2024 |
Schott RK, Fujita MK, Streicher JW, Gower DJ, Thomas KN, Loew ER, et al., 'Diversity and Evolution of Frog Visual Opsins: Spectral Tuning and Adaptation to Distinct Light Environments.', Mol Biol Evol, 41 (2024) [C1]
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2024 |
Doody JS, Rhind D, McHenry CMM, Clulow S, 'Invasional meltdown-under? Toads facilitate cats by removing a naive top predator', WILDLIFE RESEARCH, 51 (2024) [C1]
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Nova |
2024 |
Upton R, Calatayud NE, Clulow S, Brett D, Burton AL, Colyvas K, et al., 'Refrigerated storage and cryopreservation of hormonally induced sperm in the threatened frog, Litoria aurea.', Anim Reprod Sci, 262 107416 (2024) [C1]
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Nova |
2023 |
Callen A, Pizzatto L, Stockwell MP, Clulow S, Clulow J, Mahony MJ, 'The effect of salt dosing for chytrid mitigation on tadpoles of a threatened frog, Litoria aurea', Journal of Comparative Physiology B: Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology, 193 239-247 (2023) [C1]
The novel fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (chytrid) is one of the greatest threats to amphibians worldwide. Small increases in water salinity (up to ca. 4 ppt) have... [more]
The novel fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (chytrid) is one of the greatest threats to amphibians worldwide. Small increases in water salinity (up to ca. 4 ppt) have been shown to limit chytrid transmission between frogs, potentially providing a way to create environmental refugia to reduce its impact at a landscape scale. However, the effect of increasing water salinity on tadpoles, a life stage confined to water, is highly variable. Increased water salinity can lead to reduced size and altered growth patterns in some species, with flow-on effects to vital rates such as survival and reproduction. It is thus important to assess potential trade-offs caused by increasing salinity as a tool to mitigate chytrid in susceptible frogs. We conducted laboratory experiments to examine the effects of salinity on the survival and development of tadpoles of a threatened frog (Litoria aurea), previously demonstrated as a suitable candidate for trialling landscape manipulations to mitigate chytrid. We exposed tadpoles to salinity ranging from 1 to 6 ppt and measured survival, time to metamorphosis, body mass and locomotor performance of post-metamorphic frogs as a measure of fitness. Survival and time to metamorphosis did not differ between salinity treatments or controls reared in rainwater. Body mass was positively associated with increasing salinity in the first 14¿days. Juvenile frogs from three salinity treatments also showed the same or better locomotor performance compared to rainwater controls, confirming that environmental salinity may influence life history traits in the larval stage, potentially as a hormetic response. Our research suggests that salt concentrations in the range previously shown to improve survival of frogs in the presence of chytrid are unlikely to impact larval development of our candidate threatened species. Our study lends support to the idea of manipulating salinity to create environmental refugia from chytrid for at least some salt-tolerant species.
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Nova |
2023 |
Gould J, Clulow J, Rippon P, Upton R, Clulow S, 'All in one: single-season multi-clutching in an ephemeral pool-breeding frog that is otherwise virtually semelparous', Journal of Zoology, 320 226-235 (2023) [C1]
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Nova |
2023 |
Doody JS, Soennichsen K, Bartek B, Godwin C, Rhind D, Murray C, et al., 'Mirages or miscalculations? Mass mortality of lizards in a hypersaline lake', Herpetology Notes, 16 415-421 (2023) [C1]
Hypersaline or salt lakes are globally widespread landlocked waterbodies with salinities often approaching or even exceeding that of seawater. They are generally depauperate of an... [more]
Hypersaline or salt lakes are globally widespread landlocked waterbodies with salinities often approaching or even exceeding that of seawater. They are generally depauperate of animals due to stressful or toxic salt levels, and there have been instances of salt toxicosis and associated mass mortality in birds visiting salt lakes. We discovered evidence of repeated mass mortality of lizards and other fauna in an unnamed salt lake in the Great Sandy Desert of central Australia. We could find no reports of similar mortality in reptiles associated with hypersaline lakes, despite the prevalence of both worldwide. Mortality may be due to salt toxicosis via drinking or salt encrustation; alternatively, mortality could be due to some other agent such as cyanobacterial toxins, although the locals have safely consumed the salt for decades. Finally, mortality may be related to flash flood events. We discuss our observations as well as the salt adaptations of lizards, and we outline future research that is required to reveal the cause of this periodic mortality.
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2023 |
Upton R, Clulow S, Colyvas K, Mahony M, Clulow J, 'Paradigm shift in frog sperm cryopreservation: reduced role for non-penetrating cryoprotectants.', Reproduction, 165 583-592 (2023) [C1]
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Nova |
2023 |
Howell LG, Mawson PR, Comizzoli P, Witt RR, Frankham R, Clulow S, et al., 'Modeling genetic benefits and financial costs of integrating biobanking into the conservation breeding of managed marsupials.', Conserv Biol, 37 e14010 (2023) [C1]
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Nova |
2023 |
Bower DS, McKnight DT, Sullivan K, Macdonald SL, Georges A, Clulow S, et al., 'Opportunities for research and conservation of freshwater turtles in Australia', AUSTRAL ECOLOGY, 48 1483-1491 (2023) [C1]
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2023 |
Geller GA, Doody JS, Clulow S, Duncan RP, 'Do freshwater turtles use rainfall to increase nest success? (vol 10, 852175, 2022)', FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION, 11 (2023)
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2023 |
Campbell Grant EH, Amburgey SM, Gratwicke B, Chaves VA, Belasen AM, Bickford D, et al., 'Priority research needs to inform amphibian conservation in the Anthropocene', CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, 5 (2023) [C1]
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Nova |
2022 |
Mahony M, Gould J, Beranek CT, Callen A, Clulow J, Clulow S, et al., 'A trait-based analysis for predicting impact of wildfires on frogs', Australian Zoologist, 42 326-351 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Gould J, Clulow J, Clulow S, 'High clutch failure rate due to unpredictable rainfall for an ephemeral pool-breeding frog.', Oecologia, 198 699-710 (2022) [C1]
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Nova |
2022 |
Gould J, Clulow J, Clulow S, 'Cheek-to-cheek: Communal nesting in an ephemeral pool-breeding frog', ETHOLOGY, 128 684-692 (2022) [C1]
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Nova |
2022 |
Gould J, Clulow J, Herb F, Clulow S, 'An ephemerality paradox: Evidence of virtual semelparity in ephemeral pool-breeding anurans', AUSTRAL ECOLOGY, 47 1591-1608 (2022) [C1]
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Nova |
2022 |
Oliver PM, Bower DS, McDonald PJ, Kraus F, Luedtke J, Neam K, et al., 'Melanesia holds the world's most diverse and intact insular amphibian fauna', COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY, 5 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Geller GA, Doody JS, Clulow S, Duncan RP, 'Do Freshwater Turtles Use Rainfall to Increase Nest Success?', FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION, 10 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Schimek C, Shams F, Miura I, Clulow S, Majtanova Z, Deakin J, Ezaz T, 'Sex-linked markers in an Australian frog Platyplectrum ornatum (Limnodynastidae) with a small genome and homomorphic sex chromosomes', Scientific Reports, 12 (2022) [C1]
Amphibians have highly diverse sex-determining modes leading to a notable interest in vertebrate sex determination and sex chromosome evolution. The identification of sex-determin... [more]
Amphibians have highly diverse sex-determining modes leading to a notable interest in vertebrate sex determination and sex chromosome evolution. The identification of sex-determining systems in amphibians, however, is often difficult as a vast majority consist of homomorphic sex chromosomes making them hard to distinguish. In this study, we used Diversity Array Technology sequencing (DArTseq) to identify the sex-determining system in the ornate burrowing frog from Australia, Platyplectrum ornatum. We applied DArTseq to 44 individuals, 19 males and 25 females, collected from two locations to develop sex-linked markers. Unexpectedly, these 44 individuals were classified into two distinct population clusters based on our SNP analyses, 36 individuals in cluster 1, and 8 individuals in cluster 2. We then performed sex-linkage analyses separately in each cluster. We identified 35 sex-linked markers from cluster 1, which were all associated with maleness. Therefore, P. ornatum cluster 1 is utilising a male heterogametic (XX/XY) sex-determining system. On the other hand, we identified 210 sex-linked markers from cluster 2, of which 89 were male specific, i.e., identifying XX/XY sex determining system and 111 were female specific, i.e., identifying ZZ/ZW sex determining system, suggesting existence of either male or female heterogametic sex determining system in cluster 2. We also performed cytogenetic analyses in 1 male and 1 female from cluster 1; however, we did not detect any visible differentiation between the X and Y sex chromosomes. We also mapped sex-linked markers from the two clusters against the P. ornatum genome and our comparative analysis indicated that the sex chromosomes in both clusters shared homologies to chromosome 10 (autosome) of Rana temporaria and ZWY sex chromosome of Xenopus tropicalis. Our preliminary data suggest that it is plausible that the cluster 2 has a potential to be either male or female heterogamety in sex determination, requiring further investigation.
