Atherton Tableland Research Articles

Four years of targeted surveys across northern Queensland failed to detect any evidence of Buff-breasted Button-quail Turnix olivii

ABSTRACT It is nearly a century since the Buff-breasted Button-quail Turnix olivii was last definitively recorded, resulting in the species being recently classified as one of Australia’s most imperilled species. However, conservation action to recover the species has been hampered by an inability to locate an extant population. To overcome this problem we conducted extensive surveys across the species’ presumed distribution. We surveyed historical sites where the species was collected, and also where habitat deemed suitable for the species occurred on Cape York Peninsula. We also surveyed sites on the northern Atherton Tablelands where a contemporary population has been reported. Surveys were conducted from 2018 to 2022 and employed a variety of survey methods known to be suitable for detecting button-quail. No evidence of Buff-breasted Button-quail was detected. However, Painted Button-quail Turnix varius where found to be widespread at sites surveyed in the Wet Tropics and Einasleigh Uplands bioregions as well as in southern areas of Cape York Peninsula. We discuss the implications of these results including the likely effectiveness of the different survey methods for detecting the Buff-breasted Button-quail specifically, and button-quail generally.

Museum Genomics Reveals the Hybrid Origin of an Extinct Crater Lake Endemic.

Crater lake fishes are common evolutionary model systems, with recent studies suggesting a key role for gene flow in promoting rapid adaptation and speciation. However, the study of these young lakes can be complicated by human-mediated extinctions. Museum genomics approaches integrating genetic data from recently extinct species are, therefore, critical to understanding the complex evolutionary histories of these fragile systems. Here, we examine the evolutionary history of an extinct Southern Hemisphere crater lake endemic, the rainbowfish Melanotaenia eachamensis. We undertook a comprehensive sampling of extant rainbowfish populations of the Atherton Tablelands of Australia alongside historical museum material to understand the evolutionary origins of the extinct crater lake population and the dynamics of gene flow across the ecoregion. The extinct crater lake species is genetically distinct from all other nearby populations due to historic introgression between 2 proximate riverine lineages, similar to other prominent crater lake speciation systems, but this historic gene flow has not been sufficient to induce a species flock. Our results suggest that museum genomics approaches can be successfully combined with extant sampling to unravel complex speciation dynamics involving recently extinct species.

Sequential mountings of a possible immature male by an adult male in Victoria’s Riflebird (Ptiloris victoriae)

Sexual behaviour in the Birds-of-paradise (family Paradisaeidae) is poorly understood and few studies have offered detailed descriptions of copulatory behaviours. We recorded courtship behaviours of Victoria’s Riflebird Ptiloris victoriae in the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland, Australia using motion triggered cameras and report a rare case of three sequential mountings by an adult male. While the recipient of these mountings performed female-typical sexual behaviours, it also briefly performed a male courtship display behaviour, suggesting that it may be an immature male. This observation raises several questions about the courtship behaviour of this species. Females may, for instance, occasionally solicit multiple copulations from preferred males to maximize the amount of transferred sperm. Another intriguing possibility is that immature males tolerate being mounted and potentially even mimic female sexual behaviours when learning from adult male displays. We also describe a novel adult male courtship behaviour, namely ‘nape-pecking’.

A new species of nematode, Chisholmia shimae sp. nov. (Strongylida: Heligmonellidae), parasitic in the brush-tailed possum, Trichosurus vulpecula (Kerr) (Marsupialia: Phalangeridae), from Queensland

ABSTRACT A new species of nematode, Chisholmia shimae sp. nov. (Heligmonellidae: Nippostrongylinae) is described from the duodenum of the coppery brush-tailed possum, Trichosurus vulpecula johnstonii (Ramsay), and the common brush-tailed possum, Trichosurus vulpecula vulpecula (Kerr), from the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland. It is distinguished from congeners, C. bainae and C. mawsonae, in possessing a smaller number of ridges in the synlophe (12–13), and longer spicules (0.52–0.68 mm) as well as a prominent gap in the distribution of ridges in the right-ventral quadrant of the synlophe. The species is unusual in that all related nippostrongyline nematodes are parasitic in rodents, with C. chisholmae being the first member of this sub-family described from a marsupial. Zoobank LSID of publication: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6214E2B6-59E9-4D2D-DAEF76E35796.

