Latest

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

Published online 21 January 2025

WR24036Species-specific spatial and temporal variability in anuran call detection: implications for deploying autonomous recording units

Andrew Hall , Amelia Walcott, Ali Borrell, Dale G. Nimmo and Skye Wassens

 

Acoustic monitoring with autonomous recording units (ARUs) offers efficient ecosystem assessment, but producing high quality data is challenging. We assessed detection probabilities of five frog species from ten ARUs positioned across a wetland, finding that the degree of spatiotemporal variability in detection varied by species. Our analysis informed ARU deployment requirements for producing reliable species community monitoring data and informed confidence levels when fewer ARUs are deployed. Image by Andrew Hall.

WR24036 Abstract  |  WR24036 Full Text  | WR24036PDF (5.5 MB)  | WR24036Supplementary Material (659 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 20 January 2025

WR24102Estimating feral cat (Felis catus) population density in eastern Australia’s subtropical rainforest using spatial capture-recapture incorporating unidentified individuals

Darren McHugh , Matthijs Hollanders , Sarah Legge and Ben C. Augustine

 

Management of broadly distributed invasive species requires knowledge of population densities across multiple ecosystems. The feral cat has a continental distribution in Australia; however, density estimates from several ecosystems are few or lacking. This study aimed to estimate the feral cat population density within a subtropical rainforest ecosystem. We demonstrated that the feral cat density was unexpectedly high. Our study adds to a growing body of literature that suggests feral cat densities are high in productive mesic reserves of eastern Australia. Image by Darren McHugh.

WR24102 Abstract  |  WR24102 Full Text  | WR24102PDF (2.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 January 2025

WR24116How the goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) adapts to isolated island: from the perspective of habitat and food

Yuan Wang , Peng Yuan, Chao Liu, Ying Yang, Wenbin Yang, Dazhi Zhang and Guijun Yang

 

With the interference of human activities, the population of the goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) has greatly declined. This study elucidated the adaptability of the goitered gazelle in small-scale isolated habitats from the perspectives of suitable habitat and diet. We identified the key environmental factors that affect the distribution of goitered gazelle and utilized DNA metabarcoding technology for the first time in the study of their diet. Photograph by Yuan Wang.

WR24116 Abstract  | PDF (1.3 MB) - $35.00   | WR24116Supplementary Material (2.2 MB)

Published online 17 January 2025

WR24175Invasive wild pig carcass availability does not affect coyote abundance in South Carolina, USA

Heather E. Gaya , Gino J. D’Angelo , Mark Vukovich, Jordan L. Youngmann, Stacey L. Lance and John C. Kilgo

 

In the United States, control programs often leave wild pig carcasses on the landscape where they are freely available for consumption by scavengers such as coyotes. This study tested whether coyote abundance is affected by wild pig carcasses created by control programs, and found that coyote abundance did not change in response to wild pig carcass availability. We conclude that wild pig carcass removal will not be an effective coyote management strategy. Photograph by M. Vukovich.

WR24175 Abstract  | PDF (1.6 MB) - $35.00   | WR24175Supplementary Material (495 KB)

Published online 17 January 2025

WR24117Assessing target and non-target species interactions with buried non-toxic meat baits across fire mosaics

Rachel T. Mason , Anthony R. Rendall , Robin D. Sinclair and Euan G. Ritchie

 

1080 baiting is commonly used to manage invasive species and reduce livestock predation, but the potential for some non-target species to be harmed by baiting is not well-understood. We monitored non-toxic baits and found that non-target species, particularly native mice, located and interacted with baits more often and quicker than target predators did. Current baiting practices have the potential to harm non-target species. Optimising baiting methods should be prioritised to minimise undesirable impacts and ensure effective management outcomes are achieved. Image by Rachel Mason.

WR24117 Abstract  |  WR24117 Full Text  | WR24117PDF (1.2 MB)  | WR24117Supplementary Material (714 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 January 2025

WR24149Subfossils suggest worse-than-realised losses of small-bodied mammals in northern Australia

Vikram Vakil , Jonathan Cramb, Gilbert Price, Julien Louys, John Stanisic and Gregory E. Webb

 

Examining Australia’s subfossil record can be valuable in assessing whether the current diversity of small-bodied mammals seen across northern Australia is ‘normal’. In this study, we aimed to analyse fossils from cave sites in north-eastern Queensland and showed that local pre-European small-mammal communities were much more diverse than are the region’s extant faunas recorded by modern surveys. We demonstrated that recent losses of small-bodied mammals maybe greater than previously realised, prior to the fauna being documented in the region. Photograph by Vikram Vakil.

WR24149 Abstract  |  WR24149 Full Text  | WR24149PDF (5 MB)  | WR24149Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 January 2025

WR24170An improved method of capture and immobilisation for medium to large-size macropods

Miguel A. Bedoya-Pérez , Michael J. Lawes, Brett Ottley, Stuart Barker, Esther Tarszisz and Clive R. McMahon

 

Macropods are prone to stress during capture, making the development of capture methods challenging. Currently, the most common methods used are trapping, suited for small macropods, and darting for the larger ones. A modified ‘nylon drop-net’ technique, typically used for African ungulates, was successfully employed to capture 40 agile wallabies with no fatalities during or after the procedure. Photograph by Miguel A. Bedoya-Perez.

WR24170 Abstract  |  WR24170 Full Text  | WR24170PDF (2 MB)  | WR24170Supplementary Material (266 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 January 2025

WR24122No evidence of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 infection in scavengers of wild rabbits in Australia

Ina L. Smith , Nina Huang, Megan Pavy, Alexander Gofton, Omid Fahri, Egi Kardia, Roslyn Mourant, Sammi Chong, Maria Jenckel, Robyn N. Hall and Tanja Strive

 

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) 2 causes an often fatal infection in rabbits and hares; however, there are concerns about the host specificity of this virus. We investigated scavengers of rabbits for infection with RHDV2 and found no evidence of productive infections. This study has provided insights into the safety of RHDV2, addressing potential routes of spread and possible reservoir hosts. Photograph by Roslyn Mourant.

WR24122 Abstract  |  WR24122 Full Text  | WR24122PDF (752 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 January 2025

WR24104Yarning up with Doc Reynolds: an interview about Country from an Indigenous perspective

Doc Reynolds and Liz Cameron

 

Aboriginal conversations usually occur around a fire so that we can sit on Country and immerse ourselves through talk and connect with our Country (natural world). The act of Yarning serves as a medium to establish and build respectful relationships, exchange stories and traditions and preserve and pass on cultural knowledge. This interview with Doc Reynolds began like all other initial Yarning conversations on who we are and where we belong. Image by Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation. Source: https://www.facebook.com/etntac/.

This article belongs to the collection: Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia.

WR24104 Abstract  |  WR24104 Full Text  | WR24104PDF (892 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 January 2025

WR24022Exploring a new Biocultural Credit Assessment Framework: case study for Indigenous-led fauna management from the Laynhapuy Indigenous Protected Area, Australia

Daniel G. Smuskowitz , Emilie J. Ens, Bridget Campbell , Bobby M. Wunuŋmurra, Bandipandi Wunuŋmurra, Luḻparr George Waṉambi, Brendan Banygada Wunuŋmurra, Butjiaŋanybuy Thomas Marrkula, Darren G. Waṉambi and The Yirralka Rangers

 

Warning: this article contains names and images of deceased Aboriginal people.

Even though Indigenous Peoples manage significant proportions of Earth’s biodiversity, conservation finance mechanisms often fail to incorporate Indigenous cultural values. This study presents a proof of concept for a new Biocultural Credit Assessment Framework that prioritises Indigenous concerns, indicators, targets and actions to inform an Indigenous-led biocultural conservation project. Following a fauna survey, nine Elders identified six concerns, ten indicators, six targets and six actions that could potentially feed into a biocultural credit market to diversify income and enhance Indigenous-led conservation. Photograph by Daniel Smuskowitz.

This article belongs to the collection: Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia.

WR24022 Abstract  |  WR24022 Full Text  | WR24022PDF (1.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 January 2025

WR24050Adaptive management of a remote threatened-species population on Aboriginal lands

J. L. Read , R. West , Grant Nyaningu and Warru Rangers , Oska Mills and B. L. Phillips

 

We reviewed how the trajectories of a warru population (black-flanked rock wallaby) in the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands of remote northern South Australia responded to rainfall and to different predator-control strategies. Repeated scat counts provided a robust index of population changes while requiring less overall logistical and financial costs than did correlated mark–recapture estimates. The 22-year dataset showed positive response of warru to rainfall and to management of invasive predators by shooting, but not by baiting. Photograph by John Read.

