This book covers the proceedings of a major 2006 symposium on macropods that
brought together the many recent advances in the biology of this diverse group of
marsupials, including research on some of the much neglected macropods such as
the antilopine wallaroo, the swamp wallaby and tree-kangaroos.
More than 80 authors have contributed 32 chapters, which are grouped into four
themes: genetics, reproduction and development; morphology and physiology;
ecology; and management.
The book examines such topics as embryonic development, immune function, molar
progression and mesial drift, locomotory energetics, non-shivering thermogenesis,
mycophagy, habitat preferences, population dynamics, juvenile mortality in drought,
harvesting, overabundant species, road-kills, fertility control, threatened species,
cross-fostering, translocation and reintroduction. It also highlights the application of
new techniques, from genomics to GIS.
Macropods is an important reference for academics and students, researchers in
molecular and ecological sciences, wildlife and park managers, and naturalists.
Covers the first major symposium on macropods since 1988
Deals with a diverse group of marsupials, including research on some of the much neglected macropods such as the antilopine wallaroo, the swamp wallaby and tree-kangaroos
"This volume will be of general interest to macropodid enthusiasts, and to those who wish to have an introduction to the diversity of literature on macropodids." Daniel T. Blumstein, Quarterly Review of Biology, June 2011, p.151
"With its combination of authoritative reviews and important new studies, this book will (unsurprisingly)
be essential for macropodoid specialists, and should also be useful to those with a more general interest in marsupial biology."
Robin M D Beck, Journal of Mammal Evolution, Published online 6 October 2010
Graeme Coulson is a Senior Lecturer in Zoology at The University of Melbourne. He has been researching macropods since 1973, with interests in behavioural ecology and population management. He and his students work on a wide range of species, from long-nosed potoroos, swamp wallabies and rock-wallabies to grey kangaroos.
Mark Eldridge is a Senior Research Scientist at the Australian Museum. He has been researching macropods since 1986 using molecular genetics to study population biology, evolution, ecology and conservation. He and his students work on rock-wallabies, tree-kangaroos, pademelons, forest wallabies, hare-wallabies, grey kangaroos, wallaroos, tammar and swamp wallabies, as well as long-nosed potoroos.
