To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Birds of prey Australia.
Journal articles on the topic 'Birds of prey Australia'
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 journal articles for your research on the topic 'Birds of prey Australia.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse journal articles on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Sazima, Ivan. "Waterbirds catch and release a poisonous fish at a mudflat in southeastern Australia." Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia 27, no. 2 (June 2019): 126–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/bf03544457.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractSeveral waterbird species prey on fishes, and usually use only one sensory mode to detect this prey: herons hunt visually guided, whereas ibises mostly search tactilely guided. I report herein events in which a heron and an ibis caught and released a poisonous fish at a mudflat in southeastern Australia. A Great Egret (Ardea alba) that targeted small gerreid fishes caught and immediately released the very toxic pufferfish Tetractenos hamiltoni, with bill washing and discomfort movements afterwards. Two Australian White Ibises (Threskiornis molucca) that probed for bottom-dwelling fishes and crabs caught and handled these pufferfishes for about 60 s, before releasing them. Next, the birds dipped the bill in the water and resumed hunting. Pufferfishes are rarely preyed on by birds, but an Australian bird that feeds on this fish type is the Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae), which eats the pufferfish Torquigener pleurogramma when it is nontoxic or less harmful.
2
Recher, Harry F., and William E. Davis Jr. "Foraging behaviour of mulga birds in Western Australia. I. Use of resources and temporal effects." Pacific Conservation Biology 24, no. 1 (2018): 74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc17031.
Full textAbstract:
The foraging behaviour of mulga birds in the Murchison and Gascoyne Bioregions was studied in 1999 following a period of heavy rain and again in 2002 when it was dry. Mulga birds allocated foraging resources in a similar fashion to other bird communities, with species differing in the way that prey were taken, the substrates and plant species on which prey were found, and the heights at which prey were sought. The numbers of birds and bird species in the study areas declined with drier conditions and there was less breeding activity. Nomadic species, including honeyeaters, seed-eaters, and insect-eaters, largely left the area as it became drier and food resources changed. The birds that remained foraged differently when it was drier than when conditions were wetter and food more abundant. These observations illustrate the fragility of the mulga avifauna and its likely sensitivity to long-term climate change with predicted increasing temperatures, more extreme heat events, and reduced winter rainfall. Conservation of mulga birds and associated flora and fauna requires a whole-of-landscape approach and the adoption of land management practices by Australian governments and land managers that will allow species to adapt to climate change and guarantee their right to evolve.
3
Wooller, RD, KC Richardson, and DR Wells. "Allometric Relationships of the Gastrointestinal Tracts of Insectivorous Passerine Birds From Malaysia, New-Guinea and Australia." Australian Journal of Zoology 38, no. 6 (1990): 665. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo9900665.
Full textAbstract:
Beak length, gizzard width and intestinal length were all similarly related to body mass in gleaning, insectivorous, passerine birds from Malaysia, New Guinea and Australia. The remaining morphological difference between the three groups were attributable more to functional constraints than to phylogenetic affinities. The more tropical birds had slightly longer, but not proportionately narrower, beaks and smaller gizzards than comparable Australian birds. It is suggested that this stems from tropical species taking more soft-bodied and/or mobile prey than birds from the more arid Australian region.
4
Ritchie, Robert J., and Penny Olsen. "Australian Birds of Prey." Journal of Wildlife Management 61, no. 4 (October 1997): 1453. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3802162.
Full text
5
Maute, Kimberly, Paul Story, Grant C. Hose, Andrew Warden, Greg Dojchinov, and Kristine French. "Observations on populations of a small insectivorous bird,." Australian Journal of Zoology 69, no. 6 (October 25, 2022): 229–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo22006.
Full textAbstract:
The use of chemical pesticides to manage locust populations in natural ecosystems is likely to impact non-target arthropods and their predators. However, the relative effects of different locust control applications on Australian birds are unknown. Aerial applications of fipronil and fenitrothion are examples of two pesticides used in locust control in semiarid Australia. To test the relative impacts of pesticides on non-target fauna, pesticides were applied to replicate sites using aerial ultra-low-volume application methods. The body condition and biomarkers of pesticide exposure in resident white-winged fairy wrens (Malurus leucopterus leuconotus) at treatment and control sites were measured for two weeks before and after treatments. No measures suggested negative impacts of pesticide applications. However, birds monitored at treatment sites gained mass, possibly due to indirect impacts of pesticides on bird feeding patterns or the availability or behaviour of insect prey. Bird mass measures remained high at fipronil sites, whereas the mass of birds at fenitrothion sites returned to baseline levels within one week. As this study was conducted during dry conditions, when locust plagues are less likely, future insecticide research should also consider the availability of insect prey, its effect on insectivore feeding behaviour and the interaction of rainfall events.
6
McDowell, Matthew C., and Graham C. Medlin. "The effects of drought on prey selection of the barn owl (Tyto alba) in the Strzelecki Regional Reserve, north-eastern South Australia." Australian Mammalogy 31, no. 1 (2009): 47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am08115.
Full textAbstract:
Changes in the diet of the barn owl (Tyto alba) were determined by analysing 619 egested pellets collected in eight samples over 12 months from a roost in the Strzelecki Regional Reserve, north-eastern South Australia. These data were used to examine the occurrence and change in frequency of small vertebrates in the region. In January 2003, at the end of a prolonged dry period, reptiles (predominantly geckos) dominated the diet of the barn owl, forming over 74% of Prey Units (PU%). This is the first Australian study to report reptiles as the primary prey of the barn owl. After substantial rain in February 2003, mammalian prey became much more common, and eventually accounted for almost 80 PU%. At least nine species of small mammal, at least four reptiles, nine birds and a frog were identified from the pellets. Mammalian prey included Leggadina forresti, Mus musculus, Notomys fuscus (endangered), Pseudomys desertor (not previously recorded in the reserve), P. hermannsburgensis, Planigale gilesi, Sminthopsis crassicaudata, S. macroura and Tadarida australis. This research showed that barn owls are capable of switching to alternative prey when mammals become rare, but that they return to preferred prey as soon as it becomes available.
7
Holmes, Richard T., and Harry F. Recher. "Search Tactics of Insectivorous Birds Foraging in an Australian Eucalypt Forest." Auk 103, no. 3 (July 1, 1986): 515–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/auk/103.3.515.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract The different ways birds searched for food in an Australian Eucalyptus forest led them to detect and capture different kinds of prey. Five major searching modes were identified among 23 common, mostly insectivorous bird species. These were distinguished largely by the rates, distances, and angles moved by birds while foraging and by their prey-capture behavior. Some bird species typically moved slowly, visually examining substrates at relatively long distances, and then took flight to capture prey (e.g. whistlers, flycatchers, muscicapid robins, cuckoos). Others moved at more rapid rates and either gleaned small prey from nearby substrates (e.g. thornbills, treecreepers) or flushed insects that were then pursued (e.g. fantails). Two species (Eastern Shrike-Tit, Falcunculus frontatus; White-eared Honeyeater, Meliphaga leucotis) were specialized substrate-restricted searchers, seeking invertebrate and carbohydrate foods among the exfoliating bark of Eucalyptus. The search tactics of birds in this south temperate Australian forest were similar to those of birds in a north temperate forest in New Hampshire, USA, previously reported by Robinson and Holmes (1982). The differences in food-searching behavior between these phylogenetically distinct avifaunas (e.g. search flight and prey-attack flight lengths, hop/flight ratios, foraging rates) reflect the effects of unique foliage structures (e.g. spacing of branches, arrangements of leaves) and food resources at each site. These findings support the hypothesis that habitat structure and food availability provide opportunities and constraints on how birds search for and capture food in forest habitats. These in turn are postulated to affect the success of particular bird species exploiting those habitats and thus influence bird community patterns.
