AU2007202833B2 - Olfactory deterrent - Google Patents

Abstract

An olfactory deterrent for a herbivore is provided. The olfactory deterrent is based on one or more chemical 5 communicants contained in urine, faecal matter, dander, or glandular excretions of an historical predator. The olfactory deterrent can be used to prepare an olfactory deterrent composition, which in turn may be used to deter herbivores from a pre-selected area by applying the 10 olfactory deterrent to at least a portion of the pre selected area, or at spaced intervals within the pre selected area. Kirstie/keep/speci/P63971 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07

Description

P1/00/011 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Names of Applicants: MICHAEL PARSONS and WARREN POTTS and CAROL LANDER and THE CROWN IN RIGHT OF THE STATE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA C/- THE CHEMISTRY CENTRE, A DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY AND RESOURCES Address of Applicants: c/- Chemistry Centre (WA) 125 Hay Street EAST PERTH WA 6004 Actual Inventors: Michael PARSONS Warren POTTS Carol LANDER Kenneth Charles DODS Lincoln MORTON Address for Service: Griffith Hack, Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, 19th Floor, 109 St Georges Terrace, Perth, Western Australia, 6000. Standard Complete Specification for the invention entitled: OLFACTORY DETERRENT Details of Associated Provisional Applications: Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2006903300 filed on 19 June 2006 The following is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- OLFACTORY DETERRENT Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to an olfactory deterrent, in particular to an olfactory deterrent for herbivores, even more particularly to macropods. Additionally, the invention relates to an herbivore deterrent system and a method of deterring herbivores from a pre-selected area. 10 Background of the Invention In many countries, environmental legislation demands that mining companies rehabilitate land which was formerly 15 associated with its mining or mineral processing activities. In meeting these land rehabilitation requirements, thousands of seedlings are typically planted in the area to be rehabilitated. 20 Recovering vegetation and cultivated high intensity farming sites are highly susceptible to grazing because shoots of seedlings are moist, nutrient-enriched, and accessible, so they are especially vulnerable to browsing. The need for herbivore restraints, particularly during 25 establishment periods is clearly required. Large herbivores, particularly kangaroos or other high intensity grazers, play a key role in controlling the composition and rate of vegetation recovery after a major 30 disturbance, particularly since herbivory often occurs at a critical time in the life history of the plant. With the marked decline in fire frequencies since European settlement in southern and eastern Australia the native 35 vegetation has become less palatable (fewer seedlings). Perennial grasses and other herbaceous species, the preferred food of kangaroos, will have been suppressed by over-population, exacerbated by additional water supply Kirstie/keep/speci/P639 7 1 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07 and over-consumption. At the same time, there has been an 'explosion' in kangaroo numbers due to the spread of annual grass crops and roadside weeds. Alcoa is so concerned about the problem that in 2002, the company 5 covered half the 140 000 seedlings planted with individual plastic cages (plant guards) to deter kangaroos. Similar problems have been reported at other mine sites (Worsley, Iluka Resources at Eneabba) and can be expected anywhere in rural areas following earthworks or fire that 10 temporarily creates ideal recruitment conditions that also attract kangaroos. This will be of particular significance where the objective is to maintain or restore the vegetation on nature reserves to its pre-disturbed state. Such effects help explain why certain plant 15 species are not returning or are under-represented in the rehabilitated areas. Common methods of deterrence of herbivores are either ineffective or prohibitively expensive. Plant shoots are 20 either suppressed by plant guards or eaten when they grow through the protector mesh, while commercial auditory based devices are ineffective. Another common strategy has been to spray seedlings with distasteful chemicals; for example, essential oils that are unpalatable to 25 kangaroos, yet when sprayed on seedlings they tend to damage the leaves. The present invention seeks to overcome at least some of the above mentioned disadvantages. 30 In addition to the practical benefits of protecting seedlings from herbivory, there is also a need for protective measures against roadside animal collisions, and for humane deterrents for native animals, such as 35 brush tail possums, to deter them from occupying roofs of domestic residences. Kirstie/keep/speci/P639 7 1 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07 -4 The provision of deterrent for protection of high intensity farming situations is also a requirement, as setback of seedling growth or produce yield due to predation by Australian native mammals is a constant cost for these farming practices. 5 Summary of the Invention The inventors have discovered that it is possible to induce a fear response in Australian native mammals, and to therefore 10 deter the Australian native mammal from a pre-selected area, by exposing the Australian native mammal to predator-based chemical communicants, particularly those contained in the predator's urine. 15 Accordingly, in a first aspect of the invention there is provided an olfactory deterrent for an Australian native mammal comprising an effective amount of one or more chemical communicants contained in urine, faecal matter, dander, or glandular excretions of an historical predator of the Australian 20 native mammal. In one embodiment of the invention the Australian native mammal is an Australian native marsupial. In particular, the olfactory deterrent of the preferred embodiment of the present invention 25 is effective in respect of animals from the families Macropodidae and Phalangeridae, commonly known as macropods (e.g. kangaroos and wallabies) and possums, respectively The historical predator of the Australian native mammal is 30 selected by a consideration of the shared natural history of the Australian native mammal and its predator. In one embodiment, the historical predator of the Australian native mammal is an Australian native canid, commonly known as a dingo.

