Papers by Francis Lemckert
Reptiles & amphibians, Mar 1, 2010
press, berkeley. Welsh, h.h. and s. Droege. 2001. A case for using plethodontid salamanders for m... more press, berkeley. Welsh, h.h. and s. Droege. 2001. A case for using plethodontid salamanders for monitoring biodiversity and ecosystem integrity of north American forests.
Monitoring programs are most successful when they undertake regular evaluation of their data to d... more Monitoring programs are most successful when they undertake regular evaluation of their data to determine if the goals of the programs are achievable and allow changes to achieve this as necessary - so called adaptive monitoring. We use data from a monitoring program for the northern corroboree frog (Pseudophryne pengilleyi), a declining species in south-eastern Australia, to determine the inter-annual variability in the counts and assess what levels of population change would be detectable using different statistical and monitoring approaches. The existing monitoring program would only successfully statistically detect a 3% annual decline (34% total decline) in population size over a ten year period. Monitoring 40 sites would allow an 80% or greater chance of detecting a 2% or greater annual increase over a ten year period (22% increase). Detecting population decreases is more difficult as monitoring 40 sites with a 2% annual decline (19% total decline) will have a less than 40% ch...
The Australian zoologist, Jun 1, 2006
We undertook field work (aural and visual surveys) and a literature review to obtain information ... more We undertook field work (aural and visual surveys) and a literature review to obtain information on the biology of the Green-thighed Frog including the location and timing of calling events, the types of ponds used for calling and aspects of tadpole biology. Calling occurs from September to April and is strongly dependent on rainfall events. Chorus size ranged from 1 to over 100 males. Fifty eight percent of records (n = 45) were of 2 to 10 males. Calling at a site did not exceed more than two consecutive nights at a time (11 occasions) and usually lasted one night (20 occasions). Calling sometimes occurred once per season per site (36%), often did not occur at all in a season (26 occasions) and was heard three times at one site just once. Calling was sporadic and unpredictable, usually occurring at only one or two of the Bulahdelah sites on any given night. Calling and breeding was almost exclusively confined to natural or artificial ephemeral water bodies. Clutches are laid as floating rafts and embryoe...
Australian Mammalogy, 2006
Trapping programs are an essential part of mammal conservation and management, but trapping carri... more Trapping programs are an essential part of mammal conservation and management, but trapping carries a risk of death for the study animals. Little information is available on mortality levels and its potential to influence studies. We examined the mortality levels recorded during 68 wildlife surveys within New South Wales, recording mortality rates associated with Elliott aluminium box and wire cage trapping for terrestrial mammals and harp traps for bats. We noted 232 deaths from 13623 small ground mammal captures in box traps, one death from 459 mammal captures in wire cage traps, and 44 deaths from 12,274 bat captures in harp traps. Mortality ranged from 0-13.3%, 0-0.6% and 0-9.1% of captures for box, cage and harp traps, respectively. No deaths were reported for 47% of surveys. Antechinus spp. comprised almost 95% of all trap deaths. Thirteen surveys provided detailed information for small ground mammal trapping, recording 111 deaths from 3651 small mammal captures. Box trap mort...
We used records of calling male frogs to quantitatively assess the calling patterns of the frogs ... more We used records of calling male frogs to quantitatively assess the calling patterns of the frogs found in mesic, eastern New South Wales, Australia. We obtained 17,461 calling records for 67 species and determined the core calling months for 46 species. Forty-three species have clearly defined core calling periods in which > 90% of calling records fall, all of which are based around the warmer spring-summer months. We consider two species to be essentially year-round callers. Increasing latitude usually, but not always, leads to a small reduction in the core calling period. This information can be used to better target the timing of surveys, improving opportunities for research, management, and conservation.
