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Mark D B Eldridge - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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phylogenetic analysis of the tree kangaroos Dendrolagus reveals multiple divergent lineages within new guinea
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2018Co-Authors: Mark D B Eldridge, Sally Potter, Kristopher M Helgen, Martua H Sinaga, Ken Aplin, Timothy F FlanneryAbstract:Abstract Amongst the Australasian kangaroos and wallabies (Macropodidae) one anomalous genus, the tree-kangaroos, Dendrolagus, has secondarily returned to arboreality. Modern tree-kangaroos are confined to the wet tropical forests of north Queensland, Australia (2 species) and New Guinea (8 species). Due to their behavior, distribution and habitat most species are poorly known and our understanding of the evolutionary history and systematics of the genus is limited and controversial. We obtained tissue samples from 36 individual Dendrolagus including representatives from 14 of the 17 currently recognised or proposed subspecies and generated DNA sequence data from three mitochondrial (3116 bp) and five nuclear (4097 bp) loci. Phylogenetic analysis of these multi-locus data resolved long-standing questions regarding inter-relationships within Dendrolagus. The presence of a paraphyletic ancestral long-footed and derived monophyletic short-footed group was confirmed. Six major lineages were identified: one in Australia (D. lumholtzi, D. bennettianus) and five in New Guinea (D. inustus, D. ursinus, a Goodfellow’s group, D. mbaiso and a Doria’s group). Two major episodes of diversification within Dendrolagus were identified: the first during the late Miocene/early Pliocene associated with orogenic processes in New Guinea and the second mostly during the early Pleistocene associated with the intensification of climatic cycling. All sampled subspecies showed high levels of genetic divergence and currently recognized species within both the Doria’s and Goodfellow’s groups were paraphyletic indicating that adjustments to current taxonomy are warranted.
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tree kangaroos Dendrolagus in australia are d lumholtzi and d bennettianus sister taxa
The Australian zoologist, 2003Co-Authors: Jocelyn Bowyer, Graeme Newell, Cushla J Metcalfe, Mark D B EldridgeAbstract:Tree-kangaroos Dendrolagus sp. are a poorly known group of folivorous arboreal macropodid marsupials endemic to the rainforests of north-eastern Australia and New Guinea. Over the last century there has been little agreement on the relationship between the two Australian species, D. lumholtzi and D. bennettianus. In light of this uncertainty, we undertook a phylogenetics study based on 430 bp of sequence from the mitochondrial DNA gene cytochrome b (cytb). Samples were collected from D. lumholtzi (n = 45) and D. bennettianus (n = 3), as well as representative of six New Guinean Dendrolagus species. Results from distance and parsimony analyses strongly support a sister relationship between the two Australian species. However, D. lumholtzi and D. bennettanius show considerable sequence divergence (5.3%), suggesting that their speciation predates the mid-late Pleistocene. Although inter-relationships amongst New Guinean Dendrolagus were not fully resolved by our preliminary analysis, a number of distinct lin...
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Tree-kangaroos Dendrolagus in Australia: are D. lumholtzi and D. bennettianus sister taxa?
The Australian zoologist, 2003Co-Authors: Jocelyn Bowyer, Graeme Newell, Cushla J Metcalfe, Mark D B EldridgeAbstract:Tree-kangaroos Dendrolagus sp. are a poorly known group of folivorous arboreal macropodid marsupials endemic to the rainforests of north-eastern Australia and New Guinea. Over the last century ther...
