Urbanisation and kangaroos: investigating and managing decline in urban-zone eastern grey kangaroo populations (Macropus giganteus) in south east Queensland

Urbanisation is a known threat to biodiversity globally, yet the full impacts of urbanisation on wildlife are still poorly understood. The processes of urbanisation that may influence wildlife are complex and broadly include: habitat loss and fragmentation; expansion of infrastructure; increases in invasive species; and increased contact with humans. Large terrestrial mammals are thought to be particularly vulnerable to processes of urbanisation however few studies have directly examined the impacts of urban landscapes on large mammals. This thesis considers the impact of urbanisation on a common large mammal species, the eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus). Furthermore, it investigates the complexities of kangaroo interactions with urban landscapes, and explores potential mechanisms of decline with a view to understanding the response of kangaroo populations to urban environments. This research utilises a cross-disciplinary approach to gain a holistic understanding of impacts on eastern grey kangaroo populations, across multiple spatial and temporal scales. An analytical approach is applied to data sourced from community wisdom, historical records, and in-situ field studies, using a variety of methods including: community surveys; GPS collaring; GIS analyses; and physiological indicators.Submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, 2018