Life Sciences Commons^™

Analysing Intonation Of The Pied Butcherbird, Jean-Michel Maujean

Theses : Honours

Native to Australia, the Pied Butcherbird has been extensively studied and transcribed by previous composers, notably including Olivier Messiaen. This may be due to richness and diversity in each bird’s repertoire, along with parallels drawn from Western Tonality. Hollis Taylor has conducted extensive study in this field, notably with an analysis of a transcription made by Messiaen, that was incorporated in his piece Éclairs sur l'au- delà (1988-91). Coupled with the original field recording, Taylor’s analysis and Messiaen’s score, this study will reanalyse the original recording from which Messiaen made his transcription.

Zoomusicology is a practice that represents the …

The Value Of Oil Mallee Plantations And Revegetated Farm Land In The Southern Wheatbelt Region Of Western Australia For The Conservation Of The Western Pygmy Possum (Cercartetus Concinnus), Marie Short

Theses : Honours

Revegetation has the potential to enhance conservation of wildlife in rural environments, but few studies have tested whether the proposed benefits are realized. It is important to understand the role played by farm tree plantations in the landscape and how the potential biodiversity benefits may be enhanced without interfering with economic goals (Lamb, 1998). The adoption of oil mallee farming systems across the agricultural zone in south-west Western Australia is resulting in large areas of farmland being planted to native perennial tree species (Smith, 2004). While not planted for their conservation benefit, oil mallee systems may nonetheless enhance biodiversity. The …

The Extent Of Interaction Between The Scallop And Prawn Fleets In The Shark Bay Scallop Managed Fishery, John Dickson

Theses : Honours

The Shark Bay Managed Scallop Fishery is Western Australia's most important scallop fishery with an annual value of between $2 and $58 million. In addition to this the fishery is an important source of regional employment with approximately 160 skippers and crew employed during the 2005 season. Two separate fleets are permitted to fish for scallops in this fishery, the first consisting of dedicated scallop fishing vessels (Class A licences) and the second of prawn fishing vessels (Class B licences) that are allowed to take scallops under a catch sharing arrangement. Concerns exist over the interactions between these two fleets …

A Study Of The Effects Of Probait On Chuditch, Dasyurus Geoffroii, Within The Julimar Conservation Park With Notes On The General Ecology, Melissa York

Theses : Honours

Broad scale fox baiting programs have been underway in Western Australia since 1996 when the Western Shield fauna recovery program commenced with the aim of recovering many fauna species that are under threat of extinction. Until recently, effective fox control for fauna recovery has been achieved with dried meat baits impregnated with the poison 1080. The Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) has developed more readily available and cost effective sausage meat baits, termed Probait. As bait acceptability trials in the laboratory indicated a potential risk from Pro bait ingestion by chuditch (Dasyurus geoffroii), assessment of the likely risk …

The Systematics Of The Reducta Complex Of The Burrowing Freshwater Crayfish Engaewa Riek, Quinton Burnham

Theses : Honours

The south-west of Western Australia is home to an endemic genus of obligate burrowing freshwater crayfish, Engaewa Riek. Riek (1967) first described three species within this genus and later Horwitz and Adams (2000) described an additional two species. Of the five species which are currently recognised three species (E. reducta, E. pseudoreducta and E. similis) form a species complex; the reducta complex. The work ofRiek and later Horwitz and Adams are the only two reviews of note dealing with this genus despite a publication by Crandall, Fetzner, Lawler, Kinnersley and Austin (1999) which suggests that Engaewa may be the sister …

A Study Of The Abundance, Distribution And Daily Activities Of The Australian Raven (Corvus Coronoides) In Urban Wetland Parks, Desiree L. Moon

Theses : Honours

Habitat destruction as a result of urbanisation has resulted in the population decline of some bird species. However, the Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides), has adapted well to the urban environment and is thriving. Although naturally occurring seasonal food sources are at times restricted in an urban setting, this adaptive species finds alternative food sources. As carrion-eaters this includes roadkill, as well as refuse discarded on the ground and into bins. Coupled with few natural predators, the species enjoys optimal conditions for breeding and survival. This biogeographical study investigated whether seasonal-influxes of populations of ravens cause problems at three urban wetland …

Investigation Into The Use Of Bait Stations For The Control Of The European Wild Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) In The Urban Bushland Reserve Of Bold Park, Perth, Western Australia, Malin Kordes

Theses : Honours

European rabbits in Australia have a significant impact on the environment and the economy. It is therefore necessary to implement control programs. In rural areas a number of methods including warren ripping and poisoning are frequently used. In urban areas though, rabbit control is not as easily accomplished because the use of many control methods is not appropriate. For example, the poison 1080 often cannot be used due to public health concerns and warren ripping cannot be used in conservation areas. Poisoning with pindone, an anticoagulant, is therefore one of few options available to the managers of urban reserves. However, …

Seasonal Effects On Diet Of Two Arid Zone Dasyurids, Dasycercus Cristicauda And Ningaui Ridei (Dasyuridae, Marsupialia), Leisa Turner

Theses : Honours

Seasonal fluctuations in rainfall and food availability are thought to change populations of arid zone mammals dramatically over time. Competition between similar species for limited food resources is believed to be a major factor in the evolution and maintenance of population assemblages. Animals foraging in arid regions must be responsive to the unreliable distribution of nutrients and food resources to ensure the survival of viable populations. Adaptive physiological traits and behavioural mechanisms of arid zone animals allow them to survive extreme conditions and the ability to switch between prey species in adverse conditions is an advantageous strategy. This study was …

Isolation And Characterisation Of A Pax Group Iii Gene From The Freshwater Crayfish Cherax Destructor: Implications For The Evolution Of Muscle Regeneration, Robert B. White

Theses : Honours

Pax genes encode transcription factors that are highly evolutionarily conserved and are vital for animal development. Vertebrate Pax group III genes Pax3 and Pax7 are required for proper development of muscular and central nervous systems. In their roles in muscular systems, Pax3 and Pax7 specify myoblasts (muscle progenitor cells). Pax3 is predominantly involved in embryonic myogenesis and specifies embryonic myoblasts. In contrast, Pax7 specifies adult myoblasts (muscle satellite cells), and has been demonstrated to be vital for adult muscle regeneration. Recent evidence also implicates a role for Pax7 in the conversion of certain stem cells to the myogenic lineage. The …

Using Habitat Characteristics And Predictive Gis Modelling To Aid In Conserving The Heath Mouse (Pseudomys Shortridgei) In Lake Magenta Nature Reserve, Kirsty Quinlan

Theses : Honours

The Heath Mouse (Pseutlomys shortridgei) was formerly widely distributed in Western Australia and Victoria. However, now it is known only to exist in areasof fragmented habitat. Heath Mouse populations have not been investigated in Western Australia, as it was thought to be extinct in the state until its rediscovery in 1987. It is known from only tour locations, and from these, the highest numbers known are probably the 18 captures of this mouse from five years of trapping in Lake Magenta Nature Reserve. Given the few numbers of Heath Mice, the purpose of this study was to identify …

The Effect Of The Moon Phase On The Daily Catch Rate Of King, Tiger And Endeavour Prawns In The Shark Bay And Exmouth Gulf Fisheries, Tenniel Harman

Theses : Honours

Two of the major commercial prawn fisheries in Western Australia arc located in Exmouth Gulf and Shark Bay. Prawn fishing is the third most valuable fishing industry in WA, producing an annual income of $62 million. These two fishing regions are considered fully exploited (Fisheries WA Home Page) and careful management is needed to produce and maintain them as sustainable fisheries. The Western Australian Marine Research Laboratories have developed detailed computer models which estimate the stock abundance of the prawn fisheries. This provides information on what sort of restrictions should be made to maintain a stainable fishery. The impact of …

A Diet Study Of Australia's Most Critically Endangered Mammal, Gilbert's Potoroo, Potorous Gilbertii (Marsupialia : Potoroidae), Vinh Nguyen

Theses : Honours

After 125 years of presumed extinction, Gilbert's Potoroo (Potorous gilbertii) was rediscovered in 1994 in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Albany. As only one population is known to exist, conservation is of prime importance. Faecal analysis was used to examine the diet of P. gilbertii. The species was found to be predominantly mycophagous (fungus-feeding) with invertebrate and plant matter fanning only a small part of its diet. Fungal material made up more than 90% of faecal matter throughout the year. A total of 44 fungal spore types were discerned. Of these, five were tentatively identified to species level with the …

Management Of A Bioeroding Sponge On The Pearl Oyster, Pinctada Maxima, Luisa Rawlinson

Theses : Honours

This thesis examines environmentally and economically viable ways to manage a sponge that is bioeroding the pearl oyster, Pinctada maxima, in pearl oyster farms throughout north-western Australia. The sponge is causing a massive loss in revenue to the pearling industry as a result of damage to the half-shell, the pearl and, often, death of the oyster. The information arising from this study is important for pearl producers and the Australian pearling industry, to ensure that the best quality P. maxima can be grown in a way that will not have adverse effects on the pristine environment in which these …

An Examination Of The Impact Of Moon Phase On Catch Rates Of The Western Rock Lobster, Petra Roberts

Theses : Honours

The western rock lobster is the most valuable single-species fishery in Australia returning a commercial value of around $250 million annually. This fishery is considered fully exploited and requires careful management to ensure a viable and sustainable fishery. Scientists at Marine Research Laboratory, Western Australia have already built detailed computer models of the lobster fishery and further research is required to continuously update and refine these models to provide an accurate picture of the fishery. One area of interest that could improve this model is the impact of the moon phase, if any, on the daily catch rates of the …