8
Debus, Stephen. "Book Review David Hollands’ Birds of Prey of Australia." Australian Field Ornithology 39 (2022): 211–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.20938/afo39211213.
Full text
9
Barratt, D. G. "Predation by House Cats, Felis catus (L.), in Canberra, Australia. I. Prey Composition and Preference." Wildlife Research 24, no. 3 (1997): 263. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr96020.
Full textAbstract:
Studies of predation by house cats in Australia have not attempted to compare the composition of prey taken by cats with the relative availability of prey. Information on the composition of vertebrate prey caught by house cats in Canberra was collected by recording prey deposited at cat owners’ residences over 12 months. A total of 1961 prey representing 67 species were collected or reported. In all, 64% of prey were introduced mammals, especially mice and rats, with birds comprising 27% (14% native, 10% introduced, 3% unidentified), reptiles 7%, amphibians 1% and native mammals 1%. Predatory behaviour by house cats appeared largely opportunistic with respect to spatial (habitat) and temporal (daily and seasonal) prey availability and accessibility, although there is mounting evidence from this and other studies that small mammals are the preferred prey. While this means that introduced mice and rats are common prey of house cats in urban and suburban environments, it also suggests that in relatively undisturbed environments adjoining new residential developments, predation by house cats may have a substantial impact on locally abundant, patchily distributed populations of native fauna, particularly mammals. Imposing night-time curfews on cats is likely to lessen predation of mammals but will probably not greatly reduce predation of birds or reptiles.
10
Aumann, Tom. "An intraspecific and interspecific comparison of raptor diets in the south-west of the Northern Territory, Australia." Wildlife Research 28, no. 4 (2001): 379. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr99092.
Full textAbstract:
Dietary information, collected during 1995–97 in the south-west of the Northern Territory, is presented for 11 raptor species. Unlike better-studied populations of these species in south-eastern and eastern Australia, most of the raptors in the arid inland were found to depend heavily on reptiles and birds, the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) being a particularly important food for many species during those periods when it was plentiful. Between-territory, between-year and seasonal differences in diet are quantified for most species. The raptor assemblages in central Australia included specialists on medium-sized to large mammals, small to medium-sized birds, and small reptiles/invertebrates, as well as several generalists. Indices of prey diversity and evenness were calculated for each species, and diet overlap between them was used to investigate aspects of interspecific competition for food. Overall, diet overlap was greatest among the bird specialists and between some of the generalists. It increased in 1997, a year of comparative plenty, possibly because several species exploited an abundance of some prey taxa and competitive pressure eased.
11
Peisley, Rebecca K., Manu E. Saunders, and Gary W. Luck. "Cost-benefit trade-offs of bird activity in apple orchards." PeerJ 4 (June 30, 2016): e2179. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2179.
Full textAbstract:
Birds active in apple orchards in south–eastern Australia can contribute positively (e.g., control crop pests) or negatively (e.g., crop damage) to crop yields. Our study is the first to identify net outcomes of these activities, using six apple orchards, varying in management intensity, in south–eastern Australia as a study system. We also conducted a predation experiment using real and artificial codling moth (Cydia pomonella) larvae (a major pest in apple crops). We found that: (1) excluding birds from branches of apple trees resulted in an average of 12.8% more apples damaged by insects; (2) bird damage to apples was low (1.9% of apples); and (3) when trading off the potential benefits (biological control) with costs (bird damage to apples), birds provided an overall net benefit to orchard growers. We found that predation of real codling moth larvae was higher than for plasticine larvae, suggesting that plasticine prey models are not useful for inferring actual predation levels. Our study shows how complex ecological interactions between birds and invertebrates affect crop yield in apples, and provides practical strategies for improving the sustainability of orchard systems.
12
Paltridge, Rachel. "The diets of cats, foxes and dingoes in relation to prey availability in the Tanami Desert, Northern Territory." Wildlife Research 29, no. 4 (2002): 389. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr00010.
Full textAbstract:
In most areas of Australia, mammals constitute the staple diets of cats, foxes and dingoes. In central Australia the abundance of mammals is often too low to meet the dietary requirements of these carnivores and yet populations of cats, foxes and dingoes persist. To investigate alternative feeding strategies of cats, foxes and dingoes in arid environments, their diets were monitored in relation to prey availability in two areas of the Tanami Desert where rabbits do not occur. Dietary information was obtained by analysing predator scats collected between 1995 and 1997. Prey availability was monitored by track counts, pitfall trapping, Elliott trapping, and bird counts along walked transects. In contrast to dietary studies elsewhere in Australia, it was found that reptiles were an important component of the diets of predators in the Tanami Desert, and should be classified as seasonal staples. Birds increased in importance in the diets of cats and foxes during the winter, when reptiles were less active. There was considerable overlap between the diets of all three predators, although dingoes ate more large prey items (e.g.�macropods) than the other two predators. Results highlight the opportunistic feeding habits of cats, foxes and dingoes and show that, although mammalian prey are less important in central Australia than has been found elsewhere, species that are vulnerable to extinction, such as the bilby (Macrotis lagotis), mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda) and marsupial mole (Notoryctes typhlops), are also consumed by these predators.
13
Spennemann, Dirk H. R., Melissa Pike, and Maggie J. Watson. "Bird impacts on heritage buildings." Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development 8, no. 1 (February 6, 2018): 62–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jchmsd-07-2016-0042.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose There is much anecdotal evidence that birds and their droppings are a major problem for the heritage profession. The purpose of this paper is to examine how serious heritage practitioners consider the bird impact to be. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted of 59 Australian heritage professionals of between one and >20 year’s experience in the field. Findings Bird impacts were not considered of major concern to buildings. The longer experience a practitioner had, the less likely the impacts were considered an issue. Feral pigeons were deemed the most problematic, followed by cockatoos, starlings, swallows, seagulls, mynas, sparrows, cormorants, ibis, ducks and birds of prey. The professionals ranked common deterrent methods. The highest-ranking deterrents were bird netting and bird spikes, but they were only considered moderately effective. The costs of installation and maintenance, as well the ease of installation, were all deemed significantly less important than the physical impact, the aesthetic sympathy and the effectiveness of a deterrent method. Practical implications This study indicates that the impact of birds on buildings in Australia may be of less concern than previously thought, and may be driven by other factors (i.e. aesthetics, commercial companies) rather than actual effects. Originality/value This is first study of its kind that surveyed the experiences of a wide range of heritage practitioners.
14
Majer, Jonathan D., Harry F. Recher, Christopher Norwood, and Brian E. Heterick. "Variation in bird assemblages and their invertebrate prey in eucalypt formations across a rainfall gradient in south-west Australia." Pacific Conservation Biology 23, no. 4 (2017): 372. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc17024.
