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Ecology, management and conservation in natural and modified habitats
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Wildlife Research

Wildlife Research

Wildlife Research covers all major aspects of the ecology, management and conservation of wild animals in natural and modified habitats. Read more about the journalMore

Editors: Sarah Legge, Phil Stephens and Aaron Wirsing

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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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 November 2024

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

Jin-Ming Zhao 0000-0003-2305-7643, Xiang-Rong Song, Xiao-Yu Yang, Yue Xie and Xiao-Nong Yang
 

Diagram showing urban birds’ escape behaviors when approached by humans.

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 0000-0001-7910-5072, Kotaro Ichikawa, Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong and Nobuaki Arai
 

Aerial photograph of a dugong

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 0000-0003-3642-0499, Lourdes Martínez-Estévez 0000-0002-2496-4600 and Jan Schipper
 

A photograph showing a section of the Interamerican Highway in Costa Rica.

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 0000-0001-6665-729X
 

A tree-mounted camera trap image of three phascogales.

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 0009-0009-4141-676X, Alicia Scanlon, Lilly Clegg, Ruth Link, Lauren Jarrett, Kristy Pursch, Alison Williams and Melissa Giese
 

A photograph of an artificial roosting structure for golden-tipped bat.

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 0000-0002-4119-3991
 

Camera-trap image capturing moose activity in a landscape

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 0000-0001-5577-2487
 

WR24131_toc.jpg

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

Published online 14 October 2024

WR23105Improving the efficiency of aerial surveys for monitoring North American beaver population dynamics

Madeline Kenyon, Catherine C. Dennison 0000-0002-6966-7837 and Viorel D. Popescu 0000-0001-7138-0774
 

A photograph of a man (pilot) monitoring beaver population from an aircraft.

The North American beaver populations are still being trapped in many USA states. We identified predictors of beaver colony density in Ohio and improved aerial survey methods for broad scale monitoring. Areas with high wetland and reclaimed surface mine areas are important habitat for beavers in Ohio and yielded the greatest density of beaver colonies. We develop a model-based habitat classification and make recommendations for improving the efficiency and spatial representation of aerial monitoring efforts. Photograph by Joe Barber.

WR23105 Abstract  | PDF (3.3 MB) - $35.00   | WR23105Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)
Published online 10 October 2024

WR24069Pirra Jungku and Pirra Warlu: using traditional fire-practice knowledge and contemporary science to guide fire-management goals for desert animals

Sarah Legge 0000-0001-6968-2781, 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 0000-0003-0357-1231, Brett P. Murphy, Sam Banks and Malcom Lindsay 0000-0001-9683-8331
 

Karajarri Rangers, and Ngurrara Rangers.

Karajarri and Ngurrara Rangers collaborated with scientists to investigate how fire management in the Great Sandy Desert could help mammals and reptiles. We found that some species prefer particular spinifex post-fire ages, from recently burnt to long-unburnt, and that patchworks of spinifex ages benefit mammals. This means that we should aim to reduce fire size and increase the area of mature/long-unburnt spinifex. Our work provides ecological information from a little-studied region of Australia, and highlights the role of Indigenous land managers in biodiversity conservation. Photographs by Anne Jones.

Translated summary: the two ranger groups have decided not to translate the summary into their languages. Although there are many language speakers from Ngurrara, the most fluent Karajarri speaker passed away last year, and translating complex sentences is now challenging. Out of mutual respect for their collaboration, the rangers prefer not to include a summary that is only in a Ngurrara language. However, we use words from both languages in the text. A short video about our project can be seen here.