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2022 |
Clulow S, Clulow J, Marcec-Greaves R, Della Togna G, Calatayud NE, 'Common goals, different stages: the state of the ARTs for reptile and amphibian conservation', REPRODUCTION FERTILITY AND DEVELOPMENT, 34 I-IX (2022)
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2022 |
Simms A, Whiting MJ, Doody JS, Nilawati J, Tantu FY, Walde A, et al., 'Preliminary Insights on the Spatial Ecology, Population Demography, and Sexual Dimorphism of the Critically Endangered Sulawesi Forest Turtle (Leucocephalon yuwonoi)', Journal of Herpetology, 56 461-469 (2022) [C1]
Sulawesi Forest Turtles (Leucocephalon yuwonoi) are critically endangered and endemic to the island of Sulawesi. We conducted radiotelemetry and capture-mark-recapture to study th... [more]
Sulawesi Forest Turtles (Leucocephalon yuwonoi) are critically endangered and endemic to the island of Sulawesi. We conducted radiotelemetry and capture-mark-recapture to study their spatial ecology, habitat selection, activity patterns, and demography in February-April and June-July, 2019. The average area occupied by 14 turtles using the minimum convex polygon (MCP) method was 0.49 ± 0.42 ha (standard deviation [SD]), whereas using the fixed 50% kernel density method averaged 0.076 ± 0.061 ha (SD). Males (mean = 0.53 ± 0.40 ha, N = 7) occupied a larger area (MCP method) than females (mean = 0.44 ± 0.46 ha, N = 7) but the difference was not statistically significant. Turtles took refuge in habitat containing significantly more canopy cover, broadleaf plant cover, and more and deeper ground cover than that in random plots. Males were predominantly active at night and females were exclusively so. We caught 25 adult females, 16 adult males, and 38 unsexed juveniles in two stream sections. Estimated population size (95% confidence intervals) in the lower stream was 17 turtles (15-28) in the wet season and 10 turtles (8-21) in the dry season. The population estimate in the upper stream was 25 (24-33) and 13 (9-28) turtles in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Our study provides important baseline ecological data that can be used to inform future conservation and recovery programs for the species.
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2022 |
Geyle HM, Hoskin CJ, Bower DS, Catullo R, Clulow S, Driessen M, et al., 'Red hot frogs: identifying the Australian frogs most at risk of extinction', PACIFIC CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, 28 211-223 (2022) [C1]
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Nova |
2021 |
Klop-Toker KL, Valdez JW, Stockwell MP, Fardell L, Clulow S, Clulow J, Mahony MJ, 'Improving breed-and-release programmes in the face of a threatening pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis', AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, 31 2788-2803 (2021) [C1]
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Nova |
2021 |
Doody JS, Soennichsen KF, James H, McHenry C, Clulow S, 'Ecosystem engineering by deep-nesting monitor lizards', Ecology, 102 (2021) [C1]
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Nova |
2021 |
Campbell L, Clulow J, Howe B, Upton R, Doody S, Clulow S, 'Efficacy of short-term cold storage prior to cryopreservation of spermatozoa in a threatened lizard', Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 33 555-561 (2021) [C1]
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have a significant role to play in reptile conservation, yet are severely lacking. Previous attempts to cryopreserve spermatozoa in the t... [more]
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have a significant role to play in reptile conservation, yet are severely lacking. Previous attempts to cryopreserve spermatozoa in the threatened lizard Varanus panoptes achieved approximately 48% motile sperm post-thaw for samples frozen immediately after collection. However, the feasibility of extended cold storage before cryopreservation has not been tested. We held V. panoptes spermatozoa at either 258Cor 48C for 8 days, assessing sperm motility at days 1, 2, 4 and 8. Subsamples were cryopreserved on days 1 and 4 following the previously reported protocol for this species. Percentage motility decreased rapidly at 258C, but did not decrease significantly until 4 days after collection at 48C, with .30% motility maintained after 8 days. There was no significant difference in post-thaw motility or viability of samples cryopreserved after 1 or 4 days storage at 48C, yielding substantial results for both parameters (mean motility 23.8% and 28.1% and mean viability 50.1% and 57.5% after 1 and 4 days respectively). We demonstrate the capacity to extend sperm viability for up to 8 days in unfrozen samples and to produce acceptable post-thaw motility in samples frozen after 4 days of storage, contributing to the development of valuable ARTs for lizards and other reptiles.
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Nova |
2021 |
Doody JS, McHenry C, Rhind D, Gray C, Clulow S, 'Impacts of invasive cane toads on an Endangered marsupial predator and its prey', ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH, 46 269-277 (2021) [C1]
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Nova |
2021 |
Howell LG, Frankham R, Rodger JC, Witt RR, Clulow S, Upton RMO, et al., 'Integrating biobanking could produce significant cost benefits and minimise inbreeding for Australian amphibian captive breeding programs', REPRODUCTION FERTILITY AND DEVELOPMENT, 33 573-587 (2021) [C1]
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Nova |
2021 |
Gould J, Valdez J, Clulow J, Clulow S, 'Left High and Dry: Froth Nesting Allows Eggs of the Anuran Amphibian to Complete Embryogenesis in the Absence of Free-Standing Water', Ichthyology and Herpetology, 109 537-544 (2021) [C1]
For amphibians that oviposit in temporary aquatic systems, there is a high risk of desiccation-induced offspring mortality when water evaporates prior to the completion of embryo ... [more]
For amphibians that oviposit in temporary aquatic systems, there is a high risk of desiccation-induced offspring mortality when water evaporates prior to the completion of embryo or tadpole development. Such a strong selective pressure has led to the evolution of a variety of traits in reproducing females and their offspring to improve the odds of reproductive success when free-standing water is temporarily available. Herein, we describe an adaptive function of froth nesting in the Sandpaper Frog, Lechriodus fletcheri, as a possible maternal strategy for protecting embryos from the immediate risk of desiccating in highly ephemeral pools that frequently dry prior to hatching. Field observations revealed that embryos located near the core of nests remained alive and continued to develop for several days after becoming stranded out of water due to declining water levels, with embryo viability maintained long enough for additional rainfall to recharge pools and support hatching of tadpoles into water in some cases. In laboratory trials, the proportion of embryos surviving in nests exposed to desiccating conditions was positively correlated with nest volume, while the rate of water loss relative to nest mass declined, both of which are likely a function of reduced surface area relative to volume in larger nests. We suggest that the encapsulation of embryos within an aerated mucus shields them from desiccation by trapping moisture around their external surfaces. As embryos of L. fletcheri complete development rapidly, the ability for the froth nest to protect against desiccation for several days may allow embryogenesis to be completed largely out of water despite the larval phase not being terrestrial. These results suggest froth nesting has played an important role in facilitating this species' use of ephemeral habitats that most other amphibians with aquatic reproductive modes are incapable of exploiting.
