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Mutton TY, Fuller SJ, Tucker D, Baker AM. Discovered and disappearing? Conservation genetics of a recently named Australian carnivorous marsupial. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:9413-9425. [PMID: 30377511 PMCID: PMC6194214 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Five new species within the Australian carnivorous marsupial genus Antechinus have recently been named, at least two of which are threatened. Important facets of the habitat use and extinction risk of one of these new species, the buff-footed antechinus, A. mysticus, are not well understood. Previous research has suggested that the species utilizes a broad range of inter-connected forest habitats in southeast Queensland (Qld), Australia. Based on this potentially connected habitat, we predicted that A. mysticus should have low population genetic structure, particularly in relation to its congener, the spatially restricted, high altitude, closed-forest A. subtropicus. We genotyped nine microsatellite loci for six populations of A. mysticus, sampled throughout their known range in eastern Australia, and compared them with four proximate populations of A. subtropicus. Surprisingly, genetic structuring among southeast Qld populations of A. mysticus was moderate to high and similar to that between A. subtropicus populations. We postulate that all A. mysticus populations have declined recently (<100 generations), particularly the northernmost southeast Qld population, which may be at risk of extinction. Our results suggest that A. mysticus is limited to a more scattered and fragmented distribution than previously thought and may be in decline. The identification of population decline in this study and recently in other Antechinus suggests the extinction risk of many Australian mammals should be reassessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Y. Mutton
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Science and Engineering FacultyQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Susan J. Fuller
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Science and Engineering FacultyQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - David Tucker
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Science and Engineering FacultyQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Andrew M. Baker
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Science and Engineering FacultyQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Natural Environments ProgramSouth BrisbaneQLDAustralia
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Mijangos JL, Pacioni C, Spencer PBS, Hillyer M, Craig MD. Characterizing the post-recolonization of Antechinus flavipes
and its genetic implications in a production forest landscape. Restor Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jose L. Mijangos
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences; Murdoch University; Murdoch Western Australia 6150 Australia
| | - Carlo Pacioni
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences; Murdoch University; Murdoch Western Australia 6150 Australia
| | - Peter B. S. Spencer
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences; Murdoch University; Murdoch Western Australia 6150 Australia
| | - Mia Hillyer
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences; Murdoch University; Murdoch Western Australia 6150 Australia
- Molecular Systematics Unit/Terrestrial Zoology; Western Australian Museum; Welshpool Western Australia 6106 Australia
| | - Michael D. Craig
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences; Murdoch University; Murdoch Western Australia 6150 Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, School of Plant Biology; University of Western Australia; Crawley Western Australia 6009 Australia
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Dudaniec RY, Worthington Wilmer J, Hanson JO, Warren M, Bell S, Rhodes JR. Dealing with uncertainty in landscape genetic resistance models: a case of three co-occurring marsupials. Mol Ecol 2016; 25:470-86. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Y. Dudaniec
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW 2109 Australia
| | | | - Jeffrey O. Hanson
- School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
| | - Matthew Warren
- School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
| | - Sarah Bell
- School of Biomedical Sciences; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
| | - Jonathan R. Rhodes
- School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld 4072 Australia
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Schulz R, Bundschuh M, Gergs R, Brühl CA, Diehl D, Entling MH, Fahse L, Frör O, Jungkunst HF, Lorke A, Schäfer RB, Schaumann GE, Schwenk K. Review on environmental alterations propagating from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 538:246-61. [PMID: 26311581 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial inputs into freshwater ecosystems are a classical field of environmental science. Resource fluxes (subsidy) from aquatic to terrestrial systems have been less studied, although they are of high ecological relevance particularly for the receiving ecosystem. These fluxes may, however, be impacted by anthropogenically driven alterations modifying structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems. In this context, we reviewed the peer-reviewed literature for studies addressing the subsidy of terrestrial by aquatic ecosystems with special emphasis on the role that anthropogenic alterations play in this water-land coupling. Our analysis revealed a continuously increasing interest in the coupling of aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems between 1990 and 2014 (total: 661 studies), while the research domains focusing on abiotic (502 studies) and biotic (159 studies) processes are strongly separated. Approximately 35% (abiotic) and 25% (biotic) of the studies focused on the propagation of anthropogenic alterations from the aquatic to the terrestrial system. Among these studies, hydromorphological and hydrological alterations were predominantly assessed, whereas water pollution and invasive species were less frequently investigated. Less than 5% of these studies considered indirect effects in the terrestrial system e.g. via food web responses, as a result of anthropogenic alterations in aquatic ecosystems. Nonetheless, these very few publications indicate far-reaching consequences in the receiving terrestrial ecosystem. For example, bottom-up mediated responses via soil quality can cascade over plant communities up to the level of herbivorous arthropods, while top-down mediated responses via predatory spiders can cascade down to herbivorous arthropods and even plants. Overall, the current state of knowledge calls for an integrated assessment on how these interactions within terrestrial ecosystems are affected by propagation of aquatic ecosystem alterations. To fill these gaps, we propose a scientific framework, which considers abiotic and biotic aspects based on an interdisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Schulz
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany.
