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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 has moved to a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 12 July 2024

WR24023Niche separation of three species of tree-rat (black-footed tree-rat, M. gouldii, golden-backed tree-rat, Mesembriomys macrurus, and brush-tailed rabbit-rat, Conilurus penicillatus) on the Mitchell Plateau, Western Australia

J. Anne Kerle 0009-0001-2762-4732, Catherine M. Kemper, Michael R. Fleming, Gordon R. Friend and Marie Senn
 

A photograph of a golden-backed tree-rat Mesembriomys macrurus from northern Australia.

The distribution and abundance of the three tropical tree-rat species have contracted since European settlement and characterisation of their ecological niche is critical for their conservation. The habitat preferences, habitat use and diet of each species on the Mitchell Plateau, Western Australia, were determined and compared. Despite overlap in habitat and diet preferences, each species is filling a distinct niche. Photograph by Euan Ritchie.

WR24023 Abstract  | PDF (15.1 MB) - $35.00   | WR24023Supplementary Material (946 KB)
Published online 11 July 2024

WR24026Using detection dogs for surveillance of invasive dama wallaby (Notamacropus eugenii) in North Island, New Zealand

A. David M. Latham 0000-0002-4403-6588, M. Cecilia Latham 0000-0002-0081-603X, Jo Peace and Andrew M. Gormley 0000-0001-9833-7012
 

Photograph of a detection dog used as a surveillance tool for the management of wallabies in New Zealand.

The invasive dama wallaby is a significant pest to native vegetation and production assets in North Island, New Zealand. Eradication operations targeting pest wallabies require effective surveillance to determine the outcome of the management intervention. Detection dogs with handlers searching for wallaby faecal pellet groups are an effective surveillance method for confidently determining whether a targeted wallaby population has been eradicated. Photograph by Jo Peace.

WR24026 Abstract  |  WR24026 Full Text  | WR24026PDF (5.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 09 July 2024

WR23156The decline, fall, and rise of a large urban colonising bird

Matthew J. Hall 0000-0003-3931-689X, John M. Martin 0000-0003-2731-9292, Alicia L. Burns and Dieter F. Hochuli 0000-0002-6673-4475
 

Eleven Australian brush-turkeys foraging on the sidewalk of a suburban street.

The Australian brush-turkey is a recent urban colonising species despite atypical traits for urban adaption, often causing human–wildlife conflict due to their digging behaviour. We outline historical changes in the species distribution at multiple scales and show their range has shifted over time, with an overall increase in major cities. Brush-turkeys are occupying increasingly developed areas, suggesting they are not limited to suburban areas with high greenspace cover and will continue to move into suburban areas. Photograph by Jenny Kelly.

WR23156 Abstract  |  WR23156 Full Text  | WR23156PDF (2.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 02 July 2024

WR23134Evaluation of genetic markers for the metabarcoding of Australian marsupials from predator scats

Catriona D. Campbell 0000-0001-7983-1832, Anna J. MacDonald 0000-0003-2972-200X and Stephen D. Sarre 0000-0002-7158-2517
 

A photograph of a typical predator scat collected in Tasmania.

DNA recovered from predator faeces can be used to determine the presence of fauna and shed light on their life histories and inter-species interactions. We identified two markers (12SV5 and 16SMam) that, in combination, are suitable for successfully identifying marsupial sequences at a high level of resolution. We also showed that these samples work well in predator scats sampled from the wild, providing a potent approach to non-invasive wildlife survey, and therefore management, through the detection of multiple species across all vertebrates. Photograph by Anna MacDonald.

WR23134 Abstract  |  WR23134 Full Text  | WR23134PDF (687 KB)  | WR23134Supplementary Material (1017 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 June 2024

WR23125Factors affecting wild boar (Sus scrofa) distribution in Uruguay

N. Zambra 0000-0002-4484-5676 and R. Ungerfeld 0000-0003-4685-2105
 

Map of Uruguay showing political divisions and the distribution of farms where wild boar presence was reported.

The wild boar, one of the top 100 most dangerous invasive species, is a major predator of sheep in Uruguay. This study aimed to determine how farm location and environmental factors related to production farms influence the spatial distribution of wild boars. Results showed that farm location and land-cover type affect the probability of wild boar presence. We also provide predictions for potential wild boar presence that can be useful for future management strategies to control this species. Map by Noelia Zambra.

WR23125 Abstract  | PDF (1.6 MB) - $35.00   | WR23125Supplementary Material (1 MB)
Published online 27 June 2024

WR23056Insuring woylies (Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi) against extinction: establishment of Perup Sanctuary

Natasha D. Harrison 0000-0001-5779-0187, Sian M. Thorn 0000-0002-3537-2547, Marika A. Maxwell, Colin G. Ward, Julia C. Wayne and Adrian F. Wayne 0000-0002-3102-4617
 

WR23056_toc.jpg

In response to predation from introduced predators, imperilled Australian mammals are increasingly preserved in predator-free havens, yet detailed monitoring of such populations is rarely reported. This study describes the establishment of Endangered woylies in a predator-free sanctuary in Tone–Perup Nature Reserve, Western Australia, revealing estimates of the growth and health of the population. Recommendations are made for the strategic management of this and other havened populations to improve conservation outcomes. Photograph by Natasha Harrison.

WR23056 Abstract  |  WR23056 Full Text  | WR23056PDF (2.1 MB)  | WR23056Supplementary Material (1.3 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 25 June 2024

WR24046Citizen science delivers high-value biosecurity surveillance and reporting capability

Erin Roger 0000-0002-9671-132X, Andrew Turley 0000-0003-1834-586X, Callum Waite 0009-0009-0474-0122, Shandiya Balasubramaniam 0000-0001-9928-9964, Cameron Slatyer 0000-0003-1042-9460 and J. Andrew Pearce 0009-0000-8749-7352
 

A photograph of an invasive cactus species in Australia.

Australia is home to some of the most impactful invasive species, and the risk of new incursions increases every year with an increasing people and trade movement exacerbated by land-use change. We built a system to connect citizen-science observations with biosecurity and land management agencies. Already, the Biosecurity Alerts Service is proving critical in Australia’s general surveillance system, with important localised eradications undertaken as a result. Photograph by Darren Fielder @darren_fielder CCBY-NC https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/189208201.

WR24046 Abstract  |  WR24046 Full Text  | WR24046PDF (444 KB)  | WR24046Supplementary Material (831 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 24 June 2024

WR23032Habitat features important for the conservation of the endangered Sloane’s Froglet (Crinia sloanei) in peri-urban environments

Alexandra R. Knight 0000-0003-4159-731X, Robyn J. Watts 0000-0002-3526-7261, Catherine Allan 0000-0003-2098-4759, Simon McDonald and Natasha Lappin
 

Photograph of a Sloane’s Froglet on a green leaf

Managing habitat for threatened species in peri-urban environments is increasingly difficult as rapid urban expansion occurs. This study modelled habitat for Sloane’s Froglet, a little-known endangered Australian amphibian, at waterbody and microhabitat scales, showing that wetlands with adjacent shallow overflows and small stem-diameter reeds are essential for the species’ survival. Habitat needs should be considered in assessing development proposals and designing constructed wetlands, including stormwