Article
Veterinary Sciences
Kota Nojiri, Hirotaka Kondo, Mana Nagamune, Tomoyuki Yamashita, Hisashi Shibuya
Summary: A 14-year-old, male sugar glider presented with lethargy, anorexia, diarrhea, and paralysis of the hind limbs, and ultrasonography showed possible liver dysfunction. The necropsy findings revealed hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis, severe deposition of hemosiderin, bridging fibrosis, and regenerative nodules in the liver, along with hemosiderin deposition in other organs. This is the first reported case of hemochromatosis in a sugar glider, and the pathological characteristics of the disease in this species were documented.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Pathology
Nguyen Son, James K. Chambers, Nguyen H. Nam, Makoto Nakata, Nguyen T. H. Giang, Takanori Shiga, Yasutsugu Miwa, Hiroyuki Nakayama, Kazuyuki Uchida
Summary: A 6-year-old intact female sugar glider presented with a swelling at the pouch region and died 8 days later. Necropsy revealed disseminated histiocytic sarcoma, a neoplasm not previously reported in sugar gliders.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PATHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pathology
Alan T. Mulder II, Megan Partyka, Stephen J. Divers, April Childress, James F. X. Wellehan, Justin M. Stilwell
Summary: This study provides the first description of clinically significant pathology associated with Kocuria infection in a sugar glider. Histological examination revealed severe disruption of the mandible. Although Kocuria was isolated as a pure culture, it cannot be confirmed as the sole causal agent due to the chronicity of the case and potential for unculturable polymicrobial infections.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Garrett A. Fraess, Miranda J. Sadar, Joshua B. Daniels, Leslie C. Sharkey, Michala de Linde Henriksen
Summary: This study provides reference values for ocular examination and diagnostics in sugar gliders, and reveals that ocular diseases are the third most common reason for sugar glider presentations.
VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
L. T. Bussolini, R. Crates, A. Herrod, M. J. L. Magrath, S. Troy, D. Stojanovic
Summary: Conservation breeding programs are important for supplementing declining wild populations, but the survival of captive-bred animals after release is generally low. This study investigates the carry-over effects of captivity on the survival of critically endangered orange-bellied parrots. The study finds that wild nestlings have better body condition than captive-bred nestlings and that individual body condition is a stronger predictor of survival than the source of origin. The findings can be used to improve the success of release programs and inform management techniques for other conservation breeding programs.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Ulfah Damia, Angelina Kusuma Anjani, Hevi Wihadmadyatami, Dwi Liliek Kusindarta
Summary: The study revealed the complex structure of the sugar glider's tongue, including various types of papillae and glands that can be differentiated and observed using staining methods.
ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Julianne E. McCready, Jade Fisher, Brynn McCleery
Summary: This case report describes a hepatic neoplasm in a sugar glider, including clinical presentations, imaging features, and pathological findings. This liver disease may be rare in sugar gliders, and liver biopsies could be a useful diagnostic tool for suspected hepatic masses with uncertain diagnosis.
VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Yiyin Chang, Lorenzo V. Bertola, Conrad J. Hoskin
Summary: The Mahogany Glider is one of the most endangered marsupials in Australia. This research used species distribution modeling to predict its distribution in the Wet Tropics bioregion and identified core habitat and areas requiring targeted field surveys. The suitable habitat was found to be highly fragmented, emphasizing the need for habitat connectivity improvement and limitation of further fragmentation.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Tiziana Bassan, Alex Cobos, Claudia Mallol, Maria Lourdes Abarca, Jaume Martorell
Summary: The presence of a cloaca may increase the susceptibility of marsupials to reproductive tract infections. This case report describes a successful surgical and medical treatment of a reproductive tract infection in a female sugar glider.
VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ross Crates, Laura Rayner, Dejan Stojanovic, Ben C. Scheele, Adam Roff, Jason MacKenzie, Robert Heinsohn
Summary: This study aimed to assess the impact estimates of the 2019/20 megafires on the critically endangered regent honeyeater and found that estimates based on area of occupancy, extent of occurrence, and public sightings underestimated the fire impact compared to recent, targeted monitoring data. Therefore, improving targeted monitoring of threatened species is crucial for accurately estimating the impact of major ecological disturbances.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Robert Heinsohn, Robert Lacy, Andrew Elphinstone, Dean Ingwersen, Benjamin J. Pitcher, Mick Roderick, Emily Schmelitschek, Monique Van Sluys, Dejan Stojanovic, Joy Tripovich, Ross Crates
Summary: The long-distance and unpredictable movement patterns of nomadic species pose challenges for monitoring and conservation efforts. The critically endangered regent honeyeaters in Australia have experienced a steep decline in population. Without intervention, they may face extinction within 20 years. Conservation actions should focus on increasing the size and density of the wild population, protecting nests, and implementing zoo-based breeding programs.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Daniel Gautschi, Robert Heinsohn, Ross Crates, Nicholas A. Macgregor, Melinda Wilson, Dejan Stojanovic
Summary: This study examined the use of modified natural hollows and artificial nest sites to support endangered Norfolk Island green parrots. It was found that green parrots do not use artificial nests lacking a natural base, and prefer nests with thicker walls. Further research is needed to understand the reasons behind green parrots' avoidance of artificial nests.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dejan Stojanovic, Teresa Neeman, Robert Lacy, Katherine A. Farquharson, Carolyn J. Hogg, Robert Heinsohn
Summary: An individual's ability to produce surviving descendants determines its evolutionary fitness. Loss of family lineages reduces allelic diversity within closed populations. Non-random juvenile mortality plays a role in lineage loss and reproductive skew in animals with limited breeding opportunities.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Fernanda Alves, Joanne Potts, Vanessa Round, Dejan Stojanovic, Matthew Webb, Robert Heinsohn, Naomi E. Langmore
