The Ecology of the Dingo in North-Eastern New South Wales. 2. Diet.

1985 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 39 ◽  
Author(s):  
JD Robertshaw ◽  
RH Harden
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
New South ◽  
Large Prey ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Two Populations ◽  
Hunting Strategy ◽  
Behavioural Mechanism

The diet of two populations of dingoes, from adjacent areas different in topography and altitude, from 1969 to 1974, were similar. The remains of native mammals were found in over 90% of the scats, and Wallabia bicolor was the most important single prey species in both areas. The high frequency of large native species in this and other studies of dingoes' diet suggested that dingoes may be essentially predators of the larger native species. The mammalian composition of the diet varied significantly between May-October and November-April; this reflected a change in the hunting strategy ofthe dingo, as an outcome of behavioural necessity rather than a change in the relative abundances of prey species. Concurrent with an increase in the dingo population, the composition of the diet changed between 1972 and 1974, with an increased concentration on larger prey species in the later years; this also indicated a change in hunting strategy. Large prey species provide potentially more biomass per unit kill; and this change in hunting strategy may be a behavioural mechanism for buffering dingo populations against either increases in their own population or decreases in those of their prey.

The Ecology of the Dingo in Northeastern New-South-Wales .4. Prey Selection by Dingoes, and Its Effect on the Major Prey Species, the Swamp Wallaby, Wallabia-Bicolor (Desmarest)

1986 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 141 ◽  
Author(s):  
JD Robertshaw ◽  
RH Harden
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
Prey Selection ◽  
New South ◽  
Optimal Foraging Theory ◽  
Major Effect ◽  
Breeding Cycle ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Swamp Wallaby ◽  
Selection Of

Prey selection and its effect on the major prey species was examined between 1979 and 1980 by comparing the diet of dingoes and the biology of the swamp wallaby at two sites where the relative numbers of dingoes and wallabies differed. Selection of prey by dingoes was not opportunistic but demonstrated a preference for larger native species, and was similar to that found in the same area between 1972 and 1974. In particular, dingoes had a strong preference for swamp wallaby, the occurrence of which in the diet was disproportionate to its observed numbers; and switching was not observed even when numbers of swamp wallaby were reduced and alternative macropod prey present. Contrary to Optimal Foraging Theory predictions that the predator should become more catholic in prey selection, this species was more frequent in the diet when its availability was lower. At one site the major effect of this predation was the disruption of the breeding cycle, as a result of the loss of large pouch young because of the harassment of their mothers.

Effectiveness of protected areas in north-eastern New South Wales: recent trends in six measures

2002 ◽  
Vol 106 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.L Pressey ◽  
G.L Whish ◽  
T.W Barrett ◽  
M.E Watts
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Recent Trends

Outflow ignimbrite sheets from Late Carboniferous calderas, Currabubula Formation, New South Wales, Australia

1983 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. 487-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. McPhie
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Sedimentary Facies ◽  
Late Carboniferous ◽  
The West ◽  
Pyroclastic Deposits ◽  
Flow Units ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Accretionary Lapilli ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Thickness Variations

SummaryRegionally mappable, silicic, outflow ignimbrite sheets are interbedded with fluvial volcanogenic conglomerates and sandstones of the Late Carboniferous Currabubula Formation of north-eastern N.S.W. Four of the most widespread of these ignimbrites are described and defined as members. The oldest member is comprised of many thin, originally non-welded flow units. Interbedded accretionary lapilli horizons may indicate phreatomagmatic activity at vent during the eruption in addition to local rain-flushing of co-ignimbrite ash clouds. Of the three other members, two are multiple flow-unit sheets, 160–180 m in aggregate thickness. Substantial portions of these sheets were originally welded. The remaining member is a simple welded ignimbrite characterized by abundant spherulites and lithophysae. Irregular pre-eruption topography and contemporaneous erosion were responsible for thickness variations of the ignimbrite sheets. Some palaeovalleys, now delineated by the ignimbrites, persisted in spite of repeated pyroclastic influxes. Relic pumice, shards and crystal fragments are ubiquitous components of the sedimentary facies of the Currabubula Formation, and were probably derived from originally poorly consolidated pyroclastic deposits such as airfall ash layers and non-welded ignimbrites. No surface trace of the sources of these ignimbrites exists. However, internal facies, thickness variations and volumes of the ignimbrites indicate that they periodically emanated from a multiple-caldera terrain which was continuously active during the Late Carboniferous, and located several kilometres to the west of present exposures.

Feeding ecology and population dynamics of the feral cat (Felis catus) in relation to the availability of prey in central-eastern New South Wales

1999 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn Molsher ◽  
Alan Newsome ◽  
Chris Dickman
Keyword(s):  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Prey Species ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Felis Catus ◽  
House Mice ◽  
Minor Components ◽  
Feral Cat ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Central Eastern

The diet of feral cats (Felis catus) was studied at Lake Burrendong, central-eastern New South Wales, from July 1994 to June 1997. Mammals were the major prey in 499 scats that were analysed. Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were the staple prey, while carrion was an important secondary food. Invertebrates, other mammalian prey, vegetation, birds and reptiles were generally minor components of the diet. Few significant seasonal differences in diet were found; however, invertebrates contributed less and possums more to the diet in winter and summer respectively. A significant dietary response was found to changes in rabbit abundance, but not for the other prey types. Cats continued to prey heavily on rabbits even after a 90% decline in rabbit abundance occurred, which coincided with the advent of Rabbit Calicivirus Disease (RCD). House mice (Mus domesticus) increased in importance in the diet ten months post-RCD. Although the abundance of cats was correlated with the abundance of some prey species, other factors may have influenced the observed patterns; these are discussed.