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Nova |
2021 |
Gould J, Clulow J, Rippon P, Doody JS, Clulow S, 'Complex trade-offs in oviposition site selection in a cannibalistic frog', Animal Behaviour, 175 75-86 (2021) [C1]
For oviparous animals such as amphibians, the presence or absence of conspecifics can influence site selection, with each life history stage potentially influencing the decision-m... [more]
For oviparous animals such as amphibians, the presence or absence of conspecifics can influence site selection, with each life history stage potentially influencing the decision-making process in a different manner. In the present study, we tested the effect of conspecific life history stage on oviposition site selection in the sandpaper frog, Lechriodus fletcheri. We quantified preferences for spawning in pools that were unused by conspecifics, as well as pools with conspecific spawn or tadpoles present, or both. The study included two ecological contexts: a system of naturally occurring breeding pools and a field experiment with 40 artificial pools that controlled for habitat variation. Mothers preferred to oviposit in pools that already contained conspecific spawn, despite the likelihood of intense resource competition upon offspring hatching. This could be due to the potential benefits obtained by providing offspring access to a significant nutrient supply upon hatching via cannibalism of conspecific tadpoles and might be an important adaptation for completing tadpole development in highly ephemeral and resource-limited pools prior to desiccation. In contrast, mothers avoided ovipositing in pools with conspecific tadpoles, a probable adaptation to avoid their own offspring from becoming victims of cannibalism themselves prior to hatching. Such nuances in the effect of conspecific presence on offspring survival highlight the often complex decision-making process that amphibians need to make when selecting oviposition sites, as well as the influence cannibalism can have on the evolution of reproductive behaviour.
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Nova |
2021 |
Campbell L, Clulow J, Doody JS, Clulow S, 'Optimal cooling rates for sperm cryopreservation in a threatened lizard conform to two-factor hypothesis of cryo-injury', CRYOBIOLOGY, 103 101-106 (2021) [C1]
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Nova |
2021 |
Campbell L, Clulow J, Howe B, Upton R, Doody S, Clulow S, 'Erratum: Efficacy of short-term cold storage prior to cryopreservation of spermatozoa in a threatened lizard (Reproduction, Fertility and Development (2021) DOI: 10.1071/RD20231)', Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 33 619 (2021)
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have a significant role to play in reptile conservation, yet are severely lacking. Previous attempts to cryopreserve spermatozoa in the t... [more]
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have a significant role to play in reptile conservation, yet are severely lacking. Previous attempts to cryopreserve spermatozoa in the threatened lizard Varanus panoptes achieved approximately 48% motile sperm post-thaw for samples frozen immediately after collection. However, the feasibility of extended cold storage before cryopreservation has not been tested. We held V. panoptes spermatozoa at either 25°C or 4°C for 8 days, assessing sperm motility at days 1, 2, 4 and 8. Subsamples were cryopreserved on days 1 and 4 following the previously reported protocol for this species. Percentage motility decreased rapidly at 25°C, but did not decrease significantly until 4 days after collection at 4°C, with >30% motility maintained after 8 days. There was no significant difference in post-thaw motility or viability of samples cryopreserved after 1 or 4 days storage at 4°C, yielding substantial results for both parameters (mean motility 23.8% and 28.1% and mean viability 50.1% and 57.5% after 1 and 4 days respectively). We demonstrate the capacity to extend sperm viability for up to 8 days in unfrozen samples and to produce acceptable post-thaw motility in samples frozen after 4 days of storage, contributing to the development of valuable ARTs for lizards and other reptiles.
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2021 |
Lamichhaney S, Catullo R, Keogh JS, Clulow S, Edwards S, Ezaz T, 'A bird-like genome from a frog: Mechanisms of genome size reduction in the ornate burrowing frog, Platyplectrum ornatum', PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 118 (2021) [C1]
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2021 |
Gallagher RV, Butt N, Carthey AJR, Tulloch A, Bland L, Clulow S, et al., 'A guide to using species trait data in conservation', One Earth, 4 927-936 (2021) [C1]
Species traits have much to offer conservation science. However, the selection and application of trait data in conservation requires rigor to avoid perverse or unexpected outcome... [more]
Species traits have much to offer conservation science. However, the selection and application of trait data in conservation requires rigor to avoid perverse or unexpected outcomes. To guide trait use, we review how traits are applied along the conservation continuum: the progression of conservation actions from assessing risk, to designing and prioritizing actions, to implementation and evaluation. We then provide a framework for their use as proxies for more nuanced empirical data on species and ecosystems. Framework steps include (1) identifying information needs relative to conservation goals, (2) choosing relevant traits using theory and expanding via expert elicitation, and (3) defining and addressing the limits of trait information. Worked examples for contemporary plant and amphibian conservation show how traits should be selected and applied based on theory and/or evidence (rather than data availability or untested assumptions). Finally, we forecast the use of trait data in several conservation applications globally.
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2021 |
Gould J, Clulow J, Clulow S, 'Using citizen science in the photo-identification of adult individuals of an amphibian based on two facial skin features.', PeerJ, 9 e11190 (2021) [C1]
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Nova |
2021 |
Upton R, Clulow S, Calatayud NE, Colyvas K, Seeto RGY, Wong LAM, et al., 'Generation of reproductively mature offspring from the endangered green and golden bell frog Litoria aurea using cryopreserved spermatozoa', Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 33 562-572 (2021) [C1]
Amphibians are becoming increasingly reliant on captive breeding programs for continued survival. Assisted reproductive technologies including gamete cryopreservation and IVF can ... [more]
Amphibians are becoming increasingly reliant on captive breeding programs for continued survival. Assisted reproductive technologies including gamete cryopreservation and IVF can help reduce costs of breeding programs, provide insurance against extinction and assist genetic rescue in wild populations. However, the use of these technologies to produce reproductively mature offspring has only been demonstrated in a few non-model species. We aimed to optimise sperm cryopreservation in the threatened frog Litoria aurea and generate mature offspring from frozen-thawed spermatozoa by IVF. We tested three concentrations (1.4, 2.1 and 2.8 M) of the cryoprotectants dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and glycerol with 0.3 M sucrose. Using DMSO was more likely to result in recovery of sperm motility, vitality and acrosome integrity than glycerol, regardless of concentration, with forward progressive motility being most sensitive to damage. The lowest concentrations of 1.4 and 2.1 M provided the best protection regardless of cryoprotectant type. Spermatozoa cryopreserved in 2.1 M DMSO outperformed spermatozoa cryopreserved in equivalent concentrations of glycerol in terms of their ability to fertilise ova, resulting in higher rates of embryos hatching and several individuals reaching sexual maturity. We have demonstrated that sperm cryopreservation and subsequent offspring generation via IVF is a feasible conservation tool for L. aurea and other threatened amphibians.
