Modern molecular genetic techniques provide a valuable means to address questions concerning the ... more Modern molecular genetic techniques provide a valuable means to address questions concerning the origins of naturalized populations. Brush-tailed rock-wallabies (Petrogale penicillata), of unknown provenance, were introduced to New Zealand from Australia in the early 1870s. While the introduced wallabies prospered in New Zealand, their antecedents in Australia experienced widespread local population extinctions as part of a drastic, widespread and ongoing decline. In this study, a polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis was undertaken of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences from P. penicillata in New Zealand (n = 18) and throughout the species' native range in southeastern Australia (n = 54). A single mtDNA haplotype was identified in New Zealand, while 17 haplotypes were found in sampled Australian populations. Phylogenetic analysis (583 bp sequence) revealed the presence of three divergent mtDNA groups within Australian P. penicillata, with each group showing distinct geographical circumscription. The New Zealand haplotype consistently clustered within the central New South Wales group and was most similar (0.55% sequence divergence) to a haplotype from Winmalee, just west of Sydney. It seems likely then, that the New Zealand population of P. penicillata was founded by animals captured near Sydney in the late 19th century. Since P. penicillata in this region have experienced widespread population declines and extinctions, the naturalized New Zealand population represents a potentially valuable conservation resource for Australia. However, the unusual history of New Zealand's P. penicillata presents unique challenges to Australian wildlife managers.
Abstract Population genetics can reveal otherwise hidden information involving a species&... more Abstract Population genetics can reveal otherwise hidden information involving a species' history in a given region. Koalas were thought to have been virtually exterminated from the Australian state of Victoria during the koala fur trade of the late 1800s. Koalas in the South ...
Modern molecular genetic techniques provide a valuable means to address questions concerning the ... more Modern molecular genetic techniques provide a valuable means to address questions concerning the origins of naturalized populations. Brush-tailed rock-wallabies (Petrogale penicillata), of unknown provenance, were introduced to New Zealand from Australia in the early 1870s. While the introduced wallabies prospered in New Zealand, their antecedents in Australia experienced widespread local population extinctions as part of a drastic, widespread and ongoing decline. In this study, a polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis was undertaken of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences from P. penicillata in New Zealand (n = 18) and throughout the species' native range in southeastern Australia (n = 54). A single mtDNA haplotype was identified in New Zealand, while 17 haplotypes were found in sampled Australian populations. Phylogenetic analysis (583 bp sequence) revealed the presence of three divergent mtDNA groups within Australian P. penicillata, with each group showing distinct geographical circumscription. The New Zealand haplotype consistently clustered within the central New South Wales group and was most similar (0.55% sequence divergence) to a haplotype from Winmalee, just west of Sydney. It seems likely then, that the New Zealand population of P. penicillata was founded by animals captured near Sydney in the late 19th century. Since P. penicillata in this region have experienced widespread population declines and extinctions, the naturalized New Zealand population represents a potentially valuable conservation resource for Australia. However, the unusual history of New Zealand's P. penicillata presents unique challenges to Australian wildlife managers.
Clancy, T.F. and Close, R.L., 1997. The Queensland Rock-wallabies-An overview of their conservati... more Clancy, T.F. and Close, R.L., 1997. The Queensland Rock-wallabies-An overview of their conservation status, threats and management. Australian Mammalogy 19: 169-173. Recent investigations of the taxonomic relationships of Petrogale in Queensland have led to the recognition of eleven distinct taxa within the State, representing some two thirds of the species diversity of this group. The assessed conservation status of the various species ranges from those considered to be vulnerable to extinction, through species that are locally rare, to those currently considered to be common. The specialised habitat requirements of the group presents challenges to the conservation management of individual species. Further research is required into census techniques, population dynamics, genetic processes and the impacts of purported threatening processes to assist in the conservation management of this diverse and unique macropod group. PRIOR to 1976 only four species of rock-wallaby were recognis...
