Manganese contamination affects the motor performance of wild northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus)

A F Amir Abdul Nasir; Skye F Cameron; Amanda C Niehaus; Christofer J Clemente; Frank A von Hippel; Robbie S Wilson

doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.087

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Manganese contamination affects the motor performance of wild northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus)

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Manganese contamination affects the motor performance of wild northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus)

A F Amir Abdul Nasir, Skye F Cameron, Amanda C Niehaus, Christofer J Clemente, Frank A von Hippel and Robbie S Wilson

Environmental Pollution, Vol.241, pp.55-62

2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.087

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Abstract

balance beam

Dasyurid

ecotoxicology

locomotor

maneuverability

marsupial

movement

neurotoxic metal

sprint speed

wildlife

Neuromotor deficits are an important sign of manganese (Mn) toxicity in humans and laboratory animals. However, the impacts of Mn exposure on the motor function of wild animals remains largely unknown. Here, we assessed the impact of chronic exposure to Mn from active mining operations on Groote Eylandt, Australia on the motor function of the semi-arboreal northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), an endangered species. The three motor tests conducted-maximum sprint speed on a straight run, manoeuvrability around a corner, and motor control on a balance beam-showed that elevated Mn body burden did not diminish performance of these traits. However, quolls with higher Mn body burden approached a corner at a significantly narrower range of speeds, due to a significantly lower maximum approach speed. Slower speeds approaching a turn may reduce success at catching prey and avoiding predators. Given that maximum sprint speed on a straight run was not affected by Mn body burden, but maximum speed entering a corner was, slower speeds approaching a turn may reflect compensation for otherwise impaired performance in the turn.

Details

Title: Manganese contamination affects the motor performance of wild northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus)
Authors: A F Amir Abdul Nasir (Author) - University of Queensland
Skye F Cameron (Author) - University of Queensland
Amanda C Niehaus (Author) - University of Queensland
Christofer J Clemente (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Frank A von Hippel (Author) - Northern Arizona University, United States
Robbie S Wilson (Author) - University of Queensland
Publication details: Environmental Pollution, Vol.241, pp.55-62
Publisher: Pergamon
Date published: 2018
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.087
ISSN: 0269-7491
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450742602621
Output Type: Journal article

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