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Nova |
2021 |
Howell LG, Frankham R, Rodger JC, Witt RR, Clulow S, Upton RMO, Clulow J, 'Integrating biobanking minimises inbreeding and produces significant cost benefits for a threatened frog captive breeding programme', Conservation Letters, 14 (2021) [C1]
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Nova |
2020 |
Doody JS, McGlashan J, Fryer H, Coleman L, James H, Soennichsen K, et al., 'Plasticity in nest site choice behavior in response to hydric conditions in a reptile', Scientific Reports, 10 (2020) [C1]
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Nova |
2020 |
Parrott ML, Doody JS, McHenry C, Clulow S, 'Eat your heart out: Choice and handling of novel toxic prey by predatory water rats', Australian Mammalogy, 42 235-239 (2020) [C1]
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Nova |
2020 |
Van Dyke JU, Thompson MB, Burridge CP, Castelli MA, Clulow S, Dissanayake DSB, et al., 'Australian lizards are outstanding models for reproductive biology research', AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, 68 168-199 (2020) [C1]
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2020 |
Klop-Toker K, Clulow S, Shuttleworth C, Hayward MW, 'Are novel ecosystems the only novelty of rewilding?', Restoration Ecology, 28 1318-1320 (2020) [C1]
Since the introduction of the term ¿rewilding¿ in 1998, several definitions have been proposed, sparking debate around terminology and how (or if) rewilding differs from restorati... [more]
Since the introduction of the term ¿rewilding¿ in 1998, several definitions have been proposed, sparking debate around terminology and how (or if) rewilding differs from restoration. Many papers attempt to distinguish between the two terms through a series of descriptive attributes: historic baselines, landscape-driven transformation, ongoing human intervention, the connection of people with nature, and the creation of novel ecosystems. Here, we discuss the overlap between these terms and illustrate that the creation of novel ecosystems provides the clearest distinction between rewilding and restoration. If the definition of rewilding is distilled down to its most unique component, the creation of novel ecosystems, perhaps scientists can then work to produce a clear framework for rewilding that is based on best conservation practice.
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Nova |
2020 |
Meyer NFV, Balkenhol N, Dutta T, Hofman M, Meyer J-Y, Ritchie EG, et al., 'Beyond species counts for assessing, valuing, and conserving biodiversity: response to Wallach et al. 2019', CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, 35 369-372 (2020)
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2020 |
Campbell L, Cafe SL, Upton R, Doody JS, Nixon B, Clulow J, Clulow S, 'A model protocol for the cryopreservation and recovery of motile lizard sperm using the phosphodiesterase inhibitor caffeine', CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY, 8 (2020) [C1]
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Nova |
2020 |
Doody JS, Rhind D, Clulow S, 'Paradoxical population resilience of a keystone predator to a toxic invasive species', Wildlife Research, 47 260-266 (2020) [C1]
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Nova |
2020 |
Bower DS, Jennings CK, Webb RJ, Amepou Y, Schwarzkopf L, Berger L, et al., 'Disease surveillance of the amphibian chytrid fungusBatrachochytrium dendrobatidisin Papua New Guinea', CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, 2 (2020) [C1]
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Nova |
2020 |
Gould J, Clulow J, Clulow S, 'Food, not friend: Tadpoles of the sandpaper frog (Lechriodus fletcheri) cannibalise conspecific eggs as a food resource in ephemeral pools', Ethology, 126 486-491 (2020) [C1]
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Nova |
2020 |
Callen A, Hayward MW, Klop-Toker K, Allen BL, Ballard G, Beranek CT, et al., 'Response to comments on "Compassionate Conservation deserves a morally serious rather than dismissive response - reply to Callen et al., 2020"', BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION, 244 (2020)
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2020 |
Callen A, Hayward MW, Klop-Toker K, Allen BL, Ballard G, Broekhuis F, et al., 'Envisioning the future with compassionate conservation : An ominous projection for native wildlife and biodiversity', Biological Conservation, 241 (2020) [C1]
The ¿Compassionate Conservation¿ movement is gaining momentum through its promotion of ¿ethical¿ conservation practices based on self-proclaimed principles of ¿first-do-no-harm¿ a... [more]
The ¿Compassionate Conservation¿ movement is gaining momentum through its promotion of ¿ethical¿ conservation practices based on self-proclaimed principles of ¿first-do-no-harm¿ and ¿individuals matter¿. We argue that the tenets of ¿Compassionate Conservation¿ are ideological - that is, they are not scientifically proven to improve conservation outcomes, yet are critical of the current methods that do. In this paper we envision a future with ¿Compassionate Conservation¿ and predict how this might affect global biodiversity conservation. Taken literally, ¿Compassionate Conservation¿ will deny current conservation practices such as captive breeding, introduced species control, biocontrol, conservation fencing, translocation, contraception, disease control and genetic introgression. Five mainstream conservation practices are used to illustrate the far-reaching and dire consequences for global biodiversity if governed by ¿Compassionate Conservation¿. We acknowledge the important role of animal welfare science in conservation practices but argue that ¿Compassionate Conservation¿ aligns more closely with animal liberation principles protecting individuals over populations. Ultimately we fear that a world of ¿Compassionate Conservation¿ could stymie the global conservation efforts required to meet international biodiversity targets derived from evidenced based practice, such as the Aichi targets developed by the Convention on Biological Diversity and adopted by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the United Nations.
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Nova |
2020 |
Burstal J, Clulow S, Colyvas K, Kark S, Griffin AS, 'Radiotracking invasive spread: Are common mynas more active and exploratory on the invasion front?', Biological Invasions, 22 2525-2543 (2020) [C1]
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Nova |
2019 |
Campbell L, Bower DS, Clulow S, Stockwell M, Clulow J, Mahony M, 'Interaction between temperature and sublethal infection with the amphibian chytrid fungus impacts a susceptible frog species', SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, 9 (2019) [C1]
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Nova |
2019 |
Doody JS, McHenry CR, Rhind D, Clulow S, 'Novel habitat causes a shift to diurnal activity in a nocturnal species', Scientific Reports, 9 (2019) [C1]
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Nova |
2019 |
Gould J, Valdez JW, Stockwell MP, Clulow S, Mahony MJ, 'Mosquitoes as a potential vector for the transmission of the amphibian chytrid fungus', Zoology and Ecology, 29 36-42 (2019)
The amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is an infectious disease responsible for the worldwide decline of amphibian species. To mitigate these declines,... [more]
The amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is an infectious disease responsible for the worldwide decline of amphibian species. To mitigate these declines, it is necessary to identify the various vectors by which the fungus can be transmitted between individuals and populations. The objective of this study was to determine whether adult female mosquitoes can carry and transfer Bd fungal cells. Mosquitoes were exposed to netting soaked in a live Bd zoospore suspension to determine whether they are able to externally acquire the fungus. Another group was placed into containers with a sterile and Bd-inoculated agar plate to determine whether mosquitoes could transfer Bd between these surfaces. Bd DNA was found to be present on mosquito legs exposed to inoculated netting and agar plates suggesting that Bd can be transmitted by the mosquito over short distances. This is the first study to demonstrate that an insect host may be a mechanical vector of Bd and suggests that we should begin to consider the role of mosquitoes in the dissemination and control of the fungus.