Pre-Processing Training Data Improves Accuracy and Generalisability of Convolutional Neural Network Based Landscape Semantic Segmentation

Data pre-processing for developing a generalised land use and land cover (LULC) deep learning model using earth observation data is important for the classification of a different date and/or sensor. However, it is unclear how to approach deep learning segmentation problems in earth observation data. In this paper, we trialled different methods of data preparation for Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) training and semantic segmentation of LULC features within aerial photography over the Wet Tropics and Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Australia. This was conducted by trialling and ranking various training patch selection sampling strategies, patch and batch sizes, data augmentations and scaling and inference strategies. Our results showed: a stratified random sampling approach for producing training patches counteracted class imbalances; a smaller number of larger patches (small batch size) improves model accuracy; data augmentations and scaling are imperative in creating a generalised model able to accurately classify LULC features in imagery from a different date and sensor; and producing the output classification by averaging multiple grids of patches and three rotated versions of each patch produced a more accurate and aesthetic result. Combining the findings from the trials, we fully trained five models on the 2018 training image and applied the model to the 2015 test image. The output LULC classifications achieved an average kappa of 0.84, user accuracy of 0.81, and producer accuracy of 0.87. Future research using CNNs and earth observation data should implement the findings of this project to increase LULC model accuracy and transferability.

A new subspecies of Philiris diana Waterhouse & Lyell, 1914 (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) from the Wet Tropics of northern Australia

Philiris diana Waterhouse & Lyell, 1914 from the Wet Tropics of northeastern Queensland was previously thought to be monotypic, being most closely related to Philiris papuanus Wind & Clench, 1947 from Cape York Peninsula, Australia, and mainland New Guinea. However, a new subspecies was recently discovered on the Atherton Tableland, which we illustrate, diagnose and describe as Philiris diana fortuna ssp. nov. It appears to be a narrow-range endemic, restricted to montane forest (750–1,090 m asl) and allopatric or parapatric from the nominotypical subspecies Philiris diana diana Waterhouse & Lyell, 1914, which is largely restricted to low to mid-altitude forests in the coastal escarpment in the Cairns-Kuranda district. Despite being separated by a minimum distance of only 20–25 km, the two taxa show substantial phenotypic differences in wing pattern elements, but negligeable differences according to the mitochondrial COI barcode region (mean p-distance = 0.28%). The habitat and biology of the new taxon are summarized, and likely historical processes driving divergence between upland and lowland populations of this species hypothesized.

Isaac hits the road.

I had not seen Isaac in a while. Severe neurodevelopmental difficulties had made themselves known early in his life. In recent years, Isaac's placid nature had steadily given way to a more agitated state. As a burly teenager, without the power of spoken language, and an increasingly apparent sensitivity to all manner of stimuli and situations, this spelled trouble. Isaac's go-to method to communicate his discomfort was to lash out physically. Towards others. Towards himself. Forcefully. Frequently. Unpredictably. Isaac's world had contracted. Home, school, home again. Family outings beyond this limited arc had become untenable. There had been conversations between us in the past about the adjunctive role that medication might one day play, if required. Isaac's parents had done much to mitigate the need up until now. I had no doubt they would continue to explore multiple ways of assisting their son. They certainly had not been pushing for a psychopharmacological debut. It appeared, however, that now would be as good a time as any. We discussed a judicious trial of a carefully selected agent. We were clear about the ultimate purpose. Not to ‘keep him quiet’……this notion being as abhorrent to myself as it is to Isaac's parents. Instead, a positive, solution-focused goal; to assist Isaac to keep his overwhelming emotions in check, thus allowing him to get out and about once more. To help Isaac expand his horizons. A few weeks later, in a telehealth check-in, an aura of cautious optimism. So far so good. Our next appointment, after the school holidays, was conducted in the office. Isaac arrived with a broad grin on his face, the likes of which I had not previously witnessed. He was still excitable, tapping on my desk like a bongo drum, though without the palpable angst and physical threat that had characterised recent consultations. In the midst of my follow-up questioning, Isaac's dad casually volunteered that things had been going so well, the family had seized the moment, and undertaken ‘a little holiday drive’. A day trip to the Sunshine Coast? A jaunt to Toowoomba during the Carnival of Flowers? As lovely as these outings undoubtedly are, Isaac's parents had dreamed bigger. They turned out of the driveway of their Brisbane home, hit the highway, and kept on going, all the way to Port Douglas, a mere 1700-plus kilometres away. Isaac embraced the journey in full. On parental rating of adaptability, he left his siblings in the shade. The further north they travelled, the more emboldened Isaac's family became. Side adventures were added. A cable car ride to the edge of the Atherton Tablelands, gazing down upon emerald rainforest and the wildness of the Barron Gorge. The reverse journey by rail, with its meandering decline, and an eye-level view of the precious ecosystem. A boat cruise on the sparkling waters inside the Great Barrier Reef. Plans were already in place for the next trip. Heading south this time. It is about the same distance to Melbourne. Why not?! I will never know exactly why Isaac was so obviously happy that day. Perhaps he was recalling a flash of azure, as a Ulysses butterfly weaved its way through the native ginger and fan palms in Kuranda. The soothing, other-worldly chorus of the Torres Strait pigeons, roosting in the trees along the Cairns Esplanade. The feel of tropical ocean spray on his face. Above all, I like to think he was still carrying with him the joy of being somewhere different and beautiful, in the company of his beloved family.

