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B-cells are key to humoral immunity, are found in multiple lymphoid organs, and have the unique ability to mediate the production of antigen-specific antibodies in the presence of pathogens. The marsupial immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy (H) chain locus encodes four constant region isotypes, IgA, IgG, IgM and IgE, but no IgD, and there are two light (L) chain isotypes, lambda (Igλ) and kappa (Igκ). To gain an understanding of the marsupial humoral immune system, B-cell transcriptomes generated by single-cell RNA sequencing from gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) splenocytes, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analysed. The cells used were from a single unimmunized animal and the majority of B-cells were transcribing IgM heavy chains. The ratio of Ig light chain use was roughly 2:1, Igλ:Igκ in this individual. This was not predicted due to Igκ being the more complex of the two L chain loci. The variable (V) gene segment pairs used in individual B-cells confirm greater diversity provided by the L chain V. This study is the first to report on using single cell analysis to investigate Ig repertoires in a marsupial and confirms a number of prior hypothesis, as well as revealing some surprises.
Andrea L. Schraven; Victoria L. Hansen; Kimberly A. Morrissey; Hayley J. Stannard; Oselyne Tw. Ong; Daniel C. Douek; Robert D. Miller; Julie M. Old. Developmental and comparative immunology single-cell transcriptome analysis of the B-cell repertoire reveals the usage of immunoglobulins in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica). Developmental & Comparative Immunology 2021, 123, 104141 .
AMA StyleAndrea L. Schraven, Victoria L. Hansen, Kimberly A. Morrissey, Hayley J. Stannard, Oselyne Tw. Ong, Daniel C. Douek, Robert D. Miller, Julie M. Old. Developmental and comparative immunology single-cell transcriptome analysis of the B-cell repertoire reveals the usage of immunoglobulins in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica). Developmental & Comparative Immunology. 2021; 123 ():104141.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea L. Schraven; Victoria L. Hansen; Kimberly A. Morrissey; Hayley J. Stannard; Oselyne Tw. Ong; Daniel C. Douek; Robert D. Miller; Julie M. Old. 2021. "Developmental and comparative immunology single-cell transcriptome analysis of the B-cell repertoire reveals the usage of immunoglobulins in the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)." Developmental & Comparative Immunology 123, no. : 104141.
Moxidectin (MOX) is a macrocyclic lactone approved worldwide for the treatment of both endo- and ecto-parasites in many mammalian species. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of MOX as a treatment against parasites in a range of mammalian species. An electronic literature search was performed for publications to the 1st September 2020. A total of 205 papers were retrieved and screened against all required criteria; hence, 35 were papers were reviewed in this study. The level of evidence and methodological quality was analysed, where a total of 13 publications were categorised as a ‘randomised control trial’, seven were categorised as a ‘non-randomised control trial’ and 15 as an ‘experimental control trial’. The overall methodological quality of the publications was considered low, low to moderate, moderate, moderate to high and high in ten, four, twelve, five and a further four, respectively. We assessed the treatment and possible toxicity of MOX in 13 mammalian species, six investigations reported adverse effects to MOX in a small percentage of individuals. The authors reported observed reactions that were typically mild symptoms that did not require additional therapies, and/or resolved themselves. Further studies are needed to assess the efficacy of MOX treatment in a larger number of species, particularly in wildlife.
Andrea L. Schraven; Hayley J. Stannard; Julie M. Old. A systematic review of moxidectin as a treatment for parasitic infections in mammalian species. Parasitology Research 2021, 120, 1167 -1181.
AMA StyleAndrea L. Schraven, Hayley J. Stannard, Julie M. Old. A systematic review of moxidectin as a treatment for parasitic infections in mammalian species. Parasitology Research. 2021; 120 (4):1167-1181.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea L. Schraven; Hayley J. Stannard; Julie M. Old. 2021. "A systematic review of moxidectin as a treatment for parasitic infections in mammalian species." Parasitology Research 120, no. 4: 1167-1181.