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Genetic effects of habitat contraction on Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) in the Australian Wet Tropics
Conservation Genetics, 2002Co-Authors: Jocelyn C. Bowyer, Graeme R. Newell, Mark D B EldridgeAbstract:Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo ( Dendrolaguslumholtzi ) is one of two species oftree-kangaroo resident in the tropicalrainforests of north-eastern Australia. Thespecies is confined to the Wet Tropics region,with its distribution centred on the AthertonTablelands. While D. lumholtzi wasexposed to periodic large-scale climaticfluctuations during the Quaternary that haveeffectively acted as natural fragmentationevents, the species is currently under pressurefrom anthropogenic disturbance and habitatfragmentation. This study aimed to assess thelevel of genetic diversity in D.lumholtzi by examining hypervariablemicrosatellite loci and the control region ofmitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in 21 individualsfrom a single 20 ha forest fragment, and from afurther 24 animals collected throughout theAtherton Tablelands. Results suggest that D. lumholtzi has relatively low levels ofgenetic diversity which is uniformlydistributed throughout the Atherton Tablelands;a pattern congruent with data from many othervertebrates endemic to the Australian WetTropics. It is suggested that Pleistoceneclimatic fluctuations, which resulted inlarge-scale rainforest contractions, haveimposed an ancient population bottleneck on theancestral D. lumholtzi population. Theapparent over-riding influence of thesenatural, historical effects on the geneticstructure of D. lumholtzi populations,will complicate attempts to assess the geneticimpact of current anthropogenic habitat lossand fragmentation.
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Phylogeny of the rock-wallabies, Petrogale (Marsupialia : Macropodidae) based on DNA/DNA hybridisation
Australian Journal of Zoology, 2001Co-Authors: Antoine Campeau-péloquin, Mark D B Eldridge, John A. W. Kirsch, François LapointeAbstract:DNA/DNA hybridisation analysis was undertaken to resolve the phylogenetic relationships within the chromosomally diverse genus Petrogale. Excepting P. concinna, all full species and three subspecies of P. lateralis were examined; all but four of these 16 taxa were labeled, as were four outgroup species. While demonstrating the ability of the technique to resolve relationships at the species level, our study confirmed that divergence of Petrogale species is recent and occurred during the late Pliocene to mid-Pleistocene. Our data placed the first division within Petrogale species between the monophyletic brachyotis group and the paraphyletic xanthopus plus lateralis/penicillata groups, the latter including P. rothschildi; the subspecies P. l. purpureicollisappears to be intermediate between thelateralis and thepenicillata complexes. However, our data could not resolve most relationships amongst the eastern Petrogale radiation, except for a probable grouping of the species P. herberti,P. inornata,P. penicillata, andP. sharmani. Finally, our results support recent suggestions that Dendrolagus rather than Thylogaleis the sister taxon to Petrogale.
Thomas P Husband - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Comparative mtDNA analyses of three sympatric macropodids from a conservation area on the Huon Peninsula, Papua New Guinea.
Mitochondrial DNA, 2015Co-Authors: Thomas J Mcgreevy, Lisa Dabek, Thomas P HusbandAbstract:AbstractMatschie’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei), New Guinea pademelon (Thylogale browni), and small dorcopsis (Dorcopsulus vanheurni) are sympatric macropodid taxa, of conservation concern, that inhabit the Yopno–Urawa–Som (YUS) Conservation Area on the Huon Peninsula, Papua New Guinea. We sequenced three partial mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes from the three taxa to (i) investigate network structure; and (ii) identify conservation units within the YUS Conservation Area. All three taxa displayed a similar pattern in the spatial distribution of their mtDNA haplotypes and the Urawa and Som rivers on the Huon may have acted as a barrier to maternal gene flow. Matschie’s tree kangaroo and New Guinea pademelon within the YUS Conservation Area should be managed as single conservation units because mtDNA nucleotides were not fixed for a given geographic area. However, two distinct conservation units were identified for small dorcopsis from the two different mountain ranges within the YUS Conservation Area.
