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 20 March 2025

WR24135Fire regimes drive population trends of a threatened lizard in the central and western deserts of Australia

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

 

Understanding the drivers and trends of plant and animal populations is an essential part of conservation management. This study assessed the effects of fire, rainfall and vegetation condition on the long-term trends of a threatened lizard in the central and western deserts of Australia. Our results showed contrasting trends in populations, with fire extent and frequency a major driver of population change. Photograph by Rachel Paltridge.

WR24135 Abstract  |  WR24135 Full Text  | WR24135PDF (656 KB)  | WR24135Supplementary Material (4.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 18 March 2025

WR24150Comparing shotshell characteristics to optimize aerial removal of wild pigs (Sus scrofa)

Michael J. Lavelle , Nathan P. Snow, Bryan Kluever, Bruce R. Leland, Seth M. Cook, Justin W. Fischer and Kurt C. VerCauteren

 

Aerial operations to remove invasive species are increasingly common and can be highly effective towards reducing damage and disease threats to anthropogenic resources and native biota. This study compared a variety of shotshells used during aerial operations to optimize lethality and overall effectiveness of removal efforts. We recommend maximizing the number of pellets delivered downrange within limited distances at which sufficient energy is retained to maximize penetration and lethality. Photograph by Michael Lavelle.

WR24150 Abstract  |  WR24150 Full Text  | WR24150PDF (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 March 2025

WR24107Purpose-driven approaches to age estimation in Australian flying-foxes (Pteropus)

Cinthia Pietromonaco , Douglas Kerlin , Peggy Eby, Hamish McCallum, Jennefer Mclean, Linda Collins and Alison J. Peel

 

Age estimation is crucial for understanding the ecology, biology and behaviour of wildlife. Our systematic review summarises current age estimation practices on Australian flying-foxes, revealing inconsistencies in terminology, methodology and definitions that hinder cross-disciplinary research. By recommending enhanced reporting standards and promoting consistency, our work aims to improve age data reliability, facilitating more comprehensive ecological and biological studies and serving as a model for broader species application. Photograph by Kathleen Flynn.

WR24107 Abstract  |  WR24107 Full Text  | WR24107PDF (1.6 MB)  | WR24107Supplementary Material (822 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 March 2025

WR24108Monitoring and habitat inferences change with population metric: a case study with mesocarnivores

Andrew R. Butler , Mairi K. P. Poisson, Patrick Tate, Daniel H. Bergeron and Remington J. Moll

 

Accurate and precise information on the abundance and distribution of mesocarnivores is essential for their management and conservation, but difficult to obtain. This study compared four monitoring metrics derived from camera traps and resultant habitat relationships for five mesocarnivores. Estimates of density and relative abundance were strongly correlated, whereas occupancy poorly aligned with density estimates, and the direction and strength of habitat relationships were metric dependent. Our results can help wildlife managers evaluate species-metric specific tradeoffs when designing monitoring programs. Photograph by University of New Hampshire/New Hampshire Fish and Game.

WR24108 Abstract  | PDF (1.5 MB) - $35.00   | WR24108Supplementary Material (611 KB)

Published online 06 March 2025

WR24066Establishing protocols to apply repellents while hazing crop pests: importance of habitat, flock size, and time on blackbird (Icteridae) responses to a drone capable of spraying

Mallory G. White, Jessica L. Duttenhefner and Page E. Klug

 

Drones are used to haze birds in conflict with agriculture, but understanding the impact of flocks, habitat, and environment improves protocols for integration of repellents applied by a spraying drone. We found that flocks in cattail allowed closer approach than those in sunflower. Although smaller flocks approached by drones later in the day allowed closer approach, abandonment increased with smaller flocks as the day progressed. Photograph by Jessica Duttenhefner.

