Marsupials Biology and Management

This course covers marsupial taxonomy, anatomy and physiology, along with their behaviour, communication and common health issues. You will study the biology and care of different marsupial groups in turn, including marsupial carnivores, kangaroos and other Diprotodontia such as koalas and wombats, and bandicoots and bilbies. The course finishes with the sustainable management and conservation of marsupial populations. Suitable for those working with wildlife or captive marsupials, or wanting a solid foundation for further animal science study.

This course covers the following lessons: Introduction – Scope and Nature, Overview of taxonomy Anatomy and Physiology – muscles, skeleton, adaptations, thermoregulation, reproduction Internal anatomy, physiology, and senses Behaviour – communication, social, handling Health & Disease Marsupial Carnivores – The Dasyuromorphia (Families are Dasyuridae (dasyurids), Myrmecobiidae (numbats), and Thylacinidae (thylacinids). The Diprotodontia -Kangaroos Other Diprotodontia – koalas, wombats, pygmy possums, sugar gliders, potaroos, ringtail possum Peramelemorphia - Bandicoots & Bilbies Other Marsupials Marsupial Conservation and Management - Sustainable Management Aims: Explain the likely origin of marsupials. Explain classification of marsupials. Identify common external anatomical features in marsupials. To explain common and diverging characteristics in the internal biology of marsupials. To discuss and compare behavioural characteristics in a number of different marsupials. To describe health issues that affect marsupials. To identify and describe the biology, behaviour and care of marsupial carnivores. To identify and describe the biology, behaviour, and care of Macropods from the Diprotodontia order. To identify and describe the biology, behaviour and care of non-Macropod marsupials in Diprodontia. To identify and describe the biology, behaviour and care of marsupials in order Peramelemorphia. To discuss issues related to the sustainable management of marsupials.