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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 04 July 2025

WR24211Chum dine with me: assessing the effects of wildlife tourism on non-target fish assemblages

Sasha K. Whitmarsh , Thomas M. Clarke , Mollie Owens, Jamie Hicks, Danny Brock, Caitlin J. Fox, Lauren Meyer and Charlie Huveneers

 

The effect of wildlife tourism on non-target species is understudied. We assessed the impacts of bait and berley input on fish assemblages at a white shark cage-diving site by using underwater cameras. Abundances of some species were higher at the tourist site, but species diversity and evenness were comparable to offshore islands without cage-diving. Overall, current management regulations for the cage-diving industry are effective in minimising impacts to non-target species. Photograph by the Southern Shark Ecology Group.

This article belongs to the collection: White Sharks Global proceedings and recent advances in white shark ecology and conservation.

WR24211 Abstract  |  WR24211 Full Text  | WR24211PDF (1.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 July 2025

WR24202If you are hidden, how will I know what you feel?: the role of tarantula burrows in buffering the external climatic conditions

Leonela Schwerdt , Nelson Ferretti and Ana Elena de Villalobos

 

Tarantula burrows provide essential microhabitats that buffer extreme weather conditions. This study, based on long-term wild monitoring, has shown how burrows stabilize temperatures and cooling/heating rates. Protecting natural habitats and understanding the fine-scale relationship between organisms and their environment is crucial for wildlife resilience, particularly in the face of climate change. Image by Leonela Schwerdt.

WR24202 Abstract  | PDF (3.3 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 03 July 2025

WR24154Size does matter: detectability of arboreal mammals using thermal cameras and spotlighting

George Madani and Leroy Gonsalves

 

This study assessed thermal cameras against traditional spotlighting for detecting small arboreal mammals. Thermal imaging proved more effective for detecting smaller eastern pygmy possums, while detection rates for larger common ringtail possums were similar across both methods. Integrating thermal imaging into wildlife surveys can improve species detection and population estimates, enhancing the accuracy of ecological monitoring programs. Photograph by George Madani.

WR24154 Abstract  |  WR24154 Full Text  | WR24154PDF (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 July 2025

WR24173Habitat use of invasive chital deer is associated with soil mineral content

Catherine L. Kelly , Lin Schwarzkopf, Iain J. Gordon, Anthony Pople and Ben T. Hirsch

 

After their introduction to north Queensland, Australia, chital deer have increased in number and distribution, causing negative social and economic impacts. This study investigated chital deer habitat use on two scales (local and regional) and found that soil phosphorus content was positively correlated with chital densities at both scales. Image created by authors.

WR24173 Abstract  |  WR24173 Full Text  | WR24173PDF (2.1 MB)  | WR24173Supplementary Material (397 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 20 June 2025

WR24145Transoceanic dispersal and connectivity of a white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) between southern Africa and Southeast Asia

Dylan T. Irion , Oliver J. D. Jewell , Alison V. Towner,  Fahmi , G. Christopher Fischer, Enrico Gennari , Madison Stewart, John P. Tyminski and Alison A. Kock

 

We report the discovery of potential population connectivity between southern Africa and Southeast Asia. This short communication details the chain of events that led to the recovery of a long defunct satellite transmitter, made possible through the trusting relationships and respect built between shark fishers and conservation organisations in the region. Further areas of research focus and collaboration are highlighted. Photograph by Caragh Fraser.

This article belongs to the collection: White Sharks Global proceedings and recent advances in white shark ecology and conservation.

WR24145 Abstract  |  WR24145 Full Text  | WR24145PDF (1.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 June 2025

WR24192Assessing the contributions of hunting tourism to the South African economy: a post-covid analysis

Peet van der Merwe and Andrea Saayman

 

Hunting tourism annually contributes billions of dollars to South Africa’s economy. This research aimed to evaluate the economic impact of international and local hunting tourists and found that hunting contributes USD 2.5 billion. These findings highlight the substantial role of hunting tourism in South Africa’s post-COVID economic recovery. Photograph by Peet van der Merwe.

