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Australian Mammalogy

Australian Mammalogy

Australian Mammalogy is an important source of information on all aspects of the biology of Australasian mammals – both native and introduced. Read more about the journalMore

Editor: Ross Goldingay

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

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 30 January 2025

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

Darcy J. Watchorn
 

Photographs of sub-adult male koalas displaying social affiliation behaviours in a high-density population

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
 

Photograph of the swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus).

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 0000-0002-6657-5435, 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)
Published online 07 January 2025

AM24012Observation of offspring sex ratio in quenda, Isoodon fusciventer

Chris R. Dickman and Natasha D. Harrison 0000-0001-5779-0187
 

Photograph of a quenda, Isoodon fusciventer.

The ratio of males to females often differs from parity in wild populations. Here, we show that young female quenda over-produced sons, whereas older females tended to produce more daughters. Given that females remain in their mother's territory, we suggest that female quenda may adaptively adjust their offspring sex ratios to reduce competition with their kin. Photograph by Western Australia City of Joondalup.

AM24012 Abstract  | PDF (1 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 02 January 2025

AM24032Factors contributing directly to platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) mortality and implications for conserving populations in the wild

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

Photograph of platypus floating in water

Effective species conservation action often relies on knowing what directly drives mortality. To identify factors contributing to platypus mortality, we collated details of more than 400 deaths recorded since 1989. Important causal agents included drowning in fish nets or enclosed yabby traps, predation (mainly by foxes), becoming accidentally hooked by recreational anglers (and then released with line still trailing behind the animal), litter entanglement and being hit by motor vehicles. Photograph by Nicholas Rowlands.

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

AM24032 Abstract  |  AM24032 Full Text  | AM24032PDF (1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 20 December 2024

AM24048Exploratory behaviour in northern brown bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus) in Tropical North Queensland, Australia

Wendy A. Callaway, Sarah E. Kerr and Tasmin L. Rymer 0000-0002-9963-6345
 

Bandicoots and bilbies are among the most threatened Australian mammals, but their general behaviour is poorly studied. We studied exploratory behaviour of adult male northern brown bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus), finding inter-individual variation in exploration over time. Older bandicoots that appeared to be in better breeding condition were also less exploratory, indicating a possible life-history trade-off between reproduction and maintenance. Our pilot study on bandicoot exploratory behaviour could provide insights on their potential dispersal ability and movements in their natural landscapes.

AM24048 Abstract  | PDF (1.1 MB) - $35.00   | AM24048Supplementary Material (21 KB)
Published online 09 December 2024

AM24001What can echolocation recordings reveal about the species composition, habitat specificity and structure of mangrove bat communities in the Northern Territory?

N. L. McKenzie 0000-0002-1316-8772, R. D. Bullen and D. J. Milne
 

In this paper we discuss how to recognise ‘Top End’ bats from their echolocation sequences, data needed for rapid inexpensive survey and monitoring programmes that inform conservation planning. We present the results of the first systematic survey of the bats occupying Northern Territory mangrove forests. More broadly, we identify environmental controls influencing the species composition and structure of tropical bat communities across north-western Australia.

AM24001 Abstract  | PDF (3.1 MB) - $35.00   | AM24001Supplementary Material (711 KB)
Published online 18 November 2024

AM24026Platypus fyke-netting methods: a review of recommended field protocols and options for assessing population abundance

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

Person checking platypus fyke nets in shallow water

Fyke nets are commonly used for platypus survey or other research purposes in shallow water bodies. We discuss the wide range of factors influencing the frequency of platypus captures, identify issues affecting animal welfare in fyke nets and consider the options available for estimating platypus abundance from fyke-netting data. Photograph by G. Williams/APC.

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

AM24026 Abstract  |  AM24026 Full Text  | AM24026PDF (2.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 18 November 2024

AM24025How much time, effort and money is spent caring for wombats?

Julie M. Old, Isabella Lago, Jessica Wills and Hayley J. Stannard 0000-0002-6657-5435
 

Wombats commonly come into care due to collisions with vehicles, sarcoptic mange and attacks. Caring for wombats is time-consuming and expensive, particularly when raising wombat joeys, which were more likely to be successfully rehabilitated and released compared to adult wombats. This paper provides insights into the issues facing wombats, the people that care for wombats, and the wider carer sector.

AM24025 Abstract  | PDF (842 KB) - $35.00   | AM24025Supplementary Material (286 KB)
Published online 07 November 2024

AM24021Extended sperm storage recorded in red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura) during a trial translocation to Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park, South Australia

Tessa P. Manning 0000-0002-7038-6418, Talitha Moyle, David Peacock and Jeremy J. Austin
 

Sperm storage is common in dasyurid species and has been recorded for up to 8 days in red-tailed phascogales (Phascogale calura). We present a case where sperm storage has occurred for 15–27 days in a free-living translocated red-tailed phascogale. Our result is the longest sperm storage period recorded to-date in dasyurid species.