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tree kangaroo molecular systematics based on partial cytochrome b sequences are matschie s tree kangaroo Dendrolagus matschiei and goodfellow s tree kangaroo d goodfellowi buergersi sister taxa
Australian Mammalogy, 2012Co-Authors: Thomas J Mcgreevy, Lisa Dabek, Thomas P HusbandAbstract:New Guinea tree kangaroos (Dendrolagus spp.) are unique arboreal macropodid marsupials mainly listed as critically endangered or endangered. The molecular systematics of Dendrolagus has not been fully resolved and is critical for the accurate identification of species and their evolutionary relationships. Matschie’s tree kangaroo (D. matschiei) and Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo (D. goodfellowi buergersi) share numerous morphological, physiological, and behavioural traits. We analysed the partial mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene for D. matschiei (n = 67), D. g. buergersi (n = 8), D. goodfellowi unidentified ssp. (n = 8), golden-mantled tree kangaroo (D. g. pulcherrimus; n = 1), and two additional New Guinea Dendrolagus taxa to determine whether D. matschiei and D. g. buergersi are sister taxa. D. matschiei and D. g. buergersi were not placed as sister taxa in our phylogenetic analyses; however, we were unable to analyse a known sample from a D. g. goodfellowi. We found initial genetic evidence that D. matschiei and the Lowland tree kangaroo (D. spadix) are sister taxa – they may have diverged after the formation of the Huon Peninsula of Papua New Guinea. Our results also support the elevation of D. g. pulcherrimus to a full species. An improved understanding of Dendrolagus molecular systematics will contribute substantially to their conservation.
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genetic evaluation of the association of zoos and aquariums matschie s tree kangaroo Dendrolagus matschiei captive breeding program
Zoo Biology, 2011Co-Authors: Thomas J Mcgreevy, Lisa Dabek, Thomas P HusbandAbstract: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 (MK) strategy. Captive breeding programs often use the MK strategy to preserve genetic diversity in small populations—to avoid the negative consequences of inbreeding and retain their adaptive potential. The ability of a captive breeding program to retain the population's genetic diversity over time can be evaluated by comparing the genetic diversity of the captive population to wild populations. We analyzed DNA extracted from blood and fecal samples from AZA (n = 71), captive (n = 28), and wild (n = 22) D. matschiei using eight microsatellite markers and sequenced the partial mitochondrial DNA control region gene. AZA D. matschiei had a similar expected heterozygosity (He = 0.595±0.184) compared with wild D. matschiei (He = 0.628±0.143), but they had different allelic frequencies (FST = 0.126; P<0.001). AZA D. matschiei haplotype diversity was almost two times lower than wild D. matschiei (). These data will assist management of AZA D. matschiei and serve as a baseline for AZA and wild D. matschiei genetic diversity values that could be used to monitor future changes in their genetic diversity. Zoo Biol 30:636–646, 2011. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Genetic evaluation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Matschie's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) captive breeding program.
Zoo Biology, 2010Co-Authors: Thomas J Mcgreevy, Lisa Dabek, Thomas P HusbandAbstract: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 (MK) strategy. Captive breeding programs often use the MK strategy to preserve genetic diversity in small populations—to avoid the negative consequences of inbreeding and retain their adaptive potential. The ability of a captive breeding program to retain the population's genetic diversity over time can be evaluated by comparing the genetic diversity of the captive population to wild populations. We analyzed DNA extracted from blood and fecal samples from AZA (n = 71), captive (n = 28), and wild (n = 22) D. matschiei using eight microsatellite markers and sequenced the partial mitochondrial DNA control region gene. AZA D. matschiei had a similar expected heterozygosity (He = 0.595±0.184) compared with wild D. matschiei (He = 0.628±0.143), but they had different allelic frequencies (FST = 0.126; P
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microsatellite marker development and mendelian analysis in the matschie s tree kangaroo Dendrolagus matschiei
Journal of Heredity, 2010Co-Authors: Thomas J Mcgreevy, Lisa Dabek, Thomas P HusbandAbstract:: Matschie's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) is an endangered arboreal macropodid endemic to the Huon Peninsula, Papua New Guinea (PNG). We developed 5 microsatellite markers for D. matschiei, which are the first markers developed for Dendrolagus. We screened 17 additional markers that were developed for other marsupial taxa and identified 3 that were polymorphic in D. matschiei. We estimated allelic and genetic diversity with the set of 8 markers by analyzing 22 D. matschiei from Wasaunon on the Huon Peninsula, PNG. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 9 and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.440 to 0.794. We tested for null alleles and Mendelian inheritance by analyzing 19 pairs of D. matschiei parents and offspring from Association of Zoos and Aquariums institutions. Null alleles were not detected and Mendelian inheritance was followed for all 8 markers. We also evaluated the reliability of using the markers to amplify DNA extracted from D. matschiei fecal samples and the ability of the markers to amplify DNA samples from Goodfellow's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus goodfellowi ssp.), Doria's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus dorianus ssp.), and Grizzled tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus inustus ssp.). Microsatellite markers can be used to inform management decisions to conserve D. matschiei in captivity and the wild.
