The characteristics of squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) den trees in subtropical Australia

2008 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgia L. Beyer ◽  
Ross L. Goldingay ◽  
David J. Sharpe
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Living Tree ◽  
Breast Height ◽  
North East ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Dead Trees ◽  
Squirrel Glider ◽  
Tree Hollow ◽  
Subtropical Australia

Effective management of tree-hollow-dependent wildlife requires a sound knowledge of the characteristics of the trees used for shelter or breeding. We used radio-tracking to identify the den trees of squirrel gliders (Petaurus norfolcensis) in south-east Queensland (Qld) and north-east New South Wales (NSW). Squirrel gliders used dead trees as well as 13 species of living tree for dens across the two locations. Dead trees accounted for a large percentage of dens (54% of 48 dens in Qld, and 50% of 18 dens in NSW) despite comprising only 3–10% of the forest (trees >20 cm diameter at breast height (dbh)) at each location. This preference is largely due to dead trees being more likely to contain hollows, accounting for 26–44% of available hollow-bearing trees. Mean den tree size (dbh) was 48.9 ± 2.4 cm in Qld and 62.8 ± 5.6 cm in NSW. Den entrance height averaged 6.8 ± 1.2 m in Qld and 11.9 ± 1.3 m in NSW. Fissures in the trunk and holes in branches were the most common of six hollow types used. At one location branch end hollows were ignored relative to their availability. Den entrances varied in size (2.5–12 cm wide) but most were ≤5 cm in diameter. Entrance size of hollows appears to be the hollow attribute of most importance to squirrel gliders. Monitoring of these den trees over several years revealed the collapse of three dead den trees at each location, which is equivalent to an annual loss of 3% of den trees. Further research is needed to determine whether this will lead to a future shortage of den trees.

Camera traps in the canopy: surveying wildlife at tree hollow entrances

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nigel Cotsell ◽  
Karl Vernes
Keyword(s):  
Anthropogenic Disturbance ◽  
New South ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
North East ◽  
Tree Hollows ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Site Disturbance ◽  
Tree Hollow

This is the first comprehensive camera trap study to examine hollow usage by wildlife in the canopy of trees. Eighty cameras directed at tree hollows were deployed across eight sites in nine species of eucalypt in north-east New South Wales. In total, 38 species (including 21 birds, 9 mammals and 8 reptiles) were recorded at hollow entrances over a three-month period. There was a significant difference between wildlife hollow usage associated with site disturbance and tree growth stage (ANOSIM, P > 0.05); however, there was no significant difference associated with tree hollow diameter (ANOSIM, P > 0.05). The level of anthropogenic disturbance at each site, including vegetation modification of the understorey, was a significant predictor of species presence. Despite the limitations of using camera traps in the canopy of trees this study demonstrates the potential to garner useful insights into the ecology and behaviour of arboreal wildlife.

Vocal behaviour of the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis)

2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Sharpe ◽  
Ross L. Goldingay
Keyword(s):  
Vocal Communication ◽  
New South ◽  
Territorial Defence ◽  
North East ◽  
Calling Behaviour ◽  
Vocal Behaviour ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Squirrel Glider ◽  
Animal Handling ◽  
Frequent Call

We describe the vocal behaviour of the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) from 465 h of observation across five sites in north-east New South Wales and south-east Queensland. A monosyllabic or polysyllabic nasal grunt was the most frequent call (56% of 208 calls); it ranged from single calls to sequences of up to 20-min duration (mean 2.1 min ± 0.6, s.e.) and was heard on 34% of nights (n = 83) at two sites. The rate of the nasal grunt showed a positive relationship with population density at one site. The nasal grunt was typically made when conspecifics were near the caller, but responses were infrequent (7% of observations). Call playback produced no discernable change in call response. The nasal grunt appears to regulate individual spacing by facilitating mutual avoidance, a function hypothesised to be an evolutionary precursor to the use of calls in territorial defence. Threatening calls were the next most common vocalisation (17% of calls) and were accompanied by scuffles and/or chases. They were also used when gliders were preyed upon and during animal handling. The calling behaviour of the squirrel glider confirms the importance of vocal communication among petaurid gliders.