-5 In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the olfactory deterrent comprises one or more chemical communicants contained in dingo urine. 5 In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of deterring Australian native mammals from a pre-selected area comprising locating in the pre-selected area an effective amount of one or more chemical communicants contained in urine, faecal matter, dander, or glandular excretions of an historical 10 predator of the Australian native mammals. In one embodiment, the one or more chemical communicants are topically applied to at least a portion of the pre-selected area, or at regular intervals within the pre-selected area. 15 In an alternative embodiment, the one or more chemical communicants are aerially applied to the pre-selected area. In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an 20 Australian native mammal deterrent system comprising one or more chemical communicants contained in urine, feecal matter, dander, or glandular excretions of an historical predator of the Australian native mammal, and a means to locate an effective amount of the one or more chemical communicants in a pre 25 selected area to deter the Australian native mammal therefrom. In one embodiment, the means to locate an effective amount of the one or more chemical communicants in the pre-selected area comprises a solid formulation of an olfactory deterrent 30 composition containing the one or more chemical communicants. In the preferred embodiment, the solid formulation is an agar gel containing.dingo urine. In an alternative embodiment, the means to locate an effective 35 amount of the one or more chemical communicants in the pre selected area comprises a housing for accommodating the one or -6 more chemical communicants, or an olfactory deterrent composition containing the one or more chemical communicants. Alternatively, the housing can accommodate samples of urine, faecal matter, dander, or glandular excretions of the historical 5 predator of the Australian native mammal. In a further embodiment, the means to locate an effective amount of the one or more chemical communicants in the pre-selected area comprises a means for topically applying the one or more 10 chemical communicants in the pre-selected area. In a further alternative embodiment, the means to locate an effective amount of the one or more chemical communicants in the pre-selected area comprises a means for aerially applying the 15 one or more chemical communicants in the pre-selected area. In one embodiment, the Australian native mammal deterrent system further comprises one or more auditory deterrents and/or one or more visual deterrents located in the pre-selected area. 20 The auditory deterrents comprise a sound recording of frequencies selected from a group including frequencies which produce Australian native mammal vigilance, historical predator sounds, novel sounds, and frequencies designed to jam Australian 25 native mammal communication frequencies. In respect of macropods, the. frequencies are preferably in the range of 2.0 3.5 KHz. The amplitude and pitch frequency may be varied throughout the duration of the sound recording. 30 The visual deterrent is selected from a group including taxidermally-prepared historical predators, light-reflective elements, flashing lights or strobe lights, coloured markers, in particular orange or red markers, and flags of varying size and colour, in particular orange and red flags. 35 -7 It will be understood that the auditory and/or visual deterrents can be located in the pre-selected area from various angles, heights and levels. 5 In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an olfactory deterrent composition for deterring an Australian native mammal comprising an effective amount of one or more chemical communicants contained in urine, faecal matter, dander, or glandular excretions of an historical predator of the 10 Australian native mammal, and a carrier vehicle. In one embodiment the carrier vehicle is environmentally acceptable for topical application to the pre-selected area. In an alternative embodiment, the carrier vehicle is 15 environmentally acceptable for aerial application to the pre selected area. In one embodiment of the invention, the carrier vehicle comprises a gel, in particular an agar gel. 20 In alternative embodiments of the invention, the carrier vehicle comprises oils, liquids, pastes, sprays, aerosols, and other solid formulations such as for example a wax-based solid, a water-dispersed solid, or a sublimable solid. 25 In one embodiment, the composition further comprises one or more additives, in addition to the one or more chemical communicants, provided that they do not detrimentally affect the deterrent effect afforded by the one or more chemical communicants. In 30 one embodiment, the additive is a colourant, in particular a red or orange colourant. In alternative embodiments, the additive is a bittering agent, a preservative such as a mould inhibitor or an anti-oxidant, or a stabiliser. f'1M..R 4 .... Ir.RC Ar/04112nw w m -8 In the preferred embodiment, the olfactory deterrent composition comprises dingo urine dispersed in an agar gel. Typically, the dingo urine is less than 20 wt% of the composition. 5 In a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of an effective amount of one or more chemical communicants contained in urine, faecal matter, dander, or glandular excretions of an historical predator of an Australian native mammal for the manufacture of an olfactory deterrent 10 composition. The olfactory deterrent compositions of the present invention are prepared by mixing the one or more chemical communicants and, optionally, other additives with a carrier vehicle. 