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Old JM, Stannard HJ. Conservation of quolls (Dasyurus spp.) in captivity – a review. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/am20033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Quolls are carnivorous marsupials in the family Dasyuridae with characteristic white spots. They are distributed throughout Australia and New Guinea, but uncommonly seen due to their mostly nocturnal solitary nature, and large home ranges. All Australian quolls are listed as ‘near threatened’ or ‘endangered’ at state, national and international levels, largely due to human-induced threats. Threats include introduced predators, habitat loss through clearing and modifications including changed fire regimes, disease, human persecution, vehicle collisions and accidental or targeted poisoning by humans and cane toads (Rhinella marina). Conservation efforts that have focussed on reducing introduced predators, and minimising the impact of cane toads, have aided some translocations, hence species recovery in some local areas of Australia has occurred. Where species conservation has required captive breeding for translocation, successful captive management has been crucial. We summarise research conducted in captivity on aspects of birth and development, health and disease, and blood and nutrition parameters of quolls, and suggest future directions for research. Further research on captive and wild quoll populations will benefit future translocations, reintroductions and conservation through increased knowledge, improved maintenance and husbandry of captive colonies, and monitoring of wild populations.
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Letendre C, Sawyer E, Young LJ, Old JM. Immunosenescence in a captive semelparous marsupial, the red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura). BMC ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1186/s40850-018-0036-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
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Rose RK, Pemberton DA, Mooney NJ, Jones ME. Sarcophilus harrisii (Dasyuromorphia: Dasyuridae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/mspecies/sex001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Stannard HJ, Tong L, Shaw M, Van Sluys M, McAllan B, Raubenheimer D. Nutritional status and functional digestive histology of the carnivorous Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2016; 205:1-7. [PMID: 27956166 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) are the largest carnivorous marsupial in Australia. Currently many animals are being held in captivity as a management procedure to combat Devil Facial Tumor Disease. Only one published study thus far has investigated nutrition in Tasmanian devils, determining their maintenance energy requirements and digestibility on a rodent diet. More information is needed on Tasmanian devil nutritional and gastrointestinal function to aid in their management. Our study aimed to investigate the current nutritional status of Tasmanian devils in a captive population and functional morphology and histology of their gastrointestinal tract. Animals were maintained on a diet of kangaroo, rabbit, quail and chicken wings and digestibility of these items by the devils was high (>85% for dry matter, protein and lipid). Kangaroo and rabbit were high protein diet items while the quail and chicken wings provided high lipid to the diet, and carbohydrates were minimal (≤3% energy). Maintenance energy requirements were determined to be 620kJkg-0.75d-1 with no significant difference between males and females. Opportunistic samples for gastrointestinal morphology were obtained from captive specimens. Tasmanian devils have a simple digestive tract similar to other dasyurid species. Both the morphology and histology of the gastrointestinal tract show specialization for a high protein carnivorous diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley J Stannard
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, and Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Lydia Tong
- Taronga Wildlife Hospital, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
| | - Michelle Shaw
- Taronga Wildlife Hospital, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
| | - Monique Van Sluys
- Wildlife Conservation and Science, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
| | - Bronwyn McAllan
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - David Raubenheimer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, and Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Stannard HJ, McAllan BM, Old JM. Dietary composition and nutritional outcomes in two marsupials,Sminthopsis macrouraandS. crassicaudata. J Mammal 2014. [DOI: 10.1644/13-mamm-a-071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Stannard HJ, Old JM. Digestibility of two diet items by captive eastern quolls (Dasyurus viverrinus). Zoo Biol 2013; 32:417-22. [PMID: 23606336 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Revised: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) is a carnivorous Australian marsupial that has undergone significant geographical range contraction since European settlement, and is extinct on the mainland. Nutrition is not well researched in captive eastern quolls, and captive diets often consist of commercial pet foods as opposed to raw meat or insect diets. Improving nutrition will enhance reproductive output and ensure suitable numbers of quolls are bred to be used in translocation programs. The present study analyzed the composition of kangaroo mince and chicken necks, and the digestibility of these items, in a captive environment. The quolls had high apparent total tract digestibility on the chicken neck and kangaroo mince treatments (DM 83-88%, GE 95-97%, protein 94-97%, and lipids 94-95%, respectively). The apparent total tract digestibility of DM, GE, and proteins was significantly higher (t14= 2.465, P < 0.05; t14= 2.489, P < 0.05; t14= 5.470, P < 0.01, respectively) on the kangaroo mince treatment compared with the chicken neck treatment. This study provides the first data on Cu (-18-37%), S (86-95%), and Zn (26-28%) apparent total tract digestibility in a Dasyurid. Data gathered during this study can be used to improve management practices for captive quolls, including diet formulation and mineral supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley J Stannard
- Native and Pest Animal Unit, School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney, Penrith, Australia.
