JA Raines
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Critical Conditions ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Transect Counts

Small-scale survey methods which have previously been applied to grey kangaroos were evaluated on a population of known size. The total population size of free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, on Rotamah Island in the Gippsland Lakes of Victoria was determined by a drive count. Two types of small-scale survey methods were evaluated against this total: line transect counts and faecal pellet counts. The line transect estimates were not significantly different from the known population size, and grey kangaroos appear to meet the critical conditions of the models. Counts of individual faecal pellets gave an acceptable estimate of population density, whereas counts based on pellet groups had significant positive bias.

A Study of Habitat Preferences in the Grey Kangaroo

1981 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 245 ◽  
Author(s):  
GJE Hill
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Habitat Structure ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
And Cluster Analysis ◽  
Food Reserves ◽  
Open Woodland ◽  
Climax Forest

In a state forestry reserve in south-eastern Queensland, indices of grey kangaroo abundance were obtained from faecal pellet counts and were related to habitat structure by analysis of variance, multiple regression and cluster analysis. Of these, cluster analysis proved the most effective technique. Results identified a preference for habitats displaying an abundance of food reserves and shelter. Climax forest and open woodland type habitats were relatively little used.

Seasonal Movement PAtterns of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo in Southern Queensland

1982 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 373 ◽  
Author(s):  
GJE Hill
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Soil Moisture Storage ◽  
Seasonal Movement ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Moisture Storage

A 2-y study was made of seasonal movement patterns of the eastern grey kangaroo, Macropus giganteus Shaw, in the Warwick district of south-eastern, and the Bollon district of south-western, Queensland. Faecal pellet counts were used to obtain indices of kangaroo usage of cleared country adjacent to cover. Kangaroos were sensitive to changes in forage status, particularly pasture phenology. As quality and quantity of forage reserves declined, animals made progressively greater use of cleared areas. This resulted in marked seasonal changes in distribution patterns. Of the variables quantified (rainfall, soil moisture storage and pasture growth), rainfall provided the best correlations with kangaroo usage of cleared country, explaining 55% (P = 0.002) of the variation in distribution at Warwick and 91% (P = 0.001) of that at Bollon.

Habitat-specific and season-specific faecal pellet decay rates for five mammalian herbivores in south-eastern Australia

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi E. Davis ◽  
Graeme Coulson
Keyword(s):  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Decay Rates ◽  
European Rabbit ◽  
Vegetation Types ◽  
Mammalian Herbivores ◽  
Pellet Group ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Common Wombat ◽  
Species Specific

The accuracy of population abundance estimates of mammalian herbivores from faecal pellet counts is potentially affected by pellet decay. We collected fresh pellet groups from hog deer (Axis porcinus), European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) and common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) (n = 300 per species) at Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria, Australia. We deposited five pellet groups per species per month within each of five vegetation types in the park, then monitored pellet group decay over 24 months. We demonstrate that age estimation of pellet groups was inaccurate and is unlikely to improve the efficiency of pellet counts. We present habitat- and species-specific estimates of pellet and pellet group decay using two measures: decay rate (the proportion of pellets surviving per unit of time); and mean time to decay. We explain how our data can be used to optimise faecal pellet count design, and to improve the accuracy of both indices and estimates of abundance from pellet counts. The variability observed in the decay of pellet groups among vegetation types, and for species among seasons, suggests that caution should be used if applying pellet decay rates over long time-frames or to locations with differing environmental conditions.

Effects of natural weathering conditions on faecal cortisol metabolite measurements in the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis)

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (5) ◽  
pp. 351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Evans ◽  
Edward J. Narayan ◽  
Jean-Marc Hero
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Exposure ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Natural Weathering ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Coefficients Of Variation ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Maximum Temperatures

Natural weathering conditions can influence faecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) measurements in wildlife if fresh faeces cannot be collected immediately following defaecation. In this study, we evaluated this issue in a threatened Australian marsupial, the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis). Fresh (<12 h since defaecation) faecal samples (n = 19 pellets per bilby) were collected one morning from seven adult bilbies kept in captivity. One control faecal sample (Day 1) from each bilby was immediately frozen. The remaining faecal pellets were randomly positioned outdoors. Subsequently, we froze one faecal pellet every 24 h for 19 days. FCM levels in bilby faeces were quantified using an enzyme-immunoassay. Mean FCM levels showed variation (daily mean coefficients of variation [CV %]) of 56.83–171.65% over 19 days. Overall, FCM levels were affected by exposure time; however, multiple comparisons showed that no significant change in FCM occurred after environmental exposure (no significant difference in mean FCM between control (Day 1) with any of the exposure days (Days 2–19). Individuals and sex also affected FCM levels. We found no correlation between mean daily CVs with daily minimum–maximum temperatures or rainfall. Our results indicate that FCM in bilby faeces is fairly stable to long-term environmental exposure (19 days). In future, freshly excreted bilby faeces (where the sample maintains a distinct odour for 9–13 days) should be used to study FCM levels in wild bilbies.

