scholarly journals Quantifying Waterfowl Numbers: Comparison of Drone and Ground-Based Survey Methods for Surveying Waterfowl on Artificial Waterbodies

Drones ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Shannon J. Dundas ◽  
Molly Vardanega ◽  
Patrick O’Brien ◽  
Steven R. McLeod
Keyword(s):  
Multilevel Models ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
New South ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Informative Priors ◽  
South Wales ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Large Groups ◽  
Aerial Perspective

Drones are becoming a common method for surveying wildlife as they offer an aerial perspective of the landscape. For waterbirds in particular, drones can overcome challenges associated with surveying locations not accessible on foot. With the rapid uptake of drone technology for bird surveys, there is a need to compare and calibrate new technologies with existing survey methods. We compared waterfowl counts derived from ground- and drone-based survey methods. We sought to determine if group size and waterbody size influenced the difference between counts of non-nesting waterfowl and if detection of species varied between survey methods. Surveys of waterfowl were carried out at constructed irrigation dams and wastewater treatment ponds throughout the Riverina region of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Data were analyzed using Bayesian multilevel models (BMLM) with weakly informative priors. Overall, drone-derived counts of waterfowl were greater (+36%) than ground counts using a spotting scope (β_ground= 0.64 [0.62–0.66], (R2 = 0.973)). Ground counts also tended to underestimate the size of groups. Waterbody size had an effect on comparative counts, with ground counts being proportionally less than drone counts (mean = 0.74). The number of species identified in each waterbody type was similar regardless of survey method. Drone-derived counts are more accurate compared to traditional ground counts, but drones do have some drawbacks including initial equipment costs and time-consuming image or photo processing. Future surveys should consider using drones for more accurately surveying waterbirds, especially when large groups of birds are present on larger waterbodies.

Use of products of straw decomposition by N2-fixing (C2H2-reducing) populations of bacteria in three soils from wheat-growing areas

1986 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
MM Roper ◽  
DM Halsall
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogenase Activity ◽  
New South ◽  
Carbon Sources ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Straw Decomposition ◽  
South Wales ◽  
History Of ◽  
Straw Incorporation ◽  
The Difference

The potential for N2 fixation by free-living bacteria using straw as a source of energy was evaluated in three soils (one from Gunnedah and two from Cowra) representative of the wheat belt in New South Wales. All three soils had a history of straw incorporation. The abilities of the respective microbial populations to use a range of carbon sources, including potential products of decomposition of straw, was determined and compared with the size and composition of each population. Neutral to alkaline (pH 7.4) soil of high (51%) clay content from Gunnedah produced higher rates of nitrogenase activity with straw than more acid (pH 5.6) lower (17%) clay containing soil from Cowra (site B). Gunnedah soil also contained a larger population of N2-fixing bacteria which used a broader range of energy sources than soil from either Cowra site B or Cowra site W (pH 5.8, clay content 34%). There was little difference in the composition of the N2-fixing populations in each of the soils except that Azotobacter spp. were absent from the acid Cowra soils. It was concluded that the difference in behaviour of the respective N2-fixing populations was primarily due to the physical characteristics of the soil affecting the numbers and activities of diazotrophic microorganisms. In addition some soil environments failed to support specific organisms.

The Diffusion of New Technologies

2008 ◽  
pp. 1895-1923
Author(s):  
Anne Daly
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
New South ◽  
Internet Usage ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Indigenous Australians ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Community Activities ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Online Access ◽  
Close Integration

This chapter presents data from the 2001 Census of Population and Housing to highlight the low levels of computer and Internet usage by indigenous Australians. This result is not surprising, given the well-documented connection between education, income, location of residence and use of these technologies. One possible way of addressing the digital divide between capital city dwellers and other Australians is through the development of community online access centres. Using evidence from the literature and from fieldwork in New South Wales, the chapter considers some factors that are likely to make these centres more successful. These include a strong commitment by the community to the development of a centre and a close integration of the centre with community activities. It is important that significant funds be budgeted to training for all involved including centre staff and community members.

Detection of the eastern pygmy-possum Cercartetus nanus (Marsupialia: Burramyidae) at Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, New South Wales.

2005 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 85 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM Harris ◽  
RL Goldingay
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Cercartetus Nanus

THE eastern pygmy-possum (Cercartetus nanus) has an extensive distribution, from south-eastern Queensland to south-eastern South Australia, and also into Tasmania (Strahan 1995). Despite this it is rarely detected in fauna surveys (Bowen and Goldingay 2000). This rarity in detection suggested that the species may be characterised by small and isolated populations, and therefore vulnerable to extinction. Consequently, it became listed as a 'Vulnerable' species in New South Wales (NSW) in 2001. Unless resolved, the low rate of detection of C. nanus will continue to hinder the acquisition of basic ecological information that is needed to more clearly define its conservation status and that is fundamental to the development of a recovery plan. An extensive body of survey data for NSW involving C. nanus has been reviewed by Bowen and Goldingay (2000). Among a range of survey methods aimed at detecting this species, trapping within flowering banksias and checking installed nest-boxes had the highest rates of detection. Indeed, one study in northern NSW captured 98 individuals over a 3- year period from within nest-boxes (Bladon et al. 2002). All other studies detected fewer than 15 C. nanus. It is clear that further research is required to investigate the effectiveness of a range of detection methods.

Nature Conservation in Rangelands: Lessons From Research on Reserve Selection in New South Wales.

1992 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 214 ◽  
Author(s):  
RL Pressey
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Planning ◽  
New South ◽  
Full Range ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Reserve Selection ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Land Systems ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Selection Of

Information on the features to be protected in a system of conservation reserves is an obvious requirement. The quality of the data base will primarily determine the effectiveness of conservation planning in protecting the full range of natural features in a region. However, the way in which data are used to make decisions on the locations of protected areas is also critical. Rigorous procedures for reserve selection can make the difference between achieving reservation goals or not. Research on reserve selection in New South Wales over recent years has concerned both data bases and procedures for guiding decisions. Reserve planning in many regions is based largely on some form of land classification like vegetation types or land systems. There are good reasons for using such land classes to guide the selection of reserves and to judge their representativeness. Nevertheless, they can have considerable limitations as a basis for protecting all the species in a region. These limitations are reviewed with references to more detailed discussions of particular issues. The paper also reviews a variety of procedures for selecting reserves which have been tested and applied in New South Wales. Some of the recent procedures are conceptually simple but very useful in identifying the requirements of reservation goals and demonstrating the options available to planners for representing particular features. Three principles are proposed which should underpin any attempt at systematic conservation planning.

Predation of Red Kangaroos, Macropus rufus, by the Dingo, Canis familiaris dingo (Blumenbach) in North-Western New South Wales

1981 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 255 ◽  
Author(s):  
NC Shepherd
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Pathological Finding ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Daily Rate ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Border Fence ◽  
Selection For ◽  
The Difference ◽  
North Western

Over 7 weeks a group of five dingoes killed 83 red kangaroos within 150 m of a watering point in north-western New South Wales. All except three of these kangaroos were juveniles. Detailed autopsies were performed on 17 of the dead kangaroos: primary predation was the only significant gross pathological finding; the dingoes had eaten portions from about half the kangaroos killed. The daily rate of killing was estimated to be about 0.38 kg prey per kg predator. The rate of killing and the selection for juvenile kangaroos suggested that dingoes could have a direct effect on kangaroo densities by limiting rate of increase. The significance of this finding is discussed with reference to the difference in abundance of kangaroos between the New South Wales and Queensland sides of the border fence.

scholarly journals Who Are Dispensed the Bulk Amount of Prescription Opioids?

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 293 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Islam ◽  
Dennis Wollersheim
Keyword(s):  
Multilevel Models ◽  
New South ◽  
Prescription Opioids ◽  
Defined Daily Dose ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Daily Dose ◽  
Chronic Use

