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

Pacific Conservation Biology

Volume 30 Number 5 2024

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.

PC23064Genetic diversity of an undescribed cryptic maskray (Neotrygon sp.) species from Fiji

Kerstin Glaus 0000-0001-9985-2243, Epeli Loganimoce 0000-0002-5670-5996, Gauthier Mescam 0009-0000-3494-7778 and Sharon A. Appleyard 0000-0002-3105-1690

This study on Fiji’s maskray (Neotrygon sp.) used cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 barcoding and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms markers to reveal stable genetic diversity over 7 years, despite a significant size reduction. The species is likely susceptible to fishing pressure and exhibiting low reproductive output. The study provided insights into the genetic diversity of Fiji’s maskray and enabled a genetic comparison with current Neotrygon species known in the region as well as potential new taxonomic considerations.

A decision support tool was developed to aid conservation efforts by mapping species connectivity for forest-dependent vertebrate fauna in eastern and south-western Australia. It provides information on habitat connectivity and optimal pathways for a single focal species and four species guilds, facilitating interactive exploration of connectivity data and allowing users to download spatial datasets.

PC24003Status of monitoring and evaluation of Tonga’s Special Management Area program

Nicholas Ford-Learner 0009-0006-2238-5660, Sophie Gordon, Patrick Smallhorn-West, Sioeli Afu, Latu Aisea, Viliami Fatongiatu, Lisiate Hanisi, Sela Kioa, Sesimani Lokotui, Katrina Ma’u Fatiaki, Poasi Ngaluafe, Vetekina Pau’u, George Shedrawi, Karen Stone, Tonga Tuiano and Siola’a Malimali

Despite the popularity of Tonga’s Special Management Area (SMA) program with Tongan communities, its rapid expansion in recent years has made monitoring and evaluation of the program a challenge. Consistent and effective monitoring and evaluation is needed to understand known impacts of SMAs postintervention. Hence, this manuscript compiles all known ecological, fisheries, and socio-economic monitoring and evaluation reports related to Tonga’s SMAs from 2010 onwards to suggest some ways towards an organised national program.

Protracted disconnection from the ocean, low rainfall and high evaporation led to salinities in Hamersley Inlet, south-western Australia, reaching 345 ppt, the highest recorded for an estuary. These conditions resulted in the loss of the fish fauna and associated ecosystem services. Climate change may increase the frequency of such events.

PC23062An extralimital Ixobrychus record from the Solomon Islands

Maxwell Robert de Beer 0000-0002-9170-8519, Clement Limae and Isabella Chloe Contador-Kelsall

Tetepare Island is managed for conservation and remains the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific. An unidentified Ixobrychus bittern recorded on Tetepare in September 2023 may represent an undescribed species. This record highlights the importance of such islands for regional conservation, as well as the need for ongoing research.

PC24022Islands in the sky – could complex topography help us rewild beyond the fence?

Rob Brewster 0000-0001-5068-8614, Tom Jameson 0009-0006-4041-6037, Francesca Roncolato 0009-0009-9663-2638, Mathew S. Crowther 0000-0001-8968-1161, Patrick B. Finnerty 0000-0001-5762-6272 and Thomas M. Newsome 0000-0003-3457-3256

The protection of threatened species in fenced safe havens has become a vital component of conservation in Australia. However, despite their success, fenced safe havens face several ecological and economic constraints. Here, we explore naturally occurring mesas as potential ‘sky-island safe havens’ created by natural barriers in elevation and relief. The absence or lower numbers of invasive predators detected suggests mesas could be harnessed as supplementary conservation strategies that go ‘beyond the fence’..

Committee on Publication Ethics

Ivor Beatty Award

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

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