We used records of calling male frogs to quantitatively assess the calling patterns of the frogs ... more We used records of calling male frogs to quantitatively assess the calling patterns of the frogs found in mesic, eastern New South Wales, Australia. We obtained 17,461 calling records for 67 species and determined the core calling months for 46 species. Forty-three species have clearly defined core calling periods in which > 90% of calling records fall, all of which are based around the warmer spring-summer months. We consider two species to be essentially yearround callers. Increasing latitude usually, but not always, leads to a small reduction in the core calling period. This information can be used to better target the timing of surveys, improving opportunities for research, management, and conservation.
Biology Letters, 2011
Olfaction is a common sensory mode of communication in much of the Vertebrata, although its use b... more Olfaction is a common sensory mode of communication in much of the Vertebrata, although its use by adult frogs remains poorly studied. Being part of an open signalling system, odour cues can be exploited by ‘eavesdropping’ predators that hunt by smell, making association with odour a high-risk behaviour for prey. Here, we show that adult great barred frogs ( Mixophes fasciolatus ) are highly attracted to odour cues of conspecifics and those of sympatric striped marsh frogs ( Limnodynastes peronii ). This attraction decreased significantly with the addition of odours of a scent-hunting predator, the red-bellied black snake ( Pseudechis porphyriacus ), indicating that frogs perceived predation risks from associating with frog odours. Male frogs, however, maintained some attraction to unfamiliar conspecific scents even with predator odours present, suggesting that they perceived benefits of odour communication despite the risk. Our results indicate that adult frogs can identify species...
Australian Zoologist, 2010
We recorded the calling activity of frogs at a permanent pond 80 km south of Sydney between 1987 ... more We recorded the calling activity of frogs at a permanent pond 80 km south of Sydney between 1987 and 1989, documenting the calling seasons of five species and relating calling activity (within calling seasons) to temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and rainfall. Three species commenced calling in August/September with Litoria peronii and Uperoleia laevigata calling consistently throughout the summer months and Limnodynastes dumerilii calling more sporadically. Limnodynastes peronii appeared capable of calling at any time of the year, but did not call continuously. Litoria verreauxii called very consistently from January to September. Random effects models indicated that the probability of males calling increases with increasing temperatures in Limnodynastes peronii, Litoria peronii and Uperoleia laevigata. Increasing barometric pressure was positively associated with calling in Limnodynastes peronii. Calling was not related to either rainfall or humidity for any species. The calling seasons were similar to expectations based on published information. The lack of relationships between calling and rainfall and humidity may be related to the presence of permanent water and or the regular rainfall experienced throughout the study period. Historical data from this study may provide a baseline for future studies to assess changes in calling phenology linked to climate change.
Australian Journal of Zoology, 2008
Management of threatened anurans requires an understanding of a species’ behaviour and habitat re... more Management of threatened anurans requires an understanding of a species’ behaviour and habitat requirements in both the breeding and non-breeding environments. The giant burrowing frog (Heleioporus australiacus) is a threatened species in south-eastern Australia. Little is known about its habitat requirements, creating difficulties in developing management strategies for the species. We radio-tracked 33 individual H. australiacus in order to determine their habitat use and behaviour. Data from 33 frogs followed for between 5 and 599 days show that individuals spend little time near (<15 m) their breeding sites (mean 4.7 days for males and 6.3 days for females annually). Most time is spent in distinct non-breeding activity areas 20–250 m from the breeding sites. Activity areas of females were further from the breeding site (mean 143 m) than those of males (mean 99 m), but were not significantly different in size (overall mean 500 m2; males 553 m2; females 307 m2). Within activity ...