This article belongs to the collection: Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia.

WR24050 Abstract  | PDF (1.4 MB) - $35.00   | WR24050Supplementary Material (1.5 MB)

Published online 09 December 2024

WR24163Determining the impacts of conservation fencing on woma pythons (Aspidites ramsayi)

Joshua Magro , Reece Pedler , John Read and Rebecca West

 

Entanglements of woma pythons have been recorded in conservation fencing at the Wild Deserts project partnership site, a safe haven in arid Australia. This prompted us to investigate woma spatial ecology in relation to fencing to inform mitigation actions. Entanglements were only observed from 30-mm netting, with no records from 50-mm netting. Larger netting apertures are preferable when planning future fenced conservation reserves where rabbit exclusion is not required. Photograph by Reece Pedler.

WR24163 Abstract  |  WR24163 Full Text  | WR24163PDF (1.4 MB)  | WR24163Supplementary Material (2.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 09 December 2024

WR24045Using stable-isotope analysis to assess recent diet and habitat use of stranded green turtles (Chelonia mydas)

Joshua J. Glen , Christina A. Buelow, Max D. Campbell, Joanna Day, Phoebe J. B. Meagher, Jason P. van de Merwe and Ryan M. Pearson

 

New South Wales (NSW) has a high number of green turtle stranding events. Understanding these events is crucial to evidence-based management of this species and prevention of further incidents. This research analysed the diet of select green turtles and found that these turtles were feeding on animal material and macroalgae prior to stranding. This research mapped the stable-isotope values of common dietary items along the NSW coastline and provides the groundwork for future research to investigate diet structure of healthy, free-ranging green turtles in NSW. Photograph by Rory Crofts, 2020.

WR24045 Abstract  |  WR24045 Full Text  | WR24045PDF (1.5 MB)  | WR24045Supplementary Material (2.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 09 December 2024

WR24062Hunters’ knowledge, perceived risks, and agency trust associated with chronic wasting disease, and beliefs about CWD management

Jerry J. Vaske and Craig A. Miller

 

Wildlife agencies spend considerable effort developing communication programs to educate various publics about chronic wasting disease (CWD). This article examined the influence that the number of years CWD had been in a state had on deer hunters’ knowledge of CWD. Knowledge was then related to perceived risks, agency trust, and beliefs about CWD management. Implications are discussed. Photograph by Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

WR24062 Abstract  | PDF (299 KB) - $35.00 

Published online 06 December 2024

WR24021Operational field trialling of Felixer™ grooming traps for the control of feral cats in the Strzelecki Desert, Australia

R. D. Pedler , J. L. Read , K. E. Moseby , T. J. Hunt, C. E. Lynch, D. B. Cullen, B. Coulter, R. T. Kingsford and R. S. West

 

Feral cats are a key threat to biodiversity globally, and particularly in Australia, but effective control is complex because of their broadscale distribution and behaviour. Felixer grooming traps were evaluated at a mammal reintroduction site in the Strzelecki Desert, Australia. Felixers showed extremely high target specificity, low incidence of non-target firing events and appear to have supressed cat activity in a semi-bounded area relative to an adjacent unbounded area where no cat control was occurring. The devices had high cost and incidence of technical faults, but showed promise as highly targeted feral cat control tools. Photograph by Reece Pedler.

WR24021 Abstract  |  WR24021 Full Text  | WR24021PDF (2.9 MB)  | WR24021Supplementary Material (1.7 MB)   Open Access Article

More content

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.

