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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AM25010_CO Full Text | AM25010_COPDF (688 KB) Open Access Article
, E. L. Gray and A. M. Baker
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
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) | AM25010PDF (688 KB) | AM25010Supplementary Material (201 KB) Open Access Article
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
, Amy C. Tschirn, Aaron B. Camens and Gavin J. Prideaux
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.
, D. Lockhart and E. L. Gray
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
, Lisa M. Goodchild and Julie M. Old
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
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
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.
, 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
, Hannah L. Bannister, Alexandra Ross and Katherine E. Moseby
Feral cats are an issue for native mammal reintroduction programs; however, identifying cat predation as the cause of mortality is challenging and can hinder or delay the implementation of appropriate management actions. To improve recognition of cat predation, we studied 92 cat predation events on four native species and found that genetic evidence obtained through DNA analysis was the most reliable methods for identifying feral cat predation. These results should support conservation practitioners to better manage predation during reintroductions.
AM24031 Abstract | AM24031 Full Text | AM24031PDF (1.9 MB) Open Access Article
A rehabilitated juvenile male platypus was translocated into an established population and monitored after release. He mostly rested under vegetation instead of using burrows and moved to a swamp habitat via a drain. The results suggest he was unable to create his own burrows and was displaced by the resident platypuses.
This article belongs to the collection: Recent research on the platypus.
and Bertram Ostendorf
In the remote semi-arid landscape of the Nullarbor Plain, we tested the feasibility of open-access satellite-based manual detection for two semi-fossorial mammals, the southern hairy-nosed wombat and European rabbit. Using their warrens as a proxy, we report on the contributing factors that impact satellite-based detection, a method that can assist remote wildlife monitoring and data collection. Photograph from Google Earth.
AM24017 Abstract | AM24017 Full Text | AM24017PDF (5.2 MB) | AM24017Supplementary Material (1.8 MB) Open Access Article
, Dan K. P. Harley, Natalie J. Briscoe, Lindy F. Lumsden, Leo B. McComb and Pia E. Lentini
Endemic to Victoria, the Critically Endangered Leadbeater’s possum historically had a much broader distribution. We surveyed seven patches of potentially suitable habitat, but Leadbeater’s possum was detected in only one, the patch closest to the possum’s previously documented range. Other cryptic arboreal mammals were recorded in rarely surveyed habitat types and at high elevations. Despite north-eastern Victoria’s remnant forest cover, loss of Leadbeater’s possum from its historic range in this region provides a cautionary tale regarding declining forest condition due to major disturbance from fire and logging.
Tree kangaroos are poorly studied because they inhabit dense tropical rainforest canopies. Thermal drones offer an innovative solution for finding tree kangaroos. This study marks the first successful use of this technology for detecting Bennett’s tree kangaroos in Australia’s tropical rainforests, locating six tree kangaroos in under an hour without causing disturbance. The results demonstrate the unexpected abundance of this species and the ability of thermal drones to transform monitoring for rainforest fauna. Photograph by Emmeline Norris.
AM24053 Abstract | AM24053 Full Text | AM24053PDF (3.2 MB) | AM24053Supplementary Material (1.6 MB) Open Access Article
and Matthew C. Hingee
, Jeff Turpin, Mike Bamford, Christopher Knuckey, Morgan O'Connell, Glen Gaikhorst, Melissa Jensen, Alicia Whittington and Russell Palmer
, Amy C. Tschirn, Aaron B. Camens, Gavin J. Prideaux
, Hannah L. Bannister, Alexandra Ross, Katherine E. Moseby
, Darryl Jones, Gabriel Conroy, Linda Behrendorff
, D. Lockhart, E. L. Gray
, Bertram Ostendorf
, Lisa M. Goodchild, Julie M. Old
, Martin A. Dziminski , Fiona M. Carpenter, Harry A. Moore, Kym Ottewell, Russell Palmer, Lesley A. Gibson
, Craig Grabham, Kyle N. Armstrong, Chris G. Knuckey, Brighton D’Rozario
, Justin A. Ledogar , Damien Andrew , Ian Mathewson, Vera Weisbecker , Karl Vernes
Discover key insights from the 2023 platypus symposium, held at the Australian Platypus Conservation Centre in this new Collection, ‘Recent research on the platypus.’ The symposium had the future of the platypus as its overarching theme and was open to all those working with this very special animal. ‘Recent research on the platypus’ brings together original papers, reviews, and research notes on a broad range of topics including on general biology, monitoring techniques, and pressing conservation issues.
Last Updated: 11 Feb 2025
After 48 years in print, Australian Mammalogy published its first online-only issue early 2020. To commemorate the occasion, the Australian Mammal Society council collated a virtual issue that includes our member’s choices of the most important publications over the lifetime of Australian Mammalogy. We hope you will enjoy this issue and look forward to a long future of multidisciplinary, highly influential research published in Australian Mammalogy.
Vera Weisbecker (President) and Ross Goldingay (Editor-in-Chief)
Last Updated: 10 Oct 2024
Journal content can be accessed by AMS members through the AMS Members-Only site.