Modern molecular genetic techniques provide a valuable means to address questions concerning the ... more Modern molecular genetic techniques provide a valuable means to address questions concerning the origins of naturalized populations. Brush-tailed rock-wallabies (Petrogale penicillata), of unknown provenance, were introduced to New Zealand from Australia in the early 1870s. While the introduced wallabies prospered in New Zealand, their antecedents in Australia experienced widespread local population extinctions as part of a drastic, widespread and ongoing decline. In this study, a polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis was undertaken of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences from P. penicillata in New Zealand (n = 18) and throughout the species' native range in southeastern Australia (n = 54). A single mtDNA haplotype was identified in New Zealand, while 17 haplotypes were found in sampled Australian populations. Phylogenetic analysis (583 bp sequence) revealed the presence of three divergent mtDNA groups within Australian P. penicillata, with each group showing distinct geographical circumscription. The New Zealand haplotype consistently clustered within the central New South Wales group and was most similar (0.55% sequence divergence) to a haplotype from Winmalee, just west of Sydney. It seems likely then, that the New Zealand population of P. penicillata was founded by animals captured near Sydney in the late 19th century. Since P. penicillata in this region have experienced widespread population declines and extinctions, the naturalized New Zealand population represents a potentially valuable conservation resource for Australia. However, the unusual history of New Zealand's P. penicillata presents unique challenges to Australian wildlife managers.
Abstract Population genetics can reveal otherwise hidden information involving a species&... more Abstract Population genetics can reveal otherwise hidden information involving a species' history in a given region. Koalas were thought to have been virtually exterminated from the Australian state of Victoria during the koala fur trade of the late 1800s. Koalas in the South ...
Modern molecular genetic techniques provide a valuable means to address questions concerning the ... more Modern molecular genetic techniques provide a valuable means to address questions concerning the origins of naturalized populations. Brush-tailed rock-wallabies (Petrogale penicillata), of unknown provenance, were introduced to New Zealand from Australia in the early 1870s. While the introduced wallabies prospered in New Zealand, their antecedents in Australia experienced widespread local population extinctions as part of a drastic, widespread and ongoing decline. In this study, a polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis was undertaken of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences from P. penicillata in New Zealand (n = 18) and throughout the species' native range in southeastern Australia (n = 54). A single mtDNA haplotype was identified in New Zealand, while 17 haplotypes were found in sampled Australian populations. Phylogenetic analysis (583 bp sequence) revealed the presence of three divergent mtDNA groups within Australian P. penicillata, with each group showing distinct geographical circumscription. The New Zealand haplotype consistently clustered within the central New South Wales group and was most similar (0.55% sequence divergence) to a haplotype from Winmalee, just west of Sydney. It seems likely then, that the New Zealand population of P. penicillata was founded by animals captured near Sydney in the late 19th century. Since P. penicillata in this region have experienced widespread population declines and extinctions, the naturalized New Zealand population represents a potentially valuable conservation resource for Australia. However, the unusual history of New Zealand's P. penicillata presents unique challenges to Australian wildlife managers.
Clancy, T.F. and Close, R.L., 1997. The Queensland Rock-wallabies-An overview of their conservati... more Clancy, T.F. and Close, R.L., 1997. The Queensland Rock-wallabies-An overview of their conservation status, threats and management. Australian Mammalogy 19: 169-173. Recent investigations of the taxonomic relationships of Petrogale in Queensland have led to the recognition of eleven distinct taxa within the State, representing some two thirds of the species diversity of this group. The assessed conservation status of the various species ranges from those considered to be vulnerable to extinction, through species that are locally rare, to those currently considered to be common. The specialised habitat requirements of the group presents challenges to the conservation management of individual species. Further research is required into census techniques, population dynamics, genetic processes and the impacts of purported threatening processes to assist in the conservation management of this diverse and unique macropod group. PRIOR to 1976 only four species of rock-wallaby were recognis...
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