Philip W. Kuchel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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comparative nmr studies of diffusional water permeability of red blood cells from different species xv agile wallaby macropus agilis red necked wallaby macropus rufogriseus and goodfellow s tree kangaroo Dendrolagus goodfellowi
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A-molecular & Integrative Physiology, 2009Co-Authors: Gheorghe Benga, Bogdan E. Chapman, Philip W. KuchelAbstract:: The water diffusional permeability (P(d)) of red blood cells (RBC) from agile wallaby (Macropus agilis), red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) and Goodfellow's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus goodfellowi) was monitored using an Mn(2+)-doping (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique at 400 MHz. The P(d) (cm s(-1)) values of agile wallaby RBCs were 7.5 x 10(-3) at 25 degrees C, 9 x 10(-3) at 30 degrees C, 11 x 10(-3) at 37 degrees C, and 13 x 10(-3) at 42 degrees C. The inhibitory effect of a mercury-containing sulfhydryl (SH)-modifying reagent p-chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB) on agile wallaby RBCs was investigated. The maximal inhibition was reached in 90 min at 37 degrees C with 2 mmol L(-1) PCMB. The value of maximal inhibition was approximately 63% when measured at 25 degrees C, approximately 52% at 37 degrees C and approximately 45% at 42 degrees C. The lowest value of P(d) (corresponding to the basal permeability to water) was approximately 3 x 10(-3) cm s(-1) at 25 degrees C. For the RBCs from red-necked wallaby (M. rufogriseus) the values of P(d) (cm s(-1)) were 7 x 10(-3) at 25 degrees C, 8 x 10(-3) at 30 degrees C, 10 x 10(-3) at 37 degrees C, and 12 x 10(-3) at 42 degrees C. Higher values of P(d) (cm s(-1)) were found for the RBCs from Goodfellow's tree kangaroo (D. goodfellowi): 8.5 x 10(-3) at 25 degrees C, 10 x 10(-3) at 30 degrees C, 13 x 10(-3) at 37 degrees C, and 15 x 10(-3) at 42 degrees C. The mean values of the activation energy of water diffusion (E(a,d)) were approximately 25 kJ mol(-1) for RBCs from the agile wallaby and tree kangaroo, respectively, and approximately 23 kJ mol(-1) for RBCs from red-necked wallaby. The values of E(a,d) increased after exposure of agile wallaby RBCs to PCMB, reaching a value of approximately 43-46 kJ mol(-1) when the maximal inhibition of P(d) was achieved.
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Nmr studies of diffusional water permeability of erythrocytes from eight species of marsupial
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 1993Co-Authors: Gheorghe Benga, C. H. Gallagher, Bogdan E. Chapman, N. S. Agar, Philip W. KuchelAbstract:Abstract 1. 1.The diffusional water permeability (Pd) of the red blood cell (RBC) membranes of eight species of marsupial were monitored by using a Mn2+-doping 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique at 400 MHz (9.4T). 2. 2.There were differences in the water permeability of the RBC membranes among the species investigated. 3. 3.On the basis of parameters characterizing the RBC water permeability the animals could be divided in two groups. 4. 4.For the first group, including the large macropodid marsupials, eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) and red kangaroo (M. rufus), the values of Pd were 5.4–6.1 × 10−3 cm/sec at 24.6°C; 6.6–7.2 × 10−3 cm/sec at 30°C; 7.8–9.1 × 10−3cm/sec at 37°C and 9.3°-11.1 × 10-3 cm/sec at 42.1°C. 5. 5.The values of the activation energy for the diffusion process (Ea,d) ranged from 24–27 kJ/mol. 6. 6.For the second group, including bandicoot (Isoodon macrourus), bilby (Macrotis lagotis sagitta), Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), koala (Phascolarctis cinerens), brush tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), and Goodfellow's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus goodfellowi), the values of Pd were higher, ranging from 8.1–10.4 × 10−3 cm/sec at 24.6°C; 8.9–11.8 × 10−3 cm/sec at 30°C; 10.3–13.7 × 10−3cm/sec at 37°C and 11.9–15.3 × 10−3cm/sec at 42.1°C. 7. 7.In parallel with the high water permeability the RBC of the marsupials in the second group exhibited lower values of Ea,D ranging from 15–21 kJ/mol, except for Goodfellow's tree kangaroo, for which the Ea,D was ~ 25 kJ/mol.
