South-eastern Mainland Research Articles

On the occurrence of the Taiwan angel shark, Squatina formosa Shen & Ting, 1972 (Chondrichthyes, Squatinidae) from Japan

In the Pacific, most angel sharks display rather limited geographic distributions. Recent findings of three specimens of the Taiwan angel shark, Squatina formosa, from Tosa Bay, Kochi Prefecture, Japan enlarges the known geographic range of this species considerably. So far, this species only has been known from Taiwan. Other records might be considered misidentifications. The three specimens that form the focus of this study are from the central Tosa Bay (Province of Kochi) in SE Japan. They were collected with otter trawls in ca. 200 m depth in May and June 2008. Although these specimens differ slightly from the holotype from Taiwan in some features, their identification as belonging to Squatina formosa is well supported by the colour pattern and a suite of morphological characters such as shape and meristics of the upper lip arch, the shape of the caudal fin lobe and the shape and size of the pectoral, pelvic and dorsal fins. Additionally, the taxonomic identification is strongly supported by molecular and data by comparison with a specimen from Taiwan and previously published data. The mtDNA difference between the Taiwanese and Japanese populations is 0.2 % and is most likely related to a descent from a postulated original population some 10,000 years ago. It is most likely that this species occurs from the small Batan Islands, along the Ryukyu Trench and the corresponding Ryukyu Islands from Taiwan north along the south-eastern mainland coast of Japan. This species seemingly occurs along the Kuroshio Current and is absent from cold-influenced waters (e.g. western Taiwan, China and Japan seas). The recent finding of this species in Tosa Bay most probably is due to range extension because of globally increasing sea water temperatures.

Socio-seasonal changes in scent-marking habits in the carnivorous marsupial Dasyurus maculatus at communal latrines

Scat DNA analyses and monthly monitoring were used to elucidate patterns of latrine use in a free-ranging population of a rare Australian marsupial carnivore, the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) Kerr. In all, 132 latrines were identified at large complex outcrops and on bedrock in drainage lines, creeks and rivers at a single woodland site in south-eastern mainland Australia. Annual cyclic variation in scat deposition was found over the two years that latrines were monitored. Peaks in scat deposition on latrines coincided with seasonal social behaviours and differed between sites on outcrops and sites along drainage lines. A marked increase in scat deposition on latrines in drainage lines was recorded during the mating season and at outcrop latrines when females were nursing young. Genetic analyses of scats collected over one breeding season revealed that multiple individuals of both sexes defaecated at latrines. The communal use of latrines during the mating season along with the seasonal patterns of scat deposition demonstrates that latrines are important scent-marking sites that facilitate social communication among individuals of this solitary-living species. The collective evidence indicates that latrines play a major role in aiding reproduction and interindividual spacing.

Prevalence of threatened native species in canid scats from coastal and near-coastal landscapes in south-eastern Australia

Predator scat analysis was used to infer the potential impact of wild dogs (Canis lupus dingo, C. l. familiaris and hybrids of the two) on threatened native terrestrial mammals in coastal and near-coastal southern New South Wales, Australia. Prey items recorded in wild dog scats were compared with those occurring in scats of the red fox collected at the same study sites. Six threatened mammal species were recorded in either wild dog or fox scats: eastern pygmy possum, grey-headed flying fox, long-nosed potoroo, southern brown bandicoot, white-footed dunnart and yellow-bellied glider. The prevalence of these threatened species in fox scats was significantly higher than in wild dog scats. Otherwise, wild dogs mostly consumed larger prey items such as swamp wallabies and wombats whereas foxes more heavily preyed on small mammals such as antechinus and rats. Our results suggest that foxes are the major threat to threatened mammal species in the study region. Land management agencies in south-eastern mainland Australia should therefore focus on controlling foxes for biodiversity gain.

Satellite tracking of wild dogs in south-eastern mainland Australian forests: Implications for management of a problematic top-order carnivore