WR23091, Accepted 21 January 2025

A multi-modal approach to enhance Toxoplasma gondii detection in the Australian landscape

Amanda Breidahl , Michael Lynch, Duncan Sutherland, Rebecca Traub and Jasmin Hufschmid

 

WR23091Abstract

WR24076, Accepted 21 January 2025

The relationship between the presence of people, fire patterns and persistence of two threatened species in the Great Sandy Desert

Rachel Paltridge , Yalti Napangati, Yukultji Ward, Johnny Nangagee, Mantua James, Raymond Olodoodi, Nanyuma Napangati, Stephen Eldridge, Andrew Schubert, Edward Blackwood and Sarah Legge

 

WR24076Abstract

WR24012, Accepted 15 January 2025

Life in the big smoke: terrestrial vertebrate assemblages and their drivers along an urbanisation gradient in Sydney, Australia

Martin Boer-Cueva , Rhys Cairncross , Mathew Crowther , Patrick Finnerty, Angela Raña, Peter Banks and Thomas Newsome

 

WR24012Abstract

WR24036, Accepted 20 December 2024

Species-specific spatial and temporal variability in anuran call detection: implications for deploying autonomous recording units

Andrew Hall , Amelia Walcott, Ali Borrell, Dale Nimmo and Skye Wassens

 

WR24036Abstract

Most Read

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1. Determining the impacts of conservation fencing on woma pythons (Aspidites ramsayi)

   Wildlife Research 51 (12)

   Joshua Magro , Reece Pedler , John Read , Rebecca West

2. Using stable-isotope analysis to assess recent diet and habitat use of stranded green turtles (Chelonia mydas)

   Wildlife Research 51 (12)

   Joshua J. Glen , Christina A. Buelow, Max D. Campbell, Joanna Day, Phoebe J. B. Meagher, Jason P. van de Merwe, Ryan M. Pearson

3. Operational field trialling of Felixer™ grooming traps for the control of feral cats in the Strzelecki Desert, Australia

   Wildlife Research 51 (12)

   R. D. Pedler , J. L. Read , K. E. Moseby , T. J. Hunt, C. E. Lynch, D. B. Cullen, B. Coulter, R. T. Kingsford, R. S. West

4. Den selection and movement patterns in a tropical savanna population of the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus)

   Wildlife Research 51 (12)

   Gavin J. Trewella , Teigan Cremona, Brett P. Murphy

5. Current and emerging feral cat management practices in Australia

   Wildlife Research 51 (6)

   A. Dorph , G. Ballard, S. Legge , D. Algar , G. Basnett, T. Buckmaster, J. Dunlop , A. M. Edwards, A. Hine, A. R. Knight , E. Marshall, S. C. McColl-Gausden, M. D. Pauza, T. D. Penman

6. Foraging habitat locations of flatback (Natator depressus) and olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) in northern Australia

   Wildlife Research 51 (12)

   Justin S. Smith, Colin J. Limpus, Takahiro Shimada, Laurie Booth, Eve C. Hinchliffe , Mariana M. P. B. Fuentes, Frank Loban, Shane Preston, Mark Hamann

7. Exploring a new Biocultural Credit Assessment Framework: case study for Indigenous-led fauna management from the Laynhapuy Indigenous Protected Area, Australia

   Wildlife Research 52 (1)

   Daniel G. Smuskowitz , Emilie J. Ens, Bridget Campbell , Bobby M. Wunuŋmurra, Bandipandi Wunuŋmurra, Luḻparr George Waṉambi, Brendan Banygada Wunuŋmurra, Butjiaŋanybuy Thomas Marrkula, Darren G. Waṉambi, The Yirralka Rangers

8. On the nose: validating a novel, non-invasive method to identify individual koalas using unique nose patterns

   Wildlife Research 51 (11)

   Janine Duffy, Tori Stragliotto, Valentina S. A. Mella

9. Applications of chemical bird repellents for crop and resource protection: a review and synthesis

   Wildlife Research 51 (2)

   Shelagh T. DeLiberto, Scott J. Werner

10. Potential threats and habitat of the night parrot on the Ngururrpa Indigenous Protected Area

    Wildlife Research 51 (10)

    Ngururrpa Rangers , Clifford Sunfly, Andrew Schubert, Angela M. Reid, Nicholas Leseberg, Luke Parker, Rachel Paltridge

11. An improved method of capture and immobilisation for medium to large-size macropods

    Wildlife Research 52 (1)

    Miguel A. Bedoya-Pérez , Michael J. Lawes, Brett Ottley, Stuart Barker, Esther Tarszisz, Clive R. McMahon

12. No evidence of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 infection in scavengers of wild rabbits in Australia