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2019 |
Lee K-H, Chen T-H, Shang G, Clulow S, Yang Y-J, Lin S-M, 'A check list and population trends of invasive amphibians and reptiles in Taiwan', ZOOKEYS, 85-130 (2019)
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2019 |
Gould J, Valdez JW, Clulow J, Clulow S, 'Diving beetle offspring oviposited in amphibian spawn prey on the tadpoles upon hatching', ENTOMOLOGICAL SCIENCE, 22 393-397 (2019) [C1]
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Nova |
2019 |
Valdez JW, Klop-Toker K, Stockwell MP, Fardell L, Clulow S, Clulow J, Mahony MJ, 'Informing compensatory habitat creation with experimental trials: a 3-year study of a threatened amphibian', ORYX, 53 310-320 (2019) [C1]
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Nova |
2019 |
Hayward MW, Scanlon RJ, Callen A, Howell LG, Klop-Toker KL, Di Blanco Y, et al., 'Reintroducing rewilding to restoration Rejecting the search for novelty', Biological Conservation, 233 255-259 (2019) [C1]
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Nova |
2019 |
Hayward MW, Callen A, Allen BL, Ballard G, Broekhuis F, Bugir C, et al., 'Deconstructing compassionate conservation', Conservation Biology, 33 760-768 (2019) [C1]
Compassionate conservation focuses on 4 tenets: first, do no harm; individuals matter; inclusivity of individual animals; and peaceful coexistence between humans and animals. Rece... [more]
Compassionate conservation focuses on 4 tenets: first, do no harm; individuals matter; inclusivity of individual animals; and peaceful coexistence between humans and animals. Recently, compassionate conservation has been promoted as an alternative to conventional conservation philosophy. We believe examples presented by compassionate conservationists are deliberately or arbitrarily chosen to focus on mammals; inherently not compassionate; and offer ineffective conservation solutions. Compassionate conservation arbitrarily focuses on charismatic species, notably large predators and megaherbivores. The philosophy is not compassionate when it leaves invasive predators in the environment to cause harm to vastly more individuals of native species or uses the fear of harm by apex predators to terrorize mesopredators. Hindering the control of exotic species (megafauna, predators) in situ will not improve the conservation condition of the majority of biodiversity. The positions taken by so-called compassionate conservationists on particular species and on conservation actions could be extended to hinder other forms of conservation, including translocations, conservation fencing, and fertility control. Animal welfare is incredibly important to conservation, but ironically compassionate conservation does not offer the best welfare outcomes to animals and is often ineffective in achieving conservation goals. Consequently, compassionate conservation may threaten public and governmental support for conservation because of the limited understanding of conservation problems by the general public.
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Nova |
2019 |
Bower DS, Lips KR, Amepou Y, Richards S, Dahl C, Nagombi E, et al., 'Island of opportunity: can New Guinea protect amphibians from a globally emerging pathogen?', Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 17 348-354 (2019) [C1]
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Nova |
2019 |
Browne RK, Silla AJ, Upton R, Della-Togna G, Marcec-Greaves R, Shishova NV, et al., 'Sperm collection and storage for the sustainable management of amphibian biodiversity', Theriogenology, 133 187-200 (2019) [C1]
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Nova |
2018 |
Clulow S, Gould J, James H, Stockwell M, Clulow J, Mahony M, 'Elevated salinity blocks pathogen transmission and improves host survival from the global amphibian chytrid pandemic: Implications for translocations', JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, 55 830-840 (2018) [C1]
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Nova |
2018 |
Upton R, Clulow S, Mahony MJ, Clulow J, 'Generation of a sexually mature individual of the Eastern dwarf tree frog, Litoria fallax, from cryopreserved testicular macerates: proof of capacity of cryopreserved sperm derived offspring to complete development', CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY, 6 (2018) [C1]
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Nova |
2018 |
D'Amore DC, Clulow S, Doody JS, Rhind D, McHenry CR, 'Claw morphometrics in monitor lizards: Variable substrate and habitat use correlate to shape diversity within a predator guild', Ecology and Evolution, 8 6766-6778 (2018) [C1]
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Nova |
2018 |
Klop-Toker K, Valdez J, Stockwell M, Clulow S, Clulow J, Mahony M, 'Community level impacts of invasive mosquitofish may exacerbate the impact to a threatened amphibian', Austral Ecology, 43 213-224 (2018) [C1]
Invasive fish threaten many native freshwater fauna. However, it can be difficult to determine how invasive fish impact animals with complex life cycles as interaction may be driv... [more]
Invasive fish threaten many native freshwater fauna. However, it can be difficult to determine how invasive fish impact animals with complex life cycles as interaction may be driven by either predation of aquatic larvae or avoidance of fish-occupied waterbodies by the terrestrial adult stage. Mosquitofish (Gambusia spp.) are highly successful and aggressive invaders that negatively impact numerous aquatic fauna. One species potentially threatened by Gambusia holbrooki is the green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea). However, G.¿holbrooki's role in this frog's decline was unclear due to declines driven by the chytrid fungal disease and the continued co-existence of these fish and frogs in multiple locations. To clarify the extent to which Gambusia is impacting L.¿aurea, we conducted 3¿years of field surveys across a deltaic wetland system in south-east Australia. We measured the presence and abundance of aquatic taxa including G.¿holbrooki, and L.¿aurea frogs and tadpoles, along with habitat parameters at the landscape and microhabitat scale. Generalized linear models were used to explore patterns in the abundance and distributions of L.¿aurea and G.¿holbrooki. We¿found strong negative associations between G.¿holbrooki and tadpoles of most species, including L.¿aurea, but no apparent avoidance of G.¿holbrooki by adult frogs. Native invertebrate predators (Odonata and Coleoptera) were also absent from G.¿holbrooki-occupied ponds. Due to the apparent naivety of adult frogs toward G.¿holbrooki, the separation of G.¿holbrooki and tadpoles, plus the abundance of alternative predators in G.¿holbrooki-free ponds, we conclude that the impact of G.¿holbrooki on L.¿aurea recruitment is likely substantial and warrants management action.
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Nova |
2018 |
Doody JS, McHenry C, Brown M, Canning G, Vas G, Clulow S, 'Deep, helical, communal nesting and emergence in the sand monitor: ecology informing paleoecology?', JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, 305 88-95 (2018) [C1]
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Nova |
2018 |
Doody JS, McHenry CR, Durkin L, Brown M, Simms A, Coleman L, et al., 'Deep Communal Nesting by Yellow-Spotted Monitors in a Desert Ecosystem: Indirect Evidence for a Response to Extreme Dry Conditions', HERPETOLOGICA, 74 306-310 (2018) [C1]
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Nova |
2018 |
Fardell L, Valdez J, Klop-Toker K, Stockwell M, Clulow S, Clulow J, Mahony M, 'Effects of vegetation density on habitat suitability for the endangered green and golden bell frog, Litoria aurea', Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 13 47-57 (2018) [C1]
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Nova |
2018 |
D Amore DC, Meadows D, Clulow S, Doody JS, Rhind D, McHenry CR, 'Increasing dietary breadth through allometry: Bite forces in sympatric Australian skinks', Herpetology Notes, 11 179-187 (2018) [C1]
Ecomechanical measures of performance such as bite force may function as an indirect measure of niche. This study proposes that allometric changes in performance may contribute to... [more]
Ecomechanical measures of performance such as bite force may function as an indirect measure of niche. This study proposes that allometric changes in performance may contribute to niche separation, especially in a group where the specific mechanism(s) remains unclear. We surveyed the bite force and morphology of 5 wild caught, sympatric skink species in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Skinks were collected from trapline fences, weighed, photographed, and maximum bite force was measured with a piezoresistive force sensor. Morphological metrics were derived from photographs of the dorsum. Normalized morphological traits indicate interspecific variability in form, particularly in forelimb length, which may be a result of habitat separation. Bite force showed strong, significantly positive, allometric scaling against most morphological traits. Tail length was the only morphological trait that scaled isometrically. Allometric changes in bite force may increase dietary breadth, allowing larger skinks to supplement their diet with larger, more durable prey. This study reveals that ecologically relevant traits may be explained by allometric differences coupled with size variation. Future work should focus on (1) an increase in sample size, (2) long-term measurement of diet selection, and (3) accessibility of prey items to our focal animals.