Den trees, hollow-bearing trees and nest boxes: management of squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) nest sites in tropical Australian woodland

2011 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Ball ◽  
Ross L. Goldingay ◽  
Judith Wake
Keyword(s):  
Size Class ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Breast Height ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Tree Hollows ◽  
Dead Trees ◽  
Squirrel Glider ◽  
Tropical Woodlands ◽  
Tree Hollow

The squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) is an arboreal marsupial potentially impacted throughout its geographic range by the loss of hollow-bearing trees. We investigated the use of den trees and the availability of hollow-bearing trees near Mackay in the tropical north of the squirrel glider range where information was deficient. Mean den tree size (41.1 ± 2.9 cm (s.e.), diameter at breast height (dbh)) was significantly larger than that of available trees (27.5 ± 0.9 cm). Dead trees (stags) comprised 52% of 27 dens but comprised only 12% of available trees. This likely reflects the greater frequency of hollows in dead trees compared with other trees. Surveys found that 59% of 720 available trees contained hollows. A much lower percentage of trees in the 10–30-cm dbh size class were hollow-bearing (22%) compared with trees >30 cm (77%), and we view these smaller trees as those providing future den trees. Their density varied from 17 to 95 ha–1 among sites, which suggests that most sites have an adequate supply of future hollows. We installed 56 nest boxes to determine use by squirrel gliders. Only 20% were used after 3 years, but use was not influenced by the availability of tree hollows. Tree hollow availability appears adequate for the squirrel glider in these tropical woodlands but further studies are needed to understand the dynamic processes that govern this resource.

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.

Variation in the home-range size of the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis)

2010 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross L. Goldingay ◽  
David J. Sharpe ◽  
Matt D. J. Dobson
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Habitat Quality ◽  
New South ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Range Size ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Minimum Convex Polygon ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Squirrel Glider ◽  
Range Estimate

The home-range area of animals may vary geographically and in response to habitat quality. We investigated the size of squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) home ranges near Brisbane, Queensland, and at Tea Gardens on the central coast of New South Wales. Habitat at both sites had been partially cleared and had been subjected to grazing for several decades. Twelve gliders were tracked over an average of 3.5 months in Brisbane. The fixed kernel (FK95%) home-range estimate averaged 4.6 ± 0.7 (s.e.) ha while the minimum convex polygon (MCP100%) averaged 6.7 ± 1.5 ha. Six gliders were tracked over 1 month at Tea Gardens. The FK95% home-range estimate averaged 14.8 ± 2.4 ha while the MCP100% averaged 13.3 ± 3.1 ha. The Tea Gardens values are derived from relatively short periods and are likely to underestimate the areas used. This study demonstrates that home-range size can vary substantially in the squirrel glider. This has implications for understanding how this species responds to variation in habitat quality and highlights the need for site-specific studies to inform aspects of management.

Hollow formation in eucalypts from temperate forests in southeastern Australia

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 218 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Gibbons ◽  
D. B. Lindenmayer ◽  
S. C. Barry ◽  
M. T. Tanton
Keyword(s):  
Temperate Forest ◽  
Physiological Condition ◽  
New South ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Southeastern Australia ◽  
Tree Hollows ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Dead Trees ◽  
Standing Trees ◽  
Logged Forest

We examined factors associated with the occurrence of tree hollows in four eucalypt species from temperate forest in southeastern New South Wales and East Gippsland. A total of 1 256 standing trees and 328 felled trees was examined. The proportion of trees containing hollows with small entrances (2-5 cm) was significantly negatively associated with dbh, while the proportion of trees containing hollows with medium (5-10 cm) and large (>10 cm) entrances was positively associated with dbh. There was a significant, but weak, relationship between hollow depth and minimum entrance width that was improved with the addition to the model of the variables branch diameter and branch health. Trees of all sizes and ages contained hollows, although larger and older trees had a higher probability of doing so. For two tree species (Brown Barrel or Cuttail Eucalyptus fastigata and Messmate E. obliqua), the probability of live trees containing hollows remained below 0.5 for stems less than 180 years of age. Un logged forest supported, on average, 22.0 hollowbearing trees per ha ? 18.5% of which were dead trees. For all values of dbh, trees were more likely to contain hollows if either dead or in poor physiological condition, indicating the potential for hollow development to be accelerated in eucalypts by killing or injuring suitably-sized trees.