Environmental change inferred from multiple proxies from an 18 cal ka BP sediment record, Lake Barrine, NE Australia

Lake Barrine (17.25°S, 145.64°E), on the Atherton Tablelands in tropical northeast Australia, was formed as a maar lake in the late Pleistocene. The 65 m-deep stratified lake provides a detailed sediment record of climate and environmental change on the Tablelands. We reconstruct hydroclimate and vegetation change over the last ∼18,000 years from a 7.2 m long sediment core at 20-year resolution using multiple paleoenvironmental proxies (μ-XRF elements, δ13CTOC, TOC and C:N ratio). The data series are supported by a chronology based on 22 accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) radiocarbon dates. The results suggest a distinct period of intense but highly seasonal rainfall coincident with the Antarctic Cold Reversal (14.7–13.0 cal ka BP). This period was followed by a trend into the early Holocene toward wetter, less seasonal conditions that allowed the progressive establishment of tropical forest in the catchment. The catchment was completely covered by closed forest by 7.3 cal ka BP. The inferred precipitation changes at Lake Barrine are consistent with other records on the Tablelands and in phase with the changes in tropical SE Africa, NW Australia and anti-phase with the East Asian summer monsoon region in the Holocene but not before that. This result supports previous conclusions that precipitation variations correlate (in phase or anti-phased) in these regions. This correlation results from a dynamic balance among intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

Lower reporting rates after two decades for most bird species at a Wet Tropics Field Station

Across Australia’s Wet Tropics region, populations of rainforest-dependent birds have declined because of climate change. Reforestation and regenerating secondary forest on abandoned agricultural land may help bolster species’ populations by expanding and connecting habitat. However, little is known about the value of these habitats for rainforest birds, or the impacts of climate change on secondary forests and their fauna compared with primary forests. At a 62-ha, mid-elevation property with primarily secondary forest cover on the Atherton Tablelands, in the Wet Tropics region, Queensland, we examined changes in bird species reporting rates on weekly lists between 2000–2005 and 2014–2019. Reporting rates of grassland and eucalypt-forest species decreased as expected because the area of ungrazed pasture was reduced over time, while the area occupied by tree plantings and naturally regenerating forest increased and matured. Reporting rates of most mixed-forest (61%) and nearly half (47%) of rainforest-dependent bird species also decreased significantly between the two time periods, despite the quality of rainforest habitat improving at the site. We infer that climate change is the cause of these declines. Five of the rainforest-dependent bird species whose reporting rates decreased in this study are known to have moderately increased in abundance in mid-elevation primary forest. Hotter, drier secondary forests may not be as well buffered as primary forest from the impacts of climate change, reducing their suitability as habitat for many bird species such as these. However, further studies are needed in secondary forests to investigate this.