WR24192 Abstract  |  WR24192 Full Text  | WR24192PDF (407 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 June 2025

WR25008Deep snow and human influence affect survival of an ungulate at the northern part of its range

Alexej P. K. Sirén , Nathan R. Bieber and Kyle Ravana

 

Winter is considered the limiting season for wildlife populations in high-latitude regions. We aimed to assess how winter variables and human influence, primarily in the form of artificial feeding, affect white-tailed deer survival at the north-eastern part of its range in the USA. Deep snow within closed-canopy forests had a negative impact on survival and human influence had a positive impact. We recommend using automated snow monitoring stations for monitoring impacts of winter on deer and determining harvest quotas. Image courtesy of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife by Scott McLellan.

WR25008 Abstract  |  WR25008 Full Text  | WR25008PDF (1.1 MB)  | WR25008Supplementary Material (434 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 10 June 2025

WR24081Monitoring the Endangered wiliji (Petrogale lateralis kimberleyensis) on Nyikina Mangala Country (Western Australia) using camera traps

Tyrone H. Lavery , Darraga John Watson, Nyikina Mangala Rangers , Lane Broome, Raymond Charles, Mark D. B. Eldridge, Jeremiah Green, Pius Gregory, Sarah Legge , Shaquille Millindee, David Pearson, Tyrese Skeen, Daniel Smuskowitz, Darren Southwell , Albert Watson, Alexander Watson, William Watson, Nick Weigner , John Woinarski , Leigh-Ann Woolley and David B. Lindenmayer

 

Since 2012, the Nyikina Mangala Rangers have used cameras to monitor Endangered wiliji, a culturally important rock-wallaby endemic to Nyikina Mangala Country. Trusted scientists were invited to analyse this camera data to inform a ranger-led wiliji management plan. Modelling estimated the most recent Malarabba population to be 108 wiliji, and ongoing monitoring is guiding our adaptive threat management strategies. Photograph by Veronica Joseph/WWF-Australia.

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

WR24081 Abstract  |  WR24081 Full Text  | WR24081PDF (2.4 MB)  | WR24081Supplementary Material (453 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 June 2025

WR24207Sympatric ray species show different temporal patterns for accessing provisioned food

Joni Pini-Fitzsimmons , Molly White, Nathan A. Knott and Culum Brown

 

Wildlife tourism, particularly feeding activities, can significantly alter animal behaviour and space use, potentially modifying ecological interactions. This study examined how two co-occurring ray species responded to unregulated feeding from tourists in south-eastern Australia, and found differing patterns of site attachment, visitation, and space use between the two species. The findings highlighted the importance of considering how different species respond to feeding, to help guide more effective and responsible management of wildlife tourism. Photograph by Joni Pini-Fitzsimmons.

WR24207 Abstract  |  WR24207 Full Text  | WR24207PDF (3.8 MB)  | WR24207Supplementary Material (321 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 29 May 2025

WR25024Aerial shooting is unlikely to cause dispersal or consistent changes in the movements of feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Andrew J. Bengsen , Sebastien Comte , Troy Crittle, Suzie Holbery, Darren Marshall, Lachlan Marshall, Lee Parker and David M. Forsyth

 

Aerial shooting is widely used to reduce feral pig damage, but there are concerns that it could cause pigs to spread. We used GPS collars to investigate how aerial shooting affects feral pig movement and found that although individual pig behaviour varied, it did not cause widespread dispersal. Overall, it is unlikely to spread pigs or their impacts. Photograph by Andrew Bengsen.

WR25024 Abstract  |  WR25024 Full Text  | WR25024PDF (2.7 MB)  | WR25024Supplementary Material (718 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 May 2025

WR25010Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia: editorial

Jack Pascoe , Marlee Hutton, Sarah Legge , Emilie Ens, Hannah Cliff and Stephen van Leeuwen

 

This editorial highlights progress and the further need for Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia. It also introduces the major themes covered by the papers in this Collection including: (1) putting Country stewardship first through promotion of Indigenous priorities; (2) opportunities and benefits for wildlife research that come from working on Country in partnership with Indigenous Australians; and (3) the need for research partnerships with Indigenous Australians to prioritise respect and equity in benefit sharing.

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

WR25010 Abstract  |  WR25010 Full Text  | WR25010PDF (715 KB)

Published online 13 May 2025

WR24159Power and the passion: assessing statistical power with simulations to optimise monitoring of a threatened lizard

Jack Bilby , Joshua S. Martin , Kelly Arbon, Ryan Baring, Jessica Clayton and Lucy F. R. Clive

 

Effective monitoring is critical for the conservation of cryptic and endangered species. This study aimed to optimise survey methods for the endemic and endangered pygmy bluetongue (Tiliqua adelaidensis) by using data simulations to determine optimal quadrat size for detecting population changes. The results demonstrated that 50 × 50-m quadrats balanced survey effort with statistical power, offering a robust framework for ongoing monitoring and conservation strategies. Photograph by Jack Bilby.

