ORCID Profile
0000-0002-3991-3865
Current Organisation
COMSATS University Islamabad
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Population Ecology | Wildlife and Habitat Management | Environmental Science and Management | Conservation and Biodiversity |
Remnant Vegetation and Protected Conservation Areas in Forest and Woodlands Environments | Natural Hazards in Forest and Woodlands Environments | Forest and Woodlands Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 14-11-2012
Publisher: Museum and Institute of Zoology at the Polish Academy of Sciences
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales
Date: 07-2001
DOI: 10.7882/AZ.2001.008
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2003
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-1995
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 31-10-2018
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 18-11-2021
DOI: 10.1071/ZOV68N6_IN
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-12-2021
Abstract: Forests on private land have a wide range of uses that span activities such as recreation, primary production and nature conservation. Traditionally, it has been difficult for researchers to access private land to undertake systematic surveys. We used mini‐acoustic sensors (Audiomoth) mailed via the postal service to overcome landholder concerns about researchers accessing private property, with a focus on properties used for private native forestry. We surveyed koalas, an iconic threatened marsupial, in north‐east New South Wales, Australia using passive acoustics, with repeat surveys over consecutive nights to account for imperfect detection in an occupancy modelling framework. Over 3 years, we surveyed 128 sites and recorded 2,560 male bellows. Detection probability over seven nights was high ( .79), but varied substantially between years, due to use of different sensors, housings and weather conditions. After accounting for detection probability, modelling revealed that koalas commonly occupied private native forests of the study region (probability of occupancy = 0.58 ± 0.08). Occupancy was modelled against several covariates and it varied with the landscape extent of sealed roads (₋ve), NDVI (₋ve) and a habitat suitability model (+ve, but minor). There was no support for occupancy in private forests to be related to a range of other factors including extent of surrounding cleared land, timber harvesting history, fire and other measured habitat features. Synthesis and applications . We conclude that mini‐acoustic recorders mailed to landholders were a highly effective method for assessing koala occupancy, after accounting for variable detection, and the approach could be deployed more widely for a range of species. Private native forests in partly cleared landscapes are commonly occupied by koalas, highlighting that this tenure is crucial for koala conservation and that practices seeking to balance conservation and production should be encouraged. In addition to sensitive habitat management in private forests, sealed road density is a major threat needing to be addressed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-04-2013
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12034
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-05-2019
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12772
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 07-06-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2023
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 23-06-2013
Abstract: Odours that accumulate from roosting can attract predators and increase predation risk. Consequently, selection should favour strategies that allow prey to evade detection by predators, including changing roosts. Insectivorous bats that roost in tree hollows regularly switch roosts and roost in different sized groups, strategies that would alter the accumulation of roost odours and are hypothesized to reduce predation risk. We experimentally manipulated the amount and refresh rate of roosting odour cues at 90 artificial bat roosts in Sydney, Australia, to test the hypothesis that odours increase predator visitation. Predators visited roosts with bat faeces significantly more often than untreated control roosts. Roosts with small amounts of faeces mimicking sites used by solitary bats had the greatest rate of visitation. This suggests that bats roosting alone, rather than in groups, have a greater likelihood of disturbance or predation. Roost switching probably decreases the predictability of finding occupied roosts however, we show that all roosts (those currently or recently occupied) were visited by predators, suggesting generalist urban predators readily investigate potential roosts. This is the first demonstration that bat odours are attractive to predators that use olfactory cues, showing that bats are at risk of predation in visually cryptic roosts.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-1996
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1071/AM18035
Abstract: Bat activity is influenced by fluctuating environmental variables. It may also be influenced by energetic pressures related to pregnancy, lactation, and emergence following winter inactivity. We evaluated nightly changes in relative bat activity at Royal National Park in response to Julian date, ambient temperature, precipitation, wind speed and moon phase on a nightly scale for six weeks during spring, as insectivorous bats move out of hibernation or frequent, prolonged torpor, and into the maternal season. Interestingly, later Julian date (reflecting seasonal transition) was the sole variable that best predicted total nightly activity. In addition, we opportunistically assessed bat activity in response to a severe storm, considered a Category 1 cyclone, resulting in 96.4mm of rain in one night and wind speeds up to 94km h–1. Only one species of bat, Chalinolobus gouldii, was active during the storm, with activity restricted to the latter part of the evening when precipitation had reduced, indicating rapid resumption of activity following severe weather. The results of this research can be used as an indicator of emergence from winter inactivity and highlight activity patterns of bat species in relation to environmental variables to inform timing of monitoring programs, bat surveys, and targeted research.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 1998
