The use of Cydectin® by wildlife carers to treat sarcoptic mange in free-ranging bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus).

Wombats suffer from sarcoptic mange, a mite infection that ultimately leads to their death from secondary infections. In 2017, wildlife carers were granted legal approval to treat bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus) for sarcoptic mange in the field using 4 mL of topical Cydectin® per adult wombat. However, (limited) scientific field trials suggest approved protocols are inadequate which has been supported anecdotally by wildlife carers. Elucidating carer experience is key to holistically advancing understandings of sarcoptic mange treatment. We interviewed 18 wildlife carers regarding the use of Cydectin® to treat free-ranging adult wombats infected with sarcoptic mange which uncovered 43 detailed case studies for examination. Case studies revealed that wildlife carers have used 10-200-mL doses of topical Cydectin® to treat wombats to recovery. These results suggest there is no best-fit for treating wombats in the field, due to individual differences in observed levels of sarcoptic mange severity and differences in wombat behavior. Furthermore, wildlife carers suggested pour-on Cydectin® appeared non-toxic to wombats at rates as high as 200 mL per treatment. We recommend scientific trials should be undertaken to determine the impact and efficacy of the varying treatment regimens, including low and high doses of topical Cydectin® on bare-nosed wombats. This information is required for regulating authorities, and subsequently wildlife carers, and managers, to make fully informed decisions about wombat sarcoptic mange treatment.

Preliminary investigation of social interactions and feeding behavior in captive group-housed Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus Harrisii).

As the number of Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) in captivity increases, an understanding of captive social dynamics and behavior is becoming increasingly important. In the wild, devils are solitary, although sometimes, they congregate to feed on a large carcass. However, it is common to house devils in groups as a form of social enrichment. This study investigated how behavior at feeding time of captive Tasmanian devils varied in groups of different sizes. Observations were made of individually housed devils and devils in groups of two, three, five, and six, when presented with a carcass on which to feed. Total feeding duration ranged from 6.5 to 47.4 minutes per observation period (70 minutes). There was no significant interaction between feeding duration and group size during the experiment. Feeding duration varied daily and depended on carcass size. Social housing of Tasmanian devils enabled them to display dyadic and agonistic behaviors during feeding. Observing behaviors and learning from the outcomes of these interactions can improve husbandry techniques. Creating a captive environment that encourages natural behaviors may enhance survival in the wild following translocation.