Mammal surveys in the forests of the Carrai Plateau and Richmond Range in north-east New South Wales.

1994 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
J. Barker ◽  
D. Lunney ◽  
T. Bubela
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
North East ◽  
Mammal Fauna ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Species Lists ◽  
Fauna Composition ◽  
Eucalypt Forests ◽  
Open Forests

Mammal surveys were carried out on the Carrai Plateau and Richmond Range in north-east New South Wales between March 1988 and November 1989. The emphasis was placed on rainforest mammals, following the recognition by Adam ( 1987) that the species lists of mammals in the state's rainforests were incomplete and that more research was needed. The mammals were surveyed primarily by analysis of prey remains in Dog and Fox scats, collected from roads throughout the forests, and from bat trapping. The bat fauna at both the Carrai Plateau and Richmond Range is rich (1 0 species and nine species respectively, including the rare Golden-tipped Bat, Kerivoula papuensis, in the Richmond Range). Scat analysis revealed the presence of 24 native species on the Carrai Plateau, and on the Richmond Range there were 17 species, including high numbers of two pademelon species. Feral prey species are almost completely absent, although the Fox is an established predator in both areas. A sharp division was identified between the mammal faunas of closed and open forests. Differences were found also between the mammal fauna composition of the two rainforest sites, and with those of nearby eucalypt forests. The mammal fauna of New South Wales rainforests is distinct from open forests and future mammal surveys are needed to ensure an adequate level of knowledge to identify and conserve these areas.

scholarly journals Modeling Methane Emission from Wetlands in North-Eastern New South Wales, Australia Using Landsat ETM+

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 1378-1399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clement E. Akumu ◽  
Sumith Pathirana ◽  
Serwan Baban ◽  
Daniel Bucher
Keyword(s):  
Methane Emission ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern

On-site domestic wastewater treatment by reed bed in the moist subtropics

2001 ◽  
Vol 44 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 353-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Davison ◽  
T. Headley ◽  
M. Edmonds
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Domestic Wastewater ◽  
Moisture Loss ◽  
Reed Beds ◽  
Treatment Performance ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Domestic Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Australian State ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Reed Bed

This paper summarises the results of studies on four subsurface flow wetlands (reed beds) located in the moist sub-tropical north eastern corner of the Australian state of New South Wales. The reed beds, which are subjected to a variety of effluent types, all have a gravel substrate planted with Phragmites australis. All four units were found to maintain satisfactory treatment performance year round. Mean removal efficiencies ranged from 56% to 90% (SS), 70% to 93% (BOD), 38% to 66% (TN), 87% to 99.8% (Faecal coliforms), and 42% to 70% (TP - with one seasonal result of 0% for the eight year old unit) for the four reed beds. After eight years in operation the oldest reed bed was showing signs of phosphorus saturation with outlet TP concentrations exceeding inlet concentrations on some occasions. The youngest reed bed studied appeared to be operating efficiently after five months. A summer water balance on one of the reed beds revealed an average crop factor of 1.6 and a moisture loss to atmosphere of 40% of influent flow. Treatment performance (particularly for TN and SS) was found to be negatively correlated with rainfall during one study. The paper discusses the implications of the above results for on-site system designers and regulators and identifies areas for further investigation.

Models of the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in the eucalypt forests of north-eastern New South Wales in relation to environmental variables

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 313 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Catling ◽  
R. J. Burt ◽  
R. I. Forrester
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Variables ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Slope Position ◽  
Slope Aspect ◽  
Significant Variable ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Eucalypt Forests ◽  
A Site

Statistical models are presented of the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in eucalypt forests in relation to environmental variables within an area of approximately 24 000 km2 in north-eastern New South Wales. Environmental variables are defined as climatic or topographic variables that may be useful to map the distribution of fauna. The environmental variables examined were season, temperature, rainfall, elevation, lithology, steepness of slope, position on slope, aspect and landform profile. The probability of recording some species was higher in spring than autumn and many species were in highest abundance in areas of low temperature (high elevation). Although aspect was a significant variable in a number of models, no species was absent from any aspect category. Mid-slopes down to and including creeks and drainage lines were particularly important for many species, as were areas with flatter terrain. Although we have modelled environmental variables only there will no doubt be longer-term interactions between habitat and environmental variables. Fundamentally, environmental variables will determine the type of habitat present at a site, and the distribution of canopy communities, at least, can be predicted from environmental variables. However, other studies have shown for ground-dwelling mammals that environmental variables contribute little and it is the state of the habitat locally, and particularly the understorey, that determines their presence and abundance at a site. The results are discussed in relation to similar models using habitat variables and in relation to the use of such models in the management of ground-dwelling fauna in forests.

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