Mosquito-borne viruses are well recognized as a global public health burden amongst humans, but the effects on non-human vertebrates is rarely reported. Australia, houses a number of endemic mosquito-borne viruses, such as Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis virus. In this review, we synthesize the current state of mosquito-borne viruses impacting non-human vertebrates in Australia, including diseases that could be introduced due to local mosquito distribution. Given the unique island biogeography of Australia and the endemism of vertebrate species (including macropods and monotremes), Australia is highly susceptible to foreign mosquito species becoming established, and mosquito-borne viruses becoming endemic alongside novel reservoirs. For each virus, we summarize the known geographic distribution, mosquito vectors, vertebrate hosts, clinical signs and treatments, and highlight the importance of including non-human vertebrates in the assessment of future disease outbreaks. The mosquito-borne viruses discussed can impact wildlife, livestock, and companion animals, causing significant changes to Australian ecology and economy. The complex nature of mosquito-borne disease, and challenges in assessing the impacts to non-human vertebrate species, makes this an important topic to periodically review.
Oselyne Ong; Eloise Skinner; Brian Johnson; Julie Old. Mosquito-Borne Viruses and Non-Human Vertebrates in Australia: A Review. Viruses 2021, 13, 265 .
AMA StyleOselyne Ong, Eloise Skinner, Brian Johnson, Julie Old. Mosquito-Borne Viruses and Non-Human Vertebrates in Australia: A Review. Viruses. 2021; 13 (2):265.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOselyne Ong; Eloise Skinner; Brian Johnson; Julie Old. 2021. "Mosquito-Borne Viruses and Non-Human Vertebrates in Australia: A Review." Viruses 13, no. 2: 265.
Background Ticks are obligate haematophagous ectoparasites of vertebrate hosts and transmit the widest range of pathogenic organisms of any arthropod vector. Seven tick species are known to feed on bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus), in addition to the highly prevalent Sarcoptes scabiei mite which causes fatal sarcoptic mange in most bare-nosed wombat populations. Little is known about the pathogens carried by most wombat ticks or how they may impact wombats and wombat handlers. Methods Wombat ticks were sourced from wildlife hospitals and sanctuaries across Australia and identified to species level using taxonomic keys. Genomic DNA was extracted from a subsample, and following the amplification of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene V3–V4 hypervariable region, next-generation sequencing (NGS) on the Illumina MiSeq platform was used to assess the microbial composition. Results A total of 447 tick specimens were collected from 47 bare-nosed wombats between January 2019 and January 2020. Five species of ticks were identified comprising wombat tick Bothriocroton auruginans (n = 420), wallaby tick Haemaphysalis bancrofti (n = 8), bush tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (n = 3), common marsupial tick Ixodes tasmani (n = 12), and Australian paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus (n = 4). Tick infestations ranged from one to 73 ticks per wombat. The wombat tick was the most prevalent tick species comprising 94% of the total number of samples and was present on 97.9% (46/47) of wombat hosts. NGS results revealed the 16S rRNA gene diversity profile was predominantly Proteobacteria (55.1%) followed by Firmicutes (21.9%) and Actinobacteria (18.4%). A species of Coxiella sharing closest sequence identity to Coxiella burnetii (99.07%), was detected in 72% of B. auruginans and a Rickettsiella endosymbiont dominated the bacterial profile for I. tasmani. Conclusions A new host record for H. longicornis is the bare-nosed wombat. One adult male and two engorged adult female specimens were found on an adult male wombat from Coolagolite in New South Wales, and more specimens should be collected to confirm this host record. The most prevalent tick found on bare-nosed wombats was B. auruginans, confirming previous records. Analysis of alpha-diversity showed high variability across both sample locations and instars, similar to previous studies. The detection of various Proteobacteria in this study highlights the high bacterial diversity in native Australian ticks.
Danielle Beard; Hayley J. Stannard; Julie M. Old. Morphological identification of ticks and molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens from bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus). Parasites & Vectors 2021, 14, 1 -18.
AMA StyleDanielle Beard, Hayley J. Stannard, Julie M. Old. Morphological identification of ticks and molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens from bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus). Parasites & Vectors. 2021; 14 (1):1-18.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDanielle Beard; Hayley J. Stannard; Julie M. Old. 2021. "Morphological identification of ticks and molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens from bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus)." Parasites & Vectors 14, no. 1: 1-18.
