Hector�s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) is an endangered coastal species endemic to New Zealand. Their distribution, like other marine organisms, is intertwined with the dynamics of their local habitats, and at a larger scale, the coastal waters around New Zealand. The main purpose of this thesis was to identify specific habitat requirements of this rare dolphin. Hector�s dolphin distribution around the South Island was quantified along several temporal and spatial scales. Large-scale density analyses of abundance surveys found over half of the South Island�s current population occurred within only three main regions. Two of these strongholds are along the west coast and the third is located around Banks Peninsula on the east coast. Smaller-scale analyses at Banks Peninsula found the majority of the dolphin community was preferentially using core regions within the marine mammal sanctuary. Monthly surveys showed that in summer and autumn statistically more dolphins occurred within inshore regions ([less than or equal to]one kilometre), spread throughout the surveyed coastline. From May through winter, dolphin densities rapidly declined. Remaining dolphins were significantly clumped in more offshore waters of eastern regions. The lowest encounter rates occurred between August and September. Certain 'hotspots' consistently had higher dolphin densities throughout the study period while others were preferred seasonally. To address habitat preferences, surveys simultaneously collected oceanographic samples using a CTD profiler. In general, physical variables of the Peninsula�s eastern and southeastern waters varied less, despite being regularly exposed to upwellings and the varied presence of sub-tropical waters. Semi-sheltered bays and shallow inshore waters were highly variable and more susceptible to spatially discrete influences, such as localised river outflows and exchange events. Several hydrographic features were seasonally predictable due to their dependence on climate. The stratification and location of the two dominant water masses (neritic and sub-tropical) accounted for over half of the temporal and spatial variability observed in oceanographic data. Possible relationships between oceanographic features and aggregations of dolphins within Banks Peninsula were examined using global regression and a spatial technique known as geographical weighted regression (GWR). GWR models out-performed corresponding global models, despite differences in degrees of freedom and increased model complexity. GWR results found relationships varied over localised scales that were concealed by global methods. Monthly GWR models suggested the seasonal presence and strength of local oceanographic fronts influenced dolphin distribution. Dolphin aggregations coincided with the steepest gradients between water masses along eastern regions of the Peninsula, and strong exchange events along the edges of the study area. The continued survival of this endangered species is contingent on its protection. Long-term monitoring programmes are needed for the three main strongholds identified in this study. The occurrence of Hector�s dolphin 'hotspots' along frontal zones within Banks Peninsula also suggests alternative and increased protection strategies are needed for this sanctuary to be effective. In light of this thesis� findings and based on marine protection research, future sanctuaries need to consider why Hector�s dolphins are preferentially using particular regions and how their association with certain oceanographic features can help make informed decisions on more appropriate protected areas.

Overabundant species may have considerable impacts on their habitat, other species and their own populations, thereby threatening biodiversity. Koalas (Phascolarctoscinereus) are overabundant at a number of locations in southeastern Australia due to low mortality and the inability of individuals to emigrate. This has led to the over-browsing of their food resources. Active management is required in order to prevent habitat degradation and the starvation of koalas particularly in populations without Chlamydia-infection, a disease that can cause infertility in females. Predictive population modelling is required if we are to understand the dynamics of the overabundant populations and investigate the consequences and effectiveness of different management strategies. Accurate data for the parameters that contribute to population growth, such as age structure, sex ratio, and age-specific schedules of mortality and fecundity, are therefore needed. In this study, the values of these parameters were determined for overabundant koala populations at Snake Island, Framlingham, Mt Eccles and French Island (Victoria). Data from additional populations were used to ascertain some parameters. These data were used to build stage-structured models to predict population growth of one Chlamydia-free and one Chlamydia-infected koala population.

