Supplemental feeding is a long-running management technique used to help sustain northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations but has been plagued with inconsistent results. Here, we review the literature on supplemental feeding and propose that the inconsistencies could, in part, be due to the nutritional requirements of bobwhite not being considered. Consistent methods that take into account these nutritional requirements could provide a more effective method for sustaining bobwhite. Photograph by Cassandra Henry.

Carnaby’s cockatoo (Calyptorhychus latirostris), Baudin’s cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii) and the forest red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) are threatened parrot species endemic to south-western Western Australia. The present study aimed to develop an automated classifier tool to classify accelerometer data from released black cockatoos to determine behaviour and activity budgets. Combined with location data, this provides vital insight into cockatoo movement, distribution, feeding and breeding habitat and resource use. This information is useful for informing conservation efforts. Photograph by Karen Riley.

Exotic wild boar and axis deer became overabundant in many parts of the world. Taylor’s law described well the spatial and temporal variability in their abundance under controlled hunting in a protected area of north-eastern Argentina. The protected area was divided into a restricted- and public-use section. Taylor’s law identifies key zones for targeted control, and can be used for sequential sampling. Photograph by Gabriela Nicosia.

Feral cats are a leading cause of biodiversity loss worldwide and effective cat control remains a challenge for many land managers. We experimentally tested the response of cats and their prey to a ground baiting program over 6 years, but found low efficacy in terms of changes in cat occupancy and activity each year. Increasing baiting density and/or frequency may improve the efficacy of ground baiting. Photograph by Tim Doherty.

Little is known about the ecology of introduced sambar deer, which are having significant negative impacts on native ecosystems in south-eastern Australia. Here, we demonstrate how a molecular approach can be used to delineate management units of invasive species, through population genetics, to inform control strategies. Photograph by Chris Davies.

Predator control is used to protect imperilled prey, but paradoxically could increase predation risk if predators are lured into control areas. We found mouse lures did not increase snake–bird contacts but suppressed snakes in the presence of birds. However, snakes caught with bird lures tended to be larger and in better body condition, warranting consideration for adding bird-lure traps to control programs. Photograph by Björn Lardner.