15 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention In one feature of the invention, an olfactory deterrent for an 20 Australian native mammal is provided. In this particular embodiment, the Australian native mammal can be an Australian native mammal or an introduced Australian native mammal. The olfactory deterrent is particularly 25 effective in respect of animals from the families Macropodidae and Phalangeridae, commonly known as macropods (e.g. kangaroos and wallabies) and possums, respectively. Suitable examples include, but are not limited to, western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus), red kangaroo (Macropus rupus), tammar (Macropus eugenii), brush or black-gloved wallaby (Macropus irma), quokka (Setonic brachyurus), and brush-tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). The observation of olfactory deterrence is also noted for 5 introduced species such as rabbits and foxes. The olfactory deterrent comprises an effective amount of one or more chemical communicants contained in urine, faecal matter, dander, or glandular excretions of an 10 historical predator of the herbivore. The term "effective amount" as used herein refers to an amount of the one or more chemical communicants sufficient to induce accelerated vigilance factor (AV) behaviour in 15 the herbivores which sensorily intercept the chemical communicant(s). Accelerated vigilance factor (AV) behaviour includes, but is not limited to, vigilance posture, horizon scanning, flight and sentry-led flight. The effective amount of the chemical communicant(s) will 20 vary with the species, sex, age and physical condition of the herbivore, the historical predator of the herbivore, the extent of a pre-selected area from which the herbivore is to be deterred, the residence time of the chemical communicant (s) in the pre-selected area, meteorological 25 conditions, season, time of day, and like factors. The term "chemical communicants" as used herein refers to chemical compounds which can be sensorily intercepted by the herbivore. Typically the chemical compounds are 30 volatile and air-borne. Examples of such chemical communicants include, but are not limited to, kairomones, chemical compositional fingerprints specific to the historic predator, volatile organic compounds and degradation compounds of all of the foregoing. Suitable 35 examples of volatile organic compounds include, but are not limited to, optionally substituted Cl-C5 alkyl thioethers, optionally substituted Cl-C5 dialkyl Kirstie/keep/speci/P63971 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07 - oubl disulphides, optionally substituted C-C5 dialkyl trisuiphides, optionally substituted C4-C7 aliphatic ketones, optionally substituted C5-C6 aryl ketones, or optionally substituted C5-C6 heterocyclic amines. 5 The historical predator of the herbivore is selected by a consideration of the shared natural history of the herbivore and its predator. In the preferred embodiment, the historical predator of the animals from the families 10 Macropodidae and Phalangeridae is an Australian native canid, commonly known as a dingo. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the olfactory deterrent comprises one or more chemical 15 communicants contained in dingo urine. Dingo urine can be collected from live dingoes. However, this is a costly and time-consuming exercise. It is envisaged that synthetic analogues of the one or more 20 chemical communicants contained in dingo urine may also be used in accordance with the present invention. However, it is acknowledged that widespread use of neat natural or synthetic chemical communicants of historical predators, such as the dingo, is likely to be expensive. 25 Accordingly, there is provided an olfactory deterrent composition for deterring an herbivore comprising an effective amount of one or more chemical communicants contained in urine, faecal matter, dander, or glandular 30 excretions of an historical predator of the herbivore, and a carrier vehicle. The carrier vehicle is selected to enable ready location and retention of the one or more chemical communicants in 35 a pre-selected area from which it is desirable to deter the herbivore, while at the same time not significantly interfering with the ability of the one or more chemical Kirstie/keep/speci/P63971 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07 communicants to volatilize, become air-borne and therefore deter the herbivore in the pre-selected area. Furthermore, the carrier vehicle can also serve as a diluent without necessarily diminishing the efficacy of 5 the chemical communicants, and therefore reduce the associated costs of producing and using the olfactory deterrent of the present invention. In one embodiment the carrier vehicle is environmentally 10 acceptable for topical application to the pre-selected area. The term "environmentally acceptable" as used herein refers to carrier vehicles which are suitable for use in 15 contact with the soil, surface water, ground water, and flora without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, residence time, and the like, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. Typically, the carrier vehicle will be biodegradable. 20 Typically, the carrier vehicle comprises about 80 - 99 % volume of the olfactory deterrent composition of the present invention. 25 In one embodiment of the invention the carrier vehicle comprises a gel or a high viscosity liquid. Examples of such gels include, but are not limited to polysaccharide gels such as agar, carrageenans, gellan, pectins, alginates, locust bean gum, carob bean gum, gellan gum, 30 xanthan, amylose, amylopectin, cellulose, methylcellulose, starch, guar gum and gum arabic gels. The use of protein gels are also to be of consideration. An example of a protein gel includes, but is not limited to, gelatin. 35 In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the preferred carrier vehicle is agar gel. Kirstie/keep/speci/P63971 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07 Preferably, the olfactory deterrent composition comprises dingo urine dispersed in an agar gel. Typically, the dingo urine is less than 20 wt% of the composition. 