WR24066 Abstract  |  WR24066 Full Text  | WR24066PDF (2.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 March 2025

WR24132Evidence for an ecological two-population model for white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in Australian waters

T. G. Burke , C. Huveneers, L. Meyer, J. P. W. Hollins, L. Loseto, J. M. Werry and N. E. Hussey

 

Understanding the population structure and connectivity of highly migratory fishes across their range is crucial information to develop and implement conservation initiatives for vulnerable species. This study aimed to characterise the extent of ontogenetic divergence in resource–habitat behaviour of two proposed subpopulations of white sharks in Australia. Differences in isotopic profiles of vertebrae across ontogeny from juvenile to subadult life stages support an ecological two-population model in Australia, suggesting the need for region-specific management. Photograph by Teah Burke.

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

WR24132 Abstract  | PDF (2.2 MB) - $35.00   | WR24132Supplementary Material (2.1 MB)

Published online 21 February 2025

WR24088Exploring the human dimensions of gharial conservation in the Mahanadi River, India

Laxmi Prasad Rath , Suraj Kumar Dash , Rajesh Kumar Mohapatra , Aliva Patnaik, Ashaharraza Khan and Sudarsan Maharana

 

Critically endangered gharials found in the Mahanadi River are on the brink of extirpation which demands urgent conservation efforts for its survival. This study examines the dependencies of local people on the Mahanadi River and their perception of gharials. Despite living with gharials for years, people are still unaware of their ecological role and perceive them as a threat, similar to other crocodile; therefore, awareness on gharial ecology among the local riverside residents near critical gharial habitats may be useful for gharial conservation. Photograph by Ashaharraza Khan.

WR24088 Abstract  | PDF (1.4 MB) - $35.00   | WR24088Supplementary Material (340 KB)

Published online 13 February 2025

WR24103Wildfire in rainforest margins is associated with variation in mammal diversity and habitat use

Rhiannon R. Bird , Rebeka R. Zsoldos, Martha V. Jimenez Sandoval, Shania J. Watson and Annabel L. Smith

 

Global increases in wildfires are making rainforests vulnerable to fire, especially at the margins. We found that fire in rainforest margins was associated with lower mammal diversity than in unburnt rainforest, and caused variation in how rainforest-associated species used habitat. Fire in sclerophyll vegetation surrounding rainforests was associated with reduced probability of movement of a generalist mammal species at low elevations. Mammals in rainforest margins had modified habitat use and behaviour 15 months post-fire, indicating that rainforest margins need to be protected from increasing wildfires. Photograph by Rhiannon Bird.

WR24103 Abstract  |  WR24103 Full Text  | WR24103PDF (991 KB)  | WR24103Supplementary Material (428 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 February 2025

WR24076The 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

 

Kiwirrkurra Traditional Owners use fire as an important tool to assist the harvest of bush meats and promote growth of favoured food plants. Forty years of firescar mapping across managed and unmanaged areas of Kiwirrkurra country show that where traditional burning has been maintained, populations of threatened species (bilby and great desert skink) have persisted, while disappearing from the surrounding landscape.

Pintupi summary: Yanangu Kiwirrkurra tjana kututja waru kutjani panya kukaku an yukiri mangarri puutjinuku yurrunpa tjintu nganti yarra-paluda yirrititja tjutangku. 40 yiya panya waru yilkarri katunguru nintini Ninu anta Tjalapaku yaaltji-wana Yanangu tjutangku yankula kuka an warukitjangkulpi nyanganyi ngurra Tjalapaku.

Photograph by Kiwirrkurra Indigenous Protected Area.

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

WR24076 Abstract  |  WR24076 Full Text  | WR24076PDF (3.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 February 2025

WR24032Behavioural responses of Australian lizards towards visual cues of feral cats

Owen T. Lishmund , Dale G. Nimmo and Tim S. Doherty

 

Feral cats pose a significant threat to native fauna across the globe, with Australia being particularly affected. We examined the behavioural reactions of two Australian lizard species to the visual cues from a model cat and found that the lizards showed little response. We recommend further testing of reptile responses towards cat sensory cues to deepen understanding of how reptiles respond to the threat of cat predation. Photograph by Owen Lishmund.