Terrestrial activity patterns of the Lumholtz’s Tree‐Kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) in a restored riparian habitat – Implications for its conservation

SummaryLarge‐scale deforestation and forest fragmentation in the tropical area of the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, Australia, have placed extensive strains on populations of many endemic species of this area, such as the Lumholtz’s Tree‐Kangaroo (LTK). Despite LTKs predominantly arboreal life and their ability to quickly colonize and adapt to restored forested habitats, little is known about their terrestrial activity patterns within these habitats which put them at risk to predation by canines and to roadkill when crossing nearby roads. Using motion‐sensing cameras, forest floor‐related activities of LTKs were recorded in a restored riparian rainforest habitat in relation to seasons and moon phases. The results show that LTKs exhibit a cathemeral activity pattern of forest floor‐related movements with a tendency towards crepuscular activity at dawn. While there was a significant association between the daytime recordings and the seasons with more activity during the days of the wet season, there was no association between the nighttime recordings and the seasons, as well as the moon phases. These results suggest that seasonal changes in temperature and precipitation, but potentially also in food quality, are likely to affect the frequency at which LTKs access the forest floor. Mitigating threats to LTKs in restored habitats should focus on facilitating terrestrial movements of LTKs, the control of feral dogs, enlarging and connecting available habitat, and educating drivers about peak times of LTK movements on the ground.

Haematological and serum biochemical reference intervals of free-ranging Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos (Dendrolagus lumholtzi).

Reference intervals for haematology and serum biochemistry parameters were developed for free-ranging Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) using 35 samples from 12 female and 15 male free-ranging animals. Captive tree-kangaroos (n = 12) were also sampled for comparison. Differences were found between free-ranging and captive animals in white blood cell and neutrophil counts, and levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, creatine kinase, phosphate, triglycerides and lipase. These differences may be attributed to diet, activity, capture methods or age group. Reference intervals generated may be used for both free-ranging and captive Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos. This study provides a valuable tool for the assessment of health in rescued and captive tree-kangaroos and will aid in investigations into population health and disease in free-ranging Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos. To develop reference intervals (RIs) for haematology and serum biochemistry parameters in Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos. Haematological and serum biochemical RIs were determined using 35 samples from 27 clinically healthy Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos from the Atherton Tablelands region of Queensland examined between 2014 and 2019. Haematology and serum biochemistry parameters were measured from 16 samples from 12 captive animals for comparison. Reference intervals based on 35 samples from free-ranging animals showed higher mean and standard deviation values for white blood cell and neutrophil counts, and levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, creatine kinase, phosphate, triglycerides and lipase than results for 16 samples from captive animals. Captive individuals showed higher mean values than free-ranging individuals for albumin, protein, creatinine as well as Hb, MCV, MCH and MCHC. The haematological and serum biochemistry RIs developed for Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos in this study will provide a valuable tool during clinical examination and investigations into disease and population health by veterinarians and researchers. The differences in parameters between free-ranging and captive animals are consistent with differences in diet, age cohort, activity or capture methods. Reference intervals generated from free-ranging animals should also be valid for captive Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos.

Landholder perceptions of revegetation on the Atherton Tablelands, far North Queensland

SummaryThe need to expand areas of native vegetation is clear to ecologists and governments; however, the privately owned nature of most cleared land means landholder support is critical. To improve landholder engagement in revegetation programmes, insight is needed into the information and attitudes being shared in landholder communities, especially by landholders with experience of participation in revegetation initiatives. Using a grounded theory framework, a content analysis was conducted on data gathered from semi‐structured interviews with 20 landholders who have undertaken revegetation on their properties. Three dominant themes emerged from the analysis of reasons for engaging with revegetation programmes, relating to perceived ‘environmental’, ‘personal’ or ‘agricultural’ benefits. Some unexpected impacts of the planting were also identified, both positive and negative. Suggested ways to improve landholder participation included increased funding and support; improved information regarding funding already available; and clearer communication about vegetation management laws.

