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These articles are the latest published in the journal. Australian Mammalogy is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 20 March 2025

AM24050Asymmetric gait in locomotion of Hypsiprymnodon moschatus, the most primitive extant macropodoid marsupial

Peter J. Bishop , Amy C. Tschirn, Aaron B. Camens and Gavin J. Prideaux

 

As the most primitive living kangaroo, the tiny musky rat-kangaroo of northern Queensland can provide insight into how kangaroos have evolved their hopping gait. This study filmed wild musky rat-kangaroos to measure their gait patterns and explore how they compare with other marsupials, finding that this species moves about entirely on all fours – the only kangaroo that never hops. This research advances understanding of marsupial locomotion and behaviour, laying the foundation for more comparative studies across evolutionary time. Photograph by Amy C. Tschirn.

AM24050 Abstract  |  AM24050 Full Text  | AM24050PDF (2.5 MB)  | AM24050Supplementary Material (20 MB)

Published online 12 March 2025

AM25004Mammal craniodental remains in owl pellets provide new tooth row measurements for the threatened Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi)

A. M. Baker, C. L. Charley , D. Lockhart and E. L. Gray

 

Archer’s 1981 morphological revision of the dunnarts included only a few specimens of a new species, the Julia Creek Dunnart (S. douglasi). Here, we measured 85 skulls and mandibles of this species sourced from owl pellets and museum specimens to contrast S. douglasi with other dunnarts. Overall, Julia Creek dunnarts had consistently longer tooth-row measurements than did the other dunnart species examined. This research will be useful for anyone seeking to confidently identify the species by using limited skeletal remains.

AM25004 Abstract  |  AM25004 Full Text  | AM25004PDF (2.6 MB)  | AM25004Supplementary Material (76 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 24 February 2025

AM24038Diurnal activity budget of the kultarr (Antechinomys laniger) in captivity

Hayley J. Stannard , Lisa M. Goodchild and Julie M. Old

 

We retrospectively analysed video data to create activity budgets for kultarrs in captivity. The data were restricted to diurnal footage. The most common behaviours observed were foraging, movement and stationary alert. The data add to our current knowledge on dasyurid behaviour and will aid captive management of the species.

AM24038 Abstract  |  AM24038 Full Text  | AM24038PDF (784 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 February 2025

AM24029Field Anaesthesia for Platypuses: a proven method and the case for non-veterinarian accreditation pathways

Gilad Bino and Tahneal Hawke

 

Platypuses are elusive animals, making field research challenging. Building on prior work and following initial veterinary training, we have refined and implemented a safe field-based anaesthesia method for over 500 platypuses across 9 years. This approach enables the collection of vital health and behavioural data, while ensuring animal welfare. We advocate for standardised accreditation pathways for trained non-veterinarians to expand accessibility, enhance research capacity, and support the conservation of this iconic species.

This article belongs to the collection: Recent research on the platypus.

AM24029 Abstract  |  AM24029 Full Text  | AM24029PDF (1.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 February 2025

AM24041A review of the ecology and conservation of the yellow-bellied glider

Ross L. Goldingay

 

The conservation of Australia’s wildlife requires detailed knowledge of the ecology of individual species. The yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis) is a forest-dependent species of mainland Australia that has been a focal species for research, and is now listed as a threatened species throughout its geographic range. I reviewed 161 articles to provide a synthesis of our current understanding of its ecology and conservation requirements. Photograph by Rohan Bilney.

AM24041 Abstract  | PDF (4.6 MB) - $35.00   | AM24041Supplementary Material (150 KB)

Published online 20 February 2025

AM23009A population viability analysis of K’gari (Fraser Island) wongari (dingoes)

Robert Appleby, Bradley P. Smith , Darryl Jones, Gabriel Conroy and Linda Behrendorff

 

The K’gari wongari (dingo) population is small, geographically isolated and has low genetic diversity, making it susceptible to a higher risk of extinction compared to mainland populations. Much about the population is unknown, uncertain or debated. We conducted a preliminary population viability analysis for the Kgari wongari population to investigate the influence of different abundance estimates along with poorly understood variables such as mortality, carrying capacity, catastrophes and breeding behaviour.

