BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 776          Total No. of Sites: 11
Survey/Project Name: Mortality of male Antechinus flavipes - (UNIVERSITYOF ADELAIDE)
Abstract: This project aimed to trap male Antechinus flavipes towards the end of their mating period from wild populations on the Fleurieu Peninsula, and euthanase them immediately after capture for necropsy and sample collection, to investigate specific causes of this postmating die-off. Parasites, bacteria and other pathogens and causal mechanisms were to be investigated as possible agents contributing to the seasonal death of male yellow-footed antechinus in South Australia, by analysing samples of their blood, tissues and parasites. Scientific Permit # M25943-1:
 
Start Date: 01/07/2011      End Date: 30/09/2011
Survey Type: Fauna only
   
Study Area Description: Back Valley: S35deg 32.65 - S35deg 32.73 , E138deg 31.69 - E138deg 32.08 Inman Valley: S35deg 28.23 - S35deg 28.30, E138deg 29.21 - E138deg 29.31
Objectives
         Vegetation: *** No vegetation survey objectives recorded
         Fauna: Yellow-footed antechinus (Antechinus flavipes) were live-captured overnight using folding aluminium Elliott box traps baited with peanut butter and rolled oats and containing Dacron as insulation (to prevent hypothermia of trapped animals during the night). Traps were set at dusk and checked the following dawn, and closed during the day. The traps were positioned in sheltered locations and partially enclosed inside a plastic freezer bag to keep the animals dry and warm. Female Antechinus flavipes were trapped from the anticipated start of the mating period and released at site of capture immediately after collecting a drop of urine to analyse for spermaturia to determine the actual onset of mating, prior to beginning euthanasia of males. Once evidence of mating had been obtained, a male was euthanased by overdose of isoflurane via a portable gaseous anaesthetic machine. A necropsy was performed and various tissue samples were collected for histopathological, haematological, biochemical, parasitological and microbiological analysis.
Methodology
         Vegetation: *** No vegetation methodology recorded
         Fauna: *** No vertebrate methodology recorded

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Fauna : Unclassified - pending reassessment.
Information Authority: University of Adelaide