An aggregative response of the tropical Australian magpie goose (Anseranas semipalmata) to seasonal floodplains

Traill, Lochran W. and Brook, Barry W. (2011) An aggregative response of the tropical Australian magpie goose (Anseranas semipalmata) to seasonal floodplains. Journal of Tropical Ecology, 27 : 171-180.


Author Traill, Lochran W.
Brook, Barry W.
Title An aggregative response of the tropical Australian magpie goose (Anseranas semipalmata) to seasonal floodplains
Formatted title An aggregative response of the tropical Australian magpie goose (Anseranas semipalmata) to seasonal floodplains
Journal name Journal of Tropical Ecology  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank C)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2011-03
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.1017/S0266467410000672
Volume number 27
ISSN 0266-4674; 1469-7831
Start page 171
End page 180
Total pages 10
Place of publication Cambridge, United Kingdom
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Collection year 2012
Language eng
Formatted abstract We describe the spatial aggregation of the magpie goose (Anseranas semipalmata) in relation to the dynamics of the ephemeral floodplains of northern Australia. Past broad-scale studies have linked geese to floodplains dominated by the sedge, Eleocharis dulcis, but the type of response has not been determined, nor the impact of predation on food plants. Moreover, departure thresholds are not known. We develop hypotheses on aggregation and departure and confront these with field data. Thus, from 2005–2007 we established two sites on the floodplains of Kakadu National Park (three 1-ha plots per site, six plots in total) and used for monthly, dry season bird counts. An airboat was used to collect data from each of the six plots, including sedge tubers and measures of water level and soil viscosity. Further, we built exclosures (three per site, six in total) to test the impact of herbivory on E. dulcis. Generalized linear models and information theory were used to test the strength of supporting evidence for alternate hypotheses. Geese showed a clear aggregative response to E. dulcis tubers, were forced to depart following floodplain drying and had a marked impact on E. dulcis tuber density. Despite this, there was no evidence of a negative-feedback mechanism between plant–herbivore populations, suggesting that the system is driven by extrinsic parameters (here rainfall).
Keyword Eleocharis dulcis
Herbivory
Kakadu
Magpie geese
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Institutional Status UQ

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Official 2012 Collection
School of Biological Sciences Publications
Ecology Centre Publications
 
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Created: Sun, 13 Mar 2011, 00:10:01 EST