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Amir Abdul Nasir AF, Niehaus AC, Cameron SF, Ujvari B, Madsen T, von Hippel FA, Gao S, Dillon DM, Buck CL, Charters J, Heiniger J, Blomberg S, Wilson RS. Manganese Exacerbates Seasonal Health Declines in a Suicidally Breeding Mammal. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024; 43:74-86. [PMID: 37750553 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive costs must be balanced with survival to maximize lifetime reproductive rates; however, some organisms invest in a single, suicidal bout of breeding known as semelparity. The northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) is an endangered marsupial in which males, but not females, are semelparous. Northern quolls living near mining sites on Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory, Australia, accumulate manganese (Mn) in their brains, testes, and hair, and elevated Mn impacts motor performance. Whether Mn is associated with other health declines is yet unknown. In the present study we show that male and female northern quolls with higher Mn accumulation had a 20% reduction in immune function and a trend toward reduced cortisol concentrations in hair. The telomere lengths of male quolls did not change pre- to postbreeding, but those with higher Mn levels had longer telomeres; in contrast, the telomeres of females shortened during the breeding season but recovered between the first year and second year of breeding. In addition, the telomeres of quolls that were recaptured declined at significantly higher rates in quolls with higher Mn between prebreeding, breeding, and/or postbreeding seasons. Future research should determine whether changes in cortisol, immune function, or telomere length affect reproductive output or survival-particularly for semelparous males. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:74-86. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami F Amir Abdul Nasir
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amanda C Niehaus
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Skye F Cameron
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Subiaco East, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Beata Ujvari
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas Madsen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Frank A von Hippel
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Sisi Gao
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Danielle M Dillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - C Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Jordan Charters
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jaime Heiniger
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Simone Blomberg
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robbie S Wilson
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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von Takach B, Ranjard L, Burridge CP, Cameron SF, Cremona T, Eldridge MDB, Fisher DO, Frankenberg S, Hill BM, Hohnen R, Jolly CJ, Kelly E, MacDonald AJ, Moussalli A, Ottewell K, Phillips BL, Radford IJ, Spencer PBS, Trewella GJ, Umbrello LS, Banks SC. Population genomics of a predatory mammal reveals patterns of decline and impacts of exposure to toxic toads. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:5468-5486. [PMID: 36056907 PMCID: PMC9826391 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Mammal declines across northern Australia are one of the major biodiversity loss events occurring globally. There has been no regional assessment of the implications of these species declines for genomic diversity. To address this, we conducted a species-wide assessment of genomic diversity in the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), an Endangered marsupial carnivore. We used next generation sequencing methods to genotype 10,191 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 352 individuals from across a 3220-km length of the continent, investigating patterns of population genomic structure and diversity, and identifying loci showing signals of putative selection. We found strong heterogeneity in the distribution of genomic diversity across the continent, characterized by (i) biogeographical barriers driving hierarchical population structure through long-term isolation, and (ii) severe reductions in diversity resulting from population declines, exacerbated by the spread of introduced toxic cane toads (Rhinella marina). These results warn of a large ongoing loss of genomic diversity and associated adaptive capacity as mammals decline across northern Australia. Encouragingly, populations of the northern quoll established on toad-free islands by translocations appear to have maintained most of the initial genomic diversity after 16 years. By mapping patterns of genomic diversity within and among populations, and investigating these patterns in the context of population declines, we can provide conservation managers with data critical to informed decision-making. This includes the identification of populations that are candidates for genetic management, the importance of remnant island and insurance/translocated populations for the conservation of genetic diversity, and the characterization of putative evolutionarily significant units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenton von Takach
- Research Institute for the Environment and LivelihoodsCharles Darwin UniversityDarwinNorthern TerritoryAustralia,School of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Louis Ranjard
- The Research School of Biology, Faculty of ScienceThe Australian National UniversityActonAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia,PlantTech Research InstituteTaurangaNew Zealand
| | | | - Skye F. Cameron
- Australian Wildlife ConservancyKimberleyWestern AustraliaAustralia,School of Biological SciencesUniversity of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Teigan Cremona
- Research Institute for the Environment and LivelihoodsCharles Darwin UniversityDarwinNorthern TerritoryAustralia
| | | | - Diana O. Fisher
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | | | - Brydie M. Hill
- Flora and Fauna Division, Department of Environment, Parks and Water SecurityNorthern Territory GovernmentNorthern TerritoryAustralia
| | - Rosemary Hohnen
- Research Institute for the Environment and LivelihoodsCharles Darwin UniversityDarwinNorthern TerritoryAustralia
| | - Chris J. Jolly