Austral Ecology, 2002
Stephens' Banded Snakes (Hoplocephalus stephensii Krefft 1869) are large (to 1 m), highly arborea... more Stephens' Banded Snakes (Hoplocephalus stephensii Krefft 1869) are large (to 1 m), highly arboreal elapid snakes, restricted to mesic forested areas along the eastern coast of Australia. Radiotelemetric monitoring of 16 individuals at Whian Whian State Forest in north-eastern New South Wales over 25 months provided the first data on spatial ecology of this threatened taxon. Two major influences on movements by Stephens' Banded Snakes were identified: the distribution of large hollow-bearing trees, and the avoidance of conspecifics. Radiotracked snakes were sedentary inside tree hollows for extended periods (mean = 8 days) during their active season, interrupted by occasional long (mean = 124 m) nocturnal movements to another shelter tree. Snakes travelled on the ground rather than within the canopy, and thus were potentially exposed to terrestrial predators. Although the home ranges of the radiotracked snakes overlapped substantially (mean = 27%), simultaneous occupancy of 'shared' shelter trees was less common than expected by chance. Hence, we conclude that adult Stephens' Banded Snakes generally avoid the presence of conspecifics. Snakes used from five to 30 shelter trees and home ranges of male snakes were larger than those of females (mean = 20.2 vs 5.4 ha). The large spatial scale of these movements, and limited overlap among individuals, means that a viable population of this taxon requires a large area of contiguous forest. This requirement may explain why the species has not persisted in small forest fragments.
Applied Herpetology, 2005
Forestry practices have been shown to impact on amphibian species to varying degrees. Burrowing a... more Forestry practices have been shown to impact on amphibian species to varying degrees. Burrowing amphibian species may be of less concern as they may be able to escape the direct impacts of a logging operation. The giant burrowing frog Heleioporus australiacus is a threatened frog species in southeastern Australia. Logging is currently excluded from known habitat of this species. We examine aerial photographs to determine the extent of soil disturbance in 15 coupes in which integrated logging has occurred and 15 unlogged coupes. We then examine the extent of soil disturbance in a standard operation in a simple field experiment to assess the potential for a logging operation to affect H. australiacus. Approximately 65% of a coupe experiences medium to high levels of soil disturbance during an integrated logging operation. These disturbances appear to be at a level which would be disruptive to an individual H. australiacus occupying such sites. Alternate logging practices result in varying levels of disturbance and therefore are likely to have varying impacts on individuals. Active management of an area following a logging operation may improve the habitat for H. australiacus and other soil organisms.
We assessed the relationships between anuran use and habitat characteristics at 93 ponds. We reco... more We assessed the relationships between anuran use and habitat characteristics at 93 ponds. We recorded pond-scale (within 100 m) and landscape-scale (within 500 m) habitat variables and used a generalized linear model framework to determine which variables, if any, related significantly to total anuran abundance, species richness, and the presence and/or abundance of individual species. We recorded 33 species and modeled the distributions of nine. Species richness increased with increasing emergent vegetation and the presence of sandstone, and decreased as the Prescott Index (a measure of ground moisture), elevation, and latitude increased. Total anuran abundance increased with increasing emergent vegetation and pond area and decreased with elevation, pond density, and the Prescott Index. No consistent patterns were evident in the variables showing significant relationships with the presence and/or abundance of individual species. The variables most commonly found to relate to the presence/abundance of individual species were pond shading (appeared in models for eight species) and tree height (six species). Models explained up to 64% of the deviance for presence-absence and 48% for abundance, but usually explained < 35% deviance. Local scale variables were slightly more prevalent in models, but did not obviously have greater influence on the species studied. There was no pattern evident based on phylogeny. Managing species in these forests will need to consider multiple scales and multiple features of the environment.