Wombats suffer from sarcoptic mange, a mite infection that ultimately leads to their death from secondary infections. In 2017, wildlife carers were granted legal approval to treat bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus) for sarcoptic mange in the field using 4 mL of topical Cydectin® per adult wombat. However, (limited) scientific field trials suggest approved protocols are inadequate which has been supported anecdotally by wildlife carers. Elucidating carer experience is key to holistically advancing understandings of sarcoptic mange treatment. We interviewed 18 wildlife carers regarding the use of Cydectin® to treat free-ranging adult wombats infected with sarcoptic mange which uncovered 43 detailed case studies for examination. Case studies revealed that wildlife carers have used 10–200-mL doses of topical Cydectin® to treat wombats to recovery. These results suggest there is no best-fit for treating wombats in the field, due to individual differences in observed levels of sarcoptic mange severity and differences in wombat behavior. Furthermore, wildlife carers suggested pour-on Cydectin® appeared non-toxic to wombats at rates as high as 200 mL per treatment. We recommend scientific trials should be undertaken to determine the impact and efficacy of the varying treatment regimens, including low and high doses of topical Cydectin® on bare-nosed wombats. This information is required for regulating authorities, and subsequently wildlife carers, and managers, to make fully informed decisions about wombat sarcoptic mange treatment.
Julie M. Old; Candice J. A. Skelton; Hayley J. Stannard. The use of Cydectin® by wildlife carers to treat sarcoptic mange in free-ranging bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus). Parasitology Research 2021, 120, 1077 -1090.
AMA StyleJulie M. Old, Candice J. A. Skelton, Hayley J. Stannard. The use of Cydectin® by wildlife carers to treat sarcoptic mange in free-ranging bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus). Parasitology Research. 2021; 120 (3):1077-1090.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJulie M. Old; Candice J. A. Skelton; Hayley J. Stannard. 2021. "The use of Cydectin® by wildlife carers to treat sarcoptic mange in free-ranging bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus)." Parasitology Research 120, no. 3: 1077-1090.
Ticks (Arachnida: Acari) are vectors for pathogens and the biggest threat to animal health. Many Australian ticks are associated with pathogens that impact humans, domestic animals and livestock. However, little is known about the presence or impact of tick-borne pathogens in native Australian wildlife. Wombats are particularly susceptible to the effects of the ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei which causes sarcoptic mange, the reason for which is unknown. Factors such as other ectoparasites and their associated pathogens may play a role. A critical understanding of the species of ectoparasites that parasitise wombats and their pathogens, and particularly ticks, is therefore warranted. This review describes the ectoparasites of wombats, pathogens known to be associated with those ectoparasites, and related literature gaps. Pathogens have been isolated in most tick species that typically feed on wombats; however, there are minimal molecular studies to determine the presence of pathogens in any other wombat ectoparasites. The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies allows us to explore entire microbial communities in ectoparasite samples, allowing fast and accurate identification of potential pathogens in many samples at once. These new techniques have highlighted the diversity and uniqueness of native ticks and their microbiomes, including pathogens of potential medical and veterinary importance. An increased understanding of all ectoparasites that parasitise wombats, and their associated pathogens, requires further investigation.
Danielle Beard; Hayley J. Stannard; Julie M. Old. Parasites of wombats (family Vombatidae), with a focus on ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Parasitology Research 2021, 120, 395 -409.
AMA StyleDanielle Beard, Hayley J. Stannard, Julie M. Old. Parasites of wombats (family Vombatidae), with a focus on ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Parasitology Research. 2021; 120 (2):395-409.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDanielle Beard; Hayley J. Stannard; Julie M. Old. 2021. "Parasites of wombats (family Vombatidae), with a focus on ticks and tick-borne pathogens." Parasitology Research 120, no. 2: 395-409.
In this review we investigated the diet and nutrition of wombats and highlight areas for future research. The low energy requirements of wombats, conservative foraging behaviours and burrowing lifestyle allow them to subsist on low-quality food. Furthermore, their digestive anatomy and physiology is well adapted for digesting the resources available in their habitats. All species feed predominantly on native grasses; however, the nutritional requirements of juvenile and aged wombats are largely unknown. Changes to food availability and grass species in wombat habitats may alter their diet and nutritional intake. Also, despite evidence suggesting that wombats can satisfy their water requirements via the food they eat, the minimum threshold of water content at which wombats will cease feeding is unknown. Other areas for future research include investigating factors that affect digesta retention times (such as age or lactation), and the development of a method to determine age, because unlike most other mammals, wombat teeth grow continuously, hence teeth cannot be used as a reliable predictor of age in wombats.
Fiona F. Casey; Hayley J. Stannard; Julie M. Old. A review of wombat diet and nutrition. Australian Mammalogy 2021, 43, 1 .