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-05-2018
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12617
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2005
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.1111/GEB.13473
Abstract: After environmental disasters, species with large population losses may need urgent protection to prevent extinction and support recovery. Following the 2019–2020 Australian megafires, we estimated population losses and recovery in fire‐affected fauna, to inform conservation status assessments and management. Temperate and subtropical Australia. 2019–2030 and beyond. Australian terrestrial and freshwater vertebrates one invertebrate group. From 1,050 fire‐affected taxa, we selected 173 whose distributions substantially overlapped the fire extent. We estimated the proportion of each taxon’s distribution affected by fires, using fire severity and aquatic impact mapping, and new distribution mapping. Using expert elicitation informed by evidence of responses to previous wildfires, we estimated local population responses to fires of varying severity. We combined the spatial and elicitation data to estimate overall population loss and recovery trajectories, and thus indicate potential eligibility for listing as threatened, or uplisting, under Australian legislation. We estimate that the 2019–2020 Australian megafires caused, or contributed to, population declines that make 70–82 taxa eligible for listing as threatened and another 21–27 taxa eligible for uplisting. If so‐listed, this represents a 22–26% increase in Australian statutory lists of threatened terrestrial and freshwater vertebrates and spiny crayfish, and uplisting for 8–10% of threatened taxa. Such changes would cause an abrupt worsening of underlying trajectories in vertebrates, as measured by Red List Indices. We predict that 54–88% of 173 assessed taxa will not recover to pre‐fire population size within 10 years/three generations. We suggest the 2019–2020 Australian megafires have worsened the conservation prospects for many species. Of the 91 taxa recommended for listing/uplisting consideration, 84 are now under formal review through national processes. Improving predictions about taxon vulnerability with empirical data on population responses, reducing the likelihood of future catastrophic events and mitigating their impacts on bio ersity, are critical.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 23-05-2013
DOI: 10.1371/ANNOTATION/373D69C1-9931-4C5A-A24D-4FE664C08DDC
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2012
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2005
DOI: 10.1071/WR04060
Abstract: We investigated the effects of insect-attracting ultraviolet lights on activity of forest bats (Microchiroptera) with the prediction that lights would increase our indices of bat activity and improve species identification of recorded echolocation calls. Insect aggregations were created on forest tracks (n = 9) near Kioloa, New South Wales, using three vertically stratified insect light traps. Bat echolocation calls were recorded using a ground-based vertically oriented Anabat II detection system. Bat activity and foraging rates were higher at lit points than at unlit points, particularly when the lights were operated in full darkness. More species were identified at lit points and the s ling time required to identify the second to the fifth new species was 3.3–4.6 times shorter with lights. The presence of lights resulted in a greater number of bat passes more than five pulses in length, which was associated with an increased ability to identify passes to species level. Our study demonstrates that the use of lights in forest-based echolocation surveys can improve bat species inventories, particularly in communities where overlap in call characteristics among species is common.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 1996
DOI: 10.1071/WR9960373
Abstract: Predator scats were collected near colonies of the brush-tailed rock-wallaby, Petrogale penicillata, in gorges near Armidale, New South Wales. Scat collection coincided with the two periods when these macropodids are believed to be most vulnerable to predation: when juveniles vacate the pouch (September) and when they disperse from natal home ranges (April). The ratio of known dingo to fox scats did not differ significantly from 1 : 1 for each collection period. The most common dietary items identified in the scat analysis were as follows: rabbits (in 30% of scats) sw wallabies (21%) cattle (16%) and brushtail possums (10%). Despite a visible abundance of P. penicillata in the study area, it occurred rarely (1%) in the 342 canid scats collected, and no P. penicillata was detected in fox scats. While the collection and analysis of predator scats does detect P. penicillata, it does not provide an efficient means of doing so and is unlikely to be effective at detecting small populations of this species.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-12-2011
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-06-2009
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-02-2011
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1071/PC110036