AM24021 Abstract  | PDF (900 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 07 November 2024

AM24020Age determination in the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) using spur sheath and spur developmental stages: a review

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

Platypus emerging from among river debris.

Male platypuses have a permanent venomous spur on both rear ankles. Their structure changes with age, while females only develop a small rudimentary spur sheath that is lost after their first year of life. Spur or spur sheath changes are used to age males in their first 3 years of life. Females can only be aged in their first 2 years. This age determination is used to age dead or living platypuses in research, veterinary or rescue contexts. Photograph credit: Ian Montgomery

AM24020 Abstract  |  AM24020 Full Text  | AM24020PDF (3.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 24 October 2024

AM24027Digging for answers: defining the external architecture of the southern hairy-nosed wombats’ (Lasiorhinus latifrons) subterranean excavations

R. Norris, G. Koertner, P. Meek and S. C. Cairns
 

Field photograph of a southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons).

The burrow excavated by the southern hairy-nosed wombat is initially located by an entrance into the ground, but entrances also lead to other structures, with these not previously defined. With counts of active burrows used as the primary feature in population estimations, accuracy in their identification is vital. Here, we provide definition of these structures to increase the accuracy of population estimations but also to increase knowledge of the southern hairy-nosed wombat’s digging activity, functional potential, warren system architecture, and possible adaptive ability. Image by R. Norris.

AM24027 Abstract  | PDF (2.8 MB) - $35.00   | AM24027Supplementary Material (2.8 MB)
Published online 22 October 2024

AM24004Gliding performance in the inland sugar glider in low-canopy forest

Ross L. Goldingay 0000-0002-6684-9299, Darren G. Quin and Karen J. Thomas
 

Photograph of an inland sugar glider (Petaurus notatus) in the wild.

Understanding glide performance in gliding mammals provides useful knowledge. We investigated this in the inland sugar glider (Petaurus notatus) in central Victoria. From 40 glides, horizontal glide distance averaged 18.1 m (range 8–41 m), glide ratio (horizontal glide distance/height dropped) averaged 2.2 and glide angle averaged 26.4°. Photograph by William Terry

AM24004 Abstract  | PDF (1.5 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 30 September 2024

AM24003Survey techniques and impact mitigation for the Endangered northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) in the semi-arid landscapes of the Pilbara

Judy Dunlop 0000-0003-4842-0672, Harry Amos Moore, Mitchell Alec Cowan 0000-0001-8432-5301 and Natasha Harrison
 

The northern quoll is a small, endangered marsupial that inhabits the northern areas of Australia, including overlapping with areas targeted for mining in the Pilbara. Following more than 10 years of long-term data collection in the Pilbara, we present best practice survey techniques and options for reducing the impact of disturbance or improving northern quoll populations. These survey techniques are relevant to northern quoll research, conservation management, to detect their presence in areas previously unsurveyed, and for monitoring the outcomes of management activities.

AM24003 Abstract  | PDF (10.2 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 25 September 2024

AM24011Eastern pygmy possum (Cercartetus nanus) populations persist in Central Coast forests after the Black Summer bushfires

Dylan J. I. Chew, Brad Law, Viyanna Leo, Darren M. Southwell, Jennifer R. Anson and Matt W. Hayward
 

Two eastern pygmy possums wrapped in light coloured fabric during health checking.

The Black Summer bushfires were catastrophic, impacting some of Australia’s most iconic species. This study used pre- and post-fire data to determine how the bushfires affected eastern pygmy possum populations on the NSW Central Coast, finding that some populations were able to persist. This study helps improve our understanding of the susceptibility of native species to such events, which becomes increasingly important as wildfires are predicted to increase in frequency and intensity in response to climate change. Left photograph by Dylan Chew; right photograph by Brad Leue, AWC.

AM24011 Abstract  | PDF (4.4 MB) - $35.00 

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Commemorating Australian Mammalogy’s Transition to the Digital Age

After 48 years in print, Australian Mammalogy published its first online-only issue early 2020. To commemorate the occasion, the Australian Mammal Society council collated a virtual issue that includes our member’s choices of the most important publications over the lifetime of Australian Mammalogy. We hope you will enjoy this issue and look forward to a long future of multidisciplinary, highly influential research published in Australian Mammalogy.

Vera Weisbecker (President) and Ross Goldingay (Editor-in-Chief)

Last Updated: 09 Nov 2020

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