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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 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

Published online 06 December 2024

WR23141Changes in guanaco distribution from Late Holocene to present times in Northwest Patagonia: connecting archaeological, ethnohistoric and current data

Bruno F. Moscardi , Martín Vilariño, Sergio L. D’Abramo, Luis Sosa Pfatschbacher, Valeria Bernal, Diego D. Rindel and S. Ivan Perez

 

The guanaco is the largest native mammal inhabiting arid and semi-arid South American environments, with current density and distribution ranges substantially reduced. Combined lines of evidence model how and why distribution changed in the last 2500 years in Northwest Patagonia, showing guanaco populations pushed to drier, unproductive areas of the east by recent urbanization and livestock practices. Like large mammals in developing countries worldwide, guanacos are threatened by modern human activities, so urgent measures are needed to mitigate impacts. Image by Bruno F. Moscardi and S. Ivan Perez.

WR23141 Abstract  | PDF (8.7 MB) - $35.00   | WR23141Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)

Published online 28 November 2024

WR24013Den selection and movement patterns in a tropical savanna population of the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus)

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

 

The drivers of declining small-mammal populations in northern Australia are complex, but may include the structural simplification of tropical savannas. We explored denning preferences and nocturnal movement patterns of the Endangered northern quoll, highlighting the species’ reliance on large hollow-bearing trees in high-biomass savanna habitats of Cape York Peninsula, Australia, where these habitats have a critical role for the species’ survival. We recommend prioritising conservation efforts in these areas, with a focus on effective fire management and avoidance of clearing and logging. Photograph by Gavin Trewella.

WR24013 Abstract  |  WR24013 Full Text  | WR24013PDF (7.6 MB)  | WR24013Supplementary Material (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 26 November 2024

WR24063Influence of stand thinning on wildlife in managed second-growth forests: tree squirrels, small mustelids, and mammalian species richness

Thomas P. Sullivan and Druscilla S. Sullivan

 

Forest restoration strategies are most successful when they accelerate development of habitat features that support wildlife. We evaluated mammal use of second-growth lodgepole pine stands that had been thinned. Thinned stands provided habitats for tree squirrels, weasels, and mammalian species richness at 30–36 years after treatment. Availability of wildlife habitats in managed stands may converge with those of older natural stands. Photograph by T. Sullivan.

WR24063 Abstract  | PDF (3.4 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 22 November 2024

WR24054Foraging habitat locations of flatback (Natator depressus) and olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) in northern Australia

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

 

The foraging behaviour of flatback (Natator depressus) and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) marine turtles in northern Australia is understudied. We used satellite telemetry to investigate the location of foraging habitats of flatbacks and olive ridleys. Our results have identified key areas for conservation initiatives and informed management strategies for marine turtle species and foraging areas. Photograph by Mark Hamann.

WR24054 Abstract  |  WR24054 Full Text  | WR24054PDF (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 November 2024

WR23042Flock size does not influence escape decisions of urban lawn-foraging birds

Jin-Ming Zhao , Xiang-Rong Song, Xiao-Yu Yang, Yue Xie and Xiao-Nong Yang

 

Our study shows that urban birds’ escape behavior, including routes and distances, does not vary significantly with flock size when encountering humans. Urban birds exhibit consistent escape responses across different flock sizes, which may indicate a generalized behavior in response to frequent human presence, likely induced by habituation. Regardless of flock size, urban birds exhibit a baseline level of antipredator behavior, suggesting a uniform response to human approaches. Diagram by Xiao-Nong Yang..

WR23042 Abstract  | PDF (973 KB) - $35.00 

Published online 19 November 2024

WR24110Temporal variation in utilisation distribution and direction distribution of dugong feeding trails in intertidal seagrass beds in Talibong Island, Thailand: an insight into dugong feeding routes

Chiaki Yamato , Kotaro Ichikawa, Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong and Nobuaki Arai

 

Observing dugongs, an endangered, herbivorous marine mammal, is challenging because of the often-turbid waters they inhabit. We evaluated the daily and quarterly variations in dugong feeding in Thailand and demonstrated consistency in the direction and spatial range despite varying amounts and shifting hotspots of feeding. These findings highlight the significance of understanding predictable feeding routes for dugong conservation. Photograph by Chiaki Yamato.

WR24110 Abstract  | PDF (5 MB) - $35.00   | WR24110Supplementary Material (934 KB)

Published online 19 November 2024

WR24029Bird and mammal roadkill patterns and associated factors on a tropical mountain area: the Interamerican Highway, Cerro de la Muerte, Costa Rica

José F. González-Maya, Luis Sánchez-Arguedas, Marisol Rodríguez Pacheco, Diego R. Gutiérrez-Sanabria , Lourdes Martínez-Estévez and Jan Schipper

 

Roadkill is a major threat for terrestrial vertebrates worldwide. This study aimed to identify wildlife–vehicle collision hotspots for birds and mammals along a section of the Interamerican Highway, one of the most transited roads in Costa Rica, to identify temporal patterns in roadkill, and to describe the relationship between wildlife–vehicle collisions and landscape characteristics. We identified 34 roadkill hotspots where forest area, distance to rivers, and road sinuosity were the most influencing factors. We make recommendations on the next steps to reduce bird and mammal roadkills. Photograph by José F. González Maya.

