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Abstract

Order: Anseres.
Family: Anatidae
Anseranas melanoleuca Latham (female)
(The Semipalmated Goose)
- The example of this interesting species that I sent as an
addition to the Museum collection is that of a young female,
probably a first year bird. It was shot on the Lake River,
near Cressy, on the 20th inst., and no doubt formed one of a
small flock that have lately been observed in the neighbourhood
of Launceston. Another specimen was shot on the
outskirt of the town, and at about the same time two others
were noticed flying at a great height over Invermay, and still
another I hear has been simultaneously seen in the vicinity
of the township of Westbury, so that there is little doubt
that at least five individuals have made their appearance
here. In all probability they have been carried away from
their distant native haunts by high wind currents of unusual
force. The specie belong to a genus peculiar to Australia,
containing but a single form whose true home is the eastern
portion of the continent, having been recorded from almost
every favourable portion, with the exception of the western,
the interior, and the extreme north at Cape York. In
Victoria and Southern New South Wales it is fast becoming
extirpated, and it is now only in the most out-of-the-way
and secluded fresh-water lagoons and rivers that it is to be
still met with, but in the more northern portion of the latter
colony, and in Queensland, it is to be seen in some plenty
where a suitable locality exists for its requirements. In the
wild and less frequented extreme north of Australia it is very
abundant, and forms one of the chief sources of food for the
natives.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Petterd, William Frederick
Keywords:	Royal Society of Tasmania, Van Diemens Land, VDL, Hobart Town, natural sciences, proceedings, records
Journal or Publication Title:	Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Collections:	Royal Society Collection > Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Additional Information:	In 1843 the Horticultural and Botanical Society of Van Diemen's Land was founded and became the Royal Society of Van Diemen's Land for Horticulture, Botany, and the Advancement of Science in 1844. In 1855 its name changed to Royal Society of Tasmania for Horticulture, Botany, and the Advancement of Science. In 1911 the name was shortened to Royal Society of Tasmania.
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