Full textAbstract:
Our previous work has shown how invertebrate food resources influence usage of tree species by birds. Using data from Western Australian forests and woodlands, we extend the findings to indicate how the avifauna is influenced by these resources at the landscape level. The northern dry sclerophyll forest of south-west Australia comprises jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) to the west, with an abrupt replacement by wandoo (E. wandoo) plus powderbark wandoo (E. accedens) woodland to the east; codominant marri (Corymbia calophylla) trees occur throughout. Knockdown samples have previously indicated that the canopy invertebrate fauna is richer and more abundant in wandoo woodland than in jarrah/marri forest. To provide an indication of their general abundance and diversity in these formations, invertebrates using the trunks of the ubiquitous marri were measured along a transect from jarrah/marri forest to wandoo woodland. Mirroring the canopy, the trunk fauna had high species turnover over short distances. As with the canopy fauna, invertebrate diversity and abundance was higher on marri situated in the wandoo zone than in the jarrah/marri areas, indicating a generally larger invertebrate fauna in the drier regions of the transect. Abundance and diversity of birds, many of which are wholly or partly insectivorous, were measured at the same sites. Birds were more abundant and there were more species in areas with the wandoo species than in those dominated by jarrah/marri. Assemblage composition also differed in the two forest types. It is evident that changes in bird abundance, richness, and assemblage composition are likely determined on a landscape scale by the type, abundance, and diversity of food resources available to them. These patterns of change within forest invertebrate faunas and their primary vertebrate predators need to be considered when making decisions on conserving or managing forest communities in Australia.
15
Aumann, T. "The Diet of the Brown Goshawk, Accipiter-Fasciatus, in Southeastern Australia." Wildlife Research 15, no. 6 (1988): 587. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9880587.
Full textAbstract:
The diet of the brown goshawk, Accipiter fasciatus, was studied during 1980-83 near Macclesfield, VIc. Birds made up 63% and mammals 26% of 1769 prey items. Rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, accounted for 95% of mammalian items. Mammals were estimated to contribute more to dietary biomass than birds (54 v.46%). Other animals recorded in the diet were reptiles (Elapidae and Scincidae), insects (mostly Coleoptera and Orthoptera) and crustaceans (Engaeus spp.). Diet composition varied significantly from year to year, from season to season and, during breeding, between territories in close proximity to one another. There were significant differences in the diets of males and females. Males took relatively more birds (52 v.24%), more insects (41 v.21%) and fewer mammals (2 v. 48%). Differences in food between age classes were also significant. Compared to second-year and older birds, first-year birds took relatively fewer mammals (28 v.43%), fewer birds (23 v.49%) and more insects (43 v.0%).
16
Paltridge, Rachel, David Gibson, and Glenn Edwards. "Diet of the Feral Cat (Felis catus) in Central Australia." Wildlife Research 24, no. 1 (1997): 67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr96023.
Full textAbstract:
Feral cats (Felis catus) occur throughout central Australia. In this study, we analysed the stomach contents of 390 feral cats collected between 1990 and 1994 from the southern half of the Northern Territory. Cats fed on a wide variety of invertebrates, reptiles, birds and mammals, including animals up to their own body mass in size. Mammals were the most important prey but reptiles were regularly eaten in summer and birds were important in winter. Invertebrates were present in the diet in all seasons. Carrion appeared in stomach samples during dry winters only and this has implications for future control of feral cats.
17
C. Calver, M., and S. R. Thomas. "Effectiveness of the Liberator? in reducing predation on wildlife by domestic cats." Pacific Conservation Biology 16, no. 4 (2010): 244. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc110244.
Full textAbstract:
We evaluated the effectiveness of the commercial collar-worn product the Liberator? in reducing the number of vertebrates pet cats bring home. Fifteen cats identified by their owners as hunters bringing home at least one prey animal per fortnight were included in the study, which was carried out in Perth, Western Australia over six weeks in November/December 2006 (southern hemisphere late spring/early summer). Each cat spent three weeks wearing a Liberator? and three weeks without it and the number of prey brought home by the cat during each period was recorded by its owner. Participating cats caught 91 prey (37 birds, 44 mammals and 10 herpetofauna). The Southern Brown Bandicoot was the only prey species of conservation concern. Liberators? made no statistically significant difference in the number of cats catching prey, but did reduce the overall number of prey caught. Cats wearing Liberators? caught only 38% of all birds, 40% of all herpetofauna and 30% of all mammals captured during the study. Despite this positive result several product failures occurred, so owners wishing to reduce predation by their cats will need to decide whether the Liberator? is a cost-effective option.
18
C. Z. Woinarski, J., and H. F. Recher. "Impact and response: a review of the effects of fire on the Australian avifauna." Pacific Conservation Biology 3, no. 3 (1997): 183. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc970183.
Full textAbstract:
The literature concerning the impact of fire on avian communities and the response of birds to fire is reviewed for the Australian continent. There are few detailed long-term studies of the effects of fire on avian communities, but there is sufficient information on fire effects from a broad cross-section of Australian habitats to identify patterns of response to individual fires and to predict likely long-term effects. Some birds respond immediately to fire, taking advantage of temporarily increased availability of food. These birds include predators that are attracted to fires to feed on exposed, disoriented and fire-killed prey and seed-eaters that congregate in burnt habitats to feed on seeds released by the fire or on the seeds of rapidly maturing post-fire ephemerals. At least in eucalypt forests, there is an increase of arthropod abundance on the rapidly regenerating vegetation that may lead to increased abundances of some bird species. Depending on the severity of the fire and the amount of vegetation killed, most avian communities recover rapidly following single fires regardless of fire intensity. However, such fires may pose a significant threat to species with a restricted distribution, limited reproductive potential, poor dispersal ability and/or narrow habitat requirements. Birds persisting in fragmented habitats are particularly at risk. However, of greatest significance as a threatening process to avian communities are increases in fire frequency. Of the threatened species in Australia whose relationships with fire have been comparatively well-documented, almost all show a clear preference for less frequent fires. Detrimental fire regimes contributed to the extinction of two of the three bird species and three of the four subspecies which have disappeared from Australia since European colonization. Inappropriate fire management is now a factor in the threatened status of at least 51 nationally recognized threatened Australian bird taxa. In many environments (notably heath and mallee), inappropriate fire regimes are the main threat to declining bird species. In temperate eucalypt forest and woodland, as well as in heathlands, control burning is widely used to reduce the threat of wildfire. While, in general, the immediate impact of controlled burns is less than that of wildfire, the frequency of these fires can lead to floristic and structural changes in the vegetation. Although not well-documented, these vegetative changes adversely affect the avifauna. In Australia, the most detailed long-term studies suggest that frequent, low-intensity fires may lead to the decline and loss of some species which are now perceived as common and little affected by mild fires.
19
Read, John, and Zoë Bowen. "Population dynamics, diet and aspects of the biology of feral cats and foxes in arid South Australia." Wildlife Research 28, no. 2 (2001): 195. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr99065.
Full textAbstract:
Average cat and fox densities at Roxby Downs, in northern South Australia, of 0.8 and 0.6 km–2 respectively, determined through spotlight counts over a 10-year period, probably considerably underestimate true densities. Peak rabbit populations coincided with high fox numbers, which probably suppressed cat densities. Cat abundance peaked when fox numbers were low but rabbit numbers were relatively high. When abundant, rabbits were the principal prey of both cats and foxes. Declines in rabbits numbers coincided with dramatic declines in fox numbers. By contrast, declines in cat populations were less marked, presumably because they could more effectively switch to hunting a wide range of native vertebrates. Sand-dwelling lizards, house mice and common small passerines were the most abundant non-rabbit, vertebrate prey taken by cats. We estimate that annual cat predation accounted for approximately 700 reptiles, 150 birds and 50 native mammals per square kilometre, whereas foxes consumed on average 290 reptiles per square kilometre and few native mammals and birds in the Roxby Downs region each year. Male cats and foxes were heavier than females. Feral cats typically weighed less than 4.0 kg, and cats weighing less than 2.5 kg typically preyed on more native vertebrates than did larger cats. Male and female cats were both typically tabby coloured, but a higher proportion of males were ginger in colour. Peak cat breeding coincided with rabbit and bird breeding and increased reptile activity during spring.