AM23009 Abstract  |  AM23009 Full Text  | AM23009PDF (897 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 18 February 2025

AM24031A comparison of field and genetic methods for identifying feral cat predation events during wildlife translocations

Ned L. Ryan-Schofield , Hannah L. Bannister, Alexandra Ross and Katherine E. Moseby

 

Feral cats are an issue for native mammal reintroduction programs; however, identifying cat predation as the cause of mortality is challenging and can hinder or delay the implementation of appropriate management actions. To improve recognition of cat predation, we studied 92 cat predation events on four native species and found that genetic evidence obtained through DNA analysis was the most reliable methods for identifying feral cat predation. These results should support conservation practitioners to better manage predation during reintroductions.

AM24031 Abstract  |  AM24031 Full Text  | AM24031PDF (1.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 11 February 2025

AM24040Translocation of a rehabilitated juvenile platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

Jessica L. Thomas

 

A rehabilitated juvenile male platypus was translocated into an established population and monitored after release. He mostly rested under vegetation instead of using burrows and moved to a swamp habitat via a drain. The results suggest he was unable to create his own burrows and was displaced by the resident platypuses.

This article belongs to the collection: Recent research on the platypus.

AM24040 Abstract  | PDF (1 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 10 February 2025

AM24017Detection of rabbit and wombat warrens in broad-scale satellite imagery

Natarsha McPherson and Bertram Ostendorf

 

In the remote semi-arid landscape of the Nullarbor Plain, we tested the feasibility of open-access satellite-based manual detection for two semi-fossorial mammals, the southern hairy-nosed wombat and European rabbit. Using their warrens as a proxy, we report on the contributing factors that impact satellite-based detection, a method that can assist remote wildlife monitoring and data collection. Photograph from Google Earth.

AM24017 Abstract  |  AM24017 Full Text  | AM24017PDF (5.2 MB)  | AM24017Supplementary Material (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 04 February 2025

AM24030A possum’s cautionary tale: targeted surveys in north-eastern Victoria fail to detect Leadbeater’s possum in remnant forest within its historic range

Arabella C. Eyre , Dan K. P. Harley, Natalie J. Briscoe, Lindy F. Lumsden, Leo B. McComb and Pia E. Lentini

 

Endemic to Victoria, the Critically Endangered Leadbeater’s possum historically had a much broader distribution. We surveyed seven patches of potentially suitable habitat, but Leadbeater’s possum was detected in only one, the patch closest to the possum’s previously documented range. Other cryptic arboreal mammals were recorded in rarely surveyed habitat types and at high elevations. Despite north-eastern Victoria’s remnant forest cover, loss of Leadbeater’s possum from its historic range in this region provides a cautionary tale regarding declining forest condition due to major disturbance from fire and logging.

AM24030 Abstract  | PDF (2.3 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 04 February 2025

AM24053Thermal drones are highly effective for detecting elusive Bennett’s tree kangaroos (Dendrolagus bennettianus) in Australia’s tropical rainforests

Emmeline Bernadette Barrett Norris and Johan Larson

 

Tree kangaroos are poorly studied because they inhabit dense tropical rainforest canopies. Thermal drones offer an innovative solution for finding tree kangaroos. This study marks the first successful use of this technology for detecting Bennett’s tree kangaroos in Australia’s tropical rainforests, locating six tree kangaroos in under an hour without causing disturbance. The results demonstrate the unexpected abundance of this species and the ability of thermal drones to transform monitoring for rainforest fauna. Photograph by Emmeline Norris.

AM24053 Abstract  |  AM24053 Full Text  | AM24053PDF (3.2 MB)  | AM24053Supplementary Material (1.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 February 2025

AM24044Patterns of activity and travel by koalas in a disturbed urban landscape in Queensland

Philippa Kirsten Tacla, Benjamin James Barth, Sean Ian FitzGibbon, Amber Kristen Gillett and William Anthony Ellis

 

Location and accelerometery data were collected for koalas in a disturbed landscape to study how koalas utilised landscape features and to compare activity and distance moved in response to temperature and time of day. Koalas were more active at night, males maintained larger home ranges than females, but accelerometers measuring activity were not indicative of total distance travelled. Distance moved by koalas by day and night was greatest from May through August and least during March for both males and females.