Predation of livestock by wild dogs in eastern New South Wales.

1989 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 61 ◽  
Author(s):  
PJS Fleming ◽  
TJ Korn
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Coastal Region ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
East Region ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Control Programmes ◽  
June July ◽  
Wild Dogs

A monthly survey involving officers from eastern New South Wales Pastures Protection Boards was conducted over four years from 1982 to 1985. Information was collected on the number and type of livestock attacked within each board district, sightings of wild dogs, the number of wild dogs kiied, the method by which they were kiied and the locations at which the observations occurred. A total of 25,644 livestock animals were reported killed or wounded from four regions; the North-East Coastal Region, the North-East Tablelands Region, the Central-East Region and South-East Region. Sheep were the most commonly attacked domestic animals followed by cattle and goats. Regional differences were apparent in the type of livestock killed and seasonal patterns of predation were evident. We recommend that annual control programmes be brought forward from June/July to late April in order to precede predation peaks.

Does fox baiting threaten the spotted-tailed quoll, Dasyurus maculatus?

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerhard Körtner ◽  
Shaan Gresser ◽  
Bob Harden
Keyword(s):  
Rhodamine B ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
New South ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
North East ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Bait Station ◽  
Radio Transmitters ◽  
Bait Stations

In Australia, baiting with 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is widely used to reduce predation of native wildlife by the red fox. However, such control programs may place some native carnivores at risk, particularly the spotted-tailed quoll in eastern Australia. We measured the mortality in a total of 57 quolls fitted with mortality radio-transmitters during four experimental fox baitings with Foxoff® 1080 baits containing Rhodamine B in north-east New South Wales. In all experiments quolls visited bait stations regularly and removed a total of 20 baits. All but one of these baits was found in the vicinity of the bait station, indicating that quolls did not ingest baits. This was confirmed by the absence of Rhodamine B in the vibrissae of all quolls retrapped after baiting. The only quoll that may have died from a bait had eaten a cached bait some six weeks after baiting concluded. Thus, baiting did not threaten any of the quoll populations sampled. Therefore it appears that most restrictions imposed to protect spotted-tailed quolls during fox baiting are unnecessary as long as this bait type is used.

The biology and associations of Fergusobia (Nematoda) from the Melaleuca leucadendra-complex in eastern Australia

2004 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerrie A. Davies ◽  
Robin M. Giblin-Davis
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Monophyletic Group ◽  
North East ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Meristematic Tissues ◽  
Mutualistic Association ◽  
Melaleuca Leucadendra

Nematodes of the genus Fergusobia Currie (Tylenchida : Neotylenchidae) and flies of the genus Fergusonina Malloch (Diptera : Fergusoninidae) together form the only known mutualistic association between insects and nematodes that induces galls in young meristematic tissues in Myrtaceae. Six new species of Fergusobia are described (F. quinquenerviae, sp. nov., F. cajuputiae, sp. nov., F. dealbatae, sp. nov., F. leucadendrae, sp. nov., F.�nervosae, sp. nov., and F. viridiflorae, sp. nov.) and partial descriptions are presented for a further two species. Together, these taxa form a putative monophyletic group, apparently restricted to species of Melaleuca in the broad-leaved M. leucadendra-complex, from coastal Queensland and north-east New South Wales, Australia. Each species of nematode has a mutualistic association with a particular species of Fergusonina fly and (with one exception) each association is apparently restricted to one particular species of Melaleuca.

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