This thesis describes a comprehensive study of the cellular responses of a number of endangered marsupial species with a principal focus on the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) as a model macropod species. The development of in vitro experimental assays for the assessment of immune responses in this model species are described, which provided a set of benchmarks for comparisons with other members of the Macropodidae and with eutherian mammals. Once this data was collected and protocols were established, the study was extended to include investigations of the immune responses in opportunistic samples obtained from the Rufous Hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes hirsutus), the Long-footed potoroo ( Potorous longipes) and the more common, but nonetheless still vulnerable, Long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) with a view to investigating their apparent susceptibility to infection with intracellular pathogens, particularly mycobacterial species. The findings from the application of these assays suggest that the cellular immune responses of these species are relatively complex and involve a level of sophistication that rivals their eutherian counterparts. Specifically peripheral blood and tissue leukocytes were morphologically similar to those of other mammals, with the exception of tammar wallaby monocytes that appeared to contain few lysosomal granules, and the basophils of the Rufous Hare-wallaby that contained very large atypical granules. The overall findings of this study suggest that the immune systems of macropod species possess most of the sophistication associated with that of eutherian mammals. Whilst some differences were apparent in cells and their products in the test species, no single factor common to all macropods was identified as a cause for immune dysfunction. It appears likely that as yet undefined factors related to their confinement rather than an inherent defect in their immunocapacity is responsible for the apparent disease susceptibility of these animals. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Bibliography: leaves 193-224.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 77-87).

Ball State University LibrariesLibrary services and resources for knowledge buildingMasters ThesesThere is no abstract available for this thesis.

<p>Sea turtles, marine mammals and sea birds are vulnerable to higher mortality rates as a direct function of incidental capture (bycatch) in marine fisheries. Their migratory behavior exposes them to multiple fishing gear types and fishing practices and efforts to understand the rates of interaction between these taxa and fishing necessarily entails analysis of data over large spatial areas (ocean-basin) and multiple types of fishing activities. The acquisition the requisite data, however, requires considerable resources and many regions in the world are data-poor with respect to bycatch, including the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR) in the west central Atlantic Ocean basin. This dissertation presents the results of multiple strategies used to assess sea turtle, marine mammal and seabird bycatch in the WCR, with a particular focus on sea turtle bycatch. The research incorporated a synthetic review of the literature, expert consultation, statistical techniques, and geospatial analyses to assess the bycatch seascape for the region. I conclude that sea turtle bycatch in the WRC is significantly linked to turtle rookeries, especially those on the continental land mass and in the southern section of the Caribbean basin, in large part because of the near shore artisanal nature of the fisheries and the importance of these habitats for foraging and reproduction. The limited information on marine mammal bycatch does not permit robust inferences, but it clearly identifies threats to at least one vulnerable marine mammal species, the tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis). Information on seabird bycatch was even more limited; the most vulnerable seabird populations occur in the higher latitudes (temperate zones) while the seabird populations in the WCR face significant threats from habitat loss and over-exploitation. This dissertation proposes specific recommendations for improving and advancing the information base for a regional, ecosystem-level management and mitigation of bycatch.</p> / Dissertation

Thesis (M.Sc.)--York University, 2008. Graduate Programme in Biology. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 105-106). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR38818

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