Diet, nutrition and haematology of dasyurid marsupials

Abstract

This thesis examines aspects of the biology of six Dasyurid species, which are a family of insectivorous and/or carnivorous Australian marsupials. In particular diet, nutrition and haematology were studied. Diet and nutrition were studied to obtain information on diet choice by translocated animals and diet digestibility in captive animals. Haematology was studied in captivity as it is associated with clinical health and is influenced by nutrition. The six species used for the study were part of captive colonies housed at the University of Western Sydney, the University of Sydney, Alice Springs Desert Park, Australian Ecosystems Foundation Inc., and Featherdale Wildlife Park. The broad aim of the study was to aid current wildlife management practices and future conservation efforts (such as reintroduction and translocation programs) for these six species and other marsupial species in Australia.