20
Debus, Stephen Debus, Jerry Olsen, Susan Trost, and David Judge. "Diet of the Australian Hobby Falco longipennis breeding in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, in 2002–2004 and 2005–2008." Australian Field Ornithology 37 (2020): 174–83. http://dx.doi.org/10.20938/afo37174183.
Full textAbstract:
The diet of the Australian Hobby Falco longipennis was studied in Canberra (ACT), in the summers of 2002–2003 to 2004–2005 and 2005–2006 to 2008–2009 by analysis of prey remains and pellets (28 and 40 collections for a total of 229 and 132 prey items from six and four nests, respectively). The Hobbies’ breeding diet in the first period consisted of 73% birds, 1% microbats and 26% insects by number, and 98% birds, <1% microbats and 1% insects by biomass, mainly parrots (Psittaculidae), Common Starlings Sturnus vulgaris and sparrows Passer sp. In the second period, it consisted of 94% birds, 3% mammals (mostly microbats), 2% lizards and <1% insects by number, and was more dominated by Starlings and other introduced birds, with the change perhaps reflecting a recent decline in local insect abundance. The Hobby’s dietary metrics correspondingly shifted to a greater Geometric Mean Prey Weight and narrower food niche. The Hobby’s diet overlapped moderately (42%) with that of the similarly sized Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrocephalus in the ACT over the same timeframe, although the two are separated by foraging habitats and methods.
21
Wooller, RD, and MC Calver. "Changes in an Assemblage of Small Birds in the Understorey of Dry Sclerophyll Forest in Southwestern Australia After Fire." Wildlife Research 15, no. 3 (1988): 331. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9880331.
Full textAbstract:
Changes in the numbers and types of small birds caught in mist-nets in the understorey of dry sclerophyll forest in south-western Australia were recorded for three years after a low intensity fire. There were few changes in the species composition of the assemblage but abundances of the 6-8 most numerous and relatively sedentary species were approximately halved. Many marked individuals (22%) were recaptured up to three years after the fire. After the fire, the number of prey taxa recorded from the faeces of birds caught fell from twelve to six, and the birds ate proportionately more ants and fewer beetles. Ants eaten after the fire were smaller than those eaten before it.
22
Haylock, J., and a. Lill. "Winter Ecological Energetics of 2 Passerine Bird Species in Temperate Wet Forest." Wildlife Research 15, no. 3 (1988): 319. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9880319.
Full textAbstract:
Autumn and winter time-energy budgets were constructed for brown thornbills, Acanthiza pusilla, and eastern yellow robins, Eopsaltria australis, inhabiting a temperate wet forest in south-eastern Australia. Birds spent 84-88% of daylight hours foraging in both seasons, but decreased the metabolic cost of other activity in winter by spending more time on energetically inexpensive behaviours. Estimated daily energy expenditures were either seasonally constant or increased (thornbill) or decreased (robin) in winter by no nore than l0%, depending on the assumed degree of substitution for the thermoregulatory requirement. Thornbills increased foraging efficiency in winter to compensate for the reduction in absolute foraging time. Less dramatic changes in behavioural strategies were required to achieve energy balance than have been recorded for many small north temperate birds. Brown thornbills used an energetically expensive, active search foraging technique to capture small, cryptic prey at a fast rate. Yellow robins employed an inexpensive, 'sit-and-wait' strategy to capture larger, more conspicuous prey at a slower rate. Both species had similar time investments in foraging, but allocated greatly differing proportions of energy to active foraging and resting alert. These contrasting strategies offer the potential for performing several activities simultaneously in the yellow robin and for reducing foraging and vigilance investments through exploiting gregariousness in the brown thornbill.
23
Short, Jeff, Michael C. Calver, and Danielle A. Risbey. "The impact of cats and foxes on the small vertebrate fauna of Heirisson Prong, Western Australia. I. Exploring potential impact using diet analysis." Wildlife Research 26, no. 5 (1999): 621. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr98066.
Full textAbstract:
The diets of cats (Felis catus) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) killed during predator control at a semi-arid site in Western Australia were studied to see which prey species may be affected by predation from these introduced predators. The number of items, biomass and frequency of occurrence of each food type in the gut contents from 109 feral cats, 62 semi-feral cats and 47 foxes were used to calculate an Index of Relative Importance for each food category for each predator. Mammals were the most important prey group for all three predators, with rabbit being the most highly ranked prey species. The diets of feral and semi-feral cats were similar in dietary diversity but differed in the frequency of occurrence of some food categories. Native rodents, birds and reptiles occurred more frequently and were ranked higher in the diet of feral cats, and food scraps occurred more frequently in the diet of semi-feral cats. The diet of foxes was less diverse than that of either group of cats. Invertebrates and sheep carrion were more important prey categories for foxes than for cats. In the summer–autumn period, foxes ate more sheep carrion and invertebrates than they did in winter–spring. The diet of feral cats was more diverse in summer–autumn, including a greater range of invertebrates and more rodents, birds and reptiles than in the winter–spring period. We predict that cats are more likely to have an impact on small vertebrates at this site and that the control of cats could lead to recoveries in the populations of native rodents, birds and reptiles. By contrast, the control of foxes alone may lead to a rise in cat numbers and a consequent detrimental impact on small vertebrate populations.
24
Klomp, NI, and RD Wooller. "Diet of little penguins, Eudyptula minor, from Penguin Island, Western Australia." Marine and Freshwater Research 39, no. 5 (1988): 633. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf9880633.
Full textAbstract:
Between March 1986 and March 1987, the stomach contents of 236 little penguins on Penguin Island, Western Australia, were obtained using an emetic. The 1392 prey items identified included 16 fish species, one squid and one prawn, but four fishes comprised most of the birds' diet. Hyperlophus vittatus was taken throughout the year, Sardinops neopilchardus and Hyporhamphus melanochir mainly in winter and Spratelloides robustus during spring/summer. The penguins are largely opportunistic in their foraging and their diet appears to be similar to the fish species caught locally by commercial bait fishermen.
25
Martin, Gary R., and Laurie E. Twigg. "Sensitivity to sodium fluoroacetate (1080) of native animals from north-western Australia." Wildlife Research 29, no. 1 (2002): 75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr00117.
Full textAbstract:
The sensitivity to sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) of 9 species of native animals from north-western Australia was assessed using the increasing dose procedure to determine the Approximate Lethal Dose for each species. Granivorous birds from this region (e.g. ducks, corellas) were generally more sensitive to 1080 than their counterparts from southern Australia, and would be theoretically at risk from primary poisoning during 1080 grainbased baiting programs. However, the tolerance to 1080 of birds of prey from these areas is sufficient that these species face little risk of secondary poisoning during pest-control programs aimed at rodents or rabbits. The risk of primary poisoning to raptors from meat baits containing 6 mg 1080 per bait or less also appears to be low. The coexistence of brown falcons and barn owls with fluoroacetate-bearing vegetation over parts of their range has probably contributed to their development of tolerance to fluoroacetate.
26
Burton, Andrew M., and Penny Olsen. "Niche Partitioning by Two Sympatric Goshawks in the Australian Wet Tropics: Breeding-season Diet." Wildlife Research 24, no. 1 (1997): 45. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr96085.
