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Conservation status of common wombats in Tasmania I: incidence of mange and its significance

Conservation status of common wombats in Tasmania I: incidence of mange and its significance Sarcoptic mange is an infectious disease impacting over 100 mammalian species around the world, including Australias common wombat (Vombatus ursinus). A 94 decline in a localised population attributed to mange has raised concerns for the status of the two subspecies endemic to the island state of Tasmania, Australia. We provide the first broad-scale assessment of sarcoptic mange distribution and prevalence in wombats in Tasmania. Mange-affected wombats are widespread in Tasmania from sea level to 960m above sea level, although there are no confirmed cases from the western region of Tasmania or Maria Island. It has been recorded in most major vegetation groups, but particularly in agricultural areas. Mange prevalence estimated from night-time spotlight observation and camera surveys varied between regions (0.017.6) with an overall prevalence of 4.4 for observation surveys and 0.6 for camera surveys. Time of day, survey method, and distance from observer can influence mange assessments. Local reductions in wombat numbers and animal welfare impacts due to sarcoptic mange are concerning and warrant on-going monitoring of wombats and mange, and the development and trials of effective disease management options. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Pacific Conservation Biology CSIRO Publishing

Conservation status of common wombats in Tasmania I: incidence of mange and its significance

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Publisher
CSIRO Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s). Published by CSIRO Publishing
ISSN
1038-2097
eISSN
2204-4604
DOI
10.1071/PC21007
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Sarcoptic mange is an infectious disease impacting over 100 mammalian species around the world, including Australias common wombat (Vombatus ursinus). A 94 decline in a localised population attributed to mange has raised concerns for the status of the two subspecies endemic to the island state of Tasmania, Australia. We provide the first broad-scale assessment of sarcoptic mange distribution and prevalence in wombats in Tasmania. Mange-affected wombats are widespread in Tasmania from sea level to 960m above sea level, although there are no confirmed cases from the western region of Tasmania or Maria Island. It has been recorded in most major vegetation groups, but particularly in agricultural areas. Mange prevalence estimated from night-time spotlight observation and camera surveys varied between regions (0.017.6) with an overall prevalence of 4.4 for observation surveys and 0.6 for camera surveys. Time of day, survey method, and distance from observer can influence mange assessments. Local reductions in wombat numbers and animal welfare impacts due to sarcoptic mange are concerning and warrant on-going monitoring of wombats and mange, and the development and trials of effective disease management options.

Journal

Pacific Conservation Biology – CSIRO Publishing

Published: Jul 1, 2021

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