WR24159 Abstract  |  WR24159 Full Text  | WR24159PDF (1.5 MB)  | WR24159Supplementary Material (347 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 May 2025

WR24051Genetic characteristics of translocated Indian bison (Bos gaurus gaurus) from the core area of the Kanha Tiger Reserve to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in central India

Puneet Pandey, Sujeet Kumar Singh, Rahul De , Reeta Sharma, B. Navaneethan, M.P. Manjrekar, R. Vishwakarma , J. S. Chauhan, H. S. Negi, H. S. Pabla, Aseem Shrivastava, P. Nigam, K. Sankar, Bilal Habib and S. P. Goyal

 

The reintroduction of individuals has been a standard tool for restoring species population and genetic variability for effective conservation planning. This study assessed the baseline genetic diversity and population genetic structure of the reintroduced Indian bison or gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus) in a central Indian forest following extirpation. These results suggest moderate genetic diversity, non-random mating, and habitat connectivity in the source population. Image by S. P. Goyal.

WR24051 Abstract  | PDF (1.7 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 12 May 2025

WR24196City life does not change a small mammal community composition

Rebecca Rimbach , Kerrin Heinze, Lars Poorthuis, Jules Petit and Melanie Dammhahn

 

Urbanization is one of the most important global drivers of environmental change altering biological communities. Our study showed that small mammal community composition, species diversity and evenness do not change along an urbanization gradient. The overall neutral results are likely to be due to generalist species expressing high phenotypic plasticity to bypass the urban filters. Photograph by Rebecca Rimbach.

WR24196 Abstract  | PDF (4.5 MB) - $35.00   | WR24196Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)

Published online 09 May 2025

WR24143Motivations and motivational typologies of Tennessee small game hunters

Kiley M. D. Fryman and Neelam C. Poudyal

 

Understanding small game hunters’ motivations could help improve hunter recruitment and retention. This study sought to understand the motivations of Tennessee small game hunters and identify existing motivational-based typologies. On the basis of our findings, we make recommendations on what agencies can do to enhance the experience of small game hunters with various motivations. Photograph by Land Between the Lakes.

WR24143 Abstract  | PDF (333 KB) - $35.00   | WR24143Supplementary Material (431 KB)

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.

WR25006, Accepted 04 July 2025

Leopard next door: understanding livestock depredation and public attitudes in Surat district of Gujarat, India.

Keyur Naria , Hiren Patel, Narendra Chetule, Chandni Valodkar and Geeta Padate

 

WR25006Abstract

WR25016, Accepted 03 July 2025

The human and social impacts of an Australian mouse plague

Lucy Carter , Kerry Collins , Aditi Mankad, Walter Okello and Peter Brown

 

WR25016Abstract

WR24193, Accepted 28 June 2025

Non-invasive extraction of white shark swimming kinematics from Unoccupied Aircraft System (UAS) imagery

Alexandra DiGiacomo , Ann Marie Abraham and Barbara Block

 

WR24193Abstract

WR24183, Accepted 21 June 2025

Differences in juvenile white sharks’ (Carcharodon carcharias) resource use in southern California waters

Yamilla Samara Chacon , Christine Whitcraft, James Anderson , Emily Spurgeon , Patrick Rex, Elizabeth Jahn, Zach Merson and Chris Lowe

 

WR24183Abstract

WR24151, Accepted 21 June 2025

To sea in the dark: assessing effects of LED streetlights on sea-finding in marine turtle hatchlings

Ebony King, Kate Hofmeister, Simone Bosshard, Colin Limpus and Kylie Scales

 

WR24151Abstract

WR24111, Accepted 21 June 2025

Tracking movement, home range, and microhabitat use in a small terrestrial breeding frog using harmonic direction-finding technology.