Full textAbstract:
In general, coexisting accipiters show low dietary overlap and clear morphological separation. However, most studies have been conducted in the Northern Hemisphere. In Australia, the two accipitrid goshawks, the grey goshawk, Accipiter novaehollandiae, and brown goshawk, A. fasciatus, are relatively similar in size. The diets of the two goshawks were studied in an area of sympatry, at Abergowrie State Forest, Queensland, in the wet tropics, during the breeding season. The diet of the brown goshawk contained more birds than did that of the grey goshawk, which preyed more on medium-sized mammals and reptiles. The proportion of insects in the diet was similar in the two species. Grey goshawks preferred terrestrial and arboreal prey to the brown goshawks' more aerial prey. The grey goshawk took heavier prey on average and had a slightly more diverse diet. Nevertheless, at 93%, dietary overlap between the goshawks was high. Such high overlap may be possible because of the high diversity and abundance of prey in the tropics, easing interspecific competition.
27
Falkenberg, ID, TE Dennis, and BD Williams. "Organochlorine Pesticide Contamination in Three Species of Raptor and Their Prey in South Australia." Wildlife Research 21, no. 2 (1994): 163. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9940163.
Full textAbstract:
The extent of organochlorine pesticide contamination in 3 species of predatory birds from the central regions of South Australia was investigated. Residues in both eggs and tissue, as well as measurements of shell thickness, were obtained for Falco peregrinus (peregrine falcon), Pandion haliaetus (osprey) and Haliaeetus leucogaster (white-bellied sea eagle). Organochlorine residues in some prey species were also measured. Residues of DDE and DDT in the predatory birds were found to be low to moderate. Concn of total DDT were greatest in F. peregrinus (mean 1.82 mg/kg), followed by the H. leucogaster and P.haliaetus (mean 1.07 and 0.11 mg/kg, resp.). A comparison of F. peregrinus eggs collected before and after 1947 showed significant eggshell thinning (mean 16%). DDT residue levels of concern were recorded for several prey species commonly found in the diet of H. leucogaster and F. peregrinus, particularly in Columbia livia (feral pigeons) (37.46 mg/kg) and Larus novaehollandiae (silver gulls) (3.06 mg/kg). These concn were well above those known to cause reproductive failure in falcons. DDT was also found at high concn in eggs of Pelecanus conspicillatus (pelican) (mean 2.04 mg/kg). Dieldrin was present in most samples, but at low concn. The degree of pesticide contamination detected was considered sufficient to interfere with the reproduction of F. peregrinus in South Australia.
28
Ugan, Andrew, and Steven Simms. "On Prey Mobility, Prey Rank, and Foraging Goals." American Antiquity 77, no. 1 (January 2012): 179–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.7183/0002-7316.77.1.179.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractIn their recent paper “In Pursuit of Mobile Prey,” Bird, Bliege-Bird, and Codding (2009) identify a negative relationship between body size and post-encounter returns among Martu prey in western Australia, attributing the phenomena to the greater mobility of large animals and associated risk of hunting failure. While this phenomenon has implications for archaeological applications of foraging models that assume body size and on-encounter returns are positively correlated, the Martu data may be less exceptional than they appear. Here we outline the reasons for our skepticism, point out areas in which we are in agreement, and build upon their findings by exploring the trade-offs between foraging to maximize efficiency and immediate returns and foraging for purposes other than immediate provisioning.
29
Gales, R., and D. Pemberton. "Diet of the Australian fur seal in Tasmania." Marine and Freshwater Research 45, no. 4 (1994): 653. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf9940653.
Full textAbstract:
In Tasmanian waters, fish were the most prevalent prey taxa in the diet of Arctocephalus pusillus dorlferus, with cephalopods occurring less frequently. Occurrence of crustaceans and birds was negligible. Most prey remains of cephalopods were obtained from regurgitates, whereas faeces provided most fish remains. Twenty-five species of fish were identified from faecal and regurgitate samples, with redbait (Emmelichthys nitidus), jack mackerel (Trachurus declivis) and leatherjackets (Monacanthidae) constituting the main prey species. There was an inverse relationship between the occurrence of fish and that of cephalopods in the samples from Bass Strait, with fish predominating in winter and cephalopods in summer. Size estimates of prey indicated that mainly adult fish and squid were eaten. Most samples contained remains of a single species, suggesting the use of monospecific aggregations of prey items.
30
Kirkwood, R., P. Dann, and M. Belvedere. "A comparison of the diets of feral cats Felis catus and red foxes Vulpes vulpes on Phillip Island, Victoria." Australian Mammalogy 27, no. 1 (2005): 89. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am05089.
Full textAbstract:
THE introduction of feral cats (Felis catus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) to Australia in the 1800s had a profound impact on resident ecosystems. Both predators colonised successfully and now are distributed across most of mainland Australia (Saunders et al. 1995; Abbott 2002). They consume mainly ground-dwelling mammals (Coman 1973; Croft and Hone 1978; Jones and Coman 1981; Lapidge and Henshall 2002; Hutchings 2003), but where these are scarce, birds, reptiles, insects and human refuse may become important dietary components (e.g., Bubela et al. 1998; Paltridge 2002). Although they prey on similar species, when compared at the same location differences in diet between the predators are evident (Triggs et al. 1984; Catling 1988; Risbey et al. 1999).
31
Riddell, William. "Book Review Birds of Prey of Australia: A Field Guide, third edition by Stephen Debus." Australian Field Ornithology 36 (2019): 141. http://dx.doi.org/10.20938/afo141141.
Full text
32
Reading, C. J., L. M. Luiselli, G. C. Akani, X. Bonnet, G. Amori, J. M. Ballouard, E. Filippi, G. Naulleau, D. Pearson, and L. Rugiero. "Are snake populations in widespread decline?" Biology Letters 6, no. 6 (June 9, 2010): 777–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2010.0373.
Full textAbstract:
Long-term studies have revealed population declines in fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. In birds, and particularly amphibians, these declines are a global phenomenon whose causes are often unclear. Among reptiles, snakes are top predators and therefore a decline in their numbers may have serious consequences for the functioning of many ecosystems. Our results show that, of 17 snake populations (eight species) from the UK, France, Italy, Nigeria and Australia, 11 have declined sharply over the same relatively short period of time with five remaining stable and one showing signs of a marginal increase. Although the causes of these declines are currently unknown, we suspect that they are multi-faceted (such as habitat quality deterioration, prey availability), and with a common cause, e.g. global climate change, at their root.
33
Fromant, Aymeric, Yonina Eizenberg, Rosalind Jessop, Arnaud Lec’hvien, Johanna Geeson, and John Arnould. "Colony relocation of Greater Crested Terns Thalasseus bergii in Bass Strait, south-eastern Australia." Australian Field Ornithology 37 (2020): 166–71. http://dx.doi.org/10.20938/afo37166171.