Quantifying range decline and remaining populations of the large marsupial carnivore of Australia’s tropical rainforest

Abstract Large predators are particularly susceptible to population declines due to large area requirements, low population density, and conflict with humans. Their low density and secretive habits also make it difficult to know the spatial extent, size, and connectivity of populations; declines hence can go unnoticed. Here, we quantified decline in a large marsupial carnivore, the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus gracilis), endemic to the Wet Tropics rainforest of northeast Australia. We compiled a large database of occurrence records and used species distributional modeling to estimate the distribution in four time periods (Pre-1956, 1956–1975, 1976–1995, 1996–2016) using climate layers and three human-use variables. The most supported variables in the distribution models were climatic, with highly suitable quoll habitat having relatively high precipitation, low temperatures, and a narrow annual range in temperature. Land-use type and road density also influenced quoll distribution in some time periods. The modeling revealed a significant decline in the distribution of D. m. gracilis over the last century, with contraction away from peripheral areas and from large areas of the Atherton Tablelands in the center of the distribution. Tests of the change in patch availability for populations of 20, 50, and 100 individuals revealed a substantial (17–32%) decline in available habitat for all population sizes, with a particular decline (31–40%) in core habitat (i.e., excluding edges). Six remaining populations were defined. Extrapolating capture–recapture density estimates derived from two populations in 2017 suggests these populations are small and range from about 10 to 160 individuals. Our total population estimate sums to 424 individuals, but we outline why this estimate is positively skewed and that the actual population size may be < 300 individuals. Continued decline and apparent absence in areas of highly suitable habitat suggests some threats are not being captured in our models. From our results, we provide management and research recommendations for this enigmatic predator.

Ficophagus (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) from sycones of Ficus subgenus Urostigma, sections Malvanthera and Urostigma, in eastern Australia

Summary Ficophagus from collecting trips in eastern Australia, made over 15 years, are summarised and show that species of the genus occurred widely in sycones of Ficus, subgenus Urostigma, section Malvanthera. Two new species (based on morphological differences and molecular sequencing) are described: Ficophagus elizabethae sp. n. from Ficus macrophylla, F. rubiginosa and F. obliqua, and Ficophagus richardi sp. n. from Ficus obliqua; and a morphospecies, Ficophagus Morphospecies malandicus from Ficus obliqua. Ficophagus elizabethae sp. n. is characterised by having the excretory pore (EP) opening from the level of the junction of the conus and shaft of the stylet to that of the knobs, a relatively long procorpus (1.0-2.5 times length of stylet), female tail with an obliquely truncate tail with a hyaline area and a finely to broadly rounded tip which may be mucronate; post-vulval uterine sac (PUS) ca one vulval body diam. (VBD) in length; rose-thorn-shaped spicule with distinct rostrum and prominent condylus; and genital papillae arranged as largest pair adcloacal, second pair posterior to mid-tail length, and third small pair near tail tip; and was collected from Sydney in New South Wales, to Bundaberg in Queensland (QLD). Ficophagus richardi sp. n. is characterised by having the EP opening at the level of the junction of the stylet shaft and conus, a labial cap which is raised around the opening for the stylet; procorpus 0.8-1.7 times length of the stylet, PUS <1 VBD in length, long uterus, and female tail with a V-shaped hyaline area at the bluntly rounded tip; rose-thorn-shaped spicule with a small rostrum and prominent condylus, three pairs genital papillae, first and largest on anterior cloacal lip, second at 70% of tail length measured from cloacal aperture, and third near tip, and was collected from Ban Ban Springs in the south to the Bundaberg region in the mid-north of QLD. In addition, in the absence of pertinent molecular sequences, a morphospecies is described. Ficophagus Morphospecies malandicus is characterised by having the EP opening anterior to the junction of the stylet conus and shaft, procorpus 0.9-2 times length of stylet, a short PUS usually <1 VBD long, short uterus, rose-thorn-shaped spicule with a raised condylus and prominent rostrum, and three pairs of subventral papillae on the tail (one adcloacal, one posterior to mid-tail and one near tail tip); and was collected from the Atherton Tableland, QLD. A table comparing morphological characteristics is provided to help with identification of Ficophagus nematodes from figs of the section Malvanthera in eastern Australia.

