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Pacific Conservation Biology Pacific Conservation Biology Society
A journal dedicated to conservation and wildlife management in the Pacific region.

Pacific Conservation Biology

Pacific Conservation Biology

Pacific Conservation Biology provides a forum for discussion about regional conservation problems; debate about priorities and mechanisms for conservation oriented biological research; and dissemination of the results of relevant research. Read more about the journalMore

Editor-in-Chief: Mike Calver

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Pacific Conservation Biology is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 21 November 2024

PC24062Navigating large scale ocean science in a Pacific small island developing state

L. Claassens 0000-0003-4669-1735, C. M. Hernández, P. Biondi, J. Jaskiel, C. Muller Karanassos, M. Mesengei, V. Nestor, E. I. Otto, H. Renguul, R. D. Rotjan, G. Sartori and L. Tatebe
 

Conducting research in large offshore areas usually require large research vessels, significant funding and specific expertise, most of which are not readily available in small island developing states. Even with limited funding, facilities and expertise, we were able to answer a key research question for the fully offshore Palau National Marine Sanctuary. Furthermore, by doing so developed a research platform with five key steps to develop and implement offshore research with limited resources and expertise.

Published online 21 November 2024

PC24048A noodle in a haystack: determining the conservation status of the rare and Data Deficient Ravensthorpe Range slider, Lerista viduata

Luke R. Bonifacio 0009-0009-3039-9634, Jules E. Farquhar, Arman N. Pili, Jessica C. Walsh and David G. Chapple 0000-0002-7720-6280
 

This is the first detailed study on the Ravensthorpe Range slider (Lerista viduata), one of Australia’s rarest reptiles. The species has long had a Data Deficient conservation status; however, our investigations reveal that, alarmingly, it is actually Critically Endangered (i.e. the most severe status before Extinct in the Wild). As such, we reveal that L. viduata should be amongst the highest of Australia’s conservation priorities.

The beach and coastal dune systems of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve are mapped and the terrain features comprising the beach and dune systems are described. The evolutionary patterns of the major dune forms are elucidated for this little-known area.

This article belongs to the collection: The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia.

This paper provides an updated forage list for the endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo (Zanda latirostris). Proponents seeking land clearing approval that may impact Carnaby’s cockatoos must provide detailed habitat assessment, however, the current forage species list is outdated. This updated list will inform proponents and regulators, aiding the referral process and the potential protection and conservation of important and diminishing habitat resources.

Published online 14 November 2024

PC24021Local ecological knowledge reveals an undocumented population of Reeves’ butterfly lizard (Leiolepis reevesii) in Zhuhai, China

Michael Ka Yiu Hui 0000-0002-1756-7025, Ho Yuen Yeung, Aiko K. Y. Leong, Yuxin Lan, Shufang Pan, Zhengzheng Sun and Jian-Huan Yang
 

Through local ecological knowledge and field surveys, we discovered an undocumented Reeves’s butterfly lizard (Leiolepis reevesii) population on Qi’ao Island of China, which is the first record in the Pearl River Delta since the early 2010s and represents the only remaining population from the vicinity of its type locality. However, it is reported to be very rare on the island now, urgent conservation action and education campaigns are required to prevent further declines.

Published online 12 November 2024

PC24027Mass mortalities of grey-headed flying-foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) from tree collapses

Matthew Mo 0000-0003-2099-6020, Leah Colefax, Bel Manria, Gerardine Hawkins, Joanna Haddock, Racheal Walker, Denise Karkkainen and Alison J. Peel
 

The grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) is a vulnerable species susceptible to numerous factors known to produce simultaneous deaths. We present observations of two incidents involving trees collapsing and killing multiple flying-foxes that were roosting in those trees.

Published online 12 November 2024

PC24042Movements of adult and fledgling Carnaby’s Cockatoos (Zanda latirostris Carnaby, 1948) from eleven breeding areas throughout their range

Denis A. Saunders 0000-0001-5959-573X, Peter R. Mawson 0000-0001-6729-2966, Rick Dawson, Heather Beswick, Geoffrey Pickup and Kayley Usher
 

A study of adult and fledgling Carnaby’s cockatoo movements from 11 breeding sites during the non-breeding season showed that sub-adult cockatoos roam much more widely than adults, foraging in habitat an order of magnitude more remote from breeding sites than previously reported. More distant habitat now needs to be considered important in supporting populations.

Published online 11 November 2024

PC24058Drought in south-west Australia links to urban immigration across multiple avian taxa

Harry A. Moore 0000-0001-9035-5937 and Anna K. Cresswell
 

Western spinebill identified as responding to drought. Dead and dying vegetation in Perth hills during drought.

Urban areas are expanding rapidly, leading to habitat and biodiversity loss. However, they may offer resources during environmental stressors like drought. Our study in south-west Western Australia found dramatic increases in reporting rates for four bird species during a climate anomaly, highlighting their adaptive behavioural responses and the potential of urban areas as refuges. Photograph by Harry Moore.

Coconut (or robber) crabs (Birgus latro) are the largest terrestrial arthropod. We provide the first detailed report of their occurrence on the islands of Oeno, Henderson, and Ducie Atoll in the Pitcairn Islands, extending their known range by more than 600 km.

Published online 29 October 2024

PC24050A targeted study to determine the conservation status of a Data Deficient montane lizard, the Eungella shadeskink (Saproscincus eungellensis)

Nicholas A. Scott, Jordan Mulder, Arman N. Pili, Paul M. Oliver 0000-0003-4291-257X, Harry B. Hines, Jules E. Farquhar and David G. Chapple 0000-0002-7720-6280
 

Data Deficient species can be neglected in conservation management. We used a targeted field survey, ecological study, and species distribution modelling to determine the conservation status of the Eungella shadeskink. It is confined to areas near water and has a severely restricted Area of Occupancy and Extent of Occurrence. The main threats are fire, invasive alien species and climate change. The species is forecast to lose all climatically suitable habitat by 2080, and meets criteria for Critically Endangered listing.

Published online 25 October 2024

PC24035The status and conservation needs of the Micronesian Megapode (Megapodius laperouse laperouse) across the Mariana archipelago

Paul M. Radley 0000-0003-0315-2790, Richard J. Camp 0000-0001-7008-923X, Frederick A. Amidon, Ann P. Marshall, P. Marcos Gorresen 0000-0002-0707-9212 and Curt Kessler
 

We investigated the archipelago-wide status of Micronesian Megapodes (Megapodius laperouse) in the Mariana Islands. Findings indicate that megapode population and distribution in the Mariana Islands are limited by availability of native forest and human presence. We discuss studies of breeding and movement patterns, and removal of introduced ungulates and predators to benefit the species.

Many Australian native bees visit native flora, sometimes exclusively. Corymbia calophylla (Marri) is endemic to the southwest Western Australian biodiversity hotspot. We reveal this flowering tree is visited by 81 species of native bees. This is an incredible diversity, emphasising the value of this plant for native bee conservation.

Published online 24 October 2024

PC24026Recent surveys of the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) population on Kuril Islands

Igor Popov 0000-0002-2564-3294 and Anton Iurmanov
 

What is happening with sea otters in remote unpopulated areas? This question arose during recent expeditions to the Kuril Islands. Sections of shore have been surveyed, revealing a decline in sea otter populations. It is likely that this decline is due to illegal hunting, similar to occurrences in the remote past.

Invasive animals’ wide-ranging activity complicates monitoring and control. For improved management, identifying areas of high use is crucial. Analysing spatial data from 35 feral cats, this study compared core range estimation methods. The α-hull method outperformed others and could improve the efficiency of further habitat use assessments.

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

This collection of Pacific Conservation Biology papers will enable a synthesis of the challenges which face marine mammal populations and research in the Pacific and the actions and agreements to address some of the challenges, facilitate the publication of important knowledge from research poor areas, and highlight the importance of crowd-sourced data across geographically complex regions.

Collection Editors
Rochelle Constantine (University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau)
Claire Garrigue (Institute for Research and Development)

Last Updated: 07 Oct 2024

Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve is one of the most important nature conservation areas along the south coast of Western Australia. This Collection of Pacific Conservation Biology papers about the natural history of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, provides past and current knowledge of this significant nature reserve.

Collection Editors
A. J. M. Hopkins, G. T. Smith and D. A. Saunders

Last Updated: 06 Aug 2024

This Collection focuses on contributions from researchers studying conservation problems and solutions along the eastern Pacific coast and Hawaii. The papers from the eastern Pacific coast include island and mainland examples, confirming that both are considered within the journal’s scope. They illustrate the range and quality of the work published by Pacific Conservation Biology, as well as the journal’s service to the scientific communities of the eastern Pacific coast.

Last Updated: 22 Mar 2024

This Collection offers an overview of the publishing process from start to finish, and is designed to provide information and support to researchers looking to publish academic articles. Topics include common mistakes authors make in presentation or in misunderstanding what happens in production, the importance of accurate referencing and proofing, navigating problems with authorship, making decisions about Open Access, and promoting work once it is accepted.

Collection Editor
Mike Calver (Editor-in-Chief, Pacific Conservation Biology)

Last Updated: 01 Sep 2022

The challenges for conservation in the Pacific are sharpest in managing coral reefs. The effects of anthropogenic climate change are already evident, as well as unregulated exploitation, land clearing or agricultural production on adjoining lands. In 2018, Pacific Conservation Biology celebrated 25 years of publication. It was also International Year of the Reef. In this Collection, we have collated key papers to aid the understanding of the value of, and threats to, coral reefs and their ecosystems, with hope that this research will contribute to a brighter future for our reefs.

Collection Editors
Mike Van Keulen and Mike Calver

Last Updated: 18 May 2018

Pacific Conservation Biology is dedicated to conservation in the Pacific region, which is defined broadly as the western Pacific (East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania), the north Pacific (including Russia), and the islands of the central Pacific across to countries on the North American and South American continents bordering on the eastern Pacific. In this Collection, Pacific Conservation Biology addresses the ‘big questions’ in conservation, providing a forum for conservation scientists, natural resource managers and science communicators to explore the answers in a Pacific context.

Last Updated: 27 Jun 2017

Committee on Publication Ethics

Ivor Beatty Award

Kit Prendergast has been awarded the Ivor Beatty Award for 2023.

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