ORCID Profile
0000-0002-3826-2896
Current Organisations
UNSW Sydney
,
University of Technology Sydney
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Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-07-2021
DOI: 10.3390/ANI11072101
Abstract: We previously developed a Ten-Stage Protocol for scientifically assessing the welfare of in idual free-roaming wild animals using the Five Domains Model. The protocol includes developing methods for measuring or observing welfare indices. In this study, we assessed the use of remote camera traps to evaluate an extensive range of welfare indicators in in idual free-roaming wild horses. Still images and videos were collected and analysed to assess whether horses could be detected and identified in idually, which welfare indicators could be reliably evaluated, and whether behaviour could be quantitatively assessed. Remote camera trapping was successful in detecting and identifying horses (75% on still images and 72% on video observation events), across a range of habitats including woodlands where horses could not be directly observed. Twelve indicators of welfare across the Five Domains were assessed with equal frequency on both still images and video, with those most frequently assessable being body condition score (73% and 79% of observation events, respectively), body posture (76% for both), coat condition (42% and 52%, respectively), and whether or not the horse was sweating excessively (42% and 45%, respectively). An additional five indicators could only be assessed on video those most frequently observable being presence or absence of weakness (66%), qualitative behavioural assessment (60%), presence or absence of shivering (51%), and gait at walk (50%). Specific behaviours were identified in 93% of still images and 84% of video events, and proportions of time different behaviours were captured could be calculated. Most social behaviours were rarely observed, but close spatial proximity to other horses, as an indicator of social bonds, was recorded in 36% of still images, and 29% of video observation events. This is the first study that describes detailed methodology for these purposes. The results of this study can also form the basis of application to other species, which could contribute significantly to advancing the field of wild animal welfare.
Publisher: Bioscientifica
Date: 05-1993
Abstract: Duration of oestrous cycle and gestation, and characteristics of postpartum oestrus of chital hinds are described. Mean duration of the oestrus cycle of chital hinds was 19.3 +/- 1.3 days, with a range of 17-21 days. Serum progesterone profiles are shown, with minimum progesterone concentrations near oestrus less than 2.7 nmol l-1, and maximum luteal values 16-26 nmol l-1. Mean duration of gestation was 234.5 +/- 3.0 days (n = 17).
Publisher: Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales
Date: 12-2005
DOI: 10.7882/AZ.2005.020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-10-2022
DOI: 10.1038/S41893-022-00970-0
Abstract: The 2020 global spatial targets for protected areas set by the Convention on Biological Diversity have almost been achieved, but management effectiveness remains deficient. Personnel shortages are widely cited as major contributing factors but have not previously been quantified. Using data from 176 countries and territories, we estimate a current maximum of 555,000 terrestrial protected area personnel worldwide (one per 37 km 2 ), including 286,000 rangers (one per 72 km 2 ), far short of published guidance on required densities. Expansion by 2030 to 30% coverage of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures is widely agreed as a minimum for safeguarding bio ersity and ecosystem services. We project that effective management of this expanded system will require approximately 3 million personnel (one per 13 km 2 ), including more than 1.5 million rangers or equivalents (one per 26 km 2 ). Parallel improvements in resourcing, working conditions and capacity are required for effective, equitable and sustainable management.
Publisher: Wildlife Disease Association
Date: 07-1991
DOI: 10.7589/0090-3558-27.3.396
Abstract: Haematological and serum biochemical values were measured in blood s les collected over a 12-mo period from 37 unsedated chital deer (Axis axis). Stags and hinds, ranging in age from birth to maturity, were s led. Haemoglobin, total erythrocyte and haematocrit values were low at birth and sex differences were not apparent in neonates and juveniles, but were in adults. Chital stags had higher erythrocyte parameters (P less than 0.001) and lower erythrocyte indices than hinds, and the total leucocyte count was higher in stags (P less than 0.01). Some parameters (erythrocytes, muscle enzymes, glucose, cortisol) decreased over successive serial s ling. The differential leucocyte count of older stags decreased during the initial handling period. The major rutting period in February and March was characterised by changes in the differential leucocyte count, elevations in serum muscle enzymes, and lower serum cortisol levels. Alkaline phosphatase activity in serum reflected the annual antler cycle of chital stags. Serial s ling over many weeks, either weekly or tri-weekly, produced haematological and biochemical changes in successive s les which may have reflected a reduction in stress and excitement associated with restraint.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1071/ZO11082
Abstract: South-east Australia has a complex predator assemblage which has historically been vulnerable to introduced species. This is the first Australian field study to analyse s les from members of the families Canidae, Dasyuridae, Strigidae, and Varanidae to describe the diet and diet overlap between these predators. S les were collected opportunistically and hair and bone analysis was used to identify the content of s les. Wild dogs (Canis lupus) and lace monitors (Varanus varius) predominantly consumed large mammalian prey, which contributed to the high level of diet overlap (Ojk = 0.79) between these two species. Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and spotted-tailed quolls (Dasyurus maculatus) also had a high level of diet overlap (Ojk = 0.76), a result of their diets containing a high proportion of medium-sized mammals. The diet of wild dogs and foxes showed moderate overlap (Ojk = 0.59), and foxes were more likely to prey on species within the critical weight range than on macropods, which made up a high proportion of the diet of wild dogs. These data confirm that significant diet overlap can occur between predators from different taxonomic classes and further investigation of potential competition will be important to ongoing management.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-07-2011
DOI: 10.1007/S00267-011-9721-5
Abstract: Effective management of large protected conservation areas is challenged by political, institutional and environmental complexity and inconsistency. Knowledge generation and its uptake into management are crucial to address these challenges. We reflect on practice at the interface between science and management of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA), which covers approximately 1 million hectares west of Sydney, Australia. Multiple government agencies and other stakeholders are involved in its management, and decision-making is confounded by numerous plans of management and competing values and goals, reflecting the different objectives and responsibilities of stakeholders. To highlight the complexities of the decision-making process for this large area, we draw on the outcomes of a recent collaborative research project and focus on fire regimes and wild-dog control as ex les of how existing knowledge is integrated into management. The collaborative research project achieved the objectives of collating and synthesizing biological data for the region however, transfer of the project's outcomes to management has proved problematic. Reasons attributed to this include lack of clearly defined management objectives to guide research directions and uptake, and scientific information not being made more understandable and accessible. A key role of a local bridging organisation (e.g., the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute) in linking science and management is ensuring that research results with management significance can be effectively transmitted to agencies and that outcomes are explained for nonspecialists as well as more widely distributed. We conclude that improved links between science, policy, and management within an adaptive learning-by-doing framework for the GBMWHA would assist the usefulness and uptake of future research.
Start Date: 2007
End Date: 2010
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2021
End Date: 2025
Funder: Wellcome Trust
View Funded Activity