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Doctoral Thesis
Baseline health investigations for the conservation translocation of rodents to Dirk Hartog Island, Western Australia
Professional Doctorate, Murdoch University
2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60867/00000062
Abstract
Translocations – the deliberate human assisted movement of animals from one location to another – are a critical wildlife conservation tool. Planning for these projects is multidisciplinary and complex, necessitating a sound understanding of species biology and threats, including the parasites and diseases that affect, or are carried by, translocated species. While valuable, translocations may also facilitate pathogen pollution, potentially exposing naive populations to novel parasites, and inevitably disrupt host-parasite equilibria. Wildlife disease risk analyses (DRA) frameworks have been developed to identify, assess and mitigate such disease hazards. However, frequent knowledge gaps emerge during DRA processes.
In the context of the Dirk Hartog Island ecological restoration project (Return to 1616), DRA frameworks have been routinely utilised. Multiple species, including four rodent species, were planned for translocation to Dirk Hartog Island (DHI), Western Australia. The rodent DRA uncovered major knowledge gaps leading to high uncertainty during disease risk assessments. In response, the research components of this thesis were developed.
This thesis first reviews the status of infectious agent knowledge in wild native rodents in Australia, documenting biases in current knowledge that limit the applicability of existing information to native rodent conservation. A two-and-a-half-year study then assesses the baseline health status of extant rodent populations on DHI using histopathology, serology and molecular diagnostics across sympatric species. Health assessments were also conducted during the translocation of greater stick-nest rats (Leporillus conditor) and Shark Bay mice (Pseudomys gouldii) to understand short-term morbidity and mortality. A targeted project was also implemented to reduce uncertainty associated with Chlamydia spp. risk assessments.
Several novel host-parasite associations are documented, and the known distribution of rodent parasites in Australia is expanded. This includes new host records for Bartonella sp., Trypanosoma spp., Sarcoptes scabiei, and detection of novel virus sequences. Parasite transmission among sympatric rodents is found and insights into the impacts of parasites on host health is provided. Meanwhile, non-infectious contributors towards rodent morbidity and mortality indicate scope to improve management techniques for enhanced rodent health and welfare.
The thesis underscores the importance of early planning, multidisciplinary health assessments and thoroughly investigating mortalities during ecological monitoring and translocations. It provides a crucial baseline for Return to 1616 managers to assess translocation outcomes and detect future health deviations. It also highlights the need for greater investment towards understanding the health of Australia’s overlooked native rodent species.
Details
- Title
- Baseline health investigations for the conservation translocation of rodents to Dirk Hartog Island, Western Australia
- Authors/Creators
- Fiona B Knox
- Contributors
- Rebecca J Vaughan-Higgins (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityKristin Warren (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityLian Yeap (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and SustainabilityColleen Sims (Supervisor) - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsSaul Cowen (Supervisor) - The University of Western Australia
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Professional Doctorate
- Identifiers
- 991005852588007891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary Medicine
- Resource Type
- Doctoral Thesis
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