Genetic diversity in captive and wild Matschie’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) from Huon Peninsula, Papua New Guinea, based on mtDNA control region sequences
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20222.abs The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Matschie’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) population is at a critical point for assessing long-term viability. This population, established from 19 genetically uncharacterized D. matschiei, has endured a founder effect because only four individuals contributed the majority of offspring. The highly variable mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region […]
Stereotypies and environmental enrichment in captive southern hairy-nosed wombats, Lasiorhinus latifrons
A captive colony of 12 (4♂, 8♀) wombats, Lasiorhinus latifrons, was used to investigate stereotypic behaviour in this species and determine the beneficial effects of enrichment on wombat behaviour and wellbeing. The wombats were housed in four groups of 1♂ and 2♀, each in a separate enclosure and subjected to two different treatments: (1) enrichment, […]
Behavioural evidence of dichromacy in a species of South American marsupial
Colour vision in marsupials is a controversial issue, especially among the genus Didelphis (Didelphidae, Didelphimorphia). While behavioural tests have diagnosed these animals as trichromats and electrophysiological studies have diagnosed them as monochromats, recent molecular genetics studies provide evidence for dichromatic colour vision, having found two classes of cone opsins in a species of this genus. […]
Genetic evaluation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Matschie’s tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) captive breeding program
Matschie’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) is an endangered species that has been bred in captivity since the 1970s. In 1992, the Tree Kangaroo Species Survival Plan® (TKSSP) was established to coordinate the captive management of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) D. matschiei. The TKSSP makes annual breeding recommendations primarily based on the mean kinship […]
Feeling Vulnerable? Indirect Risk Cues Differently Influence How Two Marsupials Respond to Novel Dingo Urine
In Tasmania, introduced predators are becoming more common. How Tasmanian prey respond to novel predator cues is of particular interest for their survival and management. Prey response to predator scents may depend on whether predator and prey share an evolutionary history and may be influenced by indirect risk cues such as perceived shelter or safety […]
Eliminative Behavior of Captive Numbats, Myrmecobius fasciatus (Mammalia; Marsupialia): Pattern and Identification of Fecal Deposits
This study examined the spatial defecation patterns of numbats within captivity and tested the efficacy of a food colorant as a fecal marker in this species. Rather than randomly distributing scats throughout their environment, the numbats aggregated their feces at specific sites forming latrines. It is unclear whether the strong inclination for latrine formation was […]
Non-invasive urine collection in the female southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) with the aid of classical conditioning
We propose that regular urine samples can be used to monitor and characterize the reproductive cycle of the wombat, but this approach has never before been attempted in a marsupial. We conducted a three stage conditioning process for non-invasive urine collection in captive female wombats, which included (1) initial habituation and observation of urination patterns; […]
Physiological and behavioural responses of a small heterothermic mammal to fire stimuli
The predicted increase of the frequency and intensity of wildfires as a result of climate change could have a devastating impact on many species and ecosystems. However, the particular physiological and behavioural adaptions of animals to survive fires are poorly understood. We aimed to provide the first quantitative data on physiological and behavioural mechanisms used […]