Summary: Species distribution models are commonly used in the planning stage of reintroduction programmes, but limited data for endangered species can result in low model accuracy. This study suggests an alternative approach of modeling surrogate species for rare species reintroduction. By modeling the distribution of white gum, the preferred food tree of the forty-spotted pardalote, the researchers identified potential areas for pardalote reintroduction outside their current range. The study also highlights the potential impacts of future climate scenarios on species distribution.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
G. Owens, R. Heinsohn, R. Crates, D. Stojanovic
Summary: Conservation assessments for threatened species are often constrained by limited data and uncertainty. However, using predictive models that account for this uncertainty can provide valuable insights into population trends and guide conservation efforts.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
D. Stojanovic, E. McLennan, G. Olah, M. Cobden, R. Heinsohn, A. D. Manning, F. Alves, C. Hogg, L. Rayner
Summary: Reproductive skew can lead to reduced population size and increased inbreeding in small populations. By studying superb parrots, researchers found that some pairs monopolized breeding access, resulting in a strong reproductive skew. Understanding the causes of reproductive skew is crucial for conservation efforts.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biology
Ross Crates, Dejan Stojanovic, Robert Heinsohn
Summary: The breeding of threatened species in captivity for release is crucial for conservation. However, captive environments can lead to changes in animal phenotypes, affecting their contribution to population recovery. Understanding the impact of captive phenotypes on reintroduction biology is necessary to improve the success of animal reintroductions.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Ornithology
McLean Cobden, Dejan Stojanovic, Laura Rayner, Robert Heinsohn, Adrian D. Manning
Summary: Quantifying reproductive output is crucial for understanding population dynamics, life history, and conservation management. By using multiple metrics to quantify reproductive variation, we examined the annual reproductive output of the Superb Parrot in Canberra, Australia. We found consistent nest survival rate but variation in clutch size, brood size, and nestling body condition. This research provides important baseline data and implications for conservation assessment of the species.
EMU-AUSTRAL ORNITHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
L. T. Bussolini, R. Crates, A. Herrod, M. J. L. Magrath, S. Troy, D. Stojanovic
Summary: Conservation breeding programs are important for supplementing declining wild populations, but the survival of captive-bred animals after release is generally low. This study investigates the carry-over effects of captivity on the survival of critically endangered orange-bellied parrots. The study finds that wild nestlings have better body condition than captive-bred nestlings and that individual body condition is a stronger predictor of survival than the source of origin. The findings can be used to improve the success of release programs and inform management techniques for other conservation breeding programs.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Dejan Stojanovic, Carolyn J. J. Hogg, Fernanda Alves, G. Barry Baker, James R. R. Biggs, Laura Bussolini, Mark J. J. Carey, Ross Crates, Michael J. L. Magrath, Rachel Pritchard, Shannon Troy, Catherine M. M. Young, Robert Heinsohn
Summary: The decision-making process for intervention in endangered species management is complex, particularly for migratory species that face multiple threats at different times and locations. In this study, population viability analysis (PVA) was used to evaluate conservation interventions for the critically endangered migratory Orange-bellied Parrot. Increasing the number of juveniles entering the population each year had the greatest positive impact on population growth rate and size. Releasing 100 captive-bred juveniles to the wild population each autumn was identified as the most feasible and straightforward intervention. However, sustainable reductions in juvenile mortality rates are necessary for long-term conservation success.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Dejan Stojanovic
Summary: Captive breeding and release to the wild is important for conservation, but it can result in phenotypic changes that incur fitness costs. This study demonstrates the surprising plasticity of bird wing phenotypes in captivity and the impact on post-release survival. Subtle phenotypic changes and their fitness impacts are more common than realized and require monitoring and mitigation strategies for improved captive breeding.
Article
Ornithology
Laura T. Bussolini, Ross Crates, Michael J. L. Magrath, Dejan Stojanovic
Summary: Captive breeding programs are important for species' conservation, but not all species can reproduce well in captivity. This study examined breeding records of the critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot over 11 years to identify factors affecting reproductive success. The study found that egg hatching rate was higher in first clutches and lower than the wild population, nestling survival rate varied between years but improved over time, and brood sex ratio was not influenced by any of the examined variables.
EMU-AUSTRAL ORNITHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Fernanda Alves, Sam C. C. Banks, Max Edworthy, Dejan Stojanovic, Naomi E. E. Langmore, Robert Heinsohn
Summary: Genetic data is essential for practical conservation efforts, yet it is often overlooked in species recovery plans. By framing genetic questions to align with conservation objectives, the application of genetics in conservation can be enhanced. This study used a single-nucleotide polymorphism dataset to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of the endangered forty-spotted pardalote in Tasmania, Australia. The findings provide valuable insights for conservation strategies, population management, and habitat restoration.
Article
Ecology
Dejan Stojanovic, Laura Rayner, Ayesha Tulloch, Ross Crates, Matthew Webb, Dean Ingwersen, Claire Runge, Robert Heinsohn
Summary: The study focuses on the unpredictable species of nomadic regent honeyeaters, successfully surveying 218 individuals by incorporating weather conditions as a variable in the monitoring process. Results indicate a significant variation in regional habitat suitability for regent honeyeaters among different years.