Previous research on cane toads (Bufo marinus) has documented non-random selection of breeding si... more Previous research on cane toads (Bufo marinus) has documented non-random selection of breeding sites by this invasive species. In the wet–dry tropics of the Northern Territory, toads selected spawning sites in open areas with gently sloping banks and shallow water. If consistent, such biases may present opportunities for toad control via waterbody manipulation – but first we need to know whether such criteria for spawning-site selection (1) are consistent across other parts of the toad’s extensive Australian range, and (2) differ from those of native anurans breeding at the same waterbodies. We quantified the attributes of potential and actual spawning-sites in north-eastern New South Wales, in temperate-zone habitat where cane toads have been present for many decades; our study area thus differs in many ways from the previously studied tropical site. We compared habitat and water chemistry variables between 23 cane toad breeding sites and 23 nearby unused sites. To examine habitat use at an even finer scale, we conducted nocturnal surveys of microhabitat use by calling male toads and native anurans. Our results revealed that cane toads in this region were highly selective in their choice of breeding sites, and that the criteria they used in this respect were similar to those used by toads in the Northern Territory. Calling male cane toads also used microhabitats non-randomly within each pond, apparently based on similar criteria to those used when selecting among ponds. Toads differed significantly from native anurans in these respects, suggesting that it may be feasible to manipulate waterbody attributes to impact on invasive toads without disrupting reproduction by native anurans.
ABSTRACT Amphibian Biology, Volume 10, Conservation and Decline of Amphibians: Ecological Aspects... more ABSTRACT Amphibian Biology, Volume 10, Conservation and Decline of Amphibians: Ecological Aspects, Effects of Humans, and Management. Harold Heatwole, and John W. Wilkinson, editors. Surrey Beatty &amp; Sons, Baulkham Hills, NSW, Australia, 2012, 436 pp. (ISBN 978-0-9803113-72, $137.50)
Miniature radio-transmitters were used to follow 13 Green-thighed Frogs for between one and five ... more Miniature radio-transmitters were used to follow 13 Green-thighed Frogs for between one and five nights around their breeding ponds during the postbreeding period. Individuals were recorded to move a median distance of 5 metres per night with a maximum of 50 metres in one night. All tracked individuals remained within the available areas of forest. Frogs located at night were found in low vegetation 59% of the time, at heights between 10 cm and 150 cm above the ground. Daytime shelter sites were either under leaf litter or in thick vegetation. Cover, in the form of thick leaf litter or dense low vegetation, may be a critical requirement for the survival of the Greenthighed Frog.
Firstly, I'd like to thank my supervisor, Michael Mahony, for his ongoing support through my PhD.... more Firstly, I'd like to thank my supervisor, Michael Mahony, for his ongoing support through my PhD. I have known Mike for many years now and his impressive knowledge of amphibians and dedication to this group of vertebrates had provided me with many inspirations and ideas. He has always been willing to debate my various ideas with sound thoughts and criticisms and allowed me to greatly develop as a scientist. Mike has also always been available for me to go through my next set of plans as to where this PhD should go and what it should explore. Furthermore, he has been a great friend who has provided me with many cups of coffee and discussions on life in general, especially before heading into the Watagans to find my frogs. I must also thank his wife Leanne and his two children Erin and Steven for putting up with my unexpected arrivals, which sometimes kept Mike from telling his amazing bed-time stories to enthrall his children. Leanne was especially good at ensuring that I had cake to live off for the rest of the night. I have to thank Rick Shine for initially agreeing to turn me into something resembling a biologist and his ongoing encouragement to become a better one. I have always wanted to be more like Rick, just taller and with more hair (I seem to have succeeded so far). He too has been a great friend as well as mentor and I hope we can hunt many cane toads together. At last he has seen the light! My appreciation goes to the other people at Sydney University who have assisted me through the years and to inspire me to be a zoologist and a scientist. They include
Pacific Conservation Biology, 2006
A review of the current conservation status of Australian amphibians was recently completed as pa... more A review of the current conservation status of Australian amphibians was recently completed as part of a World Conservation Union (IUCN) sponsored Global Amphibian Assessment (GAA). Fifty of 216 amphibian species (23%) in Australia are now recognized as threatened or extinct in accord with IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Here we report on the categories and criteria under which individual species qualified for listing and provide a summary of supporting information pertaining to population and distribution declines. Major threatening processes contributing to listing of species are also reviewed.
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Papers by Francis Lemckert