AMA StyleFiona F. Casey, Hayley J. Stannard, Julie M. Old. A review of wombat diet and nutrition. Australian Mammalogy. 2021; 43 (1):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFiona F. Casey; Hayley J. Stannard; Julie M. Old. 2021. "A review of wombat diet and nutrition." Australian Mammalogy 43, no. 1: 1.
Sarcoptic mange is a threat to bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus) in Australia and a major factor contributing to the decline in populations of this species. It is caused by a mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, and if untreated can lead to severe irritation, blindness, starvation and eventual death. Modes of transmission likely occur through direct contact between wombats and indirectly from wombat burrows. Our study aimed to estimate and compare the numbers of bare-nosed wombats at three study sites, and to determine how rainfall, temperature and humidity influenced the incidence of sarcoptic mange in the populations. The abundances of macropods and rabbits were also compared with wombat abundance and sarcoptic mange prevalence at the three study sites. Across the study sites, 1655 bare-nosed wombats were observed. Sarcoptic mange prevalence was between 7.0% and 40.7%, depending on site, season and year. Sarcoptic mange prevalence correlated with yearly rainfall, with a higher incidence of sarcoptic mange occurring in higher-rainfall years. Higher numbers of macropods in the study areas also correlated with higher incidences of sarcoptic mange in the wombat populations.
Hayley J. Stannard; Jack Wolfenden; Eden M. Hermsen; Blaire T. Vallin; Nicole E. Hunter; Julie M. Old. Incidence of sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus). Australian Mammalogy 2021, 43, 85 .
AMA StyleHayley J. Stannard, Jack Wolfenden, Eden M. Hermsen, Blaire T. Vallin, Nicole E. Hunter, Julie M. Old. Incidence of sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus). Australian Mammalogy. 2021; 43 (1):85.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHayley J. Stannard; Jack Wolfenden; Eden M. Hermsen; Blaire T. Vallin; Nicole E. Hunter; Julie M. Old. 2021. "Incidence of sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus)." Australian Mammalogy 43, no. 1: 85.
Much of the literature on wombat diet is concerned only with the broad categories of consumed matter, and there is little about their specific nutritional requirements despite diet playing a major role in health. This study gathered information by surveying zoological parks and wildlife carers about current feeding regime, diet and the prevalence of nutritional or dental disorders of wombats held in captivity, with the aim of improving the diets of captive wombats, thus their health and welfare outcomes. Data on the composition, variation and basis of diets for 31 bare-nosed or common wombats (Vombatus ursinus) and 19 southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) were gathered from 13 facilities. The nutritional values of diets fed to wombats in captivity were calculated and compared with known dietary requirements for bare-nosed wombats. Results demonstrate that the current diet of wombats held in captivity often consists of a high portion of fruits, vegetables and livestock feed, with the fruit and vegetable portions providing higher levels of simple carbohydrates and starch compared with natural grass diets. Generally, the facilities are providing diets that are exceeding reported maintenance energy and nitrogen requirements. Due to a lack of details provided regarding quantity and species of grasses fed, we could not provide an accurate ration calculation for the proportion of grasses in the diets. Some of the health concerns noted included insufficient weight gain, endoparasites, malocclusion and insufficient tooth wear. Further research is required to assess the requirements of reproductive, lactating and juvenile wombats; however, it is clear that wombats in captivity need to be fed larger volumes and varieties of grasses, forbs and sedges than they are currently being fed to maintain good health.
Hayley J. Stannard; Katherine Purdy; Julie M. Old. A survey and critical review of wombat diets in captivity. Australian Mammalogy 2021, 43, 66 .
AMA StyleHayley J. Stannard, Katherine Purdy, Julie M. Old. A survey and critical review of wombat diets in captivity. Australian Mammalogy. 2021; 43 (1):66.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHayley J. Stannard; Katherine Purdy; Julie M. Old. 2021. "A survey and critical review of wombat diets in captivity." Australian Mammalogy 43, no. 1: 66.