Population Dynamics Of The Southern Brown Bandicoot (Isoodon Obesulus) On Ellen Brook Reserve, Craig Pentland

Theses : Honours

The small, enclosed section of Ellen Brook Reserve provided the unique opportunity to observe a population of southern-brown bandicoots (lsoodon obesulus) in the absence of exotic predators. The reserves small-enclosed size enabled it possible to trap the whole area (excluding the ephemeral swamps) and so emigration and immigration could be excluded. This enabled good population size estimates, and inferences on the loss of individuals due to mortality could be more strongly argued for. An understanding of the population structure, dynamics, size and density, and body condition of I. obesulus in Ellen Brook Reserve, will provide important information, for …

Myofibrillar Protein Composition Of Regenerating And Pristine Claw Closer Muscles Of The Yabby, Cherax Albidis, Lanelle Cutler

Theses : Honours

Yabbies have the ability to regenerate lost limbs. Loss of a limb results in the growth of a limb bud. Development of this new limb involves many developing stages until the new limb becomes morphologically and physiologically virtually indistinguishable from its predecessor. In the yabby, the claw becomes functional after the first moult when the dactyl becomes moveable. However, the muscle fibres are able to develop force and appear to be functioning before the dactyl becomes moveable and the claw is operational (West et al., 1995). This study aimed to document morphological stages of claw regeneration and determine sequence and …

Behaviour Of Gilbert's Potoroo (Potorous Gilbertii Gould) In Captivity, Kylie Dijon Burke

Theses : Honours

In late 1994, Gilbert's Potoroo was rediscovered almost 120 years after it was believed to have become extinct. It was found at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, near Albany, Western Australia. Since then, it has become urgent that detailed studies of the potoroo's behaviour and ecology be undertaken, so as to increase the understanding of the needs of 'this critically endangered marsupial. Due to its critical status, increasing the number of animals is of paramount importance to the continued survival of this species. An understanding of the behavioural repertoire of the species will aid in its recovery and provide the …

Locational Factors Determining The Distribution Of Nesting Sites For A Colony Of Wedge-Tailed Shearwaters, Puffinus Pacificus, On West Wallabi Island, Houtman Abrolhos, Western Australia, Julie Davis

Theses : Honours

West Wallabi Island in the Houtman Abrolhos, Western Australia, provides significant breeding habitat for the largest colony of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, Puffinus pacificus, in the Eastern Indian Ocean. The Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) surveyed the Island in 1992 and estimated the population to be in excess of 1,117,000 pairs of breeding birds. Recent proposals to open the Abrolhos area to a larger number of visitors has identified the need for more detailed investigations into the relationship of birds and habitat. An understanding of this relationship provides a means of determining the ways in which populations will respond to …

The Birds And Habitat Of Kings Park, Bradley W. Cox

Theses : Honours

Kings Park is a large urban park in the centre of Perth with extensive areas of semi-natural bushland. The park is an important refuge for birds in the metropolitan area but is losing species through habitat disturbance. Understanding the way in which birds are related to their habitat helps to understand the effect of habitat disturbance on the bird community. The aim of this project was to generate guidelines which will aid in the management and conservation of birds in the park, through an understanding of the relationship of the birds to their habitat. The avifauna and various habitat factors …

Genealogical Studies Of Selected Australian Barramundi (Lates Calcarifer) Using Mtdna : Implications For Stock Transfer To The Kimberley Region Of Western Australia, Robert G. Doupe

Theses : Honours

This study resulted from concerns for the present and proposed movement of barramundi (Lates catcarifer) across presumed population genetic boundaries into the Kimberley region of Western Australia for net-pen aquaculture and a recreational fishery development in dams no longer available to seasonal barramundi dispersal. Direct DNA sequencing of the non-recombining, maternally inherited mitochondrial genome of barramundi thought to represent wild populations from a broad section of a still wider Australian range were used for phylogenetic reconstructions that support hypotheses for historic gene flow between Kimberley and other populations during Recent sea level fluctuations. Nil or low levels of genetic diversity …

The Birds Of Perth's Urban Parks : Factors Influencing Their Distribution And Community Attitudes Towards Them, Jodi S. Mansell

Theses : Honours

Knowledge of the general responses of bird populations to urbanisation and an understanding of their habitat requirements is necessary to ensure the continuation of bird life in urban areas. Most of the literature on urban birds around the world has concentrated on birds in streets and remnant patches. Urban parks provide much potential habitat for birds, although there are few publications addressing this issue. The aims of this project were to determine the terrestrial avifauna of Perth's northern suburban parks, investigate physical factors that might influence the distribution of birds, and determine the attitudes of park users towards birds in …