Full textAbstract:
A newly established Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii colony was observed on Kanowna Island, northern Bass Strait, in December 2019 and was monitored through January 2020. A maximum of 532 ± 28 nests was counted,representing ~15–20% of the known northern Bass Strait breeding population. Resightings of 69 leg-banded individuals (from 3 to 24 years of age) demonstrated that founding individuals originated from colonies in Victoria [The Nobbies on Phillip Island (54%), Corner Inlet Barrier Islands (39%), Mud Islands in Port Phillip Bay (6%)] and one individual from South Australia. Breeding began 2 months later than usual for northern Bass Strait, perhaps because the birds only moved to Kanowna Island after failed nesting attempts elsewhere (Corner Inlet and Phillip Island). Individuals were observed to mainly feed their chicks with Barracouta Thyrsites atun and Jack Mackerel Trachurus declivis, contrasting with the usual predominance of Australian Anchovy Engraulis australis in the diet of this species in the Bass Strait region. This relocation may result from local changes in prey availability and/or a combination of potential human disturbance, predation and storm events. The recent 50% decrease in the number of breeding Greater Crested Terns in Victoria suggests substantial changes in the regional environmental conditions, highlighting the importance of understanding the impact of environmental variations on seabird species.
34
Radford, James Q., and Andrew F. Bennett. "Terrestrial avifauna of the Gippsland Plain and Strzelecki Ranges, Victoria, Australia: insights from Atlas data." Wildlife Research 32, no. 6 (2005): 531. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr04012.
Full textAbstract:
The rate and spatial scale at which natural environments are being modified by human land-uses mean that a regional or national perspective is necessary to understand the status of the native biota. Here, we outline a landscape-based approach for using data from the ‘New Atlas of Australian Birds’ to examine the distribution and status of avifauna at a regional scale. We use data from two bioregions in south-east Australia – the Gippsland Plain and the Strzelecki Ranges (collectively termed the greater Gippsland Plains) – to demonstrate this approach. Records were compiled for 57 landscape units, each 10′ latitude by 10′ longitude (~270 km2) across the study region. A total of 165 terrestrial bird species was recorded from 1870 ‘area searches’, with a further 24 species added from incidental observations and other surveys. Of these, 108 species were considered ‘typical’ of the greater Gippsland Plain in that they currently or historically occur regularly in the study region. An index of species ‘occurrence’, combining reporting rate and breadth of distribution, was used to identify rare, common, widespread and restricted species. Ordination of the dataset highlighted assemblages of birds that had similar spatial distributions. A complementarity analysis identified a subset of 14 landscape units that together contained records from at least three different landscape units for each of the 108 ‘typical’ species. When compared with the 40 most common ‘typical’ species, the 40 least common species were more likely to be forest specialists, nest on the ground and, owing to the prevalence of raptors in the least common group, take prey on the wing. The future status of the terrestrial avifauna of the greater Gippsland Plains will depend on the extent to which effective restoration actions can be undertaken to ensure adequate representation of habitats for all species, especially for the large number of species of conservation concern.
35
Woinarski, John C. Z., Sally L. South, Paul Drummond, Gregory R. Johnston, and Alex Nankivell. "The diet of the feral cat (Felis catus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and dog (Canis familiaris) over a three-year period at Witchelina Reserve, in arid South Australia." Australian Mammalogy 40, no. 2 (2018): 204. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am17033.
Full textAbstract:
Introduced predators have had, and continue to have, severe impacts on Australian biodiversity. At a recently established conservation reserve, Witchelina, in arid South Australia, we assessed the diet of feral cats (Felis catus) (404 samples), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) (51 samples) and dog (Canis familiaris) (11 samples) over a 3-year period. There was marked overlap (98.5%) in dietary composition between cats and foxes. Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) comprised a major dietary item for all three predators. Invertebrates contributed the largest number of prey items for foxes and cats, but mammals comprised the bulk, by weight, for all three predators. Birds and reptiles had a higher frequency of occurrence in the diet of cats than of foxes or dogs. The size of mammal prey taken was least for cats and greatest for dogs. The diets of cats and foxes showed significant seasonal variation, with reptiles and invertebrates being least common in the diet in winter. The threatened thick-billed grasswren (Amytornis modestus) was found for the first time in the diet of feral cats. Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) occurred in about one-third of cat and fox samples. This study contributes further to the evidence of biodiversity impacts of introduced predators, and the need for their strategic management.
36
Debus, S. J. S., Jerry Olsen, Susan Trost, and Esteban Fuentes. "Breeding diets of the Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides and Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax in the Australian Capital Territory in 2011–2019." Australian Field Ornithology 38 (2021): 19–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.20938/afo38019028.
Full textAbstract:
The diets of the Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides and Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax breeding sympatrically in the Australian Capital Territory during 2011–2019 were compared by analysis of pellets and prey remains (six Little Eagle territories and 13 Wedge-tailed Eagle territories; 69 and 49 collections for a total of 232 and 256 prey items, respectively). Little Eagles took 33% mammals (29% European Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus), 44% birds, 6% reptiles and 17% insects by number, and 65% mammals (62% Rabbits), 27% birds, 8% reptiles and <1% insects by biomass. Wedge-tailed Eagles took 59% mammals (23% Rabbits and 19% macropods), 38% birds, 1% reptiles, <1% fish and 1% insects by number, and 89% mammals (20% Rabbits, 38% macropods), 10% birds, and <1% reptiles, fish and insects by biomass. Indices of dietary diversity (Shannon Index and Standardised Food Niche Breadth) were 2.57 vs 3.07 and 0.19 vs 0.24, respectively; Geometric Mean Prey Weights (GMPW) were 164 vs 1392 g, but discounting a biased sample of insects in many pellets from two fledglings, Little Eagle GMPW was more like 340 g. Dietary proportions and some metrics for both species appear to have changed little since the preceding decade, although Wedge-tailed Eagle dietary diversity increased slightly and dietary overlap (80%) increased greatly, concomitantly with some pairs of Wedge-tailed Eagles replacing pairs of Little Eagles. Intraguild predation occurred, including Wedge-tailed Eagle predation on Little Eagles.
37
Sazima, Ivan. "Playful waterbird: Australasian Darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae) plays with sticks." Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia 27, no. 1 (March 2019): 56–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/bf03544448.
Full textAbstract:
AbstractPlay with objects by birds is recorded usually for nestlings and juveniles. This behaviour is regarded as important for motor development and practice of essential skills, mostly foraging and breeding. Play is recorded for the Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) in North America. For the remaining three recognised species play with objects seems unreported. Herein I present events of play with objects by a maturing individual of the Australasian Darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae) recorded at the urban area of Sydney, southeastern Australia. In one of the play events, the darter played with a stick it broke from a partly submerged tree it was resting on. In another event, the bird picked a floating pod, tossed it into the air and caught it again. As the Australasian Darter maturing individual possibly was a male, it could be practicing to gather sticks for nest construction, whereas playing with the pod is related to prey handling.
38
Fearn, S., J. Dowde, and D. F. Trembath. "Body size and trophic divergence of two large sympatric elapid snakes (Notechis scutatus and Austrelaps superbus) (Serpentes:Elapidae) in Tasmania." Australian Journal of Zoology 60, no. 3 (2012): 159. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo12004.
Full textAbstract:
Tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) and lowland copperheads (Austrelaps superbus) are both large viviparous elapid snakes confined to the cooler, mesic regions of southern Australia. In spite of both species being common and widespread in the island state of Tasmania, no quantified studies on the trophic ecology of these two snakes from the main island has been published. During a two-year period we collected field data from 127 adult A. superbus and 74 adult N. scutatus from throughout eastern Tasmania. For both species, males were larger than females with respect to all measured parameters, including mass and head size. Reproduction in females was strongly seasonal and clutch size was not related to maternal body size. N. scutatus has a larger head than A. superbus and consequently ingests both small and large prey. N. scutatus in our study displayed the most catholic diet of any Australian elapid studied to date and consumed mammals (possum, bandicoot, antechinus, rats, mice), birds (fairy wrens), fish (eel, trout) and frogs. A. superbus shows a more specialist diet of large volumes of predominately ectothermic prey (frogs, lizards, snakes) even at maximal sizes and was more likely to contain ingested prey than specimens of N. scutatus. Distinctive rodent bite scars were common on N. scutatus but rare on A. superbus. The high frequency of rodent bite scars on N. scutatus further supports our findings of a primarily endothermic diet for mature specimens. We suggest that significant differences in head size, and hence diet, as well as a taxonomically diverse suite of potential prey in Tasmania allow both these large snakes to coexist in sympatry and avoid interspecific competitive exclusion.