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Nova |
2018 |
Doody JS, McHenry C, Letnic M, Everitt C, Sawyer G, Clulow S, 'Forecasting the spatiotemporal pattern of the cane toad invasion into north-western Australia', WILDLIFE RESEARCH, 45 718-725 (2018) [C1]
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Nova |
2018 |
Clulow J, Pomering M, Herbert D, Upton R, Calatayud N, Clulow S, et al., 'Differential success in obtaining gametes between male and female Australian temperate frogs by hormonal induction: A review', GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY, 265 141-148 (2018) [C1]
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Nova |
2017 |
Doody JS, Rhind D, Green B, Castellano C, McHenry C, Clulow S, 'Chronic effects of an invasive species on an animal community', ECOLOGY, 98 2093-2101 (2017) [C1]
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Nova |
2017 |
Bower DS, Lips KR, Schwarzkopf L, Georges A, Clulow S, 'Amphibians on the brink', SCIENCE, 357 454-455 (2017)
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2017 |
Klop-Toker KL, Valdez JW, Stockwell MP, Edgar ME, Fardell L, Clulow S, et al., 'Assessing host response to disease treatment: how chytrid-susceptible frogs react to increased water salinity', WILDLIFE RESEARCH, 44 648-659 (2017) [C1]
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Nova |
2017 |
Clulow S, Mahony M, Elliott L, Humfeld S, Gerhardt HC, 'Near-synchronous calling in the hip-pocket frog Assa darlingtoni', BIOACOUSTICS-THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SOUND AND ITS RECORDING, 26 249-258 (2017) [C1]
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Nova |
2017 |
Valdez JW, Klop-Toker K, Stockwell MP, Fardell L, Clulow S, Clulow J, Mahony MJ, 'Differences in microhabitat selection patterns between a remnant and constructed landscape following management intervention', WILDLIFE RESEARCH, 44 248-258 (2017) [C1]
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Nova |
2017 |
Tingley R, Ward-Fear G, Schwarzkopf L, Greenlees MJ, Phillips BL, Brown G, et al., 'New weapons in the toad toolkit: A review of methods to control and mitigate the biodiversity impacts of invasive cane toads (rhinella marina)', Quarterly Review of Biology, 92 123-149 (2017) [C1]
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Nova |
2016 |
Klop-Toker K, Valdez J, Stockwell M, Fardell L, Clulow S, Clulow J, Mahony M, 'We Made Your Bed, Why Won't You Lie in It? Food Availability and Disease May Affect Reproductive Output of Reintroduced Frogs', PLOS ONE, 11 (2016) [C1]
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Nova |
2016 |
Abu Bakar A, Bower DS, Stockwell MP, Clulow S, Clulow J, Mahony MJ, 'Susceptibility to disease varies with ontogeny and immunocompetence in a threatened amphibian', Oecologia, 181 997-1009 (2016) [C1]
Ontogenetic changes in disease susceptibility have been demonstrated in many vertebrate taxa, as immature immune systems and limited prior exposure to pathogens can place less dev... [more]
Ontogenetic changes in disease susceptibility have been demonstrated in many vertebrate taxa, as immature immune systems and limited prior exposure to pathogens can place less developed juveniles at a greater disease risk. By causing the disease chytridiomycosis, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) infection has led to the decline of many amphibian species. Despite increasing knowledge on how Bd varies in its effects among species, little is known on the interaction between susceptibility and development within host species. We compared the ontogenetic susceptibility of post-metamorphic green and golden bell frogs Litoria aurea to chytridiomycosis by simultaneously measuring three host-pathogen responses as indicators of the development of the fungus¿infection load, survival rate, and host immunocompetence¿following Bd exposure in three life stages (recently metamorphosed juveniles, subadults, adults) over 95¿days. Frogs exposed to Bd as recently metamorphosed juveniles acquired higher infection loads and experienced lower immune function and lower survivorship than subadults and adults, indicating an ontogenetic decline in chytridiomycosis susceptibility. By corresponding with an intrinsic developmental maturation in immunocompetence seen in uninfected frogs, we suggest these developmental changes in host susceptibility in L. aurea may be immune mediated. Consequently, the physiological relationship between ontogeny and immunity may affect host population structure and demography through variation in life stage survival, and understanding this can shape management targets for effective amphibian conservation.
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Nova |
2016 |
Pizzatto L, Stockwell M, Clulow S, Clulow J, Mahony M, 'Finding a place to live: conspecific attraction affects habitat selection in juvenile green and golden bell frogs', Acta Ethologica, 19 1-8 (2016) [C1]
Conspecific attraction plays an important role in habitat selection of several taxa and can affect and determine distribution patterns of populations. The behaviour is largely stu... [more]
Conspecific attraction plays an important role in habitat selection of several taxa and can affect and determine distribution patterns of populations. The behaviour is largely studied and widespread among birds, but in amphibians, its occurrence seems limited to breeding habitats of adults and gregarious tadpoles. The Australian green and golden bell frogs (Litoria aurea) have suffered considerable shrinking of their original distribution in south-eastern Australia since the 1970s. Currently, with only about 40 populations remaining, the species is considered nationally threatened. In natural conditions, these frogs are aggregated in the landscape and do not seem to occupy all suitable ponds within the occurrence area. To date, studies focusing on the frogs¿ habitat have failed in finding a general habitat feature that explains current or past occupancy. This led us to the hypothesis that social cues may play a key role in habitat selection in this species. Using two choice experiments, we tested the preference of juvenile green and golden bell frogs for habitats containing cues of conspecifics of similar size versus habitats without conspecific cues. Tested frogs did not show a preference for habitats containing only scent from conspecifics but did prefer habitats where conspecifics were present. Our results show that conspecific attraction is a determining factor in juvenile green and golden bell frog habitat selection. To our knowledge, this is the first time the behaviour is shown to occur in juvenile frogs in the habitat selection context. From a conservation management point of view, the behaviour may help to explain the failure of reintroductions to areas where the frogs have been extinct, and the non-occupation of suitable created habitats in areas where they still inhabit and develop appropriated management strategies.
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Nova |
2016 |
Valdez J, Klop-Toker K, Stockwell MP, Clulow S, Clulow J, Mahony MJ, 'Microhabitat selection varies by sex and age class in the endangered green and golden bell frog Litoria aurea', Australian Zoologist, 38 223-234 (2016) [C1]
Although amphibians are one of the most threatened animal groups, little published evidence exists on effective management programs. In order for conservation initiatives to be su... [more]
Although amphibians are one of the most threatened animal groups, little published evidence exists on effective management programs. In order for conservation initiatives to be successful, an understanding of habitat use patterns is required to identify important environmental features. However, habitat use may differ between the different sexes and age classes due to different behavioural and resource requirements. For this study, we compared microhabitat use during the active breeding season among the sexes and age classes in the endangered green and golden bell frog Litoria aurea, a species which has had several failed management programs. We found aquatic vegetation was selected for by every L. aurea class, and should be the focus of future management plans for this species. Females were the only class to select for terrestrial vegetation more than availability. Increasing the amount of terrestrial vegetation around ponds may help encourage female occupancy, and possibly improve management outcomes, as they are typically a limiting resource. Although large rock piles have been used in past L. aurea habitat management, they were selected for by adults and juveniles, but not metamorphs. Therefore, large rocks may not be necessary for captive breeding portions of management initiatives, which typically only involve tadpoles and metamorphs prior to release. The results indicate that the most appropriate management plans should contain a habitat mosaic of various microhabitats, such as a large proportion of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation with patches of bare ground and a small proportion of rocks for basking and shelter. Recognizing differences in microhabitat use patterns between individuals in a population and implementing them into management strategies should be a pivotal step in any conservation plan.