Abstract: Bats are sensitive to forest management and different silvicultural treatments are likely to impact on species in different ways. We compared the early responses of ultrasonic bat activity to alternative silvicultural treatments in the Warra Long-term Ecological Research Site, in the tall wet eucalypt forests of Tasmania. We s led 45 sites and recorded 2424 bat passes early in the maternity season of 2008, which provides a base-line for future comparisons. Total bat activity differed little between the silvicultural treatments, but locations within treatments did influence activity. Pre-planned contrasts revealed significantly lower activity at the centre of clear-fell and dispersed retention coupes than control coupes. However, there was no detectable difference between the centre of aggregate retention and control coupes, indicating that this silvicultural treatment appears effective at ameliorating the impacts of logging on bat activity. However, the retained aggregates themselves, both in their centre and along the edge, were seldom used by bats. Activity on the coupe edge was similar to control treatments, and greater than the centre of clear-fell coupes, but not the other treatments. In idual bat taxa responded to treatments consistent with predictions from ecomorphology. We also compared species level activity at paired bat detectors on the ground and in the sub-canopy (20-37 m) along the nearby Tahune airwalk. Activity was 4.5 times greater in the sub-canopy compared to ground detectors set in openings within the understorey. Adjusting the ground activity by this factor in the tall forests of the control coupes suggests that the logging impacts on bat activity are considerably greater than those described above. However, this conclusion makes the assumption that all bats flying in the range of ground-based detectors within logged gaps and adjacent to retained trees are recorded and require no adjustment.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-05-2018
DOI: 10.3390/F9050242
Publisher: Pakistan Journal of Botany
Date: 16-10-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2009
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 14-02-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-10-2010
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-05-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S00360-016-1003-3
Abstract: Historical patterns of wildfires are being altered as a result of changing climate and therefore are becoming an increasingly pressing global issue. How small mammals deal physiologically with changes in landscape and food availability due to fire remains largely unknown, although recent studies on small heterothermic terrestrial mammals have shown an increase in post-fire torpor use to reduce energy and foraging requirements. However, data on the behavioural and physiological responses of bats after fires are scarce, although potentially these volant species may differ from terrestrial mammals. Therefore, we investigated the post-fire thermal biology and activity of lesser long-eared bats (Nyctophilus geoffroyi) using temperature-telemetry in Warrumbungle National Park, NSW, which experienced a devastating wildfire in 2013. The study comprised two field seasons, one in 2013 within 4 months after the fire, and one in 2015 two years after the fire to identify potential changes in behaviour and physiology. Interestingly, soon after the fire, bats showed significantly shorter torpor bout duration (11.8 ± 12.5 h) and longer normothermia duration (8.7 ± 4.6 h) in comparison to those in 2015 (torpor bout duration: 24.1 ± 23.5 h normothermia duration: 2.5 ± 1.5 h). Insect availability was significantly (20-fold) higher in 2013 than in 2015, which was likely an important factor resulting in the short average torpor bout duration by N. geoffroyi after the fire. Our data indicate that volant bats appear to show the opposite post-fire behavioural and physiological responses to small terrestrial mammals, showing longer normothermic and active periods and shorter torpor bouts to capitalise on an increase in available post-fire resources.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-09-2018
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12661
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2010
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1071/AM16041
Abstract: We describe microhabitat use and response to disturbance by the eastern pygmy-possum (Cercartetus nanus) in heathy dry sclerophyll forest using spool-and-line-tracking. We compared unlogged forest with forest regenerating four years after selective logging. Structural and floristic attributes were scored along spool lines and compared with a random line for each possum. We found that possums (n = 23) selected areas based on both structural and floristic attributes. Possums selected dense understorey, especially that comprising flowering hairpin banksia (Banksia spinulosa) and Gymea lily (Doryanthes excelsa). Fallen logs were not selected by nocturnally active possums. Spool lines in regrowth forest had less eucalypt cover and more understorey cover (e.g. D. excelsa and B. spinulosa) than unlogged forest. Conversely, cover of Banksia serrata was less in regrowth than unlogged forest. Spool lines were commonly found both at ground level (mean = 52–57% of lengths) and above the ground (43–48% of lengths). There was no difference in the mean spool height between the logging treatments (regrowth: 0.47 ± 0.14 m unlogged: 0.49 ± 0.10 m ± s.e.). Overall, our results suggest that the dense, flowering understorey that regenerates after selective logging is suitable for use and is the primary attribute selected by active pygmy-possums.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-09-2023
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.13435
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 20-12-2021
DOI: 10.1071/WR21072