Multiple studies have described the anatomy and function of the external ear (pinna) of bats, and other placental mammals, however, studies of marsupial pinna are largely absent. In bats, the tragus appears to be especially important for locating and capturing insect prey. In this study, we aimed to investigate the pinnae of Australian marsupials, with a focus on the presence/absence of tragi and how they may relate to diet. We investigated 23 Australian marsupial species with varying diets. The pinnae measurements (scapha width, scapha length) and tragi (where present) were measured. The interaural distance and body length were also recorded for each individual. Results indicated that all nectarivorous, carnivorous, and insectivorous species had tragi with the exception of the insectivorous striped possum (Dactylopsila trivirgata), numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus), and nectarivorous sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps). No herbivorous or omnivorous species had tragi. Based on the findings in this study, and those conducted on placental mammals, we suggest marsupials use tragi in a similar way to placentals to locate and target insectivorous prey. The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) displayed the largest interaural distance that likely aids in better localization and origin of noise associated with prey detection. In contrast, the smallest interaural distance was exhibited by a macropod. Previous studies have suggested the hearing of macropods is especially adapted to detect warnings of predators made by conspecifics. While the data in this study demonstrate a diversity in pinnae among marsupials, including presence and absence of tragi, it suggests that there is a correlation between pinna structure and diet choice among marsupials. A future study should investigate a larger number of individuals and species and include marsupials from Papua New Guinea, and Central and South America as a comparison.
Hayley J. Stannard; Kathryn Dennington; Julie M. Old. The external ear morphology and presence of tragi in Australian marsupials. Ecology and Evolution 2020, 10, 9853 -9866.
AMA StyleHayley J. Stannard, Kathryn Dennington, Julie M. Old. The external ear morphology and presence of tragi in Australian marsupials. Ecology and Evolution. 2020; 10 (18):9853-9866.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHayley J. Stannard; Kathryn Dennington; Julie M. Old. 2020. "The external ear morphology and presence of tragi in Australian marsupials." Ecology and Evolution 10, no. 18: 9853-9866.
All mammals are characterized by the ability of females to produce milk. Marsupial (metatherian) and monotreme (prototherian) young are born in a highly altricial state and rely on their mother’s milk for the first part of their life. Here we review the role and importance of milk in marsupial and monotreme development. Milk is the primary source of sustenance for young marsupials and monotremes and its composition varies at different stages of development. We applied nutritional geometry techniques to a limited number of species with values available to analyze changes in macronutrient composition of milk at different stages. Macronutrient energy composition of marsupial milk varies between species and changes concentration during the course of lactation. As well as nourishment, marsupial and monotreme milk supplies growth and immune factors. Neonates are unable to mount a specific immune response shortly after birth and therefore rely on immunoglobulins, immunological cells and other immunologically important molecules transferred through milk. Milk is also essential to the development of the maternal-young bond and is achieved through feedback systems and odor preferences in eutherian mammals. However, we have much to learn about the role of milk in marsupial and monotreme mother-young bonding. Further research is warranted in gaining a better understanding of the role of milk as a source of nutrition, developmental factors and immunity, in a broader range of marsupial species, and monotremes.
Hayley J. Stannard; Robert D. Miller; Julie M. Old. Marsupial and monotreme milk—a review of its nutrient and immune properties. PeerJ 2020, 8, e9335 .
AMA StyleHayley J. Stannard, Robert D. Miller, Julie M. Old. Marsupial and monotreme milk—a review of its nutrient and immune properties. PeerJ. 2020; 8 ():e9335.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHayley J. Stannard; Robert D. Miller; Julie M. Old. 2020. "Marsupial and monotreme milk—a review of its nutrient and immune properties." PeerJ 8, no. : e9335.
The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to erroneous posting.
Danielle Beard; Hayley J Stannard; Julie M Old. Morphological Identification of Ticks and Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens from Bare-Nosed Wombats (Vombatus Ursinus). 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleDanielle Beard, Hayley J Stannard, Julie M Old. Morphological Identification of Ticks and Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens from Bare-Nosed Wombats (Vombatus Ursinus). . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDanielle Beard; Hayley J Stannard; Julie M Old. 2020. "Morphological Identification of Ticks and Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens from Bare-Nosed Wombats (Vombatus Ursinus)." , no. : 1.
