Tree Kangaroos

To many people, the suggestion that a kangaroo could live up a tree is fantasy. Yet, in the rainforests of Far North Queensland and New Guinea, there are extraordinary kangaroos that do just that. Many aspects of these marsupials' anatomy and biology suggest a terrestrial kangaroo ancestor. Yet no one has, so far, come forward with a convincing explanation of how, why and when mammals that was so superbly adapted for life on the ground should end up back in the trees. This book reviews the natural history and biology of tree-kangaroos from the time of their first discovery by Europeans in the jungles of West Papua in 1826 right up to the present day, covering the latest research being conducted in Australian and New Guinea. Combining information from a number of disparate disciplines, the author sets forth the first explanation of this apparent evolutionary conundrum. Features * Provides a fascinating and readable account of an unusual evolutionary conundrum * Written by a field biologist with more than a decade's experience working with tree-kangaroos

Tree Kangaroos: Science and Conservation, a volume in the Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes series, provides an overview of tree kangaroo species and their relationship with humans. This exciting, interdisciplinary work on tree kangaroo science and conservation is divided into six major sections: (1) tree kangaroo evolution, genetics, taxonomy, ecology, behavior, and conservation status; (2) current and emerging threats to the species; (3) conservation programs in Australia and New Guinea with an emphasis on the human aspect of conservation; (4) the role of zoos in conservation solutions; (5) techniques and technologies to study this elusive marsupial; and (6) what is needed to keep tree kangaroos and their landscapes healthy in the future. The series on Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes includes titles focused on specific species or taxa across disciplinary boundaries and spatial scales—from genes to landscapes. Volumes are edited and written by prominent scholars and practitioners to illuminate and advance biodiversity science and conservation. Includes coverage of all known tree kangaroo species Features contributions edited and written by the world’s leading researchers and practitioners focusing on these scientifically mysterious marsupials Provides accessible scientific and general information to a wide audience including students, academics, researchers, conservation professionals, policy makers, business leaders, zoo professionals, health professionals, and people interested in community-based conservation Presents the current knowledge of tree kangaroos, helping to lay the foundations and best practices for future conservation and research in Australia and New Guinea

Kangaroos are best-known for using their large hind legs and huge feet to jump at high speeds across Australia’s outback. So what made the cousins of these ground-dwelling macropods take to the trees? Readers will learn how tree kangaroos are specially adapted to tree living and why they might have adopted this ecological niche over time. Fun facts, glorious full-color photographs, and fact-filled, age-appropriate text allow readers to explore life high above the ground with tree kangaroos.

This book provides an authoritative source of information on kangaroos and their relatives. Topics include: species characteristics and biology, adaptations and function, and conservation. The book also discusses culling and the commercial kangaroo harvest, as well as national attitudes to kangaroos and their value for tourism. There are 71 recognised species of kangaroo found in Australasia. Of these, 46 are endemic to Australia, 21 are endemic to the island of New Guinea, and four species are found in both regions. The various species have a number of common names, including bettong, kangaroo, pademelon, potoroo, quokka, rat kangaroo, rock wallaby, tree kangaroo, wallaby and wallaroo. Illustrated in full colour, Australia’s Amazing Kangaroos will give readers insight into the world of this intriguing marsupial – an animal that has pride of place on the Australian Coat of Arms.

The acclaimed naturalist and author of The Weather Makers celebrates his native Australia and one of its most extraordinary creatures as he crisscrosses the continent to look at how the kangaroo both shapes and is shaped by its environment, looks at Australia's natural history and habitats, and traces the evolution of the kangaroo. Reprint.

The only book of its kind with in-depth coverage of the most common exotic species presented in practice, this comprehensive guide prepares you to treat invertebrates, fish, amphibians and reptiles, birds, marsupials, North American wildlife, and small mammals such as ferrets, rabbits, and rodents. Organized by species, each chapter features vivid color images that demonstrate the unique anatomic, medical, and surgical features of each species. This essential reference also provides a comprehensive overview of biology, husbandry, preventive medicine, common disease presentations, zoonoses, and much more. Other key topics include common health and nutritional issues as well as restraint techniques, lab values, drug dosages, and special equipment needed to treat exotics. Brings cutting-edge information on all exotic species together in one convenient resource. Offers essential strategies for preparing your staff to properly handle and treat exotic patients. Features an entire chapter on equipping your practice to accommodate exotic species, including the necessary equipment for housing, diagnostics, pathology, surgery, and therapeutics. Provides life-saving information on CPR, drugs, and supportive care for exotic animals in distress. Discusses wildlife rehabilitation, with valuable information on laws and regulations, establishing licensure, orphan care, and emergency care. Includes an entire chapter devoted to the emergency management of North American wildlife. Offers expert guidance on treating exotics for practitioners who may not be experienced in exotic pet care.

Text and photographs introduce the tree kangaroo, a native of New Guinea, and its early life in the zoo.

'This book tackles the two edge sword of non consumptive wildlife tourism: on net does it add to or detract from species conservation? The book does so with a treasure trove of original survey research on the supply and demand for wildlife tourism on both public and private lands from Antarctica to rainforests to marine wildlife. The economic analysis is one of the first to apply new behavioral economics to analyzing tourists' choices.' John Loomis, Colorado State University, US 'Does nature-based tourism help or hinder biodiversity conservation? The answer provided by this authoritative volume is that it depends on context and type of tourism and is no easy panacea. Indeed it can result in an under supply of nature conservation from an economic point of view. This book provides an excellent synthesis, supported by case studies, of the tourism conservation trade off problem, it will appeal to both academic and practitioner audiences.' R. Kerry Turner, CBE, University of East Anglia, UK 'This book encapsulates a lifetime's scholarly work between the authors. It sets out the platform upon which nature-based tourism may be discussed and debated, which it then enriches by a series of case examples, mostly drawn from personal experience. In doing so it performs a valuable service to all interested in this field by capturing those detailed insights into nature-based tourism that are often only acquired by experience.' Stephen Wanhill, Editor, Tourism Economics 'In today's world, even nature seems to have to pay its own way. Nature-based Tourism and Conservation provides detailed real-life examples of how this is working in various parts of the world, from rainforests to Antarctica, and how the tradeoffs can best be measured. Clem Tisdell and Clevo Wilson provide a unique economic perspective to the various issues involved, providing practical illustrations of how others can incorporate the various ways of considering costs and benefits when deciding how to define the role nature-based tourism when planning conservation measures. This book will be useful to a wide range of audiences, from national protected area agencies to private land-owners who are establishing their own nature-based tourism enterprises.' Jeffrey McNeely, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Switzerland Nature-based Tourism and Conservation unearths new or neglected principles relevant to tourism and recreational economics, environmental valuation and economic theory. Its three parts have chapters on nature-based tourism and its relationships to conservation including case studies dealing with the consequences of World Heritage listing of natural sites, Antarctic, subtropical and tropical national park-based tourism and an NGO's conservation efforts modelled on ecotourism. The final part focuses on tourism utilizing particular wildlife, including sea turtles, whales, penguins, royal albatross, glow-worms and tree kangaroos.

Describes the physical characteristics, habitat, and behavior of kangaroos living, often against all odds, in Australia and New Guinea.