Journal article
Factors affecting the mortality of Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) by vehicle strike
AL Shima, DS Gillieson, GM Crowley, RG Dwyer, L Berger
Wildlife Research | CSIRO PUBLISHING | Published : 2018
DOI: 10.1071/WR17143
Abstract
Context Vehicle strike is a major issue where wildlife habitat is intersected by busy roads. Near Threatened Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) is a large (5-10 kg) semi-arboreal mammal found in populated rural and forested areas of north-eastern Australia. Warning signs, rope bridges and underpasses have not prevented ∼20 animals being killed on the road each year. Aims To identify factors influencing Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo vehicle strike to help inform mitigation options. Methods Citizen sightings (1998-2000) and 90 road-kills collected over 4.5 years on the Atherton Tablelands, Australia, were examined to determine the causes of vehicle strike in Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo. ..
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Funding Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Roger Martin and Margit Cianelli for their continued assistance with the sometimes difficult task of notification and collection of road-kill tree-kangaroos. We thank the concerned members of the public who reported road-kills. We also thank Tony Hughes, Tablelands Regional Council, and Gordon Coppin, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, who supplied road traffic data. Wethank Dr John Kanowski and members of the Tree Kangaroo and Mammal Group for access to their tree-kangaroo sightings database. We thank the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment, Wet Tropics Management Authority and Skyrail Rainforest Foundation for their financial support. The paper was substantially improved by constructive guidance provided by two anonymous referees and the Wildlife Research editorial staff, for which we are extremely grateful. Amy Shima is in receipt of an Australian Post-graduate Award at James Cook University, and this paper forms part of her doctoral thesis. This work was undertaken under James Cook University Animal Ethics Permits AEC A1927 and A2283 and Queensland Scientific Research Permits WISP 13724213 and 17705716 and WITK 13724113 and 17705816.