Background Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of vertebrate hosts and transmit the widest range of pathogenic organisms of any arthropod vector. Seven tick species are known to feed on bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus), in addition to the highly prevalent Sarcoptes scabiei mite which causes fatal sarcoptic mange in most bare-nosed wombat populations. Little is known about the pathogens carried by most wombat ticks or how they impact wombats affected by sarcoptic mange.Methods Wombat ticks were sourced from wildlife hospitals and sanctuaries across Australia and identified to species level using taxonomic keys. Genomic DNA (gDNA) was extracted from a subsample, and following the amplification of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 hypervariable region, next generation sequencing (NGS) on the Illumina MiSeq platform was used to assess the microbial composition.Results A total of 447 tick specimens were collected from 47 bare-nosed wombats between January 2019 and January 2020. Five species of ticks were identified comprising Bothriocroton auruginans (n = 420), Haemaphysalis bancrofti (n = 10), H. longicornis (n = 1), Ixodes tasmani (n = 12), and I. holocyclus (n = 4). Tick infestations ranged from 1 to 73 ticks per wombat. B. auruginans was the most prevalent tick species comprising 94% of the total number of samples and was present on 97.9% (46/47) of wombat hosts. NGS results revealed the 16S rRNA gene diversity profile was predominantly Proteobacteria (55.1%) followed by Firmicutes (21.9%) and Actinobacteria (18.4%). A species of Coxiella sharing closest sequence identity to C. burnetii (99.07%), was detected in 72% of B. auruginans and a Rickettsiella endosymbiont dominated the bacterial profile for I. tasmani.Conclusions A new host record for H. longicornis is bare-nosed wombats. One adult male and two engorged adult female specimens were found on an adult male wombat from Coolagolite in NSW and more specimens should be collected to confirm this host record. The most prevalent tick found on bare-nosed wombats is B. auruginans confirming previous records. Analysis of alpha-diversity showed high variability across both sample locations and instars, similar to previous studies. The detection of various Proteobacteria in this study highlights the high bacterial diversity in native Australian ticks.
Danielle Beard; Hayley J Stannard; Julie M Old. Morphological Identification of Ticks and Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens from Bare-Nosed Wombats (Vombatus Ursinus). 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleDanielle Beard, Hayley J Stannard, Julie M Old. Morphological Identification of Ticks and Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens from Bare-Nosed Wombats (Vombatus Ursinus). . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDanielle Beard; Hayley J Stannard; Julie M Old. 2020. "Morphological Identification of Ticks and Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens from Bare-Nosed Wombats (Vombatus Ursinus)." , no. : 1.
Hearing is essential for communication, to locate prey and to avoid predators. We addressed the paucity of information regarding hearing in Australian native mammals by specifically assessing the hearing range and sensitivity of the red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura), the kultarr (Antechinomys laniger) and the spinifex hopping-mouse (Notomys alexis). Auditory brainstem response (ABR) audiograms were used to estimate hearing thresholds within the range of 1–84 kHz, over a dynamic range of 0–80 dB sound pressure level (SPL). Phascogales had a hearing range of 1–40 kHz, kultarrs 1–35 kHz and hopping-mice 1–35 kHz, with a dynamic range of 17–59 dB SPL, 20–80 dB SPL and 30–73 dB SPL, respectively. Hearing for all species was most sensitive at 8 kHz. Age showed no influence on optimal hearing, but younger animals had more diverse optimal hearing frequencies. There was a relationship between males and their optimal hearing frequency, and greater interaural distances of individual males may be related to optimal hearing frequency. Because nocturnal animals use high-range hearing for prey or predator detection, our study suggests this may also be the case for the species examined in this study. Future studies should investigate their vocalizations and behaviour in their natural environments, and by exposing them to different auditory stimuli.
Julie M Old; Carl Parsons; Melissa L Tulk. Hearing thresholds of small native Australian mammals – red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura), kultarr (Antechinomys laniger) and spinifex hopping-mouse (Notomys alexis). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 2020, 190, 342 -351.
AMA StyleJulie M Old, Carl Parsons, Melissa L Tulk. Hearing thresholds of small native Australian mammals – red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura), kultarr (Antechinomys laniger) and spinifex hopping-mouse (Notomys alexis). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 2020; 190 (1):342-351.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJulie M Old; Carl Parsons; Melissa L Tulk. 2020. "Hearing thresholds of small native Australian mammals – red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura), kultarr (Antechinomys laniger) and spinifex hopping-mouse (Notomys alexis)." Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 190, no. 1: 342-351.