Comparative ecology of western grey kangaroos (Macropus fulginosus) and euros (M. robustus erubescens) in Durokoppin Nature Reserve, isolated in the central wheatbelt of Western Australia

1994 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 307 ◽  
Author(s):  
GW Arnold ◽  
DE Steven ◽  
JR Weeldenberg
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Native Vegetation ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Leg Length ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pellet Counts ◽  
Helicopter Survey ◽  
Individual Size

The populations of western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) and euros (M. robustus erubescens) in a 1196-ha area of native vegetation in the central wheatbelt of Western Australia were studied over six years (1985-91). The area was isolated from other remnants of native vegetation by at least 1.4 km. Captures were made periodically throughout each year and the animals weighed and measured. In all, 152 animals were captured (83 euros and 69 western grey kangaroos). The data for each sex and species were assigned to 'seasons' (February-July or August-January) and assessments made of body condition. The weights and tail circumstances, adjusted for individual size by regression on leg length, were higher for western grey kangaroos but not for euros in August-January. Euro males varied significantly in weight from year to year; euro females and grey males and females did not. Too few grey females were captured to analyse seasonality of reproduction. The estimated birth dates of 68 euro pouch young were distributed equally throughout the study period. There were approximately equal numbers of each species in an estimate made in 1988 from a helicopter survey, with a total (� s.e.) of 191�29 kangaroos. The mean faecal pellet counts on 42 Tied transects of 100 m2 did not differ significantly over the period 1985-88. These counts showed that the overall use of the different vegetation types varied by a factor of two. Heaths had the highest pellet counts and open mallee or woodland the least, with Allocasuarina-dominated shrublands being intermediate. Spotlight surveys around the reserve boundary showed a highly significant difference in distribution of the two species. This was confirmed by analysis of the home ranges of 13 radio-collared individuals. Euros showed a strong preference for areas of York gum-wandoo-jam woodland with a herbaceous ground layer and areas with tall Allocasuarina or dense heath. In contrast, the western grey kangaroos preferred the heathlands and open woodlands without a herbaceous ground cover. The sex ratios of the whole populations seen in spotlight searches was 0.72 : 1.00 (males: females) for western grey kangaroos and 0.81 : 1.00 for euros. Both differ significantly from parity. There was a higher proportion of female euros amongst the animals seen in the western part of the reserve than in the eastern part. These populations relied mainly on the resources of the reserve. The average number of kangaroos seen on adjacent farmland on any one night varied from 3.6 in 1986 to 13.5 in 1991. A significantly higher proportion of males of both species were seen on farmland.

Observations on the behaviour and ecology of the Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus in northeast Tasmania.

1993 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
R.J. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Scent Marking ◽  
Average Density ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Common Wombat ◽  
The Common

Aspects of the behaviour and ecology of Vombatus ursinus were studied in largely cleared agricultural land in a coastal area in northeast Tasmania. The average density of V. ursinus was 20 individuals.km-2 over the whole study area but around 60.km-2 in an intensively studied section. Burrows were concentrated in areas of sandy soil where a dense cover of native vegetation had been maintained. Only short, shallow burrows were present in areas of dolerite, probably because of the difficulty of digging. Home-ranges of different individuals overlapped. Wombats were not active continually through the night and varied in time of emergence from their burrow and the time spent above ground. Often more than one burrow was used on the same night, with more than one individual making use of a burrow, but usually not at the same time. Disputes over the use of burrows occurred. Individuals frequently sniffed around burrows and investigated for the presence of occupants. Males may use this as a strategy for finding females in oestrus. Mating behaviour was observed once. Wombats are solitary and actively avoid the presence of others. Odour in faecal pellets and from scent marking probably plays an important social role by providing information on the individuals sharing a home-range and the occurrence of strangers. Dominant animals may be intolerant of the presence of certain individuals within their home-range.

The spatial and temporal distribution of koala faecal pellets

1998 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 663 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. A. H. Ellis ◽  
B. J. Sullivan ◽  
A. T. Lisle ◽  
F. N. Carrick
Keyword(s):  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Faecal Pellet ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Distribution ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Pellet Production ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Free Ranging

Faecal pellets were collected under trees used by free-ranging koalas in south-western, central and south-eastern Queensland to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of pellets with respect to the activity of koalas. Deposition of faecal pellets by koalas was analysed according to the time of day at which the tree was occupied. For free-ranging koalas, 47% of daily faecal pellet output was recovered using a collection mat of 8 × 8 m placed under a day-roost tree. The best predictor of pellet production was the presence of a koala in a tree between 1800 hours and midnight. For other periods, there was no relationship between period of tree occupancy and faecal pellet recovery. There was a significant relationship between the average length of tree occupancy and the time of day that a koala entered a tree.

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