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Nova |
2016 |
Clulow J, Clulow S, 'Cryopreservation and other assisted reproductive technologies for the conservation of threatened amphibians and reptiles: bringing the ARTs up to speed.', Reproduction, fertility, and development, (2016) [C1]
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Nova |
2016 |
Clulow S, Anstis M, Keogh JS, Catullo RA, 'A new species of australian frog (Myobatrachidae: Uperoleia) from the New South Wales mid-north coast sandplains', Zootaxa, 4184 285-315 (2016) [C1]
The discovery of new vertebrate species in developed countries is still occurring at surprising rates for some taxonomic groups, especially the amphibians and reptiles. While this... [more]
The discovery of new vertebrate species in developed countries is still occurring at surprising rates for some taxonomic groups, especially the amphibians and reptiles. While this most often occurs in under-explored areas, it occasionally still happens in well-inhabited regions. We report such a case with the discovery and description of U. mahonyi sp. nov., a new species of frog from a highly populated region of New South Wales, Australia. We provide details of its morphology, calls, embryos and tadpoles, and phylogenetic relationships to other species of eastern Uperoleia. We also provide the results of targeted surveys to establish its distribution and provide observations of its habitat associations. As a consequence of these surveys, we comment on the likely restricted nature of the species' distribution and habitat, and place this in the context of a preliminary assessment of its putative conservation status, which should be assessed for listing under the IUCN's red list. We note this species, which is morphologically distinct, has gone unnoticed for many decades despite numerous eco-logical surveys for local development applications.
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Nova |
2016 |
Bower DS, Scheltinga DM, Clulow S, Clulow J, Franklin CE, Georges A, 'Salinity tolerances of two Australian freshwater turtles, Chelodina expansa and Emydura macquarii (Testudinata: Chelidae).', Conserv Physiol, 4 cow042 (2016) [C1]
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Nova |
2016 |
Pizzatto L, Stockwell M, Clulow S, Clulow J, Mahony M, 'How to form a group: Effects of heterospecifics, kinship and familiarity in the grouping preference of green and golden bell frog tadpoles', Herpetological Journal, 26 157-164 (2016) [C1]
Social aggregations are widespread among animal groups. They are relatively common in amphibian larvae, likely conferring protection against predators, advantages for microhabitat... [more]
Social aggregations are widespread among animal groups. They are relatively common in amphibian larvae, likely conferring protection against predators, advantages for microhabitat selection, foraging efficiency, and thermoregulatory efficiency. Group formation involves selection of individuals to group with by the other members, and several tadpoles are reported to recognise and prefer to aggregate with siblings or familiar individuals. In Australia, tadpoles of the endangered green and golden bell frog, Litoria aurea, are attracted to conspecifics and form schools. We conducted two choice experiments for captive breed tadpoles of this species to test their grouping preferences. Tadpoles preferred to aggregate with conspecifics to heterospecifics of a sympatric species; however, when conspecifics were absent they preferred to aggregate with the heterospecifcs than to remain alone. Tadpoles also preferred unfamiliar kin to unfamiliar non-kin conspecifics, but had no preferences between unfamiliar and familiar siblings. Once widespread in southeast Australia, the green and golden bell frog has suffered considerable declines and local extinctions in recent decades. Susceptibility to chytridiomycosis is likely the major threat for most remaining fragmented populations and the major challenge for reintroduction programs. The strong gregarious behaviour of this species may affect disease dynamics, especially chytridiomicosis that continues to threaten remaining wild populations.
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Nova |
2015 |
Sanders MR, Clulow S, Bower DS, Clulow J, Mahony MJ, 'Predator Presence and Vegetation Density Affect Capture Rates and Detectability of Litoria aurea Tadpoles: Wide-Ranging Implications for a Common Survey Technique.', PloS one, 10 e0143733 (2015) [C1]
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Nova |
2015 |
Doody JS, Clulow S, Kay G, D'Amore D, Rhind D, Wilson S, et al., 'The Dry Season Shuffle: Gorges Provide Refugia for Animal Communities in Tropical Savannah Ecosystems.', PLoS One, 10 e0131186 (2015) [C1]
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Nova |
2015 |
Germano JM, Field KJ, Griffiths RA, Clulow S, Foster J, Harding G, Swaisgood RR, 'Mitigation-driven translocations: are we moving wildlife in the right direction?', FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT, 13 100-105 (2015) [C1]
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Nova |
2015 |
Clulow S, Harris M, Mahony MJ, 'Optimization, validation and efficacy of the phytohaemagglutinin inflammation assay for use in ecoimmunological studies of amphibians', Conservation Physiology, 3 (2015) [C1]
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Nova |
2015 |
Doody JS, James H, Colyvas K, Mchenry CR, Clulow S, 'Deep nesting in a lizard, déjà vu devil's corkscrews: First helical reptile burrow and deepest vertebrate nest', Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, (2015) [C1]
Dating back to 255 Mya, a diversity of vertebrate species have excavated mysterious, deep helical burrows called Daimonelix (devil's corkscrews). The possible functions of su... [more]
Dating back to 255 Mya, a diversity of vertebrate species have excavated mysterious, deep helical burrows called Daimonelix (devil's corkscrews). The possible functions of such structures are manifold, but their paucity in extant animals has frustrated their adaptive explanation. We recently discovered the first helical reptile burrows, created by the monitor lizard Varanus panoptes. The plugged burrows terminated in nest chambers that were the deepest known of any vertebrate, and by far the deepest of any reptile (mean = 2.3 m, range = 1.0-3.6 m, N = 52). A significant positive relationship between soil moisture and nest depth persisted at depths > 1 m, suggesting that deep nesting in V. panoptes may be an evolutionary response to egg desiccation during the long (approximately 8 months) dry season incubation period. Alternatively, lizards may avoid shallower nesting because even slight daily temperature fluctuations are detrimental to developing embryos; our data show that this species may have the most stable incubation environment of any reptile and possibly any ectotherm. Soil-filled burrows do not support the hypothesis generated for Daimonelix that the helix would provide more consistent temperature and humidity as a result of limited air circulation in dry palaeoclimates. We suggest that Daimonelix were used mainly for nesting or rearing young, because helical burrows of extant vertebrates are generally associated with a nest. The extraordinary nesting in this lizard reflects a system in which adaptive hypotheses for the function of fossil helical burrows can be readily tested.
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Nova |
2015 |
Valdez JW, Stockwell MP, Klop-Toker K, Clulow S, Clulow J, Mahony MJ, 'Factors driving the distribution of an endangered amphibian toward an industrial landscape in Australia', Biological Conservation, 191 520-528 (2015) [C1]
Although human-modified habitats often result in a loss of biodiversity, some have been found to serve as habitat refuges for threatened species. Given the globally declining stat... [more]
Although human-modified habitats often result in a loss of biodiversity, some have been found to serve as habitat refuges for threatened species. Given the globally declining status of amphibians, understanding why some species are found in heavily modified environments is of considerable interest. We used the endangered green and golden bell frog (. Litoria aurea) as a model to investigate the factors influencing their distribution toward industrial areas within a landscape. The number of permanent waterbodies within a kilometer of surveyed sites was the best predictor of L. aurea occupancy, abundance and reproduction. It appears that industrial activities, such as dredging and waste disposal inadvertently created refuge habitat for L. aurea to fortuitously persist in a heavily modified landscape. Future conservation plans should mimic the positive effects of industrialization, such as increasing the number of permanent waterbodies, especially in areas containing ephemeral or isolated waterbodies and threatened with drought. Our findings also suggest that despite amphibians being relatively small animals, some species may require a larger landscape than anticipated. Recognizing life history traits, in combination with a landscape-based approach toward species with perceived limited motility, may result in more successful conservation outcomes. Identifying why threatened species persist in heavily disturbed landscapes, such as industrial sites, can provide direction toward future conservation efforts to prevent and reverse their decline.
