Research
Theses and research papers
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PhD thesis title: Behaviour, health, and group dynamics of free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus)
Honours thesis title: The social costs and benefits of sexual skin swelling in female chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Undergraduate research project title: The distribution and movement of the Blue Mountains water skink (Eulamprus leuraensis)
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Click here for my ResearchGate Profile
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---------------------------------------------------Research published in scientific journals are summarised below;-------------------------------------------------------
Is camera trap videography suitable for assessing activity patterns in eastern grey kangaroos?
This research examines the activity patterns of eastern grey kangaroos using video data from camera traps. The study was conducted to evaluate whether camera traps are suitable for measuring activity patterns in eastern grey kangaroos. The use of cameras for studying the behaviour of kangaroos is likely to reduce the observer effect and therefore provide more useful data.
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​Main findings: The activity patterns calculated from camera trap data were largely consistent with data from previous studies, although nocturnal activity appeared to be under-represented. Observations of unusual fighting behaviour illustrates the potential for camera traps to enable capture of novel observations. Kangaroo behaviour appeared to be influenced by the presence of cameras; however, no kangaroos retreated from cameras. Data suggested that kangaroos became habituated to cameras after eight months. The findings of this study suggest that camera traps are suitable for assessing the diurnal activity of eastern grey kangaroos and are useful tools for documenting their behaviour.
Town roo, country roo: a comparison of behaviour in eastern grey kangaroos Macropus giganteus in developed and natural landscapes
After illustrating the usefulness of camera trap video data in assessing eastern grey kangaroo behaviour, this research uses video data to compare kangaroo activity patterns between a anthropogenically developed site and natural site.
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Main findings: The population of eastern grey kangaroos at the developed site had a higher density, and spent more time in larger groups, possibly due to increased resources and restricted dispersal at the developed site. Kangaroos at the developed had an earlier peak activity time than those at the natural site, most likely in response to human activity and artificial lighting at the developed site. More vigilance and less feeding were observed at the developed site and may be due to increased human activity, and visual barriers, as well as increased nutritional content of pasture grasses in developed landscapes.
What influences road mortality rates of eastern grey kangaroos in a semi-rural area?
Currently in review
This research examines the spatial and temporal factors that influence road mortality in eastern grey kangaroos. The identification of factors that influence road mortality highlights the necessary areas for improvement for future road design, and effective deterrent strategies to minimise wildlife road mortality.
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Main findings: More kangaroo road mortalities occurred during periods of low temperature and low rainfall (factors are likely to affect forage quality). A greater number of mortalities occurred during the waning gibbous phase of the lunar cycle. Significantly more road mortalities occurred a short distance from the end of a section of street lights. The findings suggest that illumination influences the likelihood of kangaroo road mortalities.
The genetic relatedness of an urban population of eastern grey kangaroos
This research identifies the genetic relationships present in a free-ranging population of eastern grey kangaroos in an urban area. Knowledge of the genetic relationships present in a population of kangaroos provides insight on the genetic diversity and dispersal of this high density and fragmented population. The level of relatedness and location of road killed kangaroos were compared to evaluate spatial autocorrelation.
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Main findings: The expected and observed heterozygosity confirmed the locus were polymorphic and highly informative for use in this population. One pair of kangaroos were identified to be full siblings, and a high proportion were identified as half siblings. Six positive parentage assignments were detected. No correlation between relatedness and crossing site was detected.
Blood constituents of free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus)
This research establishes the health parameters of a free ranging population of eastern grey kangaroos. The study was conducted to determine the baseline blood chemistry and haematology levels, verify the presence and levels of APPs, and examine the antibacterial response of serum in free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos. Baseline data for measuring and comparing health in free ranging kangaroos enables identification of sick individuals, which is essential for effectively monitoring and managing kangaroo populations.
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Main findings: The kangaroo serum had a strong antibacterial response to Klebsiella pneumoniae, and moderate responses to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Haptoglobin and serum amyloid A were present in kangaroo serum, but only haptoglobin was elevated in a kangaroo with capture myopathy and necrotic wounds.
A suspected case of myopathy in a free-ranging eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)
Macropods are susceptible to capture myopathy, a metabolic disease commonly associated with the capture and restraint of animals. 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.
Main findings: Changes in blood chemistry and necrosis of muscle tissue are the most prevalent sign of myopathy in eastern grey kangaroos.