Satellite tracking was used to follow the movements of a problematic top-order carnivore, the wild dog (Canis lupus dingo, C. lupus familiaris and their hybrids), in contiguous forested landscapes in south-eastern mainland Australia. Home range sizes of wild dogs were much larger than previously determined using conventional telemetry methods, averaging 10,000ha with a maximum size of 59,000ha over approximate 3-month periods. Wild dogs at sites with high abundance of kangaroos, wallabies and rabbits had smaller areas of occupancy than did dogs at sites with low availability of these preys. Despite mostly large home ranges, tracked animals were loyal to publicly-owned tenure and there were few instances where individuals moved large distances on to adjacent private tenure. Instead, movement behaviours of most tracked animals were characterised by repeated short distance forays, often at acute angles from previous locations. Consequently, home ranges were stable and otherwise well defined. Analysis of DNA from our study animals indicated that most individuals were of ‘dingo’ ancestry, but otherwise considered hybrids because of the presence of domestic dog genes. Only two of 24 animals could be considered as ‘pure’ dingo. Contemporary wild dog management demarcates lands where control is or is not undertaken, with the latter notionally acting to ‘conserve’ dingoes. Due to the large scale of movement of animals, existing control efforts likely impact over a greater area than previously suspected. Furthermore, our genetic findings suggest that conservation of dingoes in south-eastern mainland Australia is difficult to achieve. A modified approach to wild dog management is needed, taking account of the extent of range of individual animals and the existing genetic characteristics of populations.

Managing a Critically Endangered Species Under Conditions of Extreme Uncertainty: Orange-Bellied Parrots on Southeastern Mainland Australia – Chris Tzaros

Managing a Critically Endangered Species Under Conditions of Extreme Uncertainty: Orange-Bellied Parrots on Southeastern Mainland Australia – Chris Tzaros

Diversity and habitat relationships of hypogeous fungi. III. Factors influencing the occurrence of fire-adapted species

Among the huge array of hypogeous ectomycorrhizal fungi so far documented from Australia, six genera and more than 30 species occur within the family Mesophelliaceae, all of which show various adaptations for surviving in fire-prone landscapes. These mostly endemic fungi are critical to postfire reestablishment of regenerating vegetation, and their fruit-bodies provide essential food resources for diverse ground-dwelling fauna. We developed habitat models for five common representatives of the Mesophelliaceae based on repeat collections of their fruit-bodies from 136 study plots situated along a series of environmental gradients across the south-eastern mainland of Australia. At a meso- or landscape scale, temperature influenced the occurrence of Castoreum radicatum, Mesophellia clelandii and Nothocastoreum cretaceum, with the type of response varying. Below a threshold, C. radicatum preferred sites with cooler mean annual temperatures. In contrast, M. clelandii and N. cretaceum had optimal ranges of temperature, above and below which the probability of detecting them dropped. Also at a landscape scale, C. radicatum was more likely to be detected at sites with lower levels of precipitation during the driest quarter of the year. At a micro-site scale, M. clelandii and N. cretaceum were more likely to occur in stands with an intermediate number of host eucalypt stems, likely relating to successional age of the stand. Sites with a higher number of large fallen trees were more likely to have N. cretaceum, while sites with intermediate litter depths were more likely to have C. radicatum and M. clelandii. Mesophellia glauca and M. trabalis showed no consistent patterns. They are apparently the most broadly adaptable in terms of the independent variables tested. Although fire has been previously suggested to be heavily implicated in the life cycle of several members of the Mesophelliaceae, we found no relationship between time since disturbance by fire and other factors and likelihood of occurrence. Instead, other habitat attributes appeared to be more important in explaining their distribution. The complex and differing responses of the species of Mesophelliaceae studied here, to features of their environment, reinforce the need to manage multiple-use forest landscapes across the region for a diversity of attributes.

Trees, truffles, and beasts: how forests function

In today's world of specialization, people are attempting to protect the Earth's fragile state by swapping limousines for hybrids and pesticide-laced foods for organic produce. At other times, environmental awareness is translated into public relations gimmicks or trendy commodities. Moreover, simplistic policies, like single-species protection or planting ten trees for every tree cut down, are touted as bureaucratic or industrial panaceas.Because today's decisions are tomorrow's consequences, every small effort makes a difference, but a broader understanding of our environmental problems is necessary to the development of sustainable ecosystem policies. In Trees, Truffles, and Beasts, Chris Maser, Andrew W. Claridge, and James M. Trappe make a compelling case that we must first understand the complexity and interdependency of species and habitats from the microscopic level to the gigantic. Comparing forests in the Pacific Northwestern United States and Southeastern mainland of Australia, the authors show how easily observable species - trees and mammals - are part of a complicated infrastructure that includes fungi, lichens, and organisms invisible to the naked eye, such as microbes.Eminently readable, this important book shows that forests are far more complicated than most of us might think, which means simplistic policies will not save them. Understanding the biophysical intricacies of our life-support systems just might.

Do fungi have a role as soil stabilizers and remediators after forest fire?