Abstract: Context It is notoriously difficult to estimate the size of animal populations, especially for cryptic or threatened species that occur in low numbers. Recent advances with acoustic sensors make the detection of animal populations cost effective when coupled with software that can recognise species-specific calls. Aims We assess the potential for acoustic sensors to estimate koala, Phascolarctos cinereus, density, when in iduals are not identified, using spatial count models. Sites were selected where previous independent estimates of density were available. Methods We established acoustic arrays at each of five sites representing different environments and densities of koalas in New South Wales. To assess reliability, we compared male koala density estimates derived from spatial count modelling to independently derived estimates for each site. Key results A total 11 312 koala bellows were verified across our five arrays. Koalas were detected at most of our s le locations (96–100% of sensors n = 130), compared with low detection rates from rapid scat searches at trees near each sensor (scats at % of trees searched, n = 889, except one site where scats were present at 69% of trees, n = 129). Independent estimates of koala density at our study areas varied from a minimum of 0.02 male koalas ha−1 to 0.32 ha−1. Acoustic arrays and the spatial count method yielded plausible estimates of male koala density, which, when converted to total koalas (assuming 1:1 sex ratio), were mostly equivalent to independent estimates previously derived for each site. The greatest discrepancy occurred where the acoustic estimate was larger (although within the bounds of uncertainty) than the independent mark–recapture estimate at a fragmented, high koala-density site. Conclusions Spatial count modelling of acoustic data from arrays provides plausible and reliable estimates of koala density and, importantly, associated measures of uncertainty as well as an ability to model spatial variations in density across an array. Caution is needed when applying models to higher-density populations where home ranges overlap extensively and calls are evenly spread across the array. Implications The results add to the opportunities of acoustic methods for wildlife, especially where monitoring of density requires cost-effective repeat surveys.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-08-2017
DOI: 10.1002/ECE3.3300
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 16-04-2013
Publisher: ISCA
Date: 02-09-2018
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1071/ZOV67N6_IN
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1071/CP19392
Abstract: Drought stress causes lower crop production globally. Plants have acquired many adaptations to overcome drought stress. Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) R.Wilczek) is a legume crop widely cultivated in South, East and Southeast Asia. It is grown in high-temperature areas where drought is the main cause of reduced plant growth and productivity. Plants cope with drought stress by activating different signalling mechanisms. The sucrose non-fermenting-1-related protein kinase 2 family (SnRK2s) is known to play vital roles in osmotic stress and in abscisic acid (ABA) signalling pathways by phosphorylating downstream targets. The genes encoding SnRK2s in mungbean and their detailed characterisation remain unexplored. We have conducted extensive genome-wide analysis for gene prediction, in silico gene analysis, evolutionary analysis and gene-expression profiling under drought-stress conditions by quantitative real-time PCR. Through genome-wide analysis, eight SnRK2 genes were predicted in the mungbean genome and were assigned the names VrSnRK2.1–VrSnRK2.8, according to their order on the chromosomes. The VrSnRK2 genes identified were classified into three clusters based on their phylogenetic relationship with those of Arabidopsis thaliana. Drought stress was imposed on 11-day-old mungbean plants by completely withholding water for 3 days. According to real-time qPCR data, the expression of most of the VrSnRK2 genes was induced by drought stress, indicating their role in the drought-stress response. One of the genes, namely SnRK2.6c, showed highest expression level (12-fold) under drought stress, possibly indicating a critical role under water-deficit conditions. These data provide important information about the VrSnRK2 gene family in mungbean. The results will help in future functional characterisation of VrSnRK2 genes.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-04-1998
Abstract: Little is known about torpor in the tropics or torpor in megachiropteran species. We investigated thermoregulation, energetics and patterns of torpor in the northern blossom-bat Macroglossus minimus (16 g) to test whether physiological variables may explain why its range is limited to tropical regions. Normothermic bats showed a large variation in body temperature (Tb) (33 to 37 degrees C) over a wide range of ambient temperatures (Tas) and a relatively low basal metabolic rate (1.29 ml O2 g-1 h-1). Bats entered torpor frequently in the laboratory at Tas between 14 and 25 degrees C. Entry into torpor always occurred when lights were switched on in the morning, independent of Ta. MRs during torpor were reduced to about 20-40% of normothermic bats and Tbs were regulated at a minimum of 23.1 +/- 1.4 degrees C. The duration of torpor bouts increased with decreasing Ta in non-thermoregulating bats, but generally terminated after 8 h in thermoregulating torpid bats. Both the mean minimum Tb and MR of torpid M. minimus were higher than that predicted for a 16-g daily heterotherm and the Tb was also about 5 degrees C higher than that of the common blossom-bat Syconycteris australis, which has a more subtropical distribution. These observations suggest that variables associated with torpor are affected by Ta and that the restriction to tropical areas in M. minimus to some extent may be due to their ability to enter only very shallow daily torpor.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
Start Date: 06-2021
End Date: 06-2024
Amount: $234,427.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity