Population genetics of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) in north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 402 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Dennison ◽  
G. J. Frankham ◽  
L. E. Neaves ◽  
C. Flanagan ◽  
S. FitzGibbon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Isolation By Distance ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Genetic Data ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern

Habitat loss and fragmentation are key threats to local koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations. Broad-scale management is suboptimal for koalas because distribution models are not easily generalised across regions. Therefore, it is imperative that data relevant to local management bodies are available. Genetic data provides important information on gene flow and potential habitat barriers, including anthropogenic disturbances. Little genetic data are available for nationally significant koala populations in north-eastern New South Wales, despite reported declines due to urbanisation and habitat loss. In this study, we develop 14 novel microsatellite loci to investigate koala populations in north-eastern New South Wales (Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Tyagarah, Ballina) and south-eastern Queensland (Coomera). All locations were significantly differentiated (FST = 0.096–0.213; FʹST = 0.282–0.582), and this pattern was not consistent with isolation by distance (R2 = 0.228, P = 0.058). Population assignment clustered the more northern populations (Ballina, Tyagarah and Coomera), suggesting contemporary gene flow among these sites. For all locations, low molecular variation among (16%) rather than within (84%) sites suggests historical connectivity. These results suggest that koala populations in north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland are experiencing contemporary impediments to gene flow, and highlight the importance of maintaining habitat connectivity across this region.

Population ranges of Miniopterus schreibersii (Chiroptera) in south-eastern Australia

1969 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 665 ◽  
Author(s):  
PD Dwyer
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Australia ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Navigational Cues ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
South Eastern Australia

In south-eastern Australia banding of M. schreibersii has been concentrated in four areas: north-eastern New South Wales, south-eastern New South Wales, south-eastern Victoria, and south-western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. The present paper analyses 2083 reported movements. Only 17 of these are from one of the four areas to another with the longest movement being 810 miles. Biologically and geographically separate populations of M. schreibersii are recognized in both north-eastern and south-eastern New South Wales. Each population has its basis in dependence upon a specific nursery site which is used annually by nearly all adult females in that population. Boundaries of population ranges in New South Wales are considered to be prominent features of physiography (i.e. divides). Bats move between population ranges less often than they move within population ranges. This cannot be explained solely in terms of the distances separating roosts. Available movement records from Victoria and South Australia are consistent with the pattern described for New South Wales. Two biologically recognizable populations (i.e, different birth periods) occur in south-western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia but these may have overlapping ranges. Only one nursery colony of M. schreibersii is known from south-eastern Victoria. On present evidence it remains possible that the apparent integrity of the population associated with this nursery is merely a consequence of distance from other areas of banding activity. Detailed analyses of movements in bats may provide direct evidence as to the kinds of cues by which a given species navigates. Thus the physiographic basis described for population ranges in New South Wales is consistent with the view that M. schreibersii may orientate to waterways or divides or both. The probability that there are area differences in the subtlety or nature of navigational cues is implied by the different physiographic circumstances of south-western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. It is suggested that knowledge of population range boundaries may aid planning of meaningful homing experiments.

A Community-based Survey of the Koala, Phascolarctos cinereus, in the Eden Region of South-eastern New South Wales

1997 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Lunney ◽  
Carol Esson ◽  
Chris Moon ◽  
Murray Ellis ◽  
Alison Matthews
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Dry Forest ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Regional Survey ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
South Wales

A community-based postal survey (questionnaire and map) was undertaken in the Eden region of south-eastern New South Wales in 1991–92 to help determine the local distribution of koalas and to obtain information on which to base a regional plan of management for koalas. The 1198 replies from the II 600 households in the region represented all parts of the area surveyed. The survey responses suggest that koalas are rare in the Eden region, and that the number of koalas has been constantly low for the last four decades. The records are scattered both chronologically and geographically. National Parks and Nature Reserves have never been the stronghold of local koala populations, and freehold land, particularly farmland, is not a major reservoir of koalas. Most koalas reported were in, or adjacent to, State Forests, particularly Murrah–Berrnagui and Tantawangalo–Glenbog–Yurammie. These areas appear to contain the core of the surviving koala population of the region. An assessment of the vegetation where koalas were sighted indicated that dry forest is the preferred habitat. The once abundant and widespread local koala population of late last century has been reduced by habitat loss and fragmentation to a few small, isolated populations. This regional survey, which was undertaken by use of a carefully constructed questionnaire, revealed an invaluable source of records and contributed 70% of the records in the database used for this study. This study also laid a basis for assessing koala management options in south-eastern New South Wales.

A playback survey of the koala,Phascolarctos cinereus, and a review of its distribution in the Eden Region of south-eastern New South Wales

2001 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 226-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vic Jurskis ◽  
Alan Douch ◽  
Ken McCray ◽  
Jim Shields
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
South Wales

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

2000 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 639 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Catling ◽  
R. J. Burt ◽  
R. I. Forrester
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
General Preference ◽  
Eucalypt Forests ◽  
Habitat Variables

We examined the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in eucalypt forests in relation to habitat variables within an area of c. 24 000 km2 in north-eastern New South Wales. Habitat variables are defined as vegetative variables that may be altered or created by humans or natural disturbances and used for the management and/or conservation of fauna. Statistical models of the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling mammals in relation to the habitat variables are presented. Generally, the ground-dwelling mammals in the region were more diverse and in greater abundance, and the forest more complex, than in south-eastern New South Wales. The models reflect a general preference of the ground-dwelling fauna for forests that were least disturbed. However, some species were more tolerant of disturbance than others. Recent developments in remote sensing have allowed the mosaic of habitats for ground-dwelling mammals to be mapped over large areas of the landscape. Such maps and the models presented here are discussed with respect to the management of wildlife species. The reduced disturbance during silvicultural practices and the lower abundance of foxes are discussed in relation to the greater diversity and abundance of the ground-dwelling mammals in the region than in south-eastern New South Wales.

Distribution and Status of The Eastern Pygmy Possum (Cercartetus nanus) in New South Wales.

1999 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 153
Author(s):  
M. Bowen ◽  
R. Goldingay
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Cercartetus Nanus

The eastern pygmy possum (Cercartetus nanus) has a wide distribution in New South Wales (NSW), but is infrequently detected in fauna surveys. We collated available information on the distribution, habitat and detection rates for C. nanus in NSW from results of published and unpublished fauna surveys. These data, and those from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Australian Museum databases, suggest that C. nanus populations are concentrated in south-eastern NSW and are sparsely distributed throughout the rest of the state. Several records extend the distribution of this species further west than currently shown by published distribution maps. Records show differences in habitat types occupied by C. nanus between south-eastern and north-eastern NSW. In south-eastern NSW, C. nanus occupies a range of habitats including heath, woodland and open forest, at a range of altitudes. In north-eastern NSW, C. nanus appears to be associated mainly with rainforest at high altitudes. Of the range of techniques available, nest boxes and Elliott traps positioned against flowering Banksia species are most effective at capturing C. nanus. Given the large survey effort and the small number of surveys detecting >I0 C. nanus, it appears that this species is rare throughout most of NSW. We recommend that C. nanus be considered for listing as a vulnerable species in NSW.

A community-based survey of the koala Phascolarctos cinereus in the Lismore region of north-eastern New South Wales.

2003 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 155 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM Harris ◽  
RL Goldingay
Keyword(s):  
Road Traffic ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern

A community-based survey was undertaken in the Lismore Local Government Area (LGA) of north-eastern New South Wales to provide a basis for the development of a Shire-wide koala management plan. A questionnaire and maps were distributed to identify community attitudes towards P. cinereus conservation and management, as well as to document locations of sightings. There were 1121 surveys returned from 23,751 distributed (4.7% returned) across 18,000 ratepayers (6.2% response). Respondents indicated the frequency with which P. cinereus were seen in different suburbs, whether they had young or were sick, and provided 840 map-based records. Ten percent of respondents saw P. cinereus on at least a weekly basis, highlighting the importance of this LGA for the conservation of this species. More than 80% of respondents considered that roving dogs, land clearing, road traffic and housing development were serious threats to long-term P. cinereus survival. More than 90% of respondents supported restrictions on dogs, tree-planting programs, as well as planning activities to protect P. cinereus habitat while 85% approved of protection zones to control development within P. cinereus habitat. These results if representative of the entire community suggest strong support for the development of conservation options for P. cinereus. The study also confirms the usefulness of conducting such community-wide surveys for conspicuous threatened species.

The Genus Stenoperla McLachlan in Australia (Insecta: Plecoptera: Eustheniidae)

1983 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 541 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Theischinger
Keyword(s):  
New Taxa ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Fresh Material ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Species Groups

Two strikingly different kinds of Stenoperla larvae are recorded from Australia. For this reason, and others, a subdivision of Australian Stenoperla into two species-groups (australis group, kuna group) is proposed. The following taxa are recognized within Australian Stenoperla: S. australis Tillyard, now known from south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales; S. denise, sp. nov., from south-eastern Queensland and eastern New South Wales; S, kuna, sp. nov., from south-eastern New South Wales and Victoria; S. macrops, sp. nov., from the peaks of Mt Bartle Frere and the Bellenden Ker Range in northeastern Queensland; S. wongoonoo, sp. nov., with the typical subspecies in south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales, and S. wongoonoo tropica, subsp. nov., in north-eastern Queensland. S. australis is redescribed from fresh material, the new taxa are described; all forms are figured. A key is presented for the identification of all known Stenoperla in Australia (adults and larvae).

The Banksia integrifolia L.f. species complex (Proteaceae)

1994 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 393 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Thiele ◽  
PY Ladiges
Keyword(s):  
Species Complex ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Ordination Analysis

The Banksia integrifolia (Proteaceae : Grevilleoideae) species complex currently comprises three varieties: var. aquilonia from northern Queensland; var. integrifolia from coastal Victoria and New South Wales; and var. compar, which is polymorphic and comprises two forms, a coastal form from southern Queensland and a montane form from north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland. Ordination analysis of morphological characters of adults and seedlings indicates that the montane populations of var. compar comprise a separate taxon, which is phenetically closer to var. integrifolia than it is to typical var. compar. Banksia integrifolia var. aquilonia is phenetically quite distinct from the remaining taxa. The new names and combinations Banksia integrifolia subsp. monticola K.R. Thiele, B. integrifolia subsp. aquilonia (A.S. George) K.R. Thiele and B. integrifolia subsp. compar (R.Br.) K.R. Thiele are published.

Hybridization of 'White-headed' and 'Orange-winged' VAried Sittellas, Daphoenositta chrysoptera leucocephala and D.c. chrysoptera (Aves: Neosittidae), in Eastern Australia

1983 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 517 ◽  
Author(s):  
LL Short ◽  
R Schodde ◽  
RA Noske ◽  
J.F.M. Horne
Keyword(s):  
Hybrid Zone ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Museum Specimens ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Sexual Variation ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Historical Factors ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern

Hybridization between the sittellas Daphoenositta chrysoptera leucocephala and D.c. chrysoptera is analysed and defined from 59 recently obtained specimens of the two forms and their hybrids in south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales, and from older museum specimens from those areas and adjacent regions. Characteristics of age and sexual variation are identified and taken into account in the analysis. A character index for crown colour plus supplemental traits affected by hybridization shows that a true, 250-km-wide hybrid zone connects chrysoptera and leucocephala, and that there is a graded shift in the features of sittellas across the Lone. The historical factors likely to have affected the distributional history and hybridization of the two taxa are reviewed.

A Revision of the Australian Atractomorphini

1980 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 717 ◽  
Author(s):  
KHL Key ◽  
DK McE.Kevan
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Discriminant Functions ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern

The taxonomic and biogeographical relations of the two previously described species of Australian Atractomorphini, Atractomorpha similis and A. australis, are examined with the aid of discriminant functions. They are found to overlap and intergrade morphometrically in a 'region of intermediacy' in south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales. Further studies of karyotypes and reproductive relations are needed to settle the question of their specific status. A more divergent new species, A. hypoestes, with an unusual habitat and foodplant, is described. A key to the species is supplied.

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