Rhiana D Meade - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Improving reliability of scat counts for abundance and distribution estimations of Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) in its rainforest habitats.
Pacific Conservation Biology, 2020Co-Authors: Sigrid R. Heise-pavlov, Rhiana D MeadeAbstract:arboreal folivores, such as Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) in Far North Queensland, Australia, scat counts seem to be the most promising ecological technique. However, the occurrence of Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroos in seasonal rainforests with dense understory, a high diversity of coprophagous invertebrates and with sympatric folivores increases the probability of invalidating results based on scat surveys. This study investigates scat production and scat decomposition patterns to select diagnostic traits of Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo scats that can, under varying environmental conditions, assist in distinguishing between fresh and old scats to reduce false positive and false negative errors in species presence due to non- or/and misidentification of scats. Scat production rates of six captive Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroos were highly variable resulting in different scat numbers and masses. Changes in scat size (mass and circumference), pH and the appearance of mould were monitored under different laboratory conditions and in forest trials. Under wet conditions scats gained mass until they reached an apparent plateau of 130% of their original mass. Scats under dry conditions lost up to 90% of their original mass. Changes in mass were accompanied by changes in circumference of scats. By Day 3 scats had developed signs of mould under laboratory conditions and showed an acidic pH. Field trials revealed a high loss of scats due primarily to their consumption by dung beetles (Scarabaeoidea). For studying Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroos in their rainforest environment, scat surveys should be confined to dry periods to reduce the probability of false negative errors due to activity of coprophagous invertebrates. Additionally, only fresh scats of average size and with an acidic pH should be used to minimize the risk of misidentifying small sized scats from Red-legged Pademelons (Thylogale stigmatica) as tree-kangaroo scats. More studies on species-specific diagnostic traits of Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo scats are necessary to validate false negative and false positive errors in scat counts for this species.
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improving reliability of scat counts for abundance and distribution estimations of lumholtz s tree kangaroo Dendrolagus lumholtzi in its rainforest habitats
Pacific Conservation Biology, 2012Co-Authors: Sigrid R Heisepavlov, Rhiana D MeadeAbstract:arboreal folivores, such as Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) in Far North Queensland, Australia, scat counts seem to be the most promising ecological technique. However, the occurrence of Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroos in seasonal rainforests with dense understory, a high diversity of coprophagous invertebrates and with sympatric folivores increases the probability of invalidating results based on scat surveys. This study investigates scat production and scat decomposition patterns to select diagnostic traits of Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo scats that can, under varying environmental conditions, assist in distinguishing between fresh and old scats to reduce false positive and false negative errors in species presence due to non- or/and misidentification of scats. Scat production rates of six captive Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroos were highly variable resulting in different scat numbers and masses. Changes in scat size (mass and circumference), pH and the appearance of mould were monitored under different laboratory conditions and in forest trials. Under wet conditions scats gained mass until they reached an apparent plateau of 130% of their original mass. Scats under dry conditions lost up to 90% of their original mass. Changes in mass were accompanied by changes in circumference of scats. By Day 3 scats had developed signs of mould under laboratory conditions and showed an acidic pH. Field trials revealed a high loss of scats due primarily to their consumption by dung beetles (Scarabaeoidea). For studying Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroos in their rainforest environment, scat surveys should be confined to dry periods to reduce the probability of false negative errors due to activity of coprophagous invertebrates. Additionally, only fresh scats of average size and with an acidic pH should be used to minimize the risk of misidentifying small sized scats from Red-legged Pademelons (Thylogale stigmatica) as tree-kangaroo scats. More studies on species-specific diagnostic traits of Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo scats are necessary to validate false negative and false positive errors in scat counts for this species.