39
Fulton, Graham R. "Avian nest predation in Australian temperate forest and woodland: a review." Pacific Conservation Biology 24, no. 2 (2018): 122. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc17035.
Full textAbstract:
Many forest and woodland birds are threatened by landscape modifications and predation, particularly nest predation. Nest predation affects a critical stage in avian life histories, which impacts the recruitment of new generations of adult birds. This review discusses the main issues in nest predation research in Australia: mesopredators, the use of artificial nests, ‘edge-effects’, the identification and role of nest predators and the responses of their prey. One conservation strategy is to selectively remove introduced mesopredators, but mesopredators iteratively replace one another, so the net benefit may be negligible. Authors have questioned the utility of artificial nests: they often provide results that vary from natural nests, thus I propose they are best seen as generators of hypotheses to be tested at natural nests. Many studies investigated nest success based on the distance to the edge of the forest or woodland, with equivocal results. Yet fragment size, structure and faunal assemblage set in a more complex paradigm may better explain the presence or absence of effects at edges. There are various types of evidence used to identify nest predators. I argue that cameras are the most functional and direct observations are the most informative. A large number and variety of nest predators are reported yet reviews of nest predation call for more information on the identity and roles of nest predators, particularly on those that add predation pressure beyond what the prey might be able to sustain. The impact of nest characteristics: type, height, vegetation layer, concealment and re-nesting were found to be equivocal in relation to nest predation and in need of focussed research on phylogenetic groups and guilds present within assemblages and within the context of assemblages. A handful of research studies have looked at the possible conservation actions of culling nest-predators and placing cages around threatened birds. More such studies are needed because they provide direct information about practical interventions. Research within assemblages is required to identify and elucidate the roles of nest predators and prey responses and to generate broad and useful theories, which may better inform conservation models.
40
Short, Jeff, Jacqui D. Richards, and Sally O'Neill. "Reintroduction of the greater stick-nest rat (Leporillus conditor) to Heirisson Prong, Shark Bay: an unsuccessful attempt to establish a mainland population." Australian Mammalogy 40, no. 2 (2018): 269. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am17046.
Full textAbstract:
Greater stick-nest rats were reintroduced to Heirisson Prong from Salutation Island at Shark Bay to establish the first mainland population in Western Australia in over 60 years. Forty-eight animals were transferred over two years from August 1999 to a 17-ha enclosure of natural vegetation that excluded foxes and feral cats. This refuge from introduced predators was located within a larger 1200-ha area where these predators were controlled. Stick-nest rats were able to disperse from the refuge to the wider area. The reintroduction was unsuccessful, with the last record in August 2007. Rats were reproducing in most years, yet only 28 recruits were detected over the reintroduction. Mean condition of rats was better at the reintroduction site relative to the source site. Survivorship of successive translocation cohorts was poorer than that of their predecessors, and survivorship of recruits was poorer than that of translocated animals. The most likely explanations for the decline are predation from monitors and small birds of prey within the refuge, and from monitors, small birds of prey and feral cats outside the refuge. An irruption of other rodents immediately before and coinciding with the reintroduction and building rabbit numbers likely contributed to elevated levels of predation from predators.
41
Keast, Allen. "Australian Birds of Prey: The Biology and Ecology of Raptors.Penny Olsen." Quarterly Review of Biology 73, no. 2 (June 1998): 219. http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/420235.
Full text
42
Prahalad, Vishnu, Jamie B. Kirkpatrick, John Aalders, Scott Carver, Joanna Ellison, Violet Harrison-Day, Peter McQuillan, Brigid Morrison, Alastair Richardson, and Eric Woehler. "Conservation ecology of Tasmanian coastal saltmarshes, south-east Australia – a review." Pacific Conservation Biology 26, no. 2 (2020): 105. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc19016.
Full textAbstract:
Temperate Australian saltmarshes, including those in the southern island state of Tasmania, are considered to be a threatened ecological community under Australian federal legislation. There is a need to improve our understanding of the ecological components, functional relationships and threatening processes of Tasmanian coastal saltmarshes and distil research priorities that could assist recovery actions. A semisystematic review of the literature on Tasmanian coastal saltmarshes supported by expert local knowledge identified 75 studies from 1947 to 2019. Existing understanding pertains to saltmarsh plants, soils, invertebrates and human impacts with ongoing studies currently adding to this knowledge base. Several knowledge gaps remain, and the present review recommends six key priority areas for research: (1) citizen science–organised inventory of (initially) saltmarsh birds, plants and human impacts with the potential for expansion of datasets; (2) use of saltmarsh by marine transient species including fish and decapods; (3) use of saltmarsh by, and interactions with, native and introduced mammals; (4) invertebrates and their interactions with predators (e.g. birds, fish) and prey (e.g. insects, plants, detritus); (5) historic saltmarsh loss and priority areas for conservation; (6) monitoring changes to saltmarsh due to both localised human impacts (e.g. grazing, eutrophication, destruction) and global change factors (e.g. climate change, sea-level rise). Addressing these research priorities will help in developing a better understanding of the ecological character of Tasmanian coastal saltmarshes and improve their conservation management.
43
Pryor, Kimberley. "Predation and prey-caching of Eastern Water Skinks Eulamprus quoyii by nesting Nankeen Kestrels Falco cenchroides in eastern New South Wales." Australian Field Ornithology 38 (2021): 193–200. http://dx.doi.org/10.20938/afo38193200.
Full textAbstract:
The breeding diet of a pair of Nankeen Kestrels Falco cenchroides nesting in Beresfield, eastern New South Wales, in 2020 was investigated. By individual prey species, the diet comprised 61.3% reptiles (including two prey species not previously recorded in the Nankeen Kestrel diet—Eastern Water Skink Eulamprus quoyii and most likely Southern Rainbow Skink Carlia tetradactyla), 9.7% birds (including a new prey species—Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus), 6.4% invertebrates (two crickets: Grylloidea), 3.2% mammals (one House Mouse Mus musculus) and 19.4% unidentified prey items (percentages by number). During 31.5 h of observations, the male delivered 22/31 prey items (71%) and the female delivered 9/31 prey items (29%) to the nest tree. The average delivery rate over the entire nestling period was one prey item per hour. Prey-caching, whereby the female stored lizards in the fork of a tree and later retrieved them and fed them tothe single nestling, was observed. Further studies are needed to obtain well-documented accounts of prey-caching by Australian falcons.
44
Pryor, Kimberley. "Predation and prey-caching of Eastern Water Skinks Eulamprus quoyii by nesting Nankeen Kestrels Falco cenchroides in eastern New South Wales." Australian Field Ornithology 38 (2021): 193–200. http://dx.doi.org/10.20938/afo38193200.