- Institute of Land, Water and Society, School of Environmental ScienceCharles Sturt UniversityAlburyNew South WalesAustralia,School of Natural SciencesMacquarie UniversityMacquarie ParkNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ella Kelly
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Anna J. MacDonald
- The Research School of Biology, Faculty of ScienceThe Australian National UniversityActonAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia,Australian Antarctic Division, Department of AgricultureWater and the EnvironmentKingstonTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Adnan Moussalli
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia,Department of ScienceMuseums VictoriaMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Kym Ottewell
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Ben L. Phillips
- School of BioSciencesUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ian J. Radford
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Peter B. S. Spencer
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Gavin J. Trewella
- Research Institute for the Environment and LivelihoodsCharles Darwin UniversityDarwinNorthern TerritoryAustralia
| | - Linette S. Umbrello
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia,Collections and Research CentreWestern Australian MuseumWelshpoolWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Sam C. Banks
- Research Institute for the Environment and LivelihoodsCharles Darwin UniversityDarwinNorthern TerritoryAustralia
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Thomas H, Cameron SF, Campbell HA, Micheli-Campbell MA, Kirke EC, Wheatley R, Wilson RS. Rocky escarpment versus savanna woodlands: comparing diet and body condition as indicators of habitat quality for the endangered northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus). Wildl Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr20032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextUnderstanding what constitutes high-quality habitat for threatened species is critical for conservation management planning. The endangered northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) has experienced an uneven range contraction among habitat types. Once common across multiple habitats of northern mainland Australia, declining populations have now contracted to rocky escarpments.
AimThe island refuge of Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory, Australia, has not experienced the declines as seen on mainland Australia. Here, northern quolls persist in both rocky escarpment and savanna woodland, which provides a rare opportunity to investigate the habitat quality of rocky escarpments and savanna woodland for the northern quoll.
MethodsNorthern quolls (n=111) were trapped in both rocky escarpment (n=61) and savanna woodland (n=50) habitats before the breeding season (May). We conducted body condition assessment, scat analysis, and measured trophic niche breadth of individuals occupying each habitat type.
Key resultsFemale quolls occupying rocky escarpments exhibited a lower body condition than did quolls occupying savanna woodland. Quolls from rocky escarpments consumed a significantly higher proportion of mammals and fed within a narrower dietary niche than did those occupying savanna woodland.
ConclusionsQuolls had adapted to the dietary resources available within each habitat type, suggesting that the lack of quolls in savanna woodland on the mainland is due to factors other than availability of dietary resources.
ImplicationsGroote Eylandt is of critical conservation significance, where high numbers of northern quolls exist in both rocky escarpment and savanna woodland habitats. For population viability on the mainland, managing threats such as feral predators and inappropriate fire regimes in savanna woodland, particularly those surrounding rocky escarpment, should be prioritised.
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Viacava P, Blomberg SP, Sansalone G, Phillips MJ, Guillerme T, Cameron SF, Wilson RS, Weisbecker V. Skull shape of a widely distributed, endangered marsupial reveals little evidence of local adaptation between fragmented populations. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:9707-9720. [PMID: 33005341 PMCID: PMC7520215 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The biogeographic distribution of diversity among populations of threatened mammalian species is generally investigated using population genetics. However, intraspecific phenotypic diversity is rarely assessed beyond taxonomy-focused linear measurements or qualitative descriptions. Here, we use a technique widely used in the evolutionary sciences-geometric morphometrics-to characterize shape diversity in the skull of an endangered marsupial, the northern quoll, across its 5,000 km distribution range along Northern Australia. Skull shape is a proxy for feeding, behavior, and phenotypic differentiation, allowing us to ask whether populations can be distinguished and whether patterns of variation indicate adaptability to changing environmental conditions. We analyzed skull shape in 101 individuals across four mainland populations and several islands. We assessed the contribution of population, size, sex, rainfall, temperature, and geography to skull shape variation using principal component analysis, Procrustes ANOVA, and variation partitioning analyses. The populations harbor similar amounts of broadly overlapping skull shape variation, with relatively low geographic effects. Size predicted skull shape best, coinciding with braincase size variation and differences in zygomatic arches. Size-adjusted differences in populations explained less variation with far smaller effect sizes, relating to changes in the insertion areas of masticatory muscles, as well as the upper muzzle and incisor region. Climatic and geographic variables contributed little. Strikingly, the vast majority of shape variation-76%-remained unexplained. Our results suggest a uniform intraspecific scope for shape variation, possibly due to allometric constraints or phenotypic plasticity beyond the relatively strong allometric effect. The lack of local adaptation indicates that cross-breeding between populations will not reduce local morphological skull (and probably general musculoskeletal) adaptation because none exists. However, the potential for heritable morphological variation (e.g., specialization to local diets) seems exceedingly limited. We conclude that 3D geometric morphometrics can provide a comprehensive, statistically rigorous phenomic contribution to genetic-based conservation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Viacava
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland St. Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Simone P Blomberg
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland St. Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Gabriele Sansalone
- Form, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, Zoology School of Environmental and Rural Sciences University of New England Armidale NSW Australia
| | - Matthew J Phillips
- Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences School Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Thomas Guillerme
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland St. Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Skye F Cameron
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland St. Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Robbie S Wilson
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland St. Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Vera Weisbecker
- College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Adelaide SA Australia
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Rew-Duffy M, Cameron SF, Freeman NJ, Wheatley R, Latimer JM, Wilson RS. Greater agility increases probability of survival in the endangered northern quoll. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb218503. [PMID: 32561634 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.218503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduced predators combined with habitat loss and modification are threatening biodiversity worldwide, particularly the 'critical weight range' (CWR) mammals of Australia. In order to mitigate the impacts of invasive predators on native species in different landscapes, we must understand how the prey's morphology and performance determine their survival. Here, we evaluated how phenotypic traits related to escape performance predict the probability of survival for an endangered CWR mammal, the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus). We measured mass, body size, body shape, body condition and age, as well as maximum sprint speed, acceleration and agility of female quolls over two consecutive years. Those with higher body condition and agility around a 135 deg corner were more likely to survive their first 21 months of life but were not more likely to survive after this period. No other morphological or performance traits affected survival. Heavier second-year individuals were more agile than first years but second years experienced higher mortality rates throughout the year. Females with higher body condition and agility around a 135 deg corner tended to have shorter limbs and feet but longer heads. Our findings suggest that higher body condition and agility are advantageous for survival in female northern quolls. These results can be used to develop predictive models of predator-prey interactions based on performance capacity and how performance is affected by habitat, aiding conservation efforts to predict and manage the impact of introduced predators on native species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Rew-Duffy
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Skye F Cameron
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Subiaco East, WA 6008, Australia
| | - Natalie J Freeman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Rebecca Wheatley
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania Sandy Bay, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Jessica M Latimer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Robbie S Wilson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Heiniger J, Cameron SF, Madsen T, Niehaus AC, Wilson RS. Demography and spatial requirements of the endangered northern quoll on Groote Eylandt. Wildl Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/wr19052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextAustralia has experienced the highest number of mammal extinctions of any continent over the past two centuries. Understanding the demography and spatial requirements of populations before declines occur is fundamental to confirm species trajectory, elucidate causes of decline and develop effective management strategies.
AimsWe evaluated the demography and spatial requirements of a northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus, population on Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory. Groote Eylandt is considered a refuge for the species because key threatening processes are absent or limited; cane toads and introduced ungulates are absent, feral cats are infrequently detected and the fire regime is benign compared with mainland Northern Territory.
MethodsWe conducted a 4-year capture–mark–recapture study to monitor growth, reproduction and survival of northern quolls within a 128-ha area, and we evaluated spatial requirements by attaching GPS units to both sexes. To assess the status of the Groote Eylandt population, we compared the demographics with existing data from mainland populations.
Key resultsThe average density of northern quolls was 0.33ha−1. However, there was a 58% decline in female density, primarily between 2012 and 2013, corresponding with a decrease in female body mass. Females survived and bred in up to 3 years and adult survival rates did not vary among years, suggesting that juvenile recruitment drives population fluctuations. Male quolls were semelparous, with die-off occurring in the months following breeding. The median female and male home ranges were 15.7ha and 128.6ha respectively, and male ranges increased significantly during breeding, with 1616ha being the largest recorded.
ConclusionsThe northern quoll population on Groote Eylandt had a higher density, female survival and reproductive success than has been previously recorded on the mainland. However, a marked decline was recorded corresponding with a decrease in female mass, indicating below-average rainfall as the likely cause.
ImplicationsGroote Eylandt remains a refuge for the endangered northern quoll. However, even in the absence of key threatening processes, the population has declined markedly, highlighting the impact of environmental fluctuations. Maintaining the ecological integrity of Groote Eylandt is imperative for population recovery, and managing threats on the mainland over appropriate spatial scales is necessary to increase population resilience.