WR24032 Abstract  |  WR24032 Full Text  | WR24032PDF (2.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 11 February 2025

WR23091A multi-modal approach to enhance Toxoplasma gondii detection in the Australian landscape

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

 

Information about environmental contamination with Toxoplasma gondii can inform management decisions of risk of toxoplasmosis in resident endothermic vertebrates and in potential translocations and re-introductions of endangered species. This work estimated environmental contamination across two different landscapes. Both the landscapes measured had low T. gondii contamination. The results highlighted the potential of using sentinel species (rabbits and mice), target species (bandicoots) and soil analysis to enhance the detection and inform likely exposure of a target species to T. gondii in a defined landscape. Photograph by Amanda Jane Breidahl.

WR23091 Abstract  |  WR23091 Full Text  | WR23091PDF (1.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 10 February 2025

WR24012Life in the big smoke: terrestrial vertebrate assemblages and their drivers along an urbanisation gradient in Sydney, Australia

Martín Boer-Cueva , Rhys Cairncross , Mathew S. Crowther , Patrick B. Finnerty, Angela F. Raña, Peter B. Banks and Thomas M. Newsome

 

Urbanisation is rapidly expanding, placing an increasing strain on biodiversity globally. This study assessed how vertebrate species assemblages of northern Sydney vary along an urbanisation gradient and the potential drivers of this variation. We found that as urbanisation increased, fewer native and more invasive species made up the assemblages, highlighting the pervasive impact of habitat modification on fauna in urban areas. Photograph by Martín Boer-Cueva.

WR24012 Abstract  |  WR24012 Full Text  | WR24012PDF (1.2 MB)  | WR24012Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 24 January 2025

WR23133Spatio-temporal trends in the abundance of grey kangaroos in Victoria, Australia

Michael P. Scroggie , Paul D. Moloney and David S. L. Ramsey

 

Aerial distance sampling surveys for eastern and western grey kangaroos were conducted across Victoria between 2017 and 2022. Using a model-based approach we were able to infer spatial and temporal trends in abundance across the study area during this period. Grey kangaroo populations generally increased over the course of the study. The model-based approach mostly yielded more precise population estimates than previously used design-based approaches, as well as providing insight into ecological drivers of abundance. Photograph by Justin Cally.

WR23133 Abstract  | PDF (5.7 MB) - $35.00   | WR23133Supplementary Material (311 KB)

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

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.

WR24184, Accepted 21 March 2025

Trap evaluation to optimize wild pig removal efforts in remote settings.

Michael Lavelle , Nathan Snow, Michael Glow, Justin Fischer, Steven Hess and Kurt VerCauteren

 

WR24184Abstract

WR24030, Accepted 21 March 2025

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

Annabel Dorrestein , Harry Rust, Nicholas Macgregor , Brendan Tiernan, Alexia Jankowski, John Woinarski , David James, Samantha Flakus, Martin Schulz, Simon Pahor, Anthony Mann, Bradley Desmond and Justin Welbergen

 

WR24030Abstract

WR23089, Accepted 18 March 2025

Predicting cassowary-vehicle collision in the Wet Tropics of Australia

Bruce Webber , Matt Bradford, Noboru Ota and David Westcott

 

WR23089Abstract

WR24060, Accepted 18 March 2025

Using citizen science records from iNaturalist to document geographical range outliers in Australian skinks

Feliks Ozolina , Shai Meiri, Jules Farquhar and David Chapple

 

WR24060Abstract

WR24179, Accepted 15 March 2025

Cat amongst the birds and trees: Feral cat movements respond to variation in spatiotemporal productivity in a large island ecosystem

Cyril Scomparin , Matthew Pauza and Menna Jones

 

WR24179Abstract

WR24114, Accepted 11 March 2025

Hunter movement and habitat use affect observation rate of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Alyssa Meier, Andrew Little, Kenneth Gee, Steve Demarais, Stephen Webb and Dustin Ranglack

 

WR24114Abstract

WR24085, Accepted 04 March 2025

Behavioral plasticity in detection height of an invasive, arboreal snake based on size, condition, and prey

Melia Nafus , Levi Gray, Page Klug , Gordon Rodda and Scott Goetz

 

WR24085Abstract

WR25010, Accepted 31 January 2025

Editorial – Indigenous and Cross-cultural Wildlife Research in Australia

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

 

WR25010Abstract

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