The functional roles of fungi in recovery of forest ecosystems after fire remain poorly documented. We observed macrofungi soon after fire at two widely separated sites, one in the Pacific Northwest United States and the other in southeastern mainland Australia. The range of species on-site was compared against macrofungi reported after the volcanic eruption at Mount St. Helens, also in the Pacific Northwest. Each of the three sites shared species, particularly representatives of the genus Anthracobia. Soon after disturbance, we noted extensive mycelial mats and masses of fruit-bodies of this genus, particularly at heavily impacted microsites. The mycelial mats appeared to play an important functional role on-site, possibly aggregating soil particles in otherwise highly erodable landscapes. We hypothesise that fungi such as Anthracobia are pivotal species in early system recovery after disturbance, helping minimize the movement of soil in the absence of plant roots. As plant root systems recover, the importance of these fungi in soil stabilization may diminish. Other functional roles of early postfire fungi might include nutrient acquisition, leading to the reestablishment of vegetation. These potential roles need to be experimentally tested and relevant findings incorporated into programs aimed at restoring forest ecosystems after disturbance.

The Macroinvertebrate Stream Fauna of Martha's Vineyard, with Records from Southeastern Mainland Massachusetts

Abstract Stream sampling on the island of Martha's Vineyard and in southeastern mainland Massachusetts produced 154 species, when added to other records, 157 species have been documented, including 47 new state records. Unaltered streams on Martha's Vineyard are cold water streams with temperatures similar to streams at higher elevations in New England. Extended seasonal larval presence of several species was noted on Martha's Vineyard.

Factors Influencing the Occurrence of Small Ground-Dwelling Mammals in Southeastern Mainland Australia

We investigated the occurrence of small, ground-dwelling mammals (marsupial mice and rodents) across 128 forested study sites representing a stratified sample of the climatic, geological, and topographic features of far southeastern mainland Australia. We then developed statistical models for the occurrence of the agile antechinus (Antechinus agilis), dusky antechinus (A. swainsonii), and bush rat (Rattus fuscipes) based on various environmental attributes measured for each site. At a landscape scale, the climatic factor mean minimum temperature of the coldest month was an important explanatory variable for the bush rat, with the likelihood of its occurrence increasing with increasing temperature during that period. Sites with greater precipitation during the driest quarter of the year were more likely to support bush rats and the agile antechinus. At an on-site scale, protected slopes and gullies were more likely to support bush rats, and the occurrence of bush rats and the dusky antechinus increased at sites with a higher number of large fallen trees. In multiple-use forests, increasing the number of large fallen trees after timber harvesting may increase habitat quality for both the dusky antechinus and the bush rat, and retaining habitat on protected slopes and gullies also may be important for the latter species.

Detection of Kobe-typeBabesia microtiassociated with Japanese human babesiosis in field rodents in central Taiwan and southeastern mainland China

Field rodent surveys for Babesia infection were performed from 2002 to 2005 in the vicinities of human babesiosis occurrences in Taiwan and mainland China. Babesia microti was identified by microscopical examination and/or PCR in 1 Rattus coxinga and 1 Crocidura horsfieldii in central Taiwan and in 13 Niviventer confucianus and 1 Apodemus agrarius in Zhejiang and Fujian Provinces of southeastern China. Of 15 B. microti samples detected by PCR, all except 1 were shown to be the Kobe-type, the aetiological small subunit rRNA gene-type of the first Japanese patient; the exception was also a Kobe-related type. The Kobe-type had been found in rodents only in a few places including the human infection occurrence place in Japan. The internal transcribed spacer 1 to 2 sequences of the Taiwanese and Chinese Kobe-types were very similar to each other but considerably different (approx. 94% pairwise identities) from that of the Japanese Kobe-type. A Taiwanese Kobe-type strain was serologically differentiated from the Kobe strain originating from the Japanese first patient. The distribution of the Kobe-type in the vicinities of human babesiosis occurrences in Taiwan and China as well as in Japan is suggestive of involvement of the Kobe-type in Asian human babesiosis.

Winter habitat use by the endangered, migratory Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) in New South Wales

Migratory birds are dependent on a combination of suitable wintering, migration and breeding habitats. Identification and protection of these habitats is essential for the conservation of the birds. The endangered Swift Parrot (Psittacidae: Lathamus discolor) migrates north from Tasmania to south-eastern mainland Australia in search of suitable winter food resources. This 5-year study examines the use of known winter foraging habitats by Swift Parrots on a statewide scale not previously attempted. Swift Parrots used a diversity of winter foraging habitats in regions of the coast and western slopes of New South Wales each year, including several habitats that occur in endangered ecological communities. The abundance of Swift Parrots in New South Wales fluctuated significantly between years and regions, with coastal areas providing important drought-refuge habitats for a large proportion of the population. Over half of all foraging sites were used repeatedly, highlighting their likely importance for conservation. Landscapes containing winter foraging habitat included scattered trees, remnant vegetation and continuous forests, and Swift Parrots foraged extensively on lerp and nectar from a diversity of tree species within these. The occurrence of Swift Parrots at foraging sites was primarily associated with the abundance of lerp, nectar and non-aggressive competitors.