    Wildlife Research 52 (1)

    Ina L. Smith , Nina Huang, Megan Pavy, Alexander Gofton, Omid Fahri, Egi Kardia, Roslyn Mourant, Sammi Chong, Maria Jenckel, Robyn N. Hall, Tanja Strive

13. The Arid Zone Monitoring Project: combining Indigenous ecological expertise with scientific data analysis to assess the potential of using sign-based surveys to monitor vertebrates in the Australian deserts

    Wildlife Research 51 (9)

    Sarah Legge , Naomi Indigo , Darren M. Southwell, Anja Skroblin, Tida Nou, Alys R. Young, Jaana Dielenberg, David P. Wilkinson, Diego Brizuela-Torres, Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara , Birriliburu Rangers , Brett Backhouse, Carolina Galindez Silva, Cassandra Arkinstall , Catherine Lynch, Central Land Council Rangers , Chris L. Curnow, Dan J. Rogers, Danae Moore, Ellen Ryan-Colton, Joe Benshemesh, Josef Schofield, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, Karajarri Rangers , Katherine Moseby , Katherine Tuft , Keith Bellchambers, Kevin Bradley, Kim Webeck, Kimberley Land Council Land and Sea Management Unit , Kiwirrkurra Rangers , Laurie Tait, Malcolm Lindsay , Martin Dziminski, Newhaven Warlpiri Rangers , Ngaanyatjarra Council Rangers , Ngurrara Rangers , Nigel Jackett, Nyangumarta Rangers , Nyikina Mangala Rangers , Parna Ngururrpa Aboriginal Corporation , Pete Copley, Rachel Paltridge, Reece D. Pedler , Rick Southgate, Rob Brandle, Stephen van Leeuwen, Thalie Partridge, Thomas M. Newsome, Wiluna Martu Rangers , Yawuru Country Managers

14. The influence of severe wildfire on a threatened arboreal mammal

    Wildlife Research 51 (8)

    Mikayla C. Green , Damian R. Michael , James M. Turner , Lucy J. Wright, Dale G. Nimmo

15. Balancing act: evaluating non-target risks of feral cat management in conservation reserves

    Wildlife Research 51 (11)

    Mark Cowan, Michelle Drew, Brian Macmahon, Lesley A. Gibson

16. More trees and fewer roads: the importance of local and landscape features for insectivorous bats in open urban green spaces

    Wildlife Research 51 (4)

    M. Callas , L. F. Lumsden , A. R. Rendall , K. Yokochi

17. Girrimarring wiirrilgal bulany ngayanbading (bat nest-type fur sun-like): blending traditional knowledge and western science to create roosting habitat for the threatened golden-tipped bat Phoniscus papuensis

    Wildlife Research 51 (11)

    Anna Lloyd , Alicia Scanlon, Lilly Clegg, Ruth Link, Lauren Jarrett, Kristy Pursch, Alison Williams, Melissa Giese

18. Pirra Jungku and Pirra Warlu: using traditional fire-practice knowledge and contemporary science to guide fire-management goals for desert animals

    Wildlife Research 51 (10)

    Sarah Legge , Hamsini Bijlani, Karajarri Rangers , Ngurrara Rangers , Braedan Taylor, Jacqueline Shovellor, Frankie McCarthy, Chantelle Murray, Jesse Ala’i, Courtney Brown, Kevin Tromp, Sam Bayley, Ewan Noakes, Jackie Wemyss, Hannah Cliff, Nigel Jackett, Bruce Greatwich, Ben Corey, Mark Cowan, Kristina J. Macdonald , Brett P. Murphy, Sam Banks, Malcom Lindsay

19. Estimating feral cat (Felis catus) population density in eastern Australia’s subtropical rainforest using spatial capture-recapture incorporating unidentified individuals

    Wildlife Research 52 (2)

    Darren McHugh , Matthijs Hollanders , Sarah Legge , Ben C. Augustine

20. Diet of fallow deer suggests potential for invasion of novel habitats in Tasmania

    Wildlife Research 51 (2)

    Thomas R. Guy , Jamie B. Kirkpatrick, Calum X. Cunningham, Tina E. Berry , Kathryn L. Dawkins , Michael M. Driessen, Chris N. Johnson

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