Lisa Dabek - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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composition of browses consumed by matschie s tree kangaroo Dendrolagus matschiei sampled from home ranges in papua new guinea
Zoo Biology, 2020Co-Authors: Ellen S Dierenfeld, Daniel Solomon Okena, Oliver Paul, Lisa DabekAbstract:: Twenty-six samples (n = 24 spp.) of foods eaten, including ferns, shrubs, vines, orchids, herbaceous plants, and tree leaves, were collected from the Yopno, Uruwa, and Som Conservation Area at approximately 1,800 m altitude on the Huon Peninsula, Papua New Guinea (PNG). Samples were weighed fresh in the field and transported to the Lae National Herbarium in PNG for drying and confirmed identification, before transporting to the US for analysis of primary nutrient composition and minerals. Water content averaged 76 ± 10% (mean ± standard deviation); on a dry matter (DM) basis, foods averaged moderate protein (11 ± 5%), and soluble carbohydrate (27 ± 8%) content, along with exceptionally low starch (1 ± 1%) and crude fat (3 ± 2%) values, and moderate to high values in fiber fractions (neutral detergent fiber 52 ± 13%, acid detergent fiber 39 ± 10%, lignin 15 ± 6%). Calculated metabolizable energy content of native forages averaged 1.9 ± 0.3 Mcal/kg DM (ruminant model). Macromineral concentrations (DM basis) were not exceptional (calcium 1.1 ± 1.0%, phosphorus 0.2 ± 0.1%, magnesium 0.3 ± 0.2%, potassium 1.8 ± 0.9%, sodium 0.02 ± 0.02%), and select trace minerals were within anticipated ranges for herbivores (copper 12 ± 13 mg/kg, iron 48 ± 26 mg/kg, zinc 34 ± 18 mg/kg) with the exception of manganese (268 ± 225 mg/kg), which could be considered on the high end of dietary adequacy for most herbivores. These data provide useful information that can be used to adjust nutrient targets for dietary development and feeding management of captive populations of tree kangaroos.
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Comparative mtDNA analyses of three sympatric macropodids from a conservation area on the Huon Peninsula, Papua New Guinea.
Mitochondrial DNA, 2015Co-Authors: Thomas J Mcgreevy, Lisa Dabek, Thomas P HusbandAbstract:AbstractMatschie’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei), New Guinea pademelon (Thylogale browni), and small dorcopsis (Dorcopsulus vanheurni) are sympatric macropodid taxa, of conservation concern, that inhabit the Yopno–Urawa–Som (YUS) Conservation Area on the Huon Peninsula, Papua New Guinea. We sequenced three partial mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes from the three taxa to (i) investigate network structure; and (ii) identify conservation units within the YUS Conservation Area. All three taxa displayed a similar pattern in the spatial distribution of their mtDNA haplotypes and the Urawa and Som rivers on the Huon may have acted as a barrier to maternal gene flow. Matschie’s tree kangaroo and New Guinea pademelon within the YUS Conservation Area should be managed as single conservation units because mtDNA nucleotides were not fixed for a given geographic area. However, two distinct conservation units were identified for small dorcopsis from the two different mountain ranges within the YUS Conservation Area.