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

WR24069 Abstract  |  WR24069 Full Text  | WR24069PDF (3.3 MB)  | WR24069Supplementary Material (3.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 10 October 2024

WR24094Aboriginal rangers co-lead night parrot conservation: background, survey effort and success in Western Australia 2017–2023

Malcolm Lindsay 0000-0001-9683-8331, Rachel Paltridge, Nicholas Leseberg, Nigel Jackett, Stephen Murphy, Birriliburu Rangers , Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) Martu Rangers , Karajarri Rangers , Kiwirrkurra Rangers , Ngurrara Rangers , Nyangumarta Rangers , Wiluna Martu Rangers , Gooniyandi Rangers , Kija Rangers , Paruku Rangers , Nharnuwangga Wajarri Ngarlawangga Warida Rangers , Ngurra Kayanta Rangers , Ngururrpa Rangers , Adrian Boyle, Alexander Watson, Bruce Greatwich, Neil Hamaguchi and Stella Shipway
 

Paruku Rangers setting an autonomous recording unit to survey night parrot in Australia.

Night parrot surveys were conducted by 13 Western Australian Aboriginal ranger groups and scientific partners between 2017 and 2023, over 8613 survey nights, confirming 22 new night parrot sites, which is 54% of all confirmed night parrot sites in Australia today. This work has greatly expanded our knowledge about night parrot distribution and ecology, while showcasing how respectful two-way scientific partnerships, supported by regional networks, can deliver significant benefits to both threatened species management and caring for Country and culture. Photograph by Paruku Rangers & the Kimberley Land Council.

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

WR24094 Abstract  | PDF (6.3 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 02 October 2024

WR23097Response of white-tailed deer to removal of invasive wild pigs

Matthew T. McDonough 0009-0002-6253-7324, Robert A. Gitzen, Stephen J. Zenas, Mark D. Smith, Kurt C. VerCauteren and Stephen S. Ditchkoff
 

Photograph of a white-tailed deer and a wild pig looking at each other in darkness.

The recent range expansion of invasive wild pigs in North America has lead to increasing concerns of how they affect native species. This study aims to investigate how white-tailed deer respond to wild pig removals and found that, although relative abundance did not change, detection of white-tailed deer increased as wild pigs were removed. We suggest that wild pigs affect white-tailed deer behaviourally at a local scale and that behavioural changes may not result in population-level effects. Photograph by Matthew McDonough.

WR23097 Abstract  | PDF (493 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 01 October 2024

WR24056Comparison of thermal cameras and human observers to estimate population density of fallow deer (Dama dama) from aerial surveys in Tasmania, Australia

Mark R. Lethbridge, Andy Sharp, Elen Shute 0000-0002-2714-2688 and Ellen Freeman
 

Aerial image of a fallow deer herd taken by thermal camera. Orange boxes are drawn around hotspots (deer).

The introduced Tasmanian fallow deer population is believed to have grown exponentially within the last 25 years, impacting agriculture and conservation. This study compared two aerial survey methods – human observers and thermal imaging – to improve population monitoring. Human counts produced more reliable population density estimates in this study, but thermal imagery allowed precise spatial analysis of how deer were distributed within the landscape. Image by Cameron Wells.

WR24056 Abstract  |  WR24056 Full Text  | WR24056PDF (4.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 October 2024

WR24071Prioritising animals for Yirralka Ranger management and research collaborations in the Laynhapuy Indigenous Protected Area, northern Australia

Bridget Campbell 0000-0001-6032-9471, Shaina Russell, Gabrielle Brennan, Yirralka Rangers , Bec Condon, Yinimala Gumana, Frances Morphy and Emilie Ens
 

Yolŋu Ŋaḻapaḻmi nominated 30 priority animals during interviews with the Yirralka Rangers and university researchers.

Amidst growing international calls for inclusive conservation, and a backdrop of declining species and cultural diversity, Indigenous-led conservation approaches are of growing importance. This study established a working list of priority animals of concern to Yolŋu Yirralka Rangers and Ŋalapalmi (knowledge holders) in the Laynhapuy Indigenous Protected Area. This priority animal list will guide Indigenous-led fauna management and equitable, collaborative fauna research grounded in Yolŋu priorities. Photograph by Yirralka Rangers.

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

WR24071 Abstract  |  WR24071 Full Text  | WR24071PDF (3.7 MB)  | WR24071Corrigendum (149 KB)  | WR24071Supplementary Material (15.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 September 2024

WR23126High chytrid prevalence and infection intensities in tadpoles of Mixophyes fleayi

Matthijs Hollanders 0000-0003-0796-1018, Laura F. Grogan, Hamish I. McCallum and David A. Newell
 

Various stages of oral dekeratinisation in tadpoles of Mixophyes fleayi.

