Night parrots are one of Australia’s most endangered birds, in part due to feral cats. This study aims to understand feral cat habitat selection around night parrots, then estimate effectiveness of possible management actions. Using GPS movement data from feral cats, we identified their preferred habitats and how effective different control options would be using simulation models. Photograph by Stephen Murphy.

Recent studies have shown that the tolerance of wild house mice to zinc phosphide (ZnP) in Australia is significantly higher than previously assumed, which may account for the reported variability in efficacy of ZnP baits used for house mice control in grain-growing regions. We used a BACI design to show that a newly derived ZnP50 bait is more effective under field conditions than the is currently registered ZnP bait in reducing populations of house mice during a mouse outbreak. Photograph by Nikki Van de Weyer.

The success of aerial rodent eradications relies on spreading toxic bait into every rodent territory. Bait must then remain available long enough for rodents to find and consume a lethal dose. This study assessed the unexpected interference by non-native slugs during the mouse eradication attempt on Gough Island, and found that bait consumption by slugs was concerningly high. We describe our attempt to manage the issue by adjusting the baiting strategy. Photograph by Araceli Samaniego.

Feral cats present an alarming threat to Australia’s native biodiversity. The Felixer grooming device is a method of feral cat control that is designed to be target-specific and efficient in the control of this invasive species. In order for the Felixer to be considered as a feral cat control device in Tasmania, its effectiveness in differentiating cats from similar carnivores, specifically Tasmanian devils and quolls, needs to be tested. Photograph by Darren Rumble.

Foxes threaten the survival of many Australian wildlife species, yet little is known about their population numbers. We monitored a fox population for four consecutive years and compared a variety of monitoring methods and analytical techniques. Our findings will help land managers design fit-for-purpose monitoring programs to better understand the threat posed by foxes and the efficacy of efforts to manage their populations. Photograph by Andrew Carter.

How quickly house mice succumb after aerial baiting on islands is not well understood. We used trail cameras to assess mouse activity before and after an aerial mouse eradication operation on a temperate island, and found a dramatic population collapse within 3 days and almost zero activity after 7 days. We discuss the value of camera monitoring to inform eradication strategies and to confirm eradication outcome. Photograph by RSPB.

The possibility of recounting animals during helicopter surveys of wildlife is rarely investigated. Using simultaneous ground observers, we investigated the movements of feral goats in response to intensive helicopter surveys. Goats moved away from already flown transects more frequently than towards those transects, which is likely to have resulted in recounting and consequent overestimation of population size. We make design recommendations to overcome this issue. Photograph by Peter Fleming.