Monoecious Nitella species (Characeae, Charophyta) from south-eastern mainland Australia, including Nitella paludigena sp. nov.

Identification of Australian species of Nitella is problematic. Several species of monoecious Nitella have been described from south-eastern mainland Australia, but identification of these based on current treatments has been difficult. In response to the discovery of a new monoecious Nitella from the swamps of the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, the monoecious species of Nitella from south-eastern mainland Australia were examined and compared. N. paludigena M.T.Casanova & K.G.Karol is distinguished from other monoecious species on the basis of its overall vegetative morphology and oospore morphology. N. paludigena is found in peaty tea-tree (Leptospermum sp) swamps on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia, and in the south-west of Victoria. A description of the morphology and ecology of the five monoecious Nitella species from south-eastern mainland Australia is given, along with a key.

New species of Laxotela Winterton & Irwin from Australia (Diptera: Therevidae: Agapophytinae)

Two new species of the endemic Australian stiletto fly genus Laxotela Winterton & Irwin are described and figured. Laxotela elongata sp. nov. is described from Queensland while Laxotela plata sp. nov. is described from south-eastern mainland Australia. Laxotela ornata (Kröber) comb. nov. (originally Spatulipalpa Kröber) was recently placed as incertae sedis within Therevidae, but is herein transferred to Laxotela. A revised key to Laxotela species is presented.

Nandus prolixus, a new species of leaf fish from northeastern Borneo (Teleostei: Perciformes: Nandidae)

Nandus prolixus sp. nov. is described from the Sepilok River drainage in Sabah, northeastern Borneo. This species is distinguished from its only Sundaic southeastern Asian congener, N. nebulosus, in having a longer, more produced snout (25.7–30.6% HL vs. 18.5–26.1), more lateralline scales (33–37 vs. 24–34), more scales below the lateral line (12 vs. 10–11), fewer spines in the dorsal fin (XIV vs. XV–XVI), and fewer pectoral-fin rays (15–16 vs. 17–19). It differs from N. nandus (from India) in having fewer lateral-line scales (33–37 vs. 42–55), fewer scales above the lateral line (4–5 vs. 6–7), fewer scales below the lateral line (12 vs. 14–18), more dorsal spines (XIV vs. XII–XIII), and the absence (vs. presence) of a distinct dark spot at the base of the caudal peduncle. It differs from N. oxyrhynchus (from mainland southeastern Asia) in having a more slender body (body depth 37.6–40.5% SL vs. 41.3–44.1) and a less steeply sloping predorsal profile.

Development and testing of transfer functions for generating quantitative climatic estimates from Australian pollen data

AbstractWe review attempts to derive quantitative climatic estimates from Australian pollen data, including the climatic envelope, climatic indicator and modern analogue approaches, and outline the need to pursue alternatives for use as input to, or validation of, simulations by models of past, present and future climate patterns. To this end, we have constructed and tested modern pollen–climate transfer functions for mainland southeastern Australia and Tasmania using the existing southeastern Australian pollen database and for northern Australia using a new pollen database we are developing. After testing for statistical significance, 11 parameters were selected for mainland southeastern Australia, seven for Tasmania and six for northern Australia. The functions are based on weighted‐averaging partial least squares regression and their predictive ability evaluated against modern observational climate data using leave‐one‐out cross‐validation. Functions for summer, annual and winter rainfall and temperatures are most robust for southeastern Australia, while in Tasmania functions for minimum temperature of the coldest period, mean winter and mean annual temperature are the most reliable. In northern Australia, annual and summer rainfall and annual and summer moisture indexes are the strongest. The validation of all functions means all can be applied to Quaternary pollen records from these three areas with confidence. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A bioclimatic analysis for the highly mobile Superb Parrot of south-eastern Australia