AM24044 Abstract  |  AM24044 Full Text  | AM24044PDF (1.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 January 2025

AM24033Social affiliation among sub-adult male koalas in a high-density population

Darcy J. Watchorn

 

Koalas are generally considered to be a solitary species. However, during observations of free-ranging koalas in a high-density population, sub-adult males (3.5–5.5 years) were seen engaging in affiliative behaviours, including grooming, genital sniffing, and vocalising. These interactions were exclusive to males of this age group and are likely a result of the unusually high population density. In such populations, where home range overlap is common, these behaviours may help reduce stress, establish dominance hierarchies, and reduce conflict through familiarisation. Photographs by Darcy J. Watchorn.

AM24033 Abstract  |  AM24033 Full Text  | AM24033PDF (1.6 MB)  | AM24033Supplementary Material (124.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 January 2025

AM24023Identification and characteristics of refuges for the threatened swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus) under climate change; targeted surveys across the Otway Ranges, south-east Australia

Barbara A. Wilson, Kristen Agosta, Mark J. Garkaklis, Jemma K. Cripps, Marissa L. Parrott, Raylene Cooke and John G. White

 

Survival of mammal species under climate change is increasingly reliant on refuges that provide protection from extreme drought and fire. We identified refuges for the threatened marsupial swamp antechinus. While many were very small (<40 ha) and located in Coastal Dunes subject to destruction under sea level rise, very few were large (>1000 ha), located in unfragmented habitat with complex vegetation. Effective management will require translocations, protection from inappropriate fire and predators, and control of Phytophthora infestations. Photograph by Barbara Wilson.

AM24023 Abstract  |  AM24023 Full Text  | AM24023PDF (2 MB)  | AM24023Supplementary Material (901 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 10 January 2025

AM24024The behaviour of an arid zone dasyurid, the kultarr (Antechinomys laniger), in captivity

Hayley J. Stannard , Lisa M. Goodchild and Julie M. Old

 

We retrospectively analysed video data and written records of kultarrs to describe their behaviour in captivity. Selected behaviours were categorised and described under the following areas: grooming and scratching; nest building and use of shelter; predatory and feeding behaviour; and social behaviour. Understanding kultarr behaviour will aid captive management of the species and provide insights into how kultarrs may behave in the wild.

AM24024 Abstract  | PDF (758 KB) - $35.00   | AM24024Supplementary Material (409 KB)

More content

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

AM25005, Accepted 21 March 2025

Identification of Planigale ingrami and Planigale tenuirostris from mandibles deposited in eastern barn owl (Tyto javanica delicatula) pellets.

Cameron Charley , E Gray and A Baker

 

AM25005Abstract

AM25010, Accepted 19 March 2025

Drone surveys cause less disturbance than ground-based surveys in endangered spectacled flying-foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus)

Emmeline Norris

 

AM25010Abstract

AM24039, Accepted 04 March 2025

Does tree hollow volume influence use by small arboreal mammals?

William Terry and Ross Goldingay

 

AM24039Abstract

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1. Thermal drones are highly effective for detecting elusive Bennett’s tree kangaroos (Dendrolagus bennettianus) in Australia’s tropical rainforests

   Australian Mammalogy 47 (1)

   Emmeline Bernadette Barrett Norris, Johan Larson

2. Social affiliation among sub-adult male koalas in a high-density population

   Australian Mammalogy 47 (1)

   Darcy J. Watchorn

3. Asymmetric gait in locomotion of Hypsiprymnodon moschatus, the most primitive extant macropodoid marsupial

   Australian Mammalogy 47 (1)