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Clemente CJ, Dick TJM, Wheatley R, Gaschk J, Nasir AFAA, Cameron SF, Wilson RS. Moving in complex environments: a biomechanical analysis of locomotion on inclined and narrow substrates. J Exp Biol 2019; 222:jeb.189654. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.189654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Characterisation of an organism's performance in different habitats provides insight into the conditions that allow it to survive and reproduce. In recent years, Northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus)—a medium-sized semi-arboreal marsupial native to northern Australia—have undergone significant population declines within open forest, woodland and riparian habitats, but less so in rocky areas. To help understand this decline, we quantified the biomechanical performance of wild Northern quolls as they ran up inclined narrow (13 mm pole) and inclined wide (90 mm platform) substrates. We predicted that quolls may possess biomechanical adaptations to increase stability on narrow surfaces, which are more common in rocky habitats. Our results display that quolls have some biomechanical characteristics consistent with a stability advantage on narrow surfaces. This includes the coupled use of limb pairs, as indicated via a decrease in footfall time, and an ability to produce corrective torques to counteract the toppling moments commonly encountered during gait on narrow surfaces. However, speed was constrained on narrow surfaces, and quolls did not adopt diagonal sequence gaits unlike true arboreal specialists such as primates. In comparison with key predators, such as cats and dogs, Northern quolls appear inferior in terrestrial environments but have a stability advantage at higher speeds on narrow supports. This may partially explain the heterogenous declines in Northern quoll populations among various habitats on mainland Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christofer J. Clemente
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Taylor J. M. Dick
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Rebecca Wheatley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Joshua Gaschk
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Skye F. Cameron
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Robbie S. Wilson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
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Amir Abdul Nasir AF, Cameron SF, Niehaus AC, Clemente CJ, von Hippel FA, Wilson RS. Manganese contamination affects the motor performance of wild northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus). Environ Pollut 2018; 241:55-62. [PMID: 29793108 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuromotor deficits are an important sign of manganese (Mn) toxicity in humans and laboratory animals. However, the impacts of Mn exposure on the motor function of wild animals remains largely unknown. Here, we assessed the impact of chronic exposure to Mn from active mining operations on Groote Eylandt, Australia on the motor function of the semi-arboreal northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), an endangered species. The three motor tests conducted-maximum sprint speed on a straight run, manoeuvrability around a corner, and motor control on a balance beam-showed that elevated Mn body burden did not diminish performance of these traits. However, quolls with higher Mn body burden approached a corner at a significantly narrower range of speeds, due to a significantly lower maximum approach speed. Slower speeds approaching a turn may reduce success at catching prey and avoiding predators. Given that maximum sprint speed on a straight run was not affected by Mn body burden, but maximum speed entering a corner was, slower speeds approaching a turn may reflect compensation for otherwise impaired performance in the turn.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Skye F Cameron
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Amanda C Niehaus
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Christofer J Clemente
- School of Biological and Health Sciences, University of Sunshine Coast, Queensland, 4556, Australia
| | - Frank A von Hippel
- Department of Biological Sciences & Center for Bioengineering Innovation, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Robbie S Wilson
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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Charters JE, Heiniger J, Clemente CJ, Cameron SF, Amir Abdul Nasir AF, Niehaus AC, Wilson RS. Multidimensional analyses of physical performance reveal a size‐dependent trade‐off between suites of traits. Funct Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan E. Charters
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Jaime Heiniger
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Christofer J. Clemente
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Qld Australia
- School of Life Sciences University of the Sunshine Coast Sippy Downs Qld Australia
| | - Skye F. Cameron
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Qld Australia
| | | | - Amanda C. Niehaus
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Robbie S. Wilson
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Qld Australia
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Cameron SF, Wheatley R, Wilson RS. Sex-specific thermal sensitivities of performance and activity in the asian house gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus. J Comp Physiol B 2018; 188:635-647. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-018-1149-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Amir Abdul Nasir AF, Cameron SF, von Hippel FA, Postlethwait J, Niehaus AC, Blomberg S, Wilson RS. Manganese accumulates in the brain of northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus) living near an active mine. Environ Pollut 2018; 233:377-386. [PMID: 29096311 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.10.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mining is fundamental to the Australian economy, yet little is known about how potential contaminants bioaccumulate and affect wildlife living near active mining sites. Here, we show using air sampling that fine manganese dust within the respirable size range is found at levels exceeding international recommendations even 20 km from manganese extraction, processing, and storage facilities on Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory. Endangered northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus) living near mining sites were found to have elevated manganese concentrations within their hair, testes, and in two brain regions-the neocortex and cerebellum, which are responsible for sensory perception and motor function, respectively. Accumulation in these organs has been associated with adverse reproductive and neurological effects in other species and could affect the long-term population viability of northern quolls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Skye F Cameron