Numbers, distribution and behaviour of Australian Sarus Cranes Antigone antigone gillae and Brolgas A. rubicunda at wintering roosts on the Atherton Tablelands, far north Queensland, Australia

The Atherton Tablelands in far north Queensland is the only currently known concentrated flocking area for Australian Sarus Cranes Antigone antigone gillae . Brolgas A. rubicunda also flock there in the non-breeding season, offering a unique opportunity to survey numbers, distribution and roost-sites for both species and their interactions. We searched for dry-season roosts every year from 1997 to 2017, and conducted an annual volunteer count simultaneously at multiple sites from late afternoon to dark as cranes flew in to roost. From one to several thousand cranes winter annually on the Tablelands, with Sarus Cranes highly concentrated in the Atherton Tablelands Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) and Brolgas concentrated to the north-west and south-west of the KBA. No population trends were detected in the context of 21 years of highly variable annual counts, a substantial proportion of birds not identified to species in failing light, and a change in monthly timing of the annual count. Notwithstanding these caveats, we provide the first systematic minimum estimate of 826–3255 Australian Sarus Cranes wintering on the Tablelands, up to 19.5% of the global population. The corresponding estimate for Brolgas is up to 3469 individuals or 4.9% of the global population. These are likely to be underestimates, particularly for Sarus Cranes, which arrived at roosts on average much later than Brolgas, so were more likely to be unidentified. The species shared many roosts and, except at one large shared roost, family groups of the two species intermingled rather than occupying separate parts of the site, an uncommon relationship at mixed-species wintering crane roosts. Further study of these behavioural findings could extend understanding of sympatry in these closely related species. Conducting counts in a consistent month may improve trend detection within the limits imposed by strong fluctuations in annual numbers.

First observations of Australian Sarus Crane Antigone antigone gillae pairs attending three young and the incidence of three-egg clutches in the Brolga A. rubicunda

Clutch-size in gruine cranes is consistently two. Clutches of three eggs are very rare, and records of adults supporting three young even more so. We report two observations from the Atherton Tablelands, far north Queensland, of pairs of Australian Sarus Cranes Antigone antigone gillae accompanying three juveniles. Their ages and the behaviour of the groups suggested family relationships. These are the first observations implying that Australian Sarus Cranes may raise three young, and are more likely to be explained by successful three-egg clutches than by adoption. Very little is known of nests and eggs of wild Australian Sarus Cranes and further studies would contribute to the conservation of this crane. More three-egg clutches than expected were identified in Brolgas A. rubicunda , particularly in the Ayr–Townsville region of northern Queensland, where the current breeding status of this species is uncertain.

Distribution and diet of feral cats (Felis catus) in the Wet Tropics of north-eastern Australia, with a focus on the upland rainforest

Abstract ContextFeral cats have been identified as a key threat to Australia’s biodiversity, particularly in arid areas and tropical woodlands. Their presence, abundance and potential impacts in rainforest have received less attention. AimsTo investigate the distribution and diet of feral cats (Felis catus) in upland rainforest of the Wet Tropics. MethodsWe collated available occurrence records from the Wet Tropics, and data from upland camera-trapping surveys over an 8-year period, to assess geographic and elevational distribution of feral cats in the bioregion. We also assessed the diet of feral cats from scats collected at upland sites. Key resultsFeral cats are widespread through the Wet Tropics bioregion, from the lowlands to the peaks of the highest mountains (>1600m), and in all vegetation types. Abundance appears to vary greatly across the region. Cats were readily detected during camera-trap surveys in some upland rainforest areas (particularly in the southern Atherton Tablelands and Bellenden Ker Range), but were never recorded in some areas (Thornton Peak, the upland rainforest of Windsor Tableland and Danbulla National Park) despite numerous repeated camera-trap surveys over the past 8 years at some of these sites. Scat analysis suggested that small mammals comprise ~70% of the diet of feral cats at an upland rainforest site. Multivariate analysis could not detect a difference in mammal community at sites where cats were detected or not. ConclusionsFeral cats are widespread in the Wet Tropics and appear to be common in some upland areas. However, their presence and abundance are variable across the region, and the drivers of this variability are not resolved. Small mammals appear to be the primary prey in the rainforest, although the impacts of cats on the endemic and threatened fauna of the Wet Tropics is unknown. ImplicationsGiven their documented impact in some ecosystems, research is required to examine the potential impact of cats on Wet Tropics fauna, particularly the many upland endemic vertebrates. Studies are needed on (1) habitat and prey selection, (2) population dynamics, and (3) landscape source–sink dynamics of feral cats in the Wet Tropics.

