Search

Baseline haematology, blood chemistry and acute phase protein parameters have not previously been published for free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus). Eight eastern grey kangaroos, including three adult males, three adult females and two subadult males from two different populations, were examined. Assays assessed the antibacterial activity of kangaroo serum against one Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria. The kangaroo serum had a strong antibacterial response to Klebsiella pneumoniae, and moderate responses to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The presence and level of acute phase proteins, haptoglobin and serum amyloid A in kangaroos was investigated. Haptoglobin and serum amyloid A were present in kangaroo serum, but only haptoglobin was elevated in a kangaroo with capture myopathy and necrotic wounds. The findings of this study provide preliminary data on health parameters of free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos. These parameters can be used to assist in assessing health in free-ranging populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macropods are susceptible to capture myopathy. A post mortem examination, and haematological and blood chemistry analysis was conducted on a male eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) believed to have capture myopathy. Changes in blood chemistry and necrosis of muscle tissue are the most prevalent sign of myopathy in eastern grey kangaroos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accuracy of population abundance estimates of mammalian herbivores from faecal pellet counts is potentially affected by pellet decay. We collected fresh pellet groups from hog deer (Axis porcinus), European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) and common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) (n = 300 per species) at Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria, Australia. We deposited five pellet groups per species per month within each of five vegetation types in the park, then monitored pellet group decay over 24 months. We demonstrate that age estimation of pellet groups was inaccurate and is unlikely to improve the efficiency of pellet counts. We present habitat- and species-specific estimates of pellet and pellet group decay using two measures: decay rate (the proportion of pellets surviving per unit of time); and mean time to decay. We explain how our data can be used to optimise faecal pellet count design, and to improve the accuracy of both indices and estimates of abundance from pellet counts. The variability observed in the decay of pellet groups among vegetation types, and for species among seasons, suggests that caution should be used if applying pellet decay rates over long time-frames or to locations with differing environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We surveyed eastern grey kangaroos at four locations at the Northern Beaches region of Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, to estimate densities in this growing peri-urban region. This region is considered a regional hotspot for human–kangaroo conflict, with numerous kangaroo-related incidents in recent years. Direct counts of kangaroos were undertaken every two months during 2016. Kangaroo densities varied between sites, ranging from 0.2 individuals ha[sup –1] to 4.9 individuals ha[sup –1]. Because no estimates of population density exist for the Northern Beaches, our results assisted the development of a regional kangaroo management plan, and contribute to a broader understanding of eastern grey kangaroo densities in peri-urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Males engaging in same-sex competition can assess the strength of an opponent by means of behavioural display in order to avoid escalated interactions. There is no published record of male-male fighting with lethal consequences in eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus. The combat between two males reported here had a fatal outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a high prevalence of oral necrobacillosis, also called lumpy jaw, from a free-living population of eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, in Victoria. The cranial osteological lesions were said to be found primarily in the maxillary bone and the mandible, in relation with the rostral region of the dental arcade. Autopsy information offered more evidence that the osteological lesions noted were due to oral necrobacillosis. Lesions were more evident in older kangaroos. The study was made during drought with limited pasture availability and heavy fecal contamination of pasture. These conditions reportedly may have contributed to the high prevalence of the disease.

The article discusses results of a study that examines responses of eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus to a range of doses of Zoletil. It notes that methods to capture free-ranging kangaroos differ in selectivity, ease of use, sustainability to specific environments and risk of injury. The study materials and methods are given, including fitting immobilised animals with collars and Allflex eartags for individual identification. It concludes that the extendable pole syringe was effective at capturing kangaroos in two sites where animals were habituated to humans.

The article discusses a study which examined Helminth parasites of Macropus fuliginosus, Macropus giganteus, Macropus rufogriseus and Wallabia bicolor in a region of western Victoria. A discussion of the sympatric distribution of the host species is provided, which showed evidence in support of the hypothesis that the differences between parasite communities of Macropus fuliginosus-Macropus giganteus compared with Macropus rufogriseus and Wallabia bicolor are due to parasite specificity rather than to host ecological differences. The study concluded that the extent to which parasite communities differ between macropodid species is determined by host specificity.

This article discusses an observation of dingoes attacking a swimming eastern grey kangaroo in the Wollondilly River, New South Wales, in September 2009. The dingoes attacked the kangaroo by biting the ears and the back of the neck. The kangaroo was not capable to injure the attackers even tough one of the dingoes appeared to be range of the victim's hindlegs. The dingoes continued to attack the kangaroo. The attackers remained in the water until their victim had crossed the river and escaped the danger.