As you can tell from my last posting, I started some serious learning as
a result of my query about scientific names for the Hooded Plover, which
was stimulated by my German PhD student friend asking which scientific
name he should use in his thesis.
Actually he's writing about the Australian Water Rat (Hydromys
chrysogaster - which translates into 'Golden-bellied Water-mouse") and
believes there are only one or two reliable accounts of this lovely
mammal predating on birds, one of which relates to the Hooded Plover.
His source for the scientific name of the plover was the Slater guide:
hence my query.
I would also love to hear about any other documented accounts of Rakali
(the name recommended by ANCA for H.chrysogaster) taking any live
terrestrial or avian prey. For instance, I've heard they eat Cane Toads
but I don't know of any published (not www) reference for this.
Another interest of mine is Aboriginal names for H. chrysogaster. I've
collected quite a few from Cape York to central Victoria. If anyone one
has any Aboriginal names for the animal I would like to know them.
And does anyone know where Henry Lawson got the name Dan-di-dan for the
water rat ? See http://www.uq.oz.au/~mlwham/banjo/a_bush_lawyer.html for
his poem.
Michael Norris
Hampton, Vic.
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