The amphibian chytrid fungus has descimated frog populations but infection outcome depends on the frog’s life stage. We investigated chytrid infection patterns in tadpoles and found that they are often infected with higher pathogen loads than are adults and juveniles. This suggests that tadpoles could act as a reservoir for infection and further opens the door to additional research into immune responses of different amphibian life stages. Photograph by Matthijs Hollanders.

WR23126 Abstract  |  WR23126 Full Text  | WR23126PDF (2.2 MB)  | WR23126Supplementary Material (1.3 MB)   Open Access Article

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.

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

  4. 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 0000-0001-6968-2781, Naomi Indigo 0000-0002-0465-7849, 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 0000-0002-0078-0137, 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 0000-0003-0691-1625, Katherine Tuft 0000-0002-3585-444X, Keith Bellchambers, Kevin Bradley, Kim Webeck, Kimberley Land Council Land and Sea Management Unit , Kiwirrkurra Rangers , Laurie Tait, Malcolm Lindsay 0000-0001-9683-8331, 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 0000-0002-4170-2274, Rick Southgate, Rob Brandle, Stephen van Leeuwen, Thalie Partridge, Thomas M. Newsome, Wiluna Martu Rangers , Yawuru Country Managers

  7. 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 0000-0001-6968-2781, 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 0000-0003-0357-1231, Brett P. Murphy, Sam Banks, Malcom Lindsay 0000-0001-9683-8331

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia

The rights, responsibilities and expertise of Indigenous Australians in Caring for Country are increasingly acknowledged in policy and management. The growing leadership of Indigenous Australians across applied ecological research is fuelling growth in cross-cultural science. This Collection aims to recognise and celebrate the leadership and collaboration of Indigenous Australians in wildlife research, and showcase how this is generating fresh insights for conservation and wildlife management.

Collection Editors
Jack Pascoe (University of Melbourne, Yuin, living on Gadabanut Country)
Stephen van Leeuwen (Curtin University, Wardandi Noongar, living on Wadjuk Noongar Boodja)
Marlee Hutton (Kimberley Land Council, Bardi Jawi, living on Yawuru Land)
Emilie Ens (Macquarie University, living on Dharug Land)
Hannah Cliff (Indigenous Desert Alliance, living on Wadjuk Noongar Boodja)
Sarah Legge (Charles Darwin University, living on Bundjalung Land)

Warning: these articles contain terms, descriptions and opinions that may be culturally sensitive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Names or images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including details and pictures of people who may be deceased, are included in some articles.

Last Updated: 10 Oct 2024

Fertility Control for Wildlife in the 21st Century

This collection of Wildlife Research papers features selected presentations from the 9th International Conference on Wildlife Fertility Control, held in Colorado Springs (USA) in 2022. These studies showcase the wide spectrum of topics that covered novel contraceptives tested on several species, ranging from mice to elephants. They also illustrate new methods to deliver contraceptives, models on the impact of fertility control on populations, feasibility, cost of practical applications of fertility control, discussions on animal welfare and human dimension of these approaches.

Collection Editors
Cheryl S. Asa (Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA, Reproductive Management Center at the Saint Louis Zoo)
Stephanie L. Boyles Griffin (Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control, BIWFC)
Douglas Eckery (USDA APHIS WS National Wildlife Research Center)
Lyn A. Hinds (CSIRO)
Giovanna Massei (Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control)

Last Updated: 16 Jan 2024

Cats in Australia: Ecology, Impact, Management

Invasive introduced species are a major cause of biodiversity decline globally. Many of the world’s most significant recent conservation successes arise from the resolute control of invasive species, with such management working most effectively when it is based on robust evidence about the ecology of the pest species. In this collection of papers, we highlight these inter-related issues – of impact, management and ecology – for the case of the introduced domestic cat Felis catus in Australia.

Collection Editors
John Woinarski, Sarah Legge and Chris Dickman

Last Updated: 01 Nov 2018

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