5 In an alternative embodiment, the carrier vehicle is environmentally acceptable for aerial application to the pre-selected area. Alternative carrier vehicles comprise oils, liquids, 10 pastes, sprays, aerosols, and other solid formulations such as for example a wax-based solid, a water-dispersed solid, or a sublimable solid. Other carrier vehicles can be formulated by those or ordinary skill in the art. 15 Further, the olfactory deterrent composition of the present invention can contain one or more additives provided that they do not detrimentally affect the deterrent effect afforded by the one or more chemical communicants. In one embodiment, the additive is a 20 colourant, in particular a red or orange colourant. In alternative embodiments, the additive is a bittering agent, a preservative such as a mould inhibitor or an anti-oxidant, or a stabiliser. It is envisaged that a person skilled in the art will readily identify suitable 25 additives which can be combined with the olfactory deterrent composition of the present invention. To prepare the olfactory deterrent composition of the present invention, the one or more chemical communicants 30 and, optionally, other additives are mixed with the carrier vehicle. The carrier vehicle acts as a diluent or carrier for other materials present in the composition, so as to facilitate their distribution and delivery to the desired location in the pre-selected area. 35 Herbivores can be deterred from a pre-selected area by locating in the pre-selected area an effective amount of Kirstie/keep/speci/P63971 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07 one or more chemical communicants contained in urine, faecal matter, dander, or glandular excretions of an historical predator of the herbivores. 5 In its simplest form, the method of the present invention can be performed by locating urine, faecal matter, dander, or glandular excretions of the historical predator at regular intervals throughout the pre-selected area to provide an effective amount of the one or more chemical 10 communicants which are known to deter the herbivore. Typically, the natural sources of the chemical communicants are located at ground level where urine, faecal matter, dander, or glandular excretions would normally be found. 15 Where the natural source is liquid and likely to soak into the ground, such as, for example, urine or glandular excretions, it is generally more convenient to accommodate the natural source of the chemical communicants in a 20 housing. The housing is configured to allow air passage over the natural source of the chemical communicants so as not to restrict the ability of the chemical communicants to become air-borne and disperse over the pre-selected area. 25 Alternatively, the housing can accommodate an undiluted amount of the one or more chemical communicants contained in the urine, faecal matter, dander, or glandular excretions of the historical predator of the herbivores so 30 that an effective amount of the one or more chemical communicants is located in the pre-selected area. Similarly, the housing can accommodate the olfactory deterrent composition of the present invention so that an 35 effective amount of the one or more chemical communicants is located in the pre-selected area. Kirstie/keep/speci/P63971 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07 - 14 In instances where the natural source of the chemical communicants or the chemical communicants are solid, or where the olfactory deterrent composition is a solid formulation, the solid source of the one or more chemical 5 communicants can be located at regular intervals throughout the pre-selected area. In the preferred embodiment, the solid formulation of the olfactory deterrent composition is an agar gel containing urine, and a plurality of such gels are located at regular intervals 10 throughout the pre-selected area to provide an herbivore deterrent effect, in particular a macropod and possum deterrent effect. In an alternative embodiment, the method of the present 15 invention can be performed by topically applying the one or more chemical communicants, the olfactory deterrent composition, or the natural source of the one or more chemical communicants to at least a portion of the pre selected area, or at interspersed locations within the 20 pre-selected area. The terms "topically applied", "topically applying", "or topical application" as used herein refer to directly laying on or spreading on the ground, low-growing flora, 25 or other objects located in a similar vicinity using an applicator, such as a brush or a sponge, or by spraying directly onto the ground, low-growing flora, or other objects located in a similar vicinity. 30 In another embodiment, the one or more chemical communicants, the olfactory deterrent composition, or the natural source of the one or more chemical communicants are aerially applied to the pre-selected area. 35 Chemical communicants are not the only means by which herbivores detect fear cues. Visual and auditory deterrents can also be of assistance in deterring Kirstie/keep/speci/P63971 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07 herbivores from the pre-selected area. For example, kangaroos flee when they detect "glinting materials" (such as sun reflecting from optical lenses). Though trichromatic (colour) vision has only recently been 5 demonstrated among kangaroos there is longstanding anecdotal evidence to suggest that kangaroos are repelled by the colour orange (reds and oranges are natural warning hues). 10 Accordingly, the method of the present invention further comprises locating one or more auditory deterrents and/or one or more visual deterrents in the pre-selected area. The auditory deterrents comprise a sound recording of 15 frequencies selected from a group including frequencies which produce herbivore vigilance, such as, for example, foot thumping, historical predator sounds, novel sounds, and frequencies designed to jam herbivore communication frequencies. In respect of macropods, the frequencies are 20 preferably in the range of 2.0-3.5 KHz. The amplitude and pitch frequency may be varied throughout the duration of the sound recording. The visual deterrent is selected from a group including 25 taxidermally-prepared historical predators, light reflective elements, flashing lights or strobe lights, coloured markers, in particular orange or red markers, and flags of varying size and colour, in particular orange and red flags. 