Studies of gene diversity are used to investigate population dynamics, including immunological fitness. Aside from the selection of an appropriate gene target, an important factor that underpins these studies is the ability to recover viable DNA samples from native animals that are protected, threatened or difficult to sample or locate such as the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus). In this study, we used genomic DNA extracted from muscle tissue samples and also identified the optimal method to extract DNA from fresh wombat scat samples to enable further analyses to be performed using non-invasive techniques. The DNA was probed via the polymerase chain reaction using previously targeted marsupial Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) gene primers. These genes are highly variable and associated with binding and presentation of pathogens in the immune system. Twenty-three unique MHC Class II DAB V. ursinus gene sequences were translated to 21 unique predicted peptide sequences from 34 individual tissue or scat samples. Vombatus ursinus MHC Class II DAB gene and peptide sequences were most similar to other marsupial DNA and peptide sequences. Further analysis also indicated the likelihood of MHC Class II DAB family membership through motif identification. Additional sampling is required to assess the full level of diversity of MHC Class II DAB genes among V. ursinus populations; however, this study is the first to identify MHC genes in a wombat and will advance immunological and disease studies of the species.
Julie M. Old; Eden M. Hermsen; Lauren J. Young. MHC Class II variability in bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus). Australian Mammalogy 2020, 42, 135 .
AMA StyleJulie M. Old, Eden M. Hermsen, Lauren J. Young. MHC Class II variability in bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus). Australian Mammalogy. 2020; 42 (2):135.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJulie M. Old; Eden M. Hermsen; Lauren J. Young. 2020. "MHC Class II variability in bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus)." Australian Mammalogy 42, no. 2: 135.
Wombats are large marsupial grazers native to Australia. They are ‘ecosystem engineers’ due to their burrowing, impacting rates of soil turnover, assisting with nutrient cycling and water infiltration, and creating habitat for other species. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of available information on the habitat and distribution, abundance and threats to bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus), and to provide a critical review of the current gaps in our knowledge to aid future management of the species. Bare-nosed wombats were previously widespread. Since European settlement their range has reduced. While habitat loss and contraction impact population numbers, bare-nosed wombat populations are also threatened by roadkill, introduced species, legal and illegal human persecution, and disease. Further research is required to understand the historic range of bare-nosed wombats, as well as current population numbers, so that we can determine the threats that most significantly impact this species. Increasing our understanding of habitat requirements, distribution and population numbers, as well as how to mitigate threats, will aid future management and conservation strategies for the species.
Rowan K. Thorley; Julie M. Old. Distribution, abundance and threats to bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus). Australian Mammalogy 2020, 42, 249 .
AMA StyleRowan K. Thorley, Julie M. Old. Distribution, abundance and threats to bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus). Australian Mammalogy. 2020; 42 (3):249.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRowan K. Thorley; Julie M. Old. 2020. "Distribution, abundance and threats to bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus)." Australian Mammalogy 42, no. 3: 249.
Quolls are carnivorous marsupials in the family Dasyuridae with characteristic white spots. They are distributed throughout Australia and New Guinea, but uncommonly seen due to their mostly nocturnal solitary nature, and large home ranges. All Australian quolls are listed as ‘near threatened’ or ‘endangered’ at state, national and international levels, largely due to human-induced threats. Threats include introduced predators, habitat loss through clearing and modifications including changed fire regimes, disease, human persecution, vehicle collisions and accidental or targeted poisoning by humans and cane toads (Rhinella marina). Conservation efforts that have focussed on reducing introduced predators, and minimising the impact of cane toads, have aided some translocations, hence species recovery in some local areas of Australia has occurred. Where species conservation has required captive breeding for translocation, successful captive management has been crucial. We summarise research conducted in captivity on aspects of birth and development, health and disease, and blood and nutrition parameters of quolls, and suggest future directions for research. Further research on captive and wild quoll populations will benefit future translocations, reintroductions and conservation through increased knowledge, improved maintenance and husbandry of captive colonies, and monitoring of wild populations.
Julie M. Old; Hayley J. Stannard. Conservation of quolls (Dasyurus spp.) in captivity – a review. Australian Mammalogy 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleJulie M. Old, Hayley J. Stannard. Conservation of quolls (Dasyurus spp.) in captivity – a review. Australian Mammalogy. 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJulie M. Old; Hayley J. Stannard. 2020. "Conservation of quolls (Dasyurus spp.) in captivity – a review." Australian Mammalogy , no. : 1.
People's attitudes towards the conservation of Australian wildlife is of particular importance as the types of attitudes people hold can have a significant impact on conservation solutions. We investigated attitudes held towards Australian wildlife and conservation solutions. A sample of 312 residents participated in an online questionnaire. An ‘ecoscientistic’ attitude was the most commonly held attitude, highlighting that wildlife are appreciated for the role they play within our ecosystem. There was a significant association between age and attitude towards Koala Phascolarctos cinereus and Crownof-thorns starfish Acanthaster planci conservation and a significant association between socio-economic status and attitude towards Brush-turkey Alectura lathami conservation. Most participants agreed that action should be taken towards wildlife conservation in the future. Conservation managers and other key stakeholders need to capitalise on this information to increase public support for Australian wildlife, and encourage conservation action. Significant associations between attitude and some sociodemographic characteristics were observed, however more research between attitude and sociodemographic associations is recommended, including in other regions of Australia and internationally.