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spatial requirements of free ranging huon tree kangaroos Dendrolagus matschiei macropodidae in upper montane forest
PLOS ONE, 2014Co-Authors: Gabriel Porolak, Lisa Dabek, Andrew K KrockenbergerAbstract:Tree kangaroos (Macropodidae, Dendrolagus) are some of Australasia's least known mammals. However, there is sufficient evidence of population decline and local extinctions that all New Guinea tree kangaroos are considered threatened. Understanding spatial requirements is important in conservation and management. Expectations from studies of Australian tree kangaroos and other rainforest macropodids suggest that tree kangaroos should have small discrete home ranges with the potential for high population densities, but there are no published estimates of spatial requirements of any New Guinea tree kangaroo species. Home ranges of 15 Huon tree kangaroos, Dendrolagus matschiei, were measured in upper montane forest on the Huon Peninsula, Papua New Guinea. The home range area was an average of 139.6±26.5 ha (100% MCP; n = 15) or 81.8±28.3 ha (90% harmonic mean; n = 15), and did not differ between males and females. Home ranges of D. matschiei were 40–100 times larger than those of Australian tree kangaroos or other rainforest macropods, possibly due to the impact of hunting reducing density, or low productivity of their high altitude habitat. Huon tree kangaroos had cores of activity within their range at 45% (20.9±4.1 ha) and 70% (36.6±7.5 ha) harmonic mean isopleths, with little overlap (4.8±2.9%; n = 15 pairs) between neighbouring females at the 45% isopleth, but, unlike the Australian species, extensive overlap between females (20.8±5.5%; n = 15 pairs) at the complete range (90% harmonic mean). Males overlapped each other and females to a greater extent than did pairs of females. From core areas and overlap, the density of female D. matschiei was one per 19.4 ha. Understanding the cause of this low density is crucial in gaining greater understanding of variations in density of tree kangaroos across the landscape. We consider the potential role of habitat fragmentation, productivity and hunting pressure in limiting tree kangaroo density in New Guinea rainforests.
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tree kangaroo molecular systematics based on partial cytochrome b sequences are matschie s tree kangaroo Dendrolagus matschiei and goodfellow s tree kangaroo d goodfellowi buergersi sister taxa
Australian Mammalogy, 2012Co-Authors: Thomas J Mcgreevy, Lisa Dabek, Thomas P HusbandAbstract:New Guinea tree kangaroos (Dendrolagus spp.) are unique arboreal macropodid marsupials mainly listed as critically endangered or endangered. The molecular systematics of Dendrolagus has not been fully resolved and is critical for the accurate identification of species and their evolutionary relationships. Matschie’s tree kangaroo (D. matschiei) and Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo (D. goodfellowi buergersi) share numerous morphological, physiological, and behavioural traits. We analysed the partial mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene for D. matschiei (n = 67), D. g. buergersi (n = 8), D. goodfellowi unidentified ssp. (n = 8), golden-mantled tree kangaroo (D. g. pulcherrimus; n = 1), and two additional New Guinea Dendrolagus taxa to determine whether D. matschiei and D. g. buergersi are sister taxa. D. matschiei and D. g. buergersi were not placed as sister taxa in our phylogenetic analyses; however, we were unable to analyse a known sample from a D. g. goodfellowi. We found initial genetic evidence that D. matschiei and the Lowland tree kangaroo (D. spadix) are sister taxa – they may have diverged after the formation of the Huon Peninsula of Papua New Guinea. Our results also support the elevation of D. g. pulcherrimus to a full species. An improved understanding of Dendrolagus molecular systematics will contribute substantially to their conservation.
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health assessment of free ranging and captive matschie s tree kangaroos Dendrolagus matschiei in papua new guinea
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 2012Co-Authors: Erika K Travis, Patricia Watson, Lisa DabekAbstract:Abstract: Medical evaluations were performed on free-ranging and captive Matschie's tree kangaroos (Dendrolagus matschiei) in Papua New Guinea. The health assessment included physical examination, morphometrics, cloacal swab; and blood, hair, and feces collection. Radio-collars were placed on free-ranging tree kangaroos to determine home range and forest habitat use. The free-ranging tree kangaroos were lightly anesthetized with tiletamine/zolazepam for the data collection. A total of nine free-ranging and seven captive tree kangaroos were evaluated; medical samples were collected from six and five animals, respectively. Results of physical examination, anesthetic monitoring, serum vitamin, mineral, trace nutrient, and electrolytes, whole blood heavy metal analysis, mycobacterial screening, and fecal examinations are presented. Free-ranging tree kangaroos had significantly lower values for beta carotene, copper, selenium, molybdenum, lead, and arsenic and significantly higher values for vitamin E than ca...