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Nova |
2015 |
Bainbridge L, Stockwell M, Valdez J, Klop-Toker K, Clulow S, Clulow J, Mahony M, 'Tagging tadpoles: retention rates and impacts of visible implant elastomer (VIE) tags from the larval to adult amphibian stages', HERPETOLOGICAL JOURNAL, 25 133-140 (2015) [C1]
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Nova |
2015 |
James MS, Stockwell MP, Clulow J, Clulow S, Mahony MJ, 'Investigating behaviour for conservation goals: Conspecific call playback can be used to alter amphibian distributions within ponds', Biological Conservation, 192 287-293 (2015) [C1]
Conspecific attraction can prevent occupancy of restored or created habitats by limiting dispersal to unoccupied areas. This may cause problems for threatened taxa where habitat r... [more]
Conspecific attraction can prevent occupancy of restored or created habitats by limiting dispersal to unoccupied areas. This may cause problems for threatened taxa where habitat restoration and creation programmes are implemented as part of species recovery plans. Studies on birds have found that the introduction of artificial communication cues such as calling can increase occupancy of restored habitat. The endangered green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea) has a number of behavioural traits which suggest conspecific attraction occurs via a vocal mechanism, including a loud conspicuous call and large chorusing aggregations. To date, attempts to repopulate restored and created habitat through natural immigration and active translocation of tadpoles and juveniles have been met with limited success for this species. We used L. aurea to determine if distribution could be manipulated via conspecific attraction using artificial communication cues. We placed speaker systems in uninhabited areas of five inhabited ponds across two locations and broadcast calls of L. aurea to see if we could manipulate distribution into previously unoccupied pond areas. Surveys undertaken before and after broadcast indicate that we successfully manipulated L. aurea distribution for adults increasing both occupancy and calling around the speaker locations. This occurred in four of five replicate ponds over three months of experimental treatment, but controls remained low in abundance. We suggest that manipulation of distribution via conspecific attraction mechanisms could be a useful conservation tool for endangered amphibian habitat restoration and creation programmes, resulting in increased occupancy and programme success.
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Nova |
2015 |
Doody JS, Soanes R, Castellano CM, Rhind D, Green B, McHenry CR, Clulow S, 'Invasive toads shift predator-prey densities in animal communities by removing top predators', ECOLOGY, 96 2544-2554 (2015) [C1]
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Nova |
2014 |
Sanders M, Clulow S, Bower D, Clulow J, Mahony J, 'Predator presence and vegetation density affect capture rates and detectability of aquatic vertebrates: wide-ranging implications for a common survey technique.', Proceedings of the 38th Meeting of the Australian Society of Herpetologists, 47-47 (2014) [O1]
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2014 |
Doody JS, James H, Ellis R, Gibson N, Raven M, Mahony S, et al., 'Cryptic and Complex Nesting in the Yellow-Spotted Monitor, Varanus panoptes', JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY, 48 363-370 (2014) [C1]
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Nova |
2014 |
Pizzatto L, Stockwell M, Clulow S, Clulow J, Mahony M, 'Chemical communication in green and golden bell frogs: do tadpoles respond to chemical cues from dead conspecifics?', Chemoecology, (2014) [C1]
Captive bred animals often lack the ability of predator recognition and predation is one of the strongest causes of failure of breed and release projects. Several tadpole and fish... [more]
Captive bred animals often lack the ability of predator recognition and predation is one of the strongest causes of failure of breed and release projects. Several tadpole and fish species respond defensively to chemical cues from injured or dead conspecifics, often referred to as alarm pheromones. In natural conditions and in species that school, the association of chemical cues from predators to alarm pheromones released by attacked conspecifics may lead to the learning of the predator-related danger without experiencing an attack. In the laboratory, this chemical communication can also be used in associative learning techniques to teach naïve tadpoles to avoid specific predators and improve survivorship of released animals. In our experimental trials, tadpoles of the threatened green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea) did not avoid or decrease their activity when exposed to solutions of conspecific macerate, suggesting that the chemicals released into the water by dead/injured conspecifics do not function as an alarm pheromone. This non-avoidance of dead conspecific chemicals may explain why green and golden bell frog tadpoles have seemingly not developed any avoidance behaviour to the presence of introduced mosquito fish, and may render attempts to teach naïve tadpoles to avoid this novel predator more difficult. © 2014 Springer Basel.
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Nova |
2014 |
Doody JS, Mayes P, Clulow S, Rhind D, Green B, Castellano CM, et al., 'Impacts of the invasive cane toad on aquatic reptiles in a highly modified ecosystem: the importance of replicating impact studies', Biological Invasions, 1-7 (2014) [C1]
Invasive species can have dramatic and detrimental effects on native species, and the magnitude of these effects can be mediated by a plethora of factors. One way to identify medi... [more]
Invasive species can have dramatic and detrimental effects on native species, and the magnitude of these effects can be mediated by a plethora of factors. One way to identify mediating factors is by comparing attributes of natural systems in species with heterogeneity of responses to the invasive species. This method first requires quantifying impacts in different habitats, ecosystems or geographic locations. We used a long-term, before-and-after study to quantify the impacts of the invasive and toxic cane toad (Rhinella marina) on two predators in a highly modified ecosystem: an irrigation channel in an agricultural landscape. Survey counts spanning 8¿years indicated a severe population-level decline of 84¿% in Merten's Water Monitor (Varanus mertensi) that was coincident with the arrival of cane toads. The impact of cane toads on V. mertensi was similar to that found in other studies in other habitats, suggesting that cane toads severely impact V. mertensi populations, regardless of habitat type or geographic location. In contrast, a decline was not detected in the Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni). There is now clear evidence that some C. johnstoni populations are vulnerable to cane toads, while others are not. Our results reinforce the need for the replication of impact studies within and among species; predicting impacts based on single studies could lead to overgeneralizations and potential mismanagement. © 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.
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2013 |
Rhind D, Doody JS, Ellis R, Ricketts A, Scott G, Clulow S, McHenry C, 'Varanus glebopalma (black-palmed monitor) nocturnal activity and foraging', Herpetological Review, 44 687-688 (2013) [C3] |
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2013 |
Doody JS, James H, Dunlop D, D'Amore D, Edgar M, Fidel M, et al., 'Strophurus ciliaris (northern spiny-tailed gecko) communal nesting', Herpetological Review, 44 685 (2013) [C3] |
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2013 |
Mahony MJ, Hamer AJ, Pickett EJ, McKenzie DJ, Stockwell MP, Garnham JI, et al., 'Identifying Conservation and Research Priorities in the Face of Uncertainty: A Review of the Threatened Bell Frog Complex in Eastern Australia.', Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 8 519-538 (2013) [C1]
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2013 |
Lawson B, Clulow S, Mahony MJ, Clulow J, 'Towards Gene Banking Amphibian Maternal Germ Lines: Short-Term Incubation, Cryoprotectant Tolerance and Cryopreservation of Embryonic Cells of the Frog, Limnodynastes peronii', PLOS ONE, 8 (2013) [C1]
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2012 |
Clulow J, Clulow S, Guo J, French AJ, Mahony MJ, Archer M, 'Optimisation of an oviposition protocol employing human chorionic and pregnant mare serum gonadotropins in the Barred Frog Mixophyes fasciolatus (Myobatrachidae)', Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 10 (2012) [C1]
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2011 |
Clulow S, Blundell AT, 'Deliberate insectivory by the fruit bat Pteropus poliocephalus by aerial hunting', Acta Chiropterologica, 13 201-205 (2011) [C1]
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2011 |
Clulow S, Peters KL, Blundell AT, Kavanagh RP, 'Resource predictability and foraging behaviour facilitate shifts between nomadism and residency in the eastern grass owl', Journal of Zoology, 284 294-299 (2011) [C1]
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2008 |
Stockwell MP, Clulow S, Clulow J, Mahony MJ, 'The impact of the amphibian Chytrid Fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis on a Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea reintroduction program at the Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia in the Hunter Region of NSW', Australian Zoologist, 34 379-386 (2008) [C1]
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