Jordy Groffen , Conrad Hoskin, Matthew Siderhurst and Myles Menz

 

WR24111Abstract

WR24205, Accepted 15 June 2025

A comparison of ranger patrol survey to camera trapping for assessment of terrestrial mammal diversity in Htanmanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Myanmar

Myo Min Latt , Jonathan Hernandez, Si Ho Han, Saw Htun, Hla Hla Naing, Kyaw Moe, Zarni Aung, Aung Ye Tun, Okka Myo, Pyae Phyo Kyaw, Thura Nyein Zaw and Byung Bae Park

 

WR24205Abstract

WR24169, Accepted 06 June 2025

Estimating eastern wild turkey productivity using trail camera images

Hannah Butkiewicz, Jennifer L. Stenglein, Jason Riddle, Shelby Truckenbrod and Christopher Pollentier

 

WR24169Abstract

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1. Transoceanic dispersal and connectivity of a white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) between southern Africa and Southeast Asia

   Wildlife Research 52 (6)

   Dylan T. Irion , Oliver J. D. Jewell , Alison V. Towner,  Fahmi , G. Christopher Fischer, Enrico Gennari , Madison Stewart, John P. Tyminski , Alison A. Kock

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

   Wildlife Research 52 (2)

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

3. Power and the passion: assessing statistical power with simulations to optimise monitoring of a threatened lizard

   Wildlife Research 52 (5)

   Jack Bilby , Joshua S. Martin , Kelly Arbon, Ryan Baring, Jessica Clayton, Lucy F. R. Clive

4. 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

5. Call broadcast surveys monitor owls with more precision than passive surveys by citizen scientists or acoustic recording units

   Wildlife Research 52 (5)

   V. F. Sperring , M. Wilson, B. Isaac, N. A. Macgregor , R. H. Clarke

6. 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

7. Fire regimes drive population trends of a threatened lizard in the central and western deserts of Australia

   Wildlife Research 52 (4)

   Darren M. Southwell , Danae Moore, Steve McAlpin, Edward M. J. Blackwood , Andrew Schubert, Kiwirrkurra Rangers, Adam S. Smart, Samuel D. Merson, Margarita Goumas, Nicholas A. Macgregor , Rachel M. Paltridge

8. Aerial shooting is unlikely to cause dispersal or consistent changes in the movements of feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

   Wildlife Research 52 (6)

   Andrew J. Bengsen , Sebastien Comte , Troy Crittle, Suzie Holbery, Darren Marshall, Lachlan Marshall, Lee Parker, David M. Forsyth

9. Assessing the contributions of hunting tourism to the South African economy: a post-covid analysis

   Wildlife Research 52 (6)

   Peet van der Merwe , Andrea Saayman

10. Monitoring the Endangered wiliji (Petrogale lateralis kimberleyensis) on Nyikina Mangala Country (Western Australia) using camera traps

    Wildlife Research 52 (6)

    Tyrone H. Lavery , Darraga John Watson, Nyikina Mangala Rangers , Lane Broome, Raymond Charles, Mark D. B. Eldridge, Jeremiah Green, Pius Gregory, Sarah Legge , Shaquille Millindee, David Pearson, Tyrese Skeen, Daniel Smuskowitz, Darren Southwell , Albert Watson, Alexander Watson, William Watson, Nick Weigner , John Woinarski , Leigh-Ann Woolley, David B. Lindenmayer

11. 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

12. 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, A¿angu 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. The decline, fall, and rise of a large urban colonising bird

    Wildlife Research 51 (7)

    Matthew J. Hall , John M. Martin , Alicia L. Burns, Dieter F. Hochuli

17. Factors affecting the detection probability of a critically endangered flying-fox: consequences for monitoring and conservation

    Wildlife Research 52 (5)

    A. Dorrestein , H. P. R. Rust, N. A. Macgregor , B. Tiernan, A. Jankowski, J. C. Z. Woinarski , D. J. James, S. Flakus, M. Schulz, S. Pahor, A. Mann, B. Desmond, J. A. Welbergen

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

    Wildlife Research 51 (12)

    Joshua Magro , Reece Pedler , John Read , Rebecca West

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

    Wildlife Research 52 (2)

    Amanda Jane Breidahl , Michael Lynch, Duncan R. Sutherland, Rebecca Traub, Jasmin Hufschmid

20. Prioritising animals for Yirralka Ranger management and research collaborations in the Laynhapuy Indigenous Protected Area, northern Australia

    Wildlife Research 51 (10)

    Bridget Campbell , Shaina Russell, Gabrielle Brennan, Yirralka Rangers , Bec Condon, Yinimala Gumana, Frances Morphy, Emilie Ens

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