Background: Excessive and non-medical use of prescription opioids is a public health crisis in many settings. This study examined the distribution of user types based on duration of use, trends in and associated factors of dispensing of prescription opioids in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia. Methods: 10% sample of unit-record data of four-year dispensing of prescription opioids was analysed. Quantities dispensed were computed in defined daily dose (DDD). Multilevel models examined factors associated with the duration of dispensing and the quantity dispensed in local government areas. Results: Overall, 53% were single-quarter, 37.3% medium-episodic (dispensed 2–6 quarters), 5% long-episodic (dispensed 7–11 quarters) and 5% were chronic users (dispensed 12–14 quarters). More than 80% of opioids in terms of DDD/1000 people/day were dispensed to long-episodic and chronic users. Codeine and oxycodone were most popular items—both in terms of number of users and quantity dispensed. Duration of dispensing was significantly higher for women than men. Dispensing quantity and duration increased with increasing age and residence in relatively poor neighborhoods. Conclusions: Although only 5% were chronic users, almost 60% of opioids (in DDD/1000 people/day) were dispensed to them. Given that chronic use is linked to adverse health outcomes, and there is a progression toward chronic use, tailored interventions are required for each type of users.

Seasonal Field Energetics of the Rufous Rat-Kangaroo (Aepyprymnus-Rufescens)

1992 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 279 ◽  
Author(s):  
IR Wallis ◽  
B Green
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Water Flux ◽  
Behavioural Ecology ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Doubly Labelled Water ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Poor Understanding ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Difference

Water flux and field metabolic rate (FMR) were measured by the doubly labelled water (DLW) method in free-living male and female rufous rat-kangaroos Aepyprymnus rufescens near Drake in northern New South Wales. The mean FMR of 499 kJ kg-1 day-1 was similar in winter and summer even though the difference in mean minimum temperatures between the two seasons was 20-degrees-C. Furthermore, we did not find any differences in FMR between males and females even though several females carried large pouch young or had young-at-foot. A poor understanding of the diet and the behavioural ecology of A. rufescens makes ft difficult to explain the similarities between sexes and seasons.

The Inpact of River Discharge on Distribution and Production of the School Prawn Metapenaeus macleayi (Haswell) (Crustacea : Penaeidae) in the Clarence River Region, Northern New South Wales

1978 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 311 ◽  
Author(s):  
JP Glaister
Keyword(s):  
River Discharge ◽  
Ecological Study ◽  
New South ◽  
Total Production ◽  
Catch Per Unit Effort ◽  
Lunar Periodicity ◽  
South Wales ◽  
River Region ◽  
Schooling Behaviour ◽  
The Difference

Relationships between river discharge and production (catch) of the school prawn M. macleayi were examined as part of an ecological study of this species in the Clarence River region. Schooling behaviour of juvenile M. macleayi exhibited a lunar periodicity and mean daily abundance peaked 5 days after full moon. This was followed 7 days later by a peak in mean daily abundance of emigrating juvenile M. macleayi. Fluctuations in the magnitude of the oceanic component of the total annual catch were found to determine the difference between high and low production seasons. During the period examined there was a direct relationship between Clarence River discharge and the oceanic component of total production of M. macleayi, for various time periods. The absence of a persistent trend in total annual production and annual catch per unit effort of M. macleayi in the Clarence River region suggests that the stock has not been overfished. Common peaks in mean monthly oceanic production of M. macleayi off the Clarence, Evans and Richmond Rivers suggest a common enhancement of the seasonal emigration of M. macleayi from the three estuaries in November due to increased river discharges. Successive troughs and peaks in mean monthly oceanic production suggest a northwards migration of M. macleayi from the Clarence and Evans Rivers and subsequent recruitment to the Evans and Richmond ocean fisheries respectively. Results indicate the importance of river discharge to production of M. macleayi and suggest that modification of discharges by restriction of freshwater flow could adversely effect production.

scholarly journals Advances in aerial survey methods for macropods in New South Wales and Queensland

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (S1) ◽  
pp. 99-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neal Finch ◽  
Anthony Pople ◽  
Steven R. McLeod ◽  
Glenn Wallace
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Aerial Survey ◽  
South Wales

Distribution of the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in the Bombala River Catchment, South-Eastern New South Wales.

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 251
Author(s):  
R.W. Turnbull
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
River Catchment ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
The Difference

Distribution of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in the Bombala River catchment in south-eastern New South Wales was surveyed using questionnaires. Platypuses were reported from all streams in the catchment. The majority of positive sightings were from downstream areas whereas very few positive sightings were reported from headwater areas. The difference between frequencies of headwater and downstream reports of sightings was significant. The platypus was considered common throughout the catchment.

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