WR24029 Abstract  | PDF (1.6 MB) - $35.00   | WR24029Supplementary Material (876 KB)

Published online 29 October 2024

WR24086Balancing act: evaluating non-target risks of feral cat management in conservation reserves

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

 

Predation by feral cats threatens native Australian wildlife, yet effectively mitigating this threat remains challenging. The poison bait Eradicat® provides one tool to help control feral cats, but only in areas where the risk to non-target species is considered acceptable. Our study suggests the risk posed to red-tailed phascogale populations from repeated use of Eradicat® is likely to be low, providing assurance to conservation managers intending on integrating this bait with fox control in areas where this species occurs. Image by Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (captured by camera trap).

WR24086 Abstract  |  WR24086 Full Text  | WR24086PDF (1.8 MB)  | WR24086Supplementary Material (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 29 October 2024

WR24065Girrimarring 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

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

 

The 2019–20 megafires across south-eastern Australia affected 40% of the habitat for the threatened golden-tipped bat (Phoniscus papuensis). We blended Indigenous cultural practices and western science to create woven roosts for the golden-tipped bat, which were successfully utilised in the second year of the project. Our experience provides a framework for collaborative conservation responses for golden-tipped bats and has broader implications for the recovery of other threatened species. A short video about the project is available here and footage of golden-tipped bats leaving woven roosts is available here. Photograph: Anna Lloyd/DCCEEW.

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

WR24065 Abstract  |  WR24065 Full Text  | WR24065PDF (25.5 MB)  | WR24065Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 22 October 2024

WR24027Spatiotemporal responses of ungulates to hunting in a fenced multi-use area

Koen M. van Roekel, Lysanne Snijders and Darcy R. Visscher

 

Human use, including recreation and hunting, can disturb wildlife and this can be particularly problematic in fenced multi-use landscapes. This study aimed to investigate how human use, which switched from recreation-based disturbance to hunting, changed the patterns of use by native ungulates in space and time and we found consistent patterns of temporal avoidance, whereas patterns of spatial avoidance were species-specific. We make recommendations for how to minimise human impacts in multi-use recreational landscapes. Image by Darcy Visscher.

WR24027 Abstract  | PDF (1.9 MB) - $35.00   | WR24027Supplementary Material (740 KB)

Published online 21 October 2024

WR24131On the nose: validating a novel, non-invasive method to identify individual koalas using unique nose patterns

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

 

Identification of individual koalas is difficult and relies mostly on invasive methods requiring capture. This study describes and validates a novel non-invasive method to identify koalas from their nose markings, using the unpigmented pattern of the nose to determine unique features of individuals. This new method offers a vital tool for monitoring endangered koalas whilst minimising human interference. Photograph by Koala Clancy Foundation.

WR24131 Abstract  |  WR24131 Full Text  | WR24131PDF (8.6 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.

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

WR24104, Accepted 17 December 2024

Yarning up with Doc Reynolds – an interview about Country from an Indigenous perspective

Doc Reynolds and Liz Cameron

 

WR24104Abstract

WR24022, Accepted 17 December 2024

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

Daniel Smuskowitz , Emilie Ens, Bridget Campbell , Bobby Wunuŋmurra, Bandipandi Wunuŋmurra, Luḻparr Waṉambi, Brendan Wunuŋmurra, Butjiaŋanybuy Marrkula, Darren Waṉambi and . The Yirralka Rangers

 

WR24022Abstract

WR24117, Accepted 17 December 2024

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

Rachel Mason , Anthony Rendall , Robin Sinclair and Euan Ritchie

 

WR24117Abstract

WR24122, Accepted 17 December 2024

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

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

 

WR24122Abstract

WR24170, Accepted 17 December 2024

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

Miguel Bedoya Perez , Michael Lawes, Brett Ottley, Stuart Barker, Esther Tarszisz and Clive McMahon

 

WR24170Abstract

WR24102, Accepted 11 December 2024

Estimating feral cat (Felis catus) population density in eastern Australia’s subtropical rainforest using spatial capture-recapture and random thinning to account for unmarked pelage types

Darren McHugh , Matthijs Hollanders , Sarah Legge and Ben Augustine

 

WR24102Abstract

WR24050, Accepted 28 November 2024

Adaptive management of a remote threatened species population on Aboriginal lands

John Read , Rebecca West , Grant Nyaningu, Warru Rangers, Oska Mills and Ben Phillips

 

WR24050Abstract

Most Read

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1. 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

2. Current and emerging feral cat management practices in Australia

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   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

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

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

4. 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

5. 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

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   Joshua Magro , Reece Pedler , John Read , Rebecca West

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

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   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

9. 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

10. 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

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    Jack Pascoe , Marcus Clarke, Ebony Hickey, Laura Prentice, Vicki Couzens, John Clarke

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13. 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

14. 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

15. High survivorship and rapid population growth of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) reintroduced to a feral predator exclosure

    Wildlife Research 51 (1)

    Cassandra M. Arkinstall , Sean I. FitzGibbon , Kevin J. Bradley, Katherine E. Moseby , Peter J. Murray

16. Citizen science delivers high-value biosecurity surveillance and reporting capability

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    Erin Roger , Andrew Turley , Callum Waite , Shandiya Balasubramaniam , Cameron Slatyer , J. Andrew Pearce

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

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