30 It will be understood that the auditory and/or visual deterrents can be located in the pre-selected area from various angles, heights and levels. The auditory and/or visual deterrents in combination with the olfactory 35 deterrent or composition provide a synergistic deterrent effect. Kirstie/keep/speci/P639 7 1 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07 - lb The present invention is useful in land management, particularly in dissuading kangaroos or rabbits from feeding at newly restored areas undergoing re-vegetation. The method can be readily applied to road side areas 5 vulnerable to animal-vehicle collisions. It is envisaged that the method can also be used to deter domestic home invasions by possums. The following examples are provided to further illustrate 10 several embodiments of the invention. Example 1. Olfactory Deterrent Composition Formulation: Propionic acid (<1%), water (>50%), dingo 15 urine (10-20%), agar (5-10%), Bitrex (<1%). A mixture of agar and water is heated to boiling point at which time the bittering agent (Bitrex) and mold inhibitor (propionic acid) are then added and poured into a mould 20 and allowed to cool. Prior to setting, the dingo urine is stirred into the mixture. The composition is refrigerated for about 6 hours to set the gel, removed from the mould, then sealed in vapour lock bags for storage purposes. The gel has a shelf/field life of < 3 weeks. 25 Example 2. Possum Deterrence A single dingo urine gel as described in Example 1 was removed from its packaging and placed in the midst of a 30 home nest of a brush-tailed possum (Trichosura vulpecula). The animal subsequently relocated its home nest, and only returned to its home when the smell had dissipated. 35 Example 3. Kangaroo Deterrence Trials were carried out at Roo Gully Wildlife Sanctuary Kirstie/keep/speci/P63971 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07 - 1/ (RGWS), 270 km SE of Perth. The region has a Mediterranean climate with cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Average annual rainfall is 800 mm. Average summer monthly maximum temperatures are 26'C, while average 5 winter minima are 5'C. The soils are ferruginous gravels with sandy clay sub-soils at depth. There was ad libitum access to natural vegetation. Flora present included Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. globulus, Callistemon sp., Acacia spp., Melaleuca raphiophylla, Dryandra sp., and a 10 variety of native and introduced grasses and forbs. Trials were performed from 15 February 2005 - 28 March 2005. Average temperature was 23'C during feeding time, rainfall was negligible. Twenty-eight semi-wild western 15 grey kangaroos had free range of the 36 ha property and were free to choose or decline human interaction. The area comprised a large grass paddock through which flows a creek during winter. The kangaroos had free access to water, herbage and shrubs. Supplemental pellets and 20 grains are offered daily at the northwest corner of the property. Animals were not previously deprived of any dietary substances, and any which displayed symptoms of sickness were seen by an onsite veterinarian. All experiments were in compliance with the National Health 25 and Medical Research Council of Australia's code of practice for protecting animal welfare during research. Feeding stations were set up longitudinally at varying intervals from the odour source. Dingo urine was obtained 30 from the Australian Dingo Conservation Society. Preserved coyote urine was purchased from Leg-Up Enterprises, Lovelle, ME, USA , and human urine was provided by a non vegetarian staff member of RGWS. These sources were assessed along with a tap water control within a Latin 35 square design (LSD) . Urine dispensers were used to locate the olfactory deterrent in the vicinity of the food. Commercial evaporative containers, Gemplers inc., Madison, Kirstie/keep/speci/P639 7 1 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07 WI, USA, were filled with 12 mL of test urine or water. The lower third of the container was buried in the ground where urine would naturally occur. Each feeding station was divided into points 0, 6, 12 and 18 m away from the 5 source. At each feeding trough 400 g of commercially available grain (Boyup Brook Co-op, Australia) was placed in hardware storage containers and partly buried in the ground. In order to assess daytime proclivities, tests were conducted prior to nightfall as odours are more 10 prominent where vision is limited. One trial was performed per day according to when the animals typically returned to the Northwest sector for artificial feeds (1700-1900 hours). Individual trials were halted while measurable material remained in the most frequently chosen 15 dish. Following each feeding session, the remaining pellets were collected and dried for 48 h at 750C and weighed. Quitting harvest rates from artificial food patches are quantified as giving up densities (GUD: Brown 1988). This measure is relative amount of a resource left 20 after a feeding period, and is considered a measure of the foraging costs of predation. The difference between treatments was measured using two-way analysis of variance of the means performed via MINITAB vl4, Minitab Inc, State College PA, U.S.A., pairwise comparisons were made using 25 Tukey's b post-hoc method. Weather conditions were estimated using wind vane and anemometer. Vigilance was measured as a result of a pilot study where the owner presented dingo urine by hand to individual 30 kangaroos. The kangaroos often fled the vicinity. Vigilance is an expensive behaviour, yet is typically quantified in simple means, such as visual scanning beyond the animal's reach while ears are erect. Increased vigilance may indicate an increase in fear, but does not 35 necessarily decrease time feeding, thus the incidents of flight which took place during each feeding period were Kirstie/keep/speci/P63971 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07 recorded. Recording flight behaviour provides less error, and is easier to identify than vigilance. Climate conditions were stable through all recorded 5 periods, though heavy rain postponed feeding trials for 3 days. Wind was mild throughout the trials (0.2 - 2.3 km/h). The kangaroos' responses to treatments differed with distance from the source of dingo urine (ANOVA: F 3

