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Australian Mammalogy

Australian Mammalogy

Australian Mammalogy is an important source of information on all aspects of the biology of Australasian mammals – both native and introduced. Read more about the journalMore

Editor: Ross Goldingay

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Australian Mammalogy is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 20 May 2025

AM24037Movements and burrow use of newly emerged juvenile and adult female platypuses

Max Boulton, Jessica Thomas, Gilad Bino, Jessica Clayton, Guido J. Parra and Ryan Baring
 

Little is known about the social interactions of platypuses. We found that juveniles have larger total home ranges and burrow ranges than do adults. Juvenile–adult dyads also demonstrated the greatest home-range overlap.

This article belongs to the collection: Recent research on the platypus.

AM24037 Abstract  | PDF (2.8 MB) - $35.00   | AM24037Supplementary Material (407 KB)
Published online 16 May 2025

AM24051Insights into patterns of co-existence in urban reserves: home-range size, movement and habitat use of two co-occurring congeneric gliding marsupials

Christopher M. McLean, Jed Field, Chad T. Beranek 0000-0001-9747-2917 and Matthew C. Hingee
 

A photograph of a tracked squirrel glider in urban bushland.

In urban bushland, individual sugar and squirrel gliders were tracked to determine where they went, including where they slept during the day and where they foraged at night. We found that a wide range of different trees were used and that animals traversed several hectares. The results allow for an understanding of how these species can persist in urban bushland. Photograph by Chris McLean.

AM24051 Abstract  | PDF (5.5 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 12 May 2025

AM24035Behavioural responses of platypuses to desedimentation works in the Blue Lake at Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve, New South Wales, with notes on the relationship between platypus occurrence and habitat variables in nearby streams

Anne Musser 0000-0002-3908-2547, Eren Turak 0000-0001-7383-9112 and Tom Grant
 

A photograph showing a platypus with concentric rings emanating from around the bill indicating chewing food items.

Excavation or other works in and around streams can adversely affect platypus resting and nesting burrows, along with their bottom-dwelling invertebrate food species. Such works, to remove flood-deposited material from the iconic Blue Lake at Jenolan Caves, were monitored in our study. Platypuses showed site affinity, leaving the area during the works but returning once they had finished. Modelling studies showed the importance of coarse bottom substrates (cobbles and pebbles) in maintaining platypus macroinvertebrate prey communities. Photograph by Anne Musser.

This article belongs to the collection: Recent research on the platypus.

AM24035 Abstract  | PDF (3.4 MB) - $35.00   | AM24035Supplementary Material (2246582 KB)
Published online 06 May 2025

AM24049A modern stocktake of ‘a not-so-common possum’: recent and unpublished records of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) in arid north-west Western Australia

Hannah Anderson, Judy Dunlop 0000-0003-4842-0672, Jeff Turpin, Mike Bamford, Christopher George Knuckey, Morgan O’Connell, Glen Gaikhorst, Melissa A. Jensen, Alicia Whittington and Russell Palmer
 

The common brushtail possum is a medium-sized marsupial that was formerly widespread across Australia, but has suffered extensive declines in its range and population size, with a significant loss in semi-arid/arid areas. Despite this, the species still exists in the semi-arid Pilbara region of Western Australia (WA). Here, we report on modern and unpublished records of brushtail possums in north-west WA, focusing on the Pilbara region. We uncovered new unpublished records of the species, which shows them persisting on mainland semi-arid/arid WA.

AM24049 Abstract  | PDF (2.2 MB) - $35.00   | AM24049Supplementary Material (547 KB)
Published online 05 May 2025

AM24043Rediscovery of the holotype of Petaurus notatus Peters 1859 (Petauridae; Marsupialia) and clarification of the type locality

Peter Menkhorst and Tim Stranks
 

The sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) has been shown to comprise three species. Petaurus notatus was identified as the available name for one of the newly circumscribed species. The type specimen of Petaurus notatus had been considered lost, and a neotype defined. We found the holotype in Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, and provide photographs and a descriptionof the specimen. The neotype should now be set aside. Precise details of the type locality are provided.

AM24043 Abstract  |  AM24043 Full Text  | AM24043PDF (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 11 April 2025

AM25005Identification of Planigale ingrami and Planigale tenuirostris from mandibles deposited in eastern barn owl (Tyto javanica delicatula) pellets

C. L. Charley 0009-0004-5402-5294, E. L. Gray 0000-0001-7556-0908 and A. M. Baker 0000-0001-8825-1522
 

Distinguishing Planigale ingrami from P. tenuirostris by using skeletal material primarily relies on an intact skull. Here, we show an identification feature for these planigales based solely on mandible features. This has implications for species richness estimates, where planigales may otherwise remain identifiable only to genus, and should also improve our understanding of their distributions.

AM25005 Abstract  |  AM25005 Full Text  | AM25005PDF (2.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 April 2025

AM25010Drone surveys cause less disturbance than ground-based surveys in endangered spectacled flying-foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus)

Emmeline Bernadette Barrett Norris 0000-0002-9825-5380
 

A photograph showing endangered spectacled flying-foxes in their native environment.

Thermal drones are transforming how we monitor endangered species such as the spectacled flying-fox, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional ground-based surveys. This study found that drones caused minimal disturbance to roosting flying-foxes, unlike ground surveys, which triggered alarm and escape responses. These findings suggest drones could become a valuable tool for monitoring spectacled flying-foxes, reducing stress on animals and improving the accuracy of population estimates, which are crucial for conservation efforts. Photograph by Emmeline Norris.