| | - Mirco Bundschuh
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany; Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - René Gergs
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany; Federal Environment Agency, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten A Brühl
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Dörte Diehl
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Martin H Entling
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Lorenz Fahse
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Oliver Frör
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Hermann F Jungkunst
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Andreas Lorke
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Ralf B Schäfer
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Gabriele E Schaumann
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Klaus Schwenk
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
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Lada H, Thomson JR, Cunningham SC, Mac Nally R. Relating demographic characteristics of a small mammal to remotely sensed forest-stand condition. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91731. [PMID: 24621967 PMCID: PMC3951454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many ecological systems around the world are changing rapidly in response to direct (land-use change) and indirect (climate change) human actions. We need tools to assess dynamically, and over appropriate management scales, condition of ecosystems and their responses to potential mitigation of pressures. Using a validated model, we determined whether stand condition of floodplain forests is related to densities of a small mammal (a carnivorous marsupial, Antechinus flavipes) in 60 000 ha of extant river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) forests in south-eastern Australia in 2004, 2005 and 2011. Stand condition was assessed remotely using models built from ground assessments of stand condition and satellite-derived reflectance. Other covariates, such as volumes of fallen timber, distances to floods, rainfall and life stages were included in the model. Trapping of animals was conducted at 272 plots (0.25 ha) across the region. Densities of second-year females (i.e. females that had survived to a second breeding year) and of second-year females with suckled teats (i.e. inferred to have been successful mothers) were higher in stands with the highest condition. There was no evidence of a relationship with stand condition for males or all females. These outcomes show that remotely-sensed estimates of stand condition (here floodplain forests) are relatable to some demographic characteristics of a small mammal species, and may provide useful information about the capacity of ecosystems to support animal populations. Over-regulation of large, lowland rivers has led to declines in many facets of floodplain function. If management of water resources continues as it has in recent decades, then our results suggest that there will be further deterioration in stand condition and a decreased capacity for female yellow-footed antechinuses to breed multiple times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hania Lada
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - James R. Thomson
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shaun C. Cunningham
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ralph Mac Nally
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Carthew SM, Horner B, Jones KMW. Do utility corridors affect movements of small terrestrial fauna? WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2009. [DOI: 10.1071/wr08090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Linear forest clearings created by utility corridors have the potential to fragment landscapes, create edge effects and isolate populations of plants and animals. Here, we investigated the impact of utility corridors on small terrestrial fauna inhabiting Nangwarry Native Forest Reserve, south of Penola in south-eastern South Australia. Twelve sites straddling linear clearings of two widths (1.5 and 4.2 m) were surveyed over 2 years with 53 traps arranged as five transects at each site. This resulted in a total of 933 captures of 18 vertebrate species, including four amphibians, eight reptiles and six mammals. Propensity for capture near edges v. interiors, distances moved between recaptures and willingness to cross linear clearings varied among species, and was not related to taxa groups. For example, the small skink Bassiana duperreyi was extremely mobile and crossed tracks regularly. At the other extreme, the frog Neobatrachus pictus was more likely to be caught on interior transects and was never recorded moving between captures. The small dasyurid Antechinus flavipes was the most regularly caught species, and made both short- (<50 m) and long-distance (>1500 m) movements, with longer moves made by dispersing juveniles. Movements by this species often involved clearing crossings, although these were more likely when time between recaptures was longer, particularly for females. However, the overall rate of crossings for this species was not different from that expected if movements were random. In conclusion, the relatively narrow utility corridors studied here did not appear to affect the mobility of the majority of vertebrates significantly, with approximately half of the 85 movements recorded being of animals crossing a clearing, and no significant difference between the proportion crossing the wider (4.2 m) and the narrower (1.5 m) clearings. The present study is one of only a handful investigating movement patterns in reptiles and amphibians, particularly in relation to disturbances. However, sample sizes were small for some species, and future work should focus on those species that look to be either particularly mobile or sedentary, and encompass responses to the wider (up to 15 m) permanent tracks in the region.
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Lada H, Thomson JR, Mac Nally R, Taylor AC. Impacts of massive landscape change on a carnivorous marsupial in south-eastern Australia: inferences from landscape genetics analysis. J Appl Ecol 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2008.01563.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lada H, Mac Nally R. Decline and potential recovery of Yellow-footed Antechinus in parts of south-eastern Australia: A perspective with implications for management. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-8903.2008.00403.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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LADA HANIA, MAC NALLY RALPH, TAYLOR ANDREAC. Phenotype and gene flow in a marsupial (Antechinus flavipes) in contrasting habitats. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2008.00970.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lada H, Nally RM, Taylor AC. Responses of a Carnivorous Marsupial (Antechinus flavipes) to Local Habitat Factors in Two Forest Types. J Mammal 2008. [DOI: 10.1644/07-mamm-a-080r.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Magnusdottir R, Wilson BA, Hersteinsson P. Dispersal and the influence of rainfall on a population of the carnivorous marsupial swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus). WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2008. [DOI: 10.1071/wr06156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although there is evidence that recent climatic changes have had significant impacts on a wide range of species in the Northern Hemisphere, the influence of climate change, particularly drought, on Australian native small mammal species is poorly understood. In this study we investigated dispersal patterns and the influence of rainfall on the swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus). Peak abundance occurred after the highest total annual rainfall for two decades, in 2001. A year later the population had declined to 10% of the peak. Birth dates appeared to occur three weeks earlier following a year of high rainfall. The dispersal of nine litters of pouch young (n = 62) was assessed following two breeding seasons. Young males remained on the natal site until December–January and dispersed before the breeding season. New males entered the population between January and June. More than 50% of females were residents and remained on the site to breed; the remaining females were trapped only once. After the male die-off the movements of pregnant females increased and they appeared to expand their home ranges. A. minimus exhibits philopatry of females and dispersal of males, as observed in other Antechinus species but dispersal occurs 2–3 months after weaning. This contrasts with juveniles of other Antechinus species that disperse abruptly after weaning. This study provides evidence that precipitation does have a major effect on the abundance of dasyurid species, making them vulnerable to drought and local or regional extinctions, particularly in areas of fragmented habitat and drying climates.
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