,

1 5 = 8.20, P = 0.003; Fig. 2), while differences are 10 observed between 6m and 12m, and 12m and 18m, but not between 18m and 24m (Tukey's b). The kangaroos' response to coyote urine also differed with distance from the source between 6m and 12m treatment for the coyote urine (ANOVA: F 3

,

1 5 = 9.66, P = 0.02); however, treatment effects 15 were not significantly different between 12m, 18m, and 24m points. Neither human urine nor the tap water control had any effect (P > 0.1). The flight behaviour occurred six times during the dingo urine treatment, and one time each during the coyote and human urine treatments. This 20 behaviour did not occur at any stage during the tap water treatment. Flight and avoidance behaviours were observed when kangaroos were exposed to kairomones from historic, and 25 less so for non-historic, predators. The differences between the two canid sources were obvious before data had been collected: when the owner presented them with coyote urine, by hand, they became interested in 30 the new smell, when presented with the dingo urine they were startled and fled. The specificity of compounds in the canid urine sources was confirmed by the lack of effect of the human urine. The lack of response to human urine may be due to association of the odour cue with non 35 threatening humans, including the landowner who hand reared some of them. Kirstie/keep/speci/P63971 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07 - Zu The startled response of the kangaroos was obvious in respect of dingo urine in all cases, and fleeing from the trial area gave more confidence in the deterrence value of the various treatments. 5 Example 4. Kangaroo Deterrence Volatile organic constituents suitable as olfactory deterrent triggers were determined in three samples a 10 male, a female and an aged urine source from the same "pure bred" Dingo population at the Chemistry Centre WA. These samples were identified as the male and female samples and characterized as "fear inducing" and "actively 15 deterrent" in the kangaroo populations that were exposed. The third sample an "aged" urine, whose source and matrix was similar, being from the same dingo population, had lost its "deterrent" and "fear inducing" characteristics due to the aging process adopted. 20 Deterrence and fear inducing ability, for each urine, was established using the same kangaroo population and experimental approach as described in example 3. 25 All analysis was conducted using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) techniques and using the "Hapsite" portable GC/MS with headspace sampling attachment manufactured by 'Inficon' in the United States of America. 30 The three categorized samples were heated to 37'C and analyzed by two methods of headspace sampling using a sample loop to determine major and minor compounds present. A solid phase sorbent was used to concentrate the sample for trace level compound identification. 35 Identification of compounds was achieved using mass spectral library matching with certainty enumerated. Each Kirstie/keep/speci/P63 97 1 Olfactory Deterrent 19/06/07 analysis was performed on independent aliquots of each categorized sample. Although quantitative analysis was not sought the aged 5 urine had considerably lower concentrations of volatile organic compounds compared to the "fresh" male and female samples. Comparative assessment between the aged sample and the male and female urine's allowed extrapolation of relative proportions of compounds of interest and likely 10 ratios between compounds that may prove important when considering synergistic identification in the olfactory processes of targeted macropods. These compounds and ratios will provide first but not 15 exclusive consideration in the manufacture of a synthetically formulated deterrent. The compounds identified are as follows; Methyl propylsulphide Methyl -2-hexanone Propyl isopentyldisulphide Methyl-3-hexanone Propyl n-butyldisulphide Methyl-2-hexanone Methyl isobutylsulphide Methyl-3-heptanone Methyl butylsulphide Methyl propylsulphide Methyl n-butyldisulphide Dimethyl trisulphide 2,4-Dithiopentane 4-Heptanone Methyl isopentylsulphide 2-Heptanone Methyl isopentyldisulphide Acetophenone 2-Pentanone Butyl isopentyldisulphide Methyl ethylsulphide Di isopentyldisulphide 2-Butanone Dimethyl disulphide 3-Pentanone 1-Methyl-1H-pyrol 20 In the description of the invention and the claims, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the words "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in Kirstie/keep/speci/P63971 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07 an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features, but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 5 It is to be understood that, although prior art use and publications may be referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that any of these form a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in 10 Australia or any other country. Numerous variations and modifications will suggest themselves to persons skilled in the relevant art, in addition to those already described, without departing 15 from the basic inventive concepts. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description. Kirstie/keep/speci/P63971 Olfactory Deterrent 18/06/07