Caridina malanda, a new species of freshwater shrimp (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae) from the Wet Tropics World Heritage area, north-eastern Queensland, Australia.

Integrated molecular and morphological studies of newly collected and curated specimens of the genus Caridina from the Atherton Tablelands, Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in north-eastern Queensland, Australia indicated the presence of an undescribed species belonging to the Caridina zebra Short 1993 complex. This species is somewhat intermediate, although distinct on the basis of molecular data and morphology, from two known sympatric species, Caridina zebra and C. confusa Choy Marshall 1997, and an allopatric species, C. spinula Choy Marshall 1997, from the Cape York Peninsula, about 500 km north. It is described here as a new species, C. malanda sp. nov., and compared with similar congeners. A key for the identification of the species, as well as notes on its distribution, ecology, and conservation, are provided.

The sarolga: conservation implications of genetic and visual evidence for hybridization between the brolgaAntigone rubicundaand the Australian sarus craneAntigone antigone gillae

AbstractTo investigate the extent of suspected hybridization between the brolgaAntigone rubicundaand the Australian sarus craneAntigone antigone gillae, first noted in the 1970s, we analysed the genetic diversity of 389 feathers collected from breeding and flocking areas in north Queensland, Australia. We compared these with 15 samples from birds of known identity, or that were phenotypically typical. Bayesian clustering based on 10 microsatellite loci identified nine admixed birds, confirming that Australian cranes hybridize in the wild. Four of these were backcrosses, also confirming that wild Australian crane hybrids are fertile. Genetic analyses identified 10 times more hybrids than our accompanying visual field observations. Our analyses also provide the first definitive evidence that both brolgas and sarus cranes migrate between the Gulf Plains, the principal breeding area for sarus cranes, and major non-breeding locations on the Atherton Tablelands. We suggest that genetic analysis of shed feathers could potentially offer a cost-effective means to provide ongoing monitoring of this migration. The first observations of hybrids coincided with significantly increased opportunities for interaction between the two species when foraging on agricultural crops, which have developed significantly in the Atherton Tablelands flocking area since the 1960s. As the sarus crane is declining in much of its Asian range, challenges to the genetic integrity of the Australian sarus crane populations have international conservation significance.

Agriculture, brolgas and Australian sarus cranes on the Atherton Tablelands, Australia

Flocks of brolgas (Antigone rubicunda) and Australian sarus cranes (A. antigone gillae) congregate in cropping areas of the Atherton Tablelands in north Queensland, Australia, during the non-breeding months of May to December each year and sometimes come into conflict with farmers. The central part of the region has been declared a Key Biodiversity Area, largely because it is the only well known non-breeding area for the Australian sarus crane. We investigated spatial and temporal patterns of use of this landscape for foraging by the two species to determine how they might be affected by changes in cropping. Abundances of the species were positively correlated with each other over both time and space. Sarus cranes were nevertheless markedly more abundant on the fertile volcanic soils of the central Tablelands, whilst brolgas were more abundant on a variety of soils in outlying cropping areas close to roost sites, especially in the south-west of the region. Both species used a wide variety of crops and pastures but occurred at highest densities on ploughed land and areas from which crops (especially maize) had been harvested. In addition, brolgas were also strongly associated with early-stage winter cereals with volunteer peanuts from the previous crop. We conclude that maize and peanut crops are important as foraging sites for both species during the non-breeding season, a situation that requires management in the interest of both cranes and farmers, especially as cropping patterns intensify and agricultural technology changes. However, we also note that flocking on the Atherton Tablelands indicates that brolgas and sarus cranes are likely to be adaptable to change and able to take advantage of newly created cropping areas.