Full textAbstract:
The breeding diet of a pair of Nankeen Kestrels Falco cenchroides nesting in Beresfield, eastern New South Wales, in 2020 was investigated. By individual prey species, the diet comprised 61.3% reptiles (including two prey species not previously recorded in the Nankeen Kestrel diet—Eastern Water Skink Eulamprus quoyii and most likely Southern Rainbow Skink Carlia tetradactyla), 9.7% birds (including a new prey species—Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus), 6.4% invertebrates (two crickets: Grylloidea), 3.2% mammals (one House Mouse Mus musculus) and 19.4% unidentified prey items (percentages by number). During 31.5 h of observations, the male delivered 22/31 prey items (71%) and the female delivered 9/31 prey items (29%) to the nest tree. The average delivery rate over the entire nestling period was one prey item per hour. Prey-caching, whereby the female stored lizards in the fork of a tree and later retrieved them and fed them tothe single nestling, was observed. Further studies are needed to obtain well-documented accounts of prey-caching by Australian falcons.
45
Chiaradia, André, Manuela G. Forero, Keith A. Hobson, and J. Mike Cullen. "Changes in diet and trophic position of a top predator 10 years after a mass mortality of a key prey." ICES Journal of Marine Science 67, no. 8 (June 29, 2010): 1710–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsq067.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract Chiaradia, A., Forero, M. G., Hobson, K. A., and Cullen, J. M. 2010. Changes in diet and trophic position of a top predator 10 years after a mass mortality of a key prey. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 1710–1720. After the disappearance of primary prey, seabirds exhibit gradually decreased breeding performance, and eventually the population size drops. Results are presented of an investigation into the diet of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) at Phillip Island, Australia, during a period when their key prey, pilchard (Sardinops sagax), declined dramatically. Data from stomach flushing (1982–2006) were used, supported by stable isotope (δ15N, δ13C) analyses of blood samples (2003, 2004, and 2006). The effect of the pilchard mortality on penguin diet was immediate, the birds shifting to a diet almost devoid of pilchard, and this was followed by 2 years of low breeding success, with considerably fewer penguins coming ashore. During periods when pilchard was not part of the diet, penguins consumed prey of a higher trophic level, e.g. higher values of δ15N. Variability in penguin blood δ15N coincided with years of low prey diversity. The disappearance of pilchard resulted in a decrease in prey diversity and led penguins to “fish up” the foodweb, possibly because of the simplified trophic structure. After 1998, however, breeding success re-attained average levels and the numbers of penguins coming ashore increased, probably because of increased abundance of prey other than pilchard after a 3-year period of food scarcity. Although little penguins apparently compensated over time, a less-flexible diet could make them ultimately vulnerable to further changes in their foodweb.
46
McDonald, Paul G., Penny D. Olsen, and D. J. Baker-Gabb. "Territory fidelity, reproductive success and prey choice in the brown falcon, Falco berigora: a flexible bet-hedger?" Australian Journal of Zoology 51, no. 4 (2003): 399. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo02059.
Full textAbstract:
The brown falcon, Falco berigora, is one of Australia's most common and widespread raptors, inhabiting a broad array of habitats and most climatic zones across Australia. We monitored a large, marked population (44–49 pairs) over three annual breeding seasons in southern Victoria. Reproductive parameters such as clutch size and the duration of parental care were constant across years. However, there were marked differences in brood size and the proportion of pairs breeding. Both sexes of falcons were found to have high territory and mate fidelity, with only 10% of members of each sex changing territories during the study. Falcons were flexible in their choice of nest sites, using a variety of tree species and even isolated nest trees. Nest sites and territories were regularly distributed throughout the study area, with the density of the population the highest on record for this species. The diet of the population as a whole was very broad, but each pair predominantly specialised on either lagomorphs, small ground prey, small birds, large birds or reptiles. Individuals that changed territory within the study area also switched their diet according to the predominant land-use within the new territory and thus prey availability. We argue that, at the population level, broad dietary breadth, flexibility in choice of nest site, and a conservative, static breeding strategy allows the species to persist in a broad range of environments, possibly through 'bet-hedging'. At the individual level, changeable dietary specialisation, high territory fidelity, strong year-round territorial defence, confining breeding to years when individual conditions were favourable and adjusting brood sizes when required appear to be the main strategies enabling brown falcons to thrive under a variety of conditions.
47
Withers, PC, CE Cooper, and WA Buttemer. "Are day-active small mammals rare and small birds abundant in Australian desert environments because small mammals are inferior thermoregulators?" Australian Mammalogy 26, no. 2 (2004): 117. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am04117.
Full textAbstract:
Small desert birds are typically diurnal and highly mobile (hence conspicuous) whereas small non-volant mammals are generally nocturnal and less mobile (hence inconspicuous). Birds are more mobile than terrestrial mammals on a local and geographic scale, and most desert birds are not endemic but simply move to avoid the extremes of desert conditions. Many small desert mammals are relatively sedentary and regularly use physiological adjustments to cope with their desert environment (e.g., aestivation or hibernation). It seems likely that prey activity patterns and reduced conspicuousness to predators have reinforced nocturnality in small desert mammals. Differences such as nocturnality and mobility simply reflect differing life-history traits of birds and mammals rather than being a direct result of their differences in physiological capacity for tolerating daytime desert conditions.
48
Ropert-Coudert, Yan, Akiko Kato, and André Chiaradia. "Impact of small-scale environmental perturbations on local marine food resources: a case study of a predator, the little penguin." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 276, no. 1676 (September 3, 2009): 4105–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2009.1399.
Full textAbstract:
Although the impact of environmental changes on the demographic parameters of top predators is well established, the mechanisms by which populations are affected remain poorly understood. Here, we show that a reduction in the thermal stratification of coastal water masses between 2005 and 2006 was associated with reduced foraging and breeding success of little penguins Eudyptula minor , major bio-indicators of the Bass Strait ecosystem in southern Australia. The foraging patterns of the penguins suggest that their prey disperse widely in poorly stratified waters, leading to reduced foraging efficiency and poor breeding success. Mixed water regimes resulting from storms are currently unusual during the breeding period of these birds, but are expected to become more frequent due to climate change.
49
Loeffler-Henry, Karl, Changku Kang, and Thomas N. Sherratt. "The anti-predation benefit of flash displays is related to the distance at which the prey initiates its escape." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 288, no. 1955 (July 28, 2021): 20210866. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2021.0866.
Full textAbstract:
Flash behaviour is widespread in the animal kingdom and describes the exposure of a hidden conspicuous signal as an animal flees from predators. Recent studies have demonstrated that the signal can enhance survivorship by leading pursuing predators into assuming the flasher is also conspicuous at rest. Naturally, this illusion will work best if potential predators are ignorant of the flasher's resting appearance, which could be achieved if the prey flees while the predator is relatively far away. To test this hypothesis, we compared the survival of flashing and non-flashing computer-generated prey with different flight initiation distances (FIDs) using humans as model predators. This experiment found that flash displays confer a survivorship advantage only to those prey with a long FID. A complementary phylogenetic analysis of Australian bird species supports these results: after controlling for body size, species with putative flashing signals had longer FIDs than those without. Species with putative flashing signals also tended to be larger, as demonstrated in other taxa. The anti-predation benefit of flash displays is therefore related to the nature of escape behaviour. Since birds with hidden signals tend to flee at a distance, the flash display here is unlikely to function by startling would-be predators.
50
Phalen, DN, P. Holz, L. Rasmussen, and C. Bayley. "Fatal columbid herpesvirus-1 infections in three species of Australian birds of prey." Australian Veterinary Journal 89, no. 5 (April 18, 2011): 193–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00706.x.
Full text