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Frank A von Hippel
- Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Bioengineering Innovation, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - John Postlethwait
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Amanda C Niehaus
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Simon Blomberg
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Robbie S Wilson
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Heiniger J, Cameron SF, Gillespie G. Evaluation of risks for two native mammal species from feral cat baiting in monsoonal tropical northern Australia. Wildl Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/wr17171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Feral cats are a significant threat to native wildlife and broad-scale control is required to reduce their impacts. Two toxic baits developed for feral cats, Curiosity® and Hisstory®, have been designed to reduce the risk of baiting to certain non-target species. These baits involve encapsulating the toxin within a hard-shelled delivery vehicle (HSDV) and placing it within a meat attractant. Native animals that chew their food more thoroughly are predicted to avoid poisoning by eating around the HSDV. This prediction has not been tested on wild native mammals in the monsoonal wet–dry tropics of the Northern Territory.
Aim
The aim of this research was to determine whether northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus) and northern brown bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus) would take feral cat baits and ingest the HSDV under natural conditions on Groote Eylandt.
Methods
We hand-deployed 120 non-toxic baits with a HSDV that contained a biomarker, Rhodamine B, which stains animal whiskers when ingested. The species responsible for bait removal was determined with camera traps, and HSDV ingestion was measured by evaluating Rhodamine B in whiskers removed from animals trapped after baiting.
Key results
During field trials, 95% of baits were removed within 5 days. Using camera-trap images, we identified the species responsible for taking baits on 65 occasions. All 65 confirmed takes were by native species, with northern quolls taking 42 baits and northern brown bandicoots taking 17. No quolls and only one bandicoot ingested the HSDV.
Conclusion
The use of the HSDV reduces the potential for quolls and bandicoots to ingest a toxin when they consume feral cat baits. However, high bait uptake by non-target species may reduce the efficacy of cat baiting in some areas.
Implications
The present study highlighted that in the monsoonal wet–dry tropics, encapsulated baits are likely to minimise poisoning risk to certain native species that would otherwise eat meat baits. However, further research may be required to evaluate risks to other non-target species. Given the threat to biodiversity from feral cats, we see it as critical to continue testing Hisstory® and Curiosity® in live-baiting trials in northern Australia.
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Cameron SF, Wynn ML, Wilson RS. Sex-specific trade-offs and compensatory mechanisms: bite force and sprint speed pose conflicting demands on the design of geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus). J Exp Biol 2013; 216:3781-9. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.083063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Summary
One of the more intuitive viability costs that can result from the possession of exaggerated sexually selected traits is increased predation pressure due to reduced locomotor capacity. Despite mixed empirical support for such locomotor costs, recent studies suggest such costs may be masked by compensatory traits that effectively offset any detrimental effects. In this study, we provide a comprehensive assessment of the locomotor costs associated with improved male-male competitive ability by simultaneously testing for locomotor trade-offs and potential compensatory mechanisms in territorial male and non-territorial female geckos. Fighting capacity and escape performance of male Asian house geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus) are likely to pose conflicting demands on the optimum phenotype for each task. Highly territorial and aggressive males may require greater investment in head size/strength but such an enhancement may affect overall escape performance. Among male geckos, we found that greater biting capacity due to larger head size was associated with reduced sprint performance; this trade-off was further exacerbated when sprinting on an incline. Females, however, showed no evidence of this trade-off on either flat or inclined surfaces. The sex specificity of this trade-off suggests that the sexes differ in their optimal strategies for dealing with the conflicting requirements of bite force and sprint speed. Unlike males, female H. frenatus had a positive association between hind-limb lengths and head size, suggesting that they have utilised a compensatory mechanism to alleviate for the possible locomotor costs of larger head sizes. It appears that there is greater selection on traits that improve fighting ability (bite force) for males but it is viability traits (sprint speed) that appear to be of greater importance for females. Our results emphasise that only by examining both functional trade-offs and potential compensatory mechanisms is it possible to discover the varied mechanisms affecting the morphological design of a species.
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