   Peter J. Bishop , Amy C. Tschirn, Aaron B. Camens, Gavin J. Prideaux

4. Detection of rabbit and wombat warrens in broad-scale satellite imagery

   Australian Mammalogy 47 (1)

   Natarsha McPherson , Bertram Ostendorf

5. Patterns of activity and travel by koalas in a disturbed urban landscape in Queensland

   Australian Mammalogy 47 (1)

   Philippa Kirsten Tacla, Benjamin James Barth, Sean Ian FitzGibbon, Amber Kristen Gillett, William Anthony Ellis

6. A comparison of field and genetic methods for identifying feral cat predation events during wildlife translocations

   Australian Mammalogy 47 (1)

   Ned L. Ryan-Schofield , Hannah L. Bannister, Alexandra Ross, Katherine E. Moseby

7. Field Anaesthesia for Platypuses: a proven method and the case for non-veterinarian accreditation pathways

   Australian Mammalogy 47 (1)

   Gilad Bino, Tahneal Hawke

8. Factors contributing directly to platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) mortality and implications for conserving populations in the wild

   Australian Mammalogy 47 (1)

   Melody Serena, Geoff A. Williams, Jessica L. Thomas

9. A population viability analysis of K’gari (Fraser Island) wongari (dingoes)

   Australian Mammalogy 47 (1)

   Robert Appleby, Bradley P. Smith , Darryl Jones, Gabriel Conroy, Linda Behrendorff

10. Platypus fyke-netting methods: a review of recommended field protocols and options for assessing population abundance

    Australian Mammalogy 46 (3)

    Melody Serena, Geoff A. Williams, Chris Bloink, Dana Dekkers

11. Identification and characteristics of refuges for the threatened swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus) under climate change; targeted surveys across the Otway Ranges, south-east Australia

    Australian Mammalogy 47 (1)

    Barbara A. Wilson, Kristen Agosta, Mark J. Garkaklis, Jemma K. Cripps, Marissa L. Parrott, Raylene Cooke, John G. White

12. Feral cat predation of the threatened Pilbara leaf-nosed bat – a key threatening process

    Australian Mammalogy 46 (3)

    Jessie Moyses , Craig Grabham, Kyle N. Armstrong, Chris G. Knuckey, Brighton D’Rozario

13. Mammal craniodental remains in owl pellets provide new tooth row measurements for the threatened Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi)

    Australian Mammalogy 47 (1)

    A. M. Baker, C. L. Charley , D. Lockhart, E. L. Gray

14. Age determination in the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) using spur sheath and spur developmental stages: a review

    Australian Mammalogy 46 (3)

    Tom Grant, Melody Serena, Geoff A. Williams, Peter Temple-Smith

15. Informing conservation management of the bilby (Macrotis lagotis) in the Pilbara: a review of research and future directions

    Australian Mammalogy 46 (3)

    Amy S. Northover , Martin A. Dziminski , Fiona M. Carpenter, Harry A. Moore, Kym Ottewell, Russell Palmer, Lesley A. Gibson

16. Diurnal activity budget of the kultarr (Antechinomys laniger) in captivity

    Australian Mammalogy 47 (1)

    Hayley J. Stannard , Lisa M. Goodchild, Julie M. Old

17. The mechanical properties of bettong and potoroo foods

    Australian Mammalogy 46 (3)

    D. Rex Mitchell , Justin A. Ledogar , Damien Andrew , Ian Mathewson, Vera Weisbecker , Karl Vernes

18. A review of the ecology and conservation of the yellow-bellied glider

    Australian Mammalogy 47 (1)

    Ross L. Goldingay

19. A possum’s cautionary tale: targeted surveys in north-eastern Victoria fail to detect Leadbeater’s possum in remnant forest within its historic range

    Australian Mammalogy 47 (1)

    Arabella C. Eyre , Dan K. P. Harley, Natalie J. Briscoe, Lindy F. Lumsden, Leo B. McComb, Pia E. Lentini

20. Observation of offspring sex ratio in quenda, Isoodon fusciventer

    Australian Mammalogy 47 (1)

    Chris R. Dickman, Natasha D. Harrison

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