Population genomics of a predatory mammal reveals patterns of decline and impacts of exposure to toxic toads.

Mammal declines across northern Australia are one of the major biodiversity loss events occurring globally. There has been no regional assessment of the implications of these species declines for genomic diversity. To address this, we conducted a species-wide assessment of genomic diversity in the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), an Endangered marsupial carnivore.

Skull shape of a widely distributed, endangered marsupial reveals little evidence of local adaptation between fragmented populations.

The biogeographic distribution of diversity among populations of threatened mammalian species is generally investigated using population genetics. However, intraspecific phenotypic diversity is rarely assessed beyond taxonomy-focused linear measurements or qualitative descriptions. Here, we use a technique widely used in the evolutionary sciences-geometric morphometrics-to characterize shape diversity in the skull of an endangered marsupial, the northern quoll, across its 5,000 km distribution range along Northern Australia.

Greater agility increases probability of survival in the endangered northern quoll.

Introduced predators combined with habitat loss and modification are threatening biodiversity worldwide, particularly the 'critical weight range' (CWR) mammals of Australia. In order to mitigate the impacts of invasive predators on native species in different landscapes, we must understand how the prey's morphology and performance determine their survival. Here, we evaluated how phenotypic traits related to escape performance predict the probability of survival for an endangered CWR mammal, the northern quoll ().

Moving in complex environments: a biomechanical analysis of locomotion on inclined and narrow substrates.

Characterisation of an organism's performance in different habitats provides insight into the conditions that allow it to survive and reproduce. In recent years, the northern quoll () - a medium-sized semi-arboreal marsupial native to northern Australia - has undergone significant population declines within open forest, woodland and riparian habitats, but less so in rocky areas. To help understand this decline, we quantified the biomechanical performance of wild northern quolls as they ran up inclined narrow (13 mm pole) and inclined wide (90 mm platform) substrates.

Manganese contamination affects the motor performance of wild northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus).

Neuromotor deficits are an important sign of manganese (Mn) toxicity in humans and laboratory animals. However, the impacts of Mn exposure on the motor function of wild animals remains largely unknown. Here, we assessed the impact of chronic exposure to Mn from active mining operations on Groote Eylandt, Australia on the motor function of the semi-arboreal northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), an endangered species.

Sex-specific thermal sensitivities of performance and activity in the asian house gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus.

Studies of sexual selection primarily focus on morphological traits such as body size and secondary trait dimorphism, with less attention been given to the functional differences between the sexes and even more so their thermal performance capacities. Each sex may benefit from possessing different thermal performance capacities that would allow them to maximise their fitness relative to their different reproductive roles; especially when performances are closely related to reproductive success. Here, we examine sexual divergence in thermal sensitivities of performance across three populations of the Asian house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) over an extensive latitudinal cline.

Manganese accumulates in the brain of northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus) living near an active mine.

Mining is fundamental to the Australian economy, yet little is known about how potential contaminants bioaccumulate and affect wildlife living near active mining sites. Here, we show using air sampling that fine manganese dust within the respirable size range is found at levels exceeding international recommendations even 20 km from manganese extraction, processing, and storage facilities on Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory. Endangered northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus) living near mining sites were found to have elevated manganese concentrations within their hair, testes, and in two brain regions-the neocortex and cerebellum, which are responsible for sensory perception and motor function, respectively.