Ken Richardson

Flaxedil (gallamine triethiodide) was used extensively by crocodile farms and wildlife managers for the immobilisation of Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus). However, as it became increasingly difficult to obtain and the cost became prohibitive, alternative immobilising agents were sought. Preliminary testing suggested that Pavulon (pancuronium bromide) could be a potential replacement for Flaxedil. Extensive experimentation with juvenile C.porosus allowed dosage rates for Pavulon to be quantified. Dosage rates for immobilisation for 6-10h, for large crocodiles (>2.9m total length), were extrapolated from limited data, and continue to be tested. Nonetheless, Pavulon has proven to be a cheap, reliable immobilising agent for C. porosus.(1)

The diet of the honey possum has been studied in the field and laboratory. In the field, animals were associated with plant assemblages having overlapping flowering phenologies which resulted in a continuous local supply of nectar and pollen. Nectar provides the animals with a carbohydrate source whilst other nutritional requirements probably come from pollen. The contents of most pollen ingested is either fully or partly digested during its 8-12 hour transit through the gut.