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Stannard HJ, Old JM. Digestibility of feeding regimes of the red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura) and the kultarr (Antechinomys laniger) in captivity. AUST J ZOOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1071/zo11069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Digestibility was studied in the red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura) and the kultarr (Antechinomys laniger), small insectivorous/carnivorous marsupials, to determine their nutrient requirements in captivity. The marsupials were fed a range of insects, rat (Rattus rattus) and small carnivore food (Wombaroo). Digestibility experiments were conducted for a total of 12 days, which incorporated a five-day adjustment phase followed by a seven-day collection period. The apparent digestibility values for the phascogale and kultarr were above 81% for dry matter, energy, protein and lipids on all diets provided. No significant difference was found between phascogales and kultarrs on the same diet with respect to apparent digestibility of dry matter, energy, protein and lipids. The apparent absorption of minerals varied for each diet for the phascogale and kultarr. Maintenance energy requirements were determined to be 954 kJ kg0.75 day–1 for the red-tailed phascogale and 695 kJ kg0.75 day–1 for the kultarr. Presented here are the most comprehensive data on diet digestibility for dasyurids thus far.
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Cooper P. Nutritional ecology: patterns and processes. AUST J ZOOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1071/zov59n6_in] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Stannard HJ, Old JM. Rate of passage through the digestive tract of the kultarr (Antechinomys laniger). AUST J ZOOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1071/zo11103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The kultarr (Antechinomys laniger) is a small insectivorous marsupial that has undergone significant declines in geographical range. Limited studies have been undertaken on kultarr biology and therefore there is a lack of understanding of its basic biological and ecological requirements. Rate of passage in the kultarr, determined using mealworm cuticle as a marker in minced beef, was 1.6 ± 0.2 h and mean retention time was 3.9 ± 1.2 h. The rapid transit time was consistent for an animal of equivalent body mass, dietary preference and gastrointestinal tract morphology. Mean retention time was short, similar to that of other mammals with a small body mass. This study provides the first insight into gastrointestinal physiology of the little known kultarr.
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Green B, Griffiths M, Newgrain K. Seasonal patterns in water, sodium and energy turnover in free-living echidnas,Tachyglossus aculeatus(Mammalia: Monotremata). J Zool (1987) 1992. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1992.tb04399.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Jones ME, Bradshaw SD, Fergusson B, Watts R. Effect of available surface water on levels of antidiuretic hormone (lysine vasopressin) and water and electrolyte metabolism of the Rottnest Island quokka (Setonix brachyurus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 1990; 77:75-87. [PMID: 2295426 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(90)90208-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A sensitive radioimmunoassay was developed to measure circulating levels of the neurohypophysial peptide lysine vasopressin (LVP) in the marsupial quokka (Setonix brachyurus), which is abundant on Rottnest Island off the coast of Western Australia. Animals from locations on the island where free water is completely absent were compared in midsummer with animals from sites where brackish water is available and utilized by the quokkas. In the animals from West End, where free water is absent, circulating levels of LVP averaged 89.2 +/- 19.6 pg/ml, which was significantly higher than the mean level of 35.6 +/- 15.8 pg/ml measured in individuals collected from the Lakes site with access to brackish drinking water. Rates of water and sodium turnover, measured with isotopes, were significantly greater in Lakes than West End animals, as were renal clearances of sodium, chloride, urea, and total osmolytes. Despite an obvious osmotic diuresis resulting from the ingestion of salty water, the Lakes animals were in better physical condition at the end of summer than the West End animals which lack free water, and these latter individuals showed signs of slight dehydration with elevated plasma and urinary electrolyte concentrations and osmolalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Jones
- Department of Zoology, University of Western Australia, Perth
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Rowe-Rowe DT, Green B, Crafford JE. Estimated Impact of feral house mice on sub-Antarctic invertebrates at Marion Island. Polar Biol 1989. [DOI: 10.1007/bf00443233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Gales R. Validation of the Use of Tritiated Water, Doubly Labeled Water, and 22Na for Estimating Food, Energy, and Water Intake in Little Penguins, Eudyptula minor. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1989. [DOI: 10.1086/physzool.62.1.30160003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Green B, Griffiths M, Newgrain K. Intake of milk by suckling echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. A, COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 1985; 81:441-4. [PMID: 2864186 DOI: 10.1016/0300-9629(85)90161-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Estimation of milk intake in the sucklings of three captive echnidnas, Tachyglossus aculeatus, and in one living in its natural habitat were made by determination of sodium turnover rate and sodium content of the milk. The mean rate of sodium influx of the sucklings was 2.48 +/- 1.31 mmol/kg X day. The daily rates of milk consumption and growth rates were variable with a mean weight increment of 0.41 +/- 0.10 g for each ml of milk consumed. There is a wide disparity in growth rates of echidna young that is related to differences in the body weights of the mothers.
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Validation and use of 22Na turnover to measure food intake in free-ranging lizards. Oecologia 1983; 60:76-82. [DOI: 10.1007/bf00379323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/1983] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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