Claims (36)

1. An olfactory deterrent for an Australian native mammal comprising an effective amount of one or more chemical 5 communicants contained in urine, faecal matter, dander, or glandular excretions of an historical predator of the Australian native mammal.

2. The olfactory deterrent as defined in claim 1, wherein the 10 Australian native mammal is an Australian native marsupial.

3. The olfactory deterrent as defined in claim 2, wherein the Australian native mammal is an animal the families Macropodidae and Phalangeridae. 15

4. The olfactory deterrent as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the historical predator of the Australian native mammal is selected by a consideration of the shared natural history of the Australian native mammal and its 20 predator.

5. The olfactory deterrent as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the historical predator of the Australian native mammal is an Australian native canid. 25

6. The olfactory deterrent as defined in claim 5, comprising one or more chemical communicants contained in dingo urine.

7. The olfactory deterrent as defined in any one of the 30 preceding claims, wherein the one or more chemical communicants are selected from a group comprising kairomones, chemical compositional fingerprints specific to the historic predator, and C:\NRPonb\GHManters\GRACEC3272326_1 DOCX 3104/12 - 24 volatile organic compounds, and degradation products of all of the foregoing.

8. The olfactory deterrent as defined in claim 7, wherein the 5 volatile organic compounds are selected from a group comprising optionally substituted Cl-C5 alkyl thioethers, optionally substituted C1-C5 dialkyl disulphides, optionally substituted C1 C5 dialkyl trisulphides, optionally substituted C4-C7 aliphatic ketones, optionally substituted C5-C6 aryl ketones, or optionally 10 substituted C5-C6 heterocyclic amines.

9. A method of deterring Australian native mammals from a pre selected area comprising locating in the pre-selected area an effective amount of an olfactory deterrent as defined in any one 15 of claims 1 - 8.

10. The method as defined in claim 9, wherein the olfactory deterrent is topically applied to at least a portion of the pre selected area, or at spaced intervals within the pre-selected 20 area.

11. The method as defined in claim 9, wherein the olfactory deterrent is aerially applied to the pre-selected area. 25 12. An Australian native mammal deterrent system comprising an olfactory deterrent as defined in any one of claims 1 - 8, and a means to locate an effective amount of the olfactory deterrent in a pre-selected area to deter the Australian native mammal therefrom. 30

13. The Australian native mammal deterrent system as defined in claim 12, wherein the means to locate an effective amount of the olfactory deterrent in the pre-selected area comprises a solid CANRPotbl\GHManers\ORACECu272326i DOCX 3/04/12 - 25 formulation of an olfactory deterrent composition containing the olfactory deterrent.

14. The Australian native mammal deterrent system as defined in 5 claim 13, wherein the solid formulation is an agar gel containing dingo urine.

15. The Australian native mammal deterrent system as defined in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the means to locate an 10 effective amount of the one or more chemical communicants in the pre-selected area comprises a housing for accommodating the olfactory deterrent, or the olfactory .deterrent composition, or samples of urine, faecal matter, dander, or glandular excretions of the historical predator of the Australian native mammal. 15

16. The Australian native mammal deterrent system as defined in claim 12, wherein the means to locate an effective amount of the olfactory deterrent in the pre-selected area comprises a means for topically applying the olfactory deterrent in the pre-selected 20 area.

17. The Australian native mammal deterrent system as defined in claim 12, wherein the means to locate an effective amount of the olfactory deterrent comprises a means for aerially applying the 25 olfactory deterrent in the pre-selected area.