The Foraging Ecology And Habitat Selection Of The Yellow-Plumed Honeyeater (Lichenostomus Ornatus) At Dryandra Woodland, Western Australia, Kellie Wilson

Theses : Honours

The foraging ecology and habitat selection of the Yellow-plumed Honeyeater was examined using observations and vegetation surveys at Dryandra Woodland, Western Australia. Foraging ecology data was collected over three seasons (autumn, winter and spring) in 1997 at three sites within Dryandra. Habitat selection studies involved 156 sites being surveyed for the presence or absence of the Yellow-plumed Honeyeater. The vegetation characteristics of the site were measured. Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters foraged by gleaning foliage most of the time. Bark and aerial foraging were also common. Birds clearly selected for tree height, preferring to forage on larger (older) trees which may be because …

Some Aspects Of The Ecology Of An Urban Corvid : The Australian Raven (Corvus Coronoides) In Metropolitan Perth, P. J. Stewart

Theses : Honours

The relatively recent and noticeable increase in abundance and distribution of the Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides) in the Perth metropolitan area, has led to an increase in the amount of problems associated with the bird resulting in a need to quantify its ecology in an urban context. This research documented the abundance and distribution of the raven, possible reasons for its increase, the basic nesting characteristics, peoples attitudes, basic morphology, food items and problems associated with the bird in Perth and Kings Park. These aims were achieved by using observational field data, culled birds, a newspaper questionnaire and Geographic Information …

Predation By Gambusia Holbrooki (Girard) (Pisces Poeciliidae) On Tadpoles : Feeding Trials And Microhabitat Utilisation In Two Contrasting Wetlands On The Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia, Beate Sommer

Theses : Honours

Predation by non-native Gambusia spp. (somewhat inappropriately referred to as “Mosquitofish”) has been implicated in the decline of some frog populations overseas and in eastern Australia. Originally introduced to control mosquito larvae, Gambusia holbrooki are now widely distributed and abundant in wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain (Western Australia). Anecdotal evidence suggests that some frog populations on the Swan Coastal Plain may be declining. Through a series of laboratory feeding trials and a field survey conducted in a permanent and a seasonal wetland on the Swan Coastal Plain, this study investigated whether predation by G. holbrooki has the potential to …

A Study Of Biochemical And Haematological Variables With Performance In Showjumping Horses, Darren B. Simmons

Theses : Honours

This honours project examined the biochemical and haematological changes induced by exercise in the showjumping horse to determine whether a relationship exists between these values and performance. To complete this study 7 geldings and 1 stallion who were considered competition fit by their trainers were subjected to 2 forms of exercise. The first phase of this study involved an incremental exercise test performed at the Byford City Council horse training facility. The horses were cantered/galloped around a 1300m all weather training track at velocities of 6, 8, 10, and 12 m/sec for a duration of 2 minutes for each workload. …

Introduced Cyprinid (Carp) Fishes In Western Australia And Their Management Implications, K. R. Breheny

Theses : Honours

Australia has no native cyprinid species and five introduced species have established self-sustaining populations. This study examines the cyprinid species present in Western Australia and estimates their distribution. The potential for introduced cyprinids to cause environmental impacts is explained and ameliorative action recommended. The presence and distribution of cyprinid species is assessed by examination of museum records, published literature, reported collections, anecdotal evidence and sampling of wetland habitats. Two species, Carassius nuratus (Goldfish) and Cyprinus carpio (Koi carp) are believed to have established populations and a map of estimated distribution is compiled. The capacity for introduced carp to undergo sudden …

Microhabitat Use By Gilbert's Potoroo (Potorous Tridactylus Gilbertii Gould) In Relation To Vegetation Associations And Ground Cover, S. Vetten

Theses : Honours

Gilbert's potoroo has been rediscovered 120 years after it was believed to have become extinct. In 1994 the presence of Gilbert's potoroo was confirmed at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, near Albany, and since that time the need for a detailed understanding of the biology and behaviour of the species has become urgent. An understanding of the habitat requirements of the species will aid in its recovery from its present critically endangered status and will act as a guide for future management decisions concerning translocations of new populations into other areas. The present study was conducted at Two Peoples Bay …

The Effect Of Nutrition On The Morphology Of The Wool Follicle, Gail Moriarty

Theses : Honours

This project was part of a larger CSIRO experiment which was examining the factors involved in the development of tender wool. In order to understand the effect of nutritional variations on wool quality, changes in cellular activity and morphology within the wool follicle were examined. Six sheep with a history of producing low staple strength wool (< 25 N/ktex) and six sheep with a history of producing high staple strength wool (> 30 N/ktex) were selected. The experiment ran for 18 weeks, for the first 10 weeks the sheep were fed a restricted ration to achieve a weight loss of approximately 175g/day. From weeks 11 to 18, the sheep were fed an iso-energetic ration containing …