AM25010 Abstract  |  AM25010 Full Text  | AM25010PDF (6.2 MB)  | AM25010Corrigendum (688 KB)  | AM25010Supplementary Material (201 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 March 2025

AM24039Does tree hollow volume influence use by small arboreal mammals?

William Terry and Ross L. Goldingay
 

A photograph of a threatened tree hollow dependent species brush-tailed phascogale.

Identifying the specific tree hollow requirements of hollow dependent fauna is central to managing these shelter resources, as well as where habitat restoration is required. We installed pairs of carved tree hollows to investigate whether hollow size preferences were shown by the threatened brush-tailed phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa), inland sugar glider (Petaurus notatus) and agile antechinus (Antechinus agilis). Low occupancy of the hollows relative to high visitation was attributed to abundant natural hollows. Photograph by William Terry.

AM24039 Abstract  |  AM24039 Full Text  | AM24039PDF (3.3 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 20 March 2025

AM24050Asymmetric gait in locomotion of Hypsiprymnodon moschatus, the most primitive extant macropodoid marsupial

Peter J. Bishop 0000-0003-2702-0557, Amy C. Tschirn, Aaron B. Camens and Gavin J. Prideaux
 

A photograph of the most primitive extant macropodoid, the musky rat-kangaroo, Hypsiprymnodon moschatus.

As the most primitive living kangaroo, the tiny musky rat-kangaroo of northern Queensland can provide insight into how kangaroos have evolved their hopping gait. This study filmed wild musky rat-kangaroos to measure their gait patterns and explore how they compare with other marsupials, finding that this species moves about entirely on all fours – the only kangaroo that never hops. This research advances understanding of marsupial locomotion and behaviour, laying the foundation for more comparative studies across evolutionary time. Photograph by Amy C. Tschirn.

AM24050 Abstract  | PDF (2.5 MB) - $35.00   | AM24050Supplementary Material (20 MB)
Published online 12 March 2025

AM25004Mammal craniodental remains in owl pellets provide new tooth row measurements for the threatened Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi)

A. M. Baker, C. L. Charley 0009-0004-5402-5294, D. Lockhart and E. L. Gray 0000-0001-7556-0908
 

Archer’s 1981 morphological revision of the dunnarts included only a few specimens of a new species, the Julia Creek Dunnart (S. douglasi). Here, we measured 85 skulls and mandibles of this species sourced from owl pellets and museum specimens to contrast S. douglasi with other dunnarts. Overall, Julia Creek dunnarts had consistently longer tooth-row measurements than did the other dunnart species examined. This research will be useful for anyone seeking to confidently identify the species by using limited skeletal remains.

AM25004 Abstract  |  AM25004 Full Text  | AM25004PDF (2.6 MB)  | AM25004Supplementary Material (76 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 24 February 2025

AM24038Diurnal activity budget of the kultarr (Antechinomys laniger) in captivity

Hayley J. Stannard 0000-0002-6657-5435, Lisa M. Goodchild and Julie M. Old 0000-0002-2754-7757
 

We retrospectively analysed video data to create activity budgets for kultarrs in captivity. The data were restricted to diurnal footage. The most common behaviours observed were foraging, movement and stationary alert. The data add to our current knowledge on dasyurid behaviour and will aid captive management of the species.

AM24038 Abstract  |  AM24038 Full Text  | AM24038PDF (784 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 February 2025

AM24029Field Anaesthesia for Platypuses: a proven method and the case for non-veterinarian accreditation pathways

Gilad Bino and Tahneal Hawke
 

Platypuses are elusive animals, making field research challenging. Building on prior work and following initial veterinary training, we have refined and implemented a safe field-based anaesthesia method for over 500 platypuses across 9 years. This approach enables the collection of vital health and behavioural data, while ensuring animal welfare. We advocate for standardised accreditation pathways for trained non-veterinarians to expand accessibility, enhance research capacity, and support the conservation of this iconic species.

This article belongs to the collection: Recent research on the platypus.

AM24029 Abstract  |  AM24029 Full Text  | AM24029PDF (1.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 February 2025

AM24041A review of the ecology and conservation of the yellow-bellied glider

Ross L. Goldingay 0000-0002-6684-9299
 

The threatened and forest-dependent yellow-bellied glider.

The conservation of Australia’s wildlife requires detailed knowledge of the ecology of individual species. The yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis) is a forest-dependent species of mainland Australia that has been a focal species for research, and is now listed as a threatened species throughout its geographic range. I reviewed 161 articles to provide a synthesis of our current understanding of its ecology and conservation requirements. Photograph by Rohan Bilney.

AM24041 Abstract  | PDF (4.6 MB) - $35.00   | AM24041Supplementary Material (150 KB)
Published online 20 February 2025

AM23009A population viability analysis of K’gari (Fraser Island) wongari (dingoes)

Robert Appleby, Bradley P. Smith 0000-0002-0873-3917, Darryl Jones, Gabriel Conroy and Linda Behrendorff
 

The K’gari wongari (dingo) population is small, geographically isolated and has low genetic diversity, making it susceptible to a higher risk of extinction compared to mainland populations. Much about the population is unknown, uncertain or debated. We conducted a preliminary population viability analysis for the Kgari wongari population to investigate the influence of different abundance estimates along with poorly understood variables such as mortality, carrying capacity, catastrophes and breeding behaviour.

AM23009 Abstract  |  AM23009 Full Text  | AM23009PDF (897 KB)   Open Access Article

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