"July 1998" / Thesis (PhD)--Macquarie University, School of Biological Sciences, 1999. / Bibliography: leaves 321-360. / Introduction -- Musculoskeletal anatomy of Mugil cephalus -- A phylogenetic analysis of the Indo-Pacific mullets -- Description of the genera and species of Indo-Pacific mullet -- References. / Systematic, phylogeny and geographical distribution of Mugilidae in Indo-Pacific and Australian waters was reviewed, using morphological and osteological data. The original description, and synonymies, of all genera and species were compiled, and the extant type specimens in the Australian Museum, Queensland Museum, Western Australian Museum, British Museum of Natural History, Paris Museum of Natural History, Amsterdam, and Leiden Museums of Natural History were examined. Specimens of 11 species were collected from 50 coastal sites of Australia between Cairns (Queensland), to Port Elliston (South Australia), and Tasmania. Species that could not be collected were borrowed from the above mentioned museums. Thirty nine genera of mullets have been described worldwide of which 18 genera were recognised as valid in this study and a new genus 'ParamugiV is described. Mullets are most speciose in Indo-Pacific and this research suggests that 27 species (excluding Mugil brousssonetii Valenciennes, 1836), belonging to 14 genera are found in this region. -- The osteology and musculature of Mugil cephalus, as representative of Mugilidae is described. Distinguishing osteological characters within the group are defined. Osteology is a useful discriminant between genera and, in combination with morphometries and meristics, establishes useful criteria for the identification of these fishes. -- Phylogenetic analysis of data was performed using PAUP (Phylogenetic Analysis Using Parsimony) computer software. Keys for identification of genera and species of Indo-Pacific mullets are developed and description of different genera and species are given following the hierarchy of relationships among them on the cladogram. The genera of Cestraeus and Aldrichetta represent the plesimorphic (primitive) subfamily of Agonostominae in Indo-Pacific. Mugilinae containing the other Indo-Pacific mullets is apomorphic (advanced). The cladogram of phylogenetic analysis suggests that Myxus elongatus and Trachystoma petardi are the most plesiomorphic members of the subfamily Mugilinae and sister group to other Indo-Pacific species. Osteology and morphology of alimentary canal of Gracilimugil argenteus also supports the superficial differences of this genus from Liza, and the cladogram separates it as a distinct lineage following Trachystoma, and more primitive compared to the rest of Indo-Pacific mullets. Osteology also strongly suggests that Gracilimugil ramsayii is a junior synonym of Gracilimugil argenteus. The cladogram also separates Ellochelon vaigiensis as a distinct lineage which is plesiomorphic to Liza and the rest of derived Indo-Pacific mullets. Valamugil georgii and Liza parmata display some morphological features different from diagnostic characters for Mugil, Valamugil and Liza. The autapomorphic character states of distinct morphology of maxilla, articular, palatine and lachrymal plus ctenoid scales without membranous hind margin, and lack of pectoral axillary scale grouped them as a distinct lineage in the cladogram and sister-group to Liza. 'Paramugil' a new genus is erected for 'MugiV parmatus and 'Mugil' georgii. The genera Crenimugil and Valamugil are sister-groups, and except morphology of mouth do not reveal any significant differences. -- Twenty species of mullets belonging to twelve genera are found in Australian waters. Species Trachystoma petardi, Myxus elongatus, Gracilimugil argenteus, and Paramugil georgii, are restricted only to Australian waters. Trachystoma petardi is confined to freshwater rivers of north New South Wales to south Queensland. Myxus elongatus inhabits in temperate waters of Australia, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island. Gracilimugil argenteus is limited to southern coasts of Australia from Cardwell in Queensland to Geraldton in Western Australia and Paramugil georgii is confined to temperate and tropical coastal waters of Australia. Aldrichtta forsteri is restricted to temperate waters of Australia and New Zealand. The most diversity in Australian mullets is observed in tropical waters of north Queensland, Northern Territory and north Western Australia. Liza macrolepis occurs in the waters of north and north-east Australia. There is no record of Neomyxus leuciscus, Cestraeus spp., Liza affinis, Valamugil speigleri and Valamugil perusii in Australian Waters. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / xiii, 397 leaves ill

Diss. (sammanfattning). Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniv., 2003. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning). Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniv., 2003. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning). Alnarp : Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, 2005. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Alnarp : Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, 2007. / Härtill 6 uppsatser.

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No description available.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Lion populations globally are on the decrease and their habitats are fragmenting. Despite their importance in the Zambezi Region in Namibia, very little research has yet been undertaken to understand their occurrence in this area. One of the primary motivations behind this study was the Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area’s (KAZA TFCA) need to identify trans-boundary movement of carnivores. The collaborative approach with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Namibia facilitated the collaring of lions in three National Parks. A number of species were collared and this study focuses on the occurrence of lions in the Zambezi Region. From the lion home range analysis we could see that the home-range sizes of the collared lions varied greatly across the study area. The difference in home range size is largely due to human pressure surrounding the protected areas. Geographically weighted regression assisted in understanding which were the main drivers of lion occurrence, but further investigation was needed using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model for presence-only data. The factors that were investigated as possibly affecting the occurrence of lions included the following: rivers, land cover, land use, elevation and human activity. After pursuing various research models and manipulating data among all these factors, no single factor or combination of factors was found to be reliable predictors on lion occurrence in the study area. As is discussed in recommendations for further research in Chapter 6, it became clear that quantitative data cannot be used in isolation to predict where lions may occur. / AFRIKKANSE OPSOMMING: Leeu-bevolkings is wêreldwyd aan die afneem en hulle habitatte fragmenteer al hoe meer. Ten spyte van hulle intrinsieke belang vir die Zambezi streek in Namibië is daar ‘n gebrek aan navorsing om die voorkome van leeus in hierdie streek te verstaan. ‘n Belangrike motivering vir hierdie studie was die vereiste van die “Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area” (KAZA TFCA) om grensoorstekende bewegings te verstaan, in onder andere karnivore. In samewerking met KAZA TFCA is GPS-halsbande aangebring aan leeus in drie wildsparke, asook aan individue van ander spesies; hierdie studie fokus spesifiek op leeus in die Zambezi streek. Analise van die leeus se loopgebied toon breë variasies oor die studiegebied, vir die individue met halsbande, hoofsaaklik te wyte aan menslike druk vanuit omliggende nedersettings. Hierdie studie gebruik geografies geweegde regressie om die belangrikste faktore in die teenwoordigheid van leeus te verstaan, terwyl Maximale Entropie modelle (MaxEnt) vir slegs teenwoordigheid data in verdere ondersoeke ingespan is. Die volgende faktore is ondersoek ten opsigte van hulle moontlike bydrae tot die voorkome van leeus: riviere, land bedek, grondgebruik, hoogte en menslike aktiwiteite. Verskeie statistiese navorsingsmodelle is ondersoek, met inagneming van data vir al die faktore, maar geen betroubare aanwyser of aanwysers vir leeu-teenwoordigheid is gevind nie. Dit is duidelik dat bloot kwantitatiewe data ontoereikend is om leeuteenwoordigheid te voorspel, soos uiteengesit in hoofstuk 6.