The aim of this study was to define the bioclimatic domain of the Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii) of south-eastern mainland Australia using the BIOCLIM modelling software, and to make predictions of its geographical range. The strengths and limitations of BIOCLIM analysis, with particular reference to the Superb Parrot are discussed. A bioclimatic profile based on 115 observations of the species was produced. Seven key parameters were chosen from the bioclimatic profile, and then matched with other locations with similar climatic conditions to predict the potential geographical distribution. Bioclimatic analysis indicated general correspondence between the location of Superb Parrot observations and the predicted ‘core’ area. Owing to habitat loss and modification, it is likely that the Superb Parrot occupies a relatively small part of its former geographical range. Hence, some areas that are bioclimatically optimal may no longer support resources needed by the Superb Parrot. BIOCLIM has several limitations, not least of which is that climatic tolerances are only one of many factors that influence the ‘extent of occurrence’ of species. Although BIOCLIM has some problems when used to study highly mobile birds like the Superb Parrot, the approach provides a useful starting point for further investigations, and has an important role to play in defining potential geographical ranges.

Species Composition, Physiognomy and Plant Diversity of the Tropical Montane Evergreen Broad-leaved Forest in Southern Yunnan

Species composition, physiognomy and plant diversity of the less known tropical montane forests in southern Yunnan were studied based on the data from 15 sampling plots in three sites. These forests are mainly dominated by the families Theaceae, Fagaceae, Lauraceae and Euphorbiaceae in floristic composition, and dominated by evergreen phanerophytes with mesophyllous leaves. These forests are similar to lower montane rain forests in equatorial southeastern Asia in floristic composition and altitudinal distributions, but differ in physiognomy by having few epiphytes, but more lianas and more plants with compound leaves. These differences could be due to strongly seasonal climate and so-called mass elevation effect in southern Yunnan. They also differ from the tropical seasonal rain forests at lower altitudes in southern Yunnan by having conspicuously lower species richness, few epiphytes, fewer mega-mesophanerophytes, more abundant micro-nanophanerophytes and hemicryptophytes and more plants with microphyllous leaves. It is suggested that these forests could be termed tropical montane evergreen broad-leaved forests, and be a vegetation type from the northern margin of mainland southeastern Asia controlled by a strongly seasonal climate.

Phylogenetics, population structure and genetic diversity of the endangered southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) in south-eastern Australia

The southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) has undergone significant range contractions since European settlement, and it is now considered “Endangered” throughout south-eastern mainland Australia. This species currently has a highly fragmented distribution inhabiting a mosaic of habitats. This project uses mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite data to determine levels of genetic diversity, population structure and evolutionary history, which can aid wildlife managers in setting priorities and determining management strategies. Analyses of genetic diversity revealed low levels of mtDNA variability (mean h=50.42%, π=0.76%) and divergence (mean dA=0.29%) across all regions investigated, and was among the lowest recorded for marsupials. These data indicate a relatively small female effective population size, which is most likely a consequence of a large-scale population contraction and subsequent expansion occurring in pre-history (mismatch distribution analysis, SSDP-value=0.12). Individuals from the Sydney region experienced significant reductions in microsatellite diversity (A=3.8, HE=0.565), with the Garigal National Park (NP) population exhibiting “genetic reduction signatures” indicating a recent population bottleneck. Population differentiation analysis revealed significant genetic division amongst I. obesulus individuals from Sydney, East Gippsland and Mt Gambier regions (θ=0.176–0.271), but could not separate the two Sydney populations (Ku-ring-gai NP and Garigal NP). Based on these data and habitat type, translocations could readily be made between the two Sydney populations, but not between the others. Phylogenetic comparisons between I. obesulus and I. auratus show little support for current Isoodon taxonomy, consistent with the findings of Pope et al. 2001. We therefore recommend the recognition of only three I. obesulus sub-species and suggest that these comprise a single morphologically diverse species that once was widespread across Australia.

Geographic variation in advertisement calls of Crinia signifera (Anura:Myobatrachidae) in the Bass Strait area of south-eastern Australia

The structure of recorded advertisement calls of a total of 176 males of Crinia signifera from eight localities on the south-eastern Australian mainland and Tasmania was investigated. On the basis of number of pulses per call (samples from all localities) and call duration adjusted to 13.0°C (samples from six localities), two geographic groups are recognised: (1) south-central Victoria, and (2) the extreme south-eastern mainland and Tasmania. This pattern of variation is postulated to reflect expansion of a differentiated Tasmanian stock on to the extreme south-eastern Australian mainland along the eastern sill of the Bassian Isthmus during the lower sea levels of the Late Pleistocene. Geographic variation in pulse rate (derived from number of pulses and call duration) was also considered because of its use in previous studies. The variation in dominant frequency in samples from five localities, adjusted for snout–vent length, does not conform to that for number of pulses and call duration, and is attributed to differences in demographic structure and recruitment.