19. The Australian native mammal deterrent system as defined in any one of claims 12 to 17, further comprising one or more auditory deterrents and/or one or more visual deterrents located 30 in the pre-selected area. 19. The Australian native mammal deterrent system as defined in claim 18, wherein the auditory deterrents comprise a sound C:\NRUonbl\GHMaItus\GRACEC327236_ DOCX 3104112 - 26 recording of frequencies selected from a group including frequencies which produce Australian native mammal vigilance, historical predator sounds, novel sounds, and frequencies designed to jam Australian native mammal communication frequencies. 5

20. The Australian native mammal deterrent system as defined in claim 19, wherein the frequencies are in the range of about 2.0 3.5 KHz. 10 21. The Australian native mammal deterrent system as defined in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the amplitude and pitch frequency is varied throughout the duration of the sound recording.

22. The Australian native mammal deterrent system as defined in is any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the visual deterrent is selected from a group including taxidermally-prepAred historical predators, light-reflective elements, flashing lights or strobe lights, coloured markers, in particular orange or red markers, and flags of varying size and colour, in particular orange and. red 20 flags.

23. The Australian native mammal deterrent system as defined in any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the auditory and/or visual deterrents are located in the pre-selected area from various 25 angles, heights and levels.

24. An olfactory deterrent composition for deterring an Australian native mammal comprising an effective amount of one or more chemical communicants contained in urine, faecal matter, 30 dander, or glandular excretions of an historical predator of the Australian native mammal, and a carrier vehicle. C:\R, onbhGHMians\eORACEC'U272326_I.DOCX 3104112 - 27 25. The olfactory deterrent composition as defined in claim 24, wherein the one or more chemical communicants are selected from a group comprising kairomones, chemical compositional fingerprints specific to the historic predator, and volatile organic compounds. 5

26. The olfactory deterrent composition as defined in claim 25, wherein thle volatile organic compounds are selected from a group comprising optionally substituted Cl-C5 alkyl thioethers, optionally substituted C1-C5 dialkyl disulphides, optionally 10 substituted Cl-C5 dialkyl trisulphides, optionally substituted C4 C7 aliphatic ketones, optionally substituted C5-C6 aryl ketones, or optionally substituted C5-C6 heterocyclic amines.

27. The olfactory deterrent composition as defined in any one of 15 claims 24 to 26 comprising one or more chemical communicants contained in dingo urine.

28. The olfactory deterrent composition as defined in any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the carrier vehicle is environmentally 20 acceptable for topical application to the pre-selected area.

29. The olfactory deterrent composition as defined in any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the carrier vehicle is environmentally acceptable for aerial application to the pre-selected area. 25

30. The olfactory deterrent composition as defined in any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the carrier vehicle comprises a gel.

31. The olfactory deterrent composition as defined in claim 30, 30 wherein the carrier vehicle is an agar gel. C:\NRPonbl\GMatters\GRACECU272126.1.DOCX 3/04/12 - 28 32. The olfactory deterrent composition as defined in claim 24, wherein the carrier vehicle is selected from a group comprising oils, liquids, pastes, sprays, aerosols, and solid formulations 5 33. The olfactory deterrent composition as defined in claim 32, wherein the solid formulation comprises a wax-based solid, a water-dispersed solid, or a sublimable solid.

34. The olfactory deterrent composition as defined in any one of 10 claims 24 to 33, further comprising one or more additives selected from a group comprising a colourant, a bittering agent, a preservative, or a stabiliser.

35. The olfactory deterrent composition as defined in claim 34, 15 wherein the colourant is a red or orange colourant.

36. The olfactory deterrent composition as defined in claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the preservative is a mould inhibitor or an anti-oxidant. 20

37. The olfactory deterrent composition as defined in claim 24 comprising dingo urine dispersed in an agar gel.

38. The olfactory deterrent composition as defined in claim 37, 25 wherein the dingo urine is less than 20 wt% of the composition.

39. Use of an effective amount of one or more chemical communicants contained in urine, faecal matter, dander, or glandular excretions of an historical predator of an Australian 30 native mammal for the manufacture of an olfactory deterrent composition. C.\NRPonbl\GHMattn\GRACEC\3272326I .DOCX 3104/12 - 29 40. A method of preparing an olfactory deterrent composition as defined in any one of claims 24 to 38, comprising combining an effective amount of one or more chemical communicants, and optionally other additives, with the carrier vehicle. 5

41. An olfactory deterrent for an Australian native mammal substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Examples. 10 42. An olfactory deterrent composition for deterring an Australian native mammal substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Examples.

43. A method of deterring Australian native mammals from a pre 15 selected area substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Examples.

44. A Australian native mammal deterrent system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying 20 Examples. C:\NPortbl\GHWatters\GRACECU272326_I.DOCX 3104/12