Megan C. Fabian; Amelia Cook; Julie M. Old. Attitudes towards wildlife conservation. Australian Zoologist 2020, 40, 585 -604.
AMA StyleMegan C. Fabian, Amelia Cook, Julie M. Old. Attitudes towards wildlife conservation. Australian Zoologist. 2020; 40 (4):585-604.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMegan C. Fabian; Amelia Cook; Julie M. Old. 2020. "Attitudes towards wildlife conservation." Australian Zoologist 40, no. 4: 585-604.
People's behaviour towards the conservation of Australian wildlife is important, because people's actions are the main causative factor associated with the demise and future recovery of wildlife conservation. We investigated the type and prevalence of behaviour performed by NSW residents towards wildlife conservation, investigate participants’ willingness to perform conservation behaviours in the future, and identify the barriers preventing people from engaging in conservation action. New South Wales (NSW) residents (n=312) participated in an online questionnaire in a cross-sectional study. Overall, participants’ intention to engage, and rates of actual participation, in conservation behaviours was low. The latter was mostly due to lack of time, money, knowledge, and the impact of health and fitness levels. The knowledge gained from this study can be harnessed to inform future policy and management decisions, design interventions to change conservation behaviours, and provides a foundation for further enquiry into the ‘human dimensions of wildlife’. There remains a wildlife conservation ‘attitude-intention-action gap’, where we are limited with our knowledge on how to transform pro-conservation attitudes into conservation action, which warrants further research.
Megan C. Fabian; Amelia S. Cook; Julie M. Old. Do Australians have the willingness to participate in wildlife conservation? Australian Zoologist 2020, 40, 575 -584.
AMA StyleMegan C. Fabian, Amelia S. Cook, Julie M. Old. Do Australians have the willingness to participate in wildlife conservation? Australian Zoologist. 2020; 40 (4):575-584.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMegan C. Fabian; Amelia S. Cook; Julie M. Old. 2020. "Do Australians have the willingness to participate in wildlife conservation?" Australian Zoologist 40, no. 4: 575-584.
Marsupials and eutherians are mammals that differ in their physiological traits, predominately their reproductive and developmental strategies; eutherians give birth to well-developed young, while marsupials are born highly altricial after a much shorter gestation. These developmental traits also result in differences in the development of the immune system of eutherian and marsupial species. In eutherians, B-cells are the key to humoral immunity as they are found in multiple lymphoid organs and have the unique ability to mediate the production of antigen-specific antibodies in the presence of extracellular pathogens. The development of B-cells in marsupials has been reported and hypothesised to be similar to that of eutherians, except that haematopoiesis occurs in the liver, postpartum, until the bone marrow fully matures. In eutherians, specific genes are linked to specific stages in B-cell development, maturation, and differentiation processes, and have been identified including immunoglobulins (heavy and light chains), cluster of differentiation markers (CD10, 19, 34 and CD79α/β), signal transduction molecules (BTK, Lyn and Syk) and transcriptional regulators (EBF1, E2A, and Pax5). This review aims to discuss the known similarities and differences between marsupial and eutherian B-cells, in regards to their genetic presence, homology, and developmental stages, as well as to highlight the areas requiring further investigation. By enhancing our understanding of the genes that are involved with B-cells in the marsupial lineage, it will, in turn, aid our understanding of the marsupial immune system and support the development of specific immunological reagents for research and wildlife conservation purposes.
Andrea L. Schraven; Hayley Stannard; Oselyne Ong; Julie M. Old. Immunogenetics of marsupial B-cells. Molecular Immunology 2019, 117, 1 -11.
AMA StyleAndrea L. Schraven, Hayley Stannard, Oselyne Ong, Julie M. Old. Immunogenetics of marsupial B-cells. Molecular Immunology. 2019; 117 ():1-11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea L. Schraven; Hayley Stannard; Oselyne Ong; Julie M. Old. 2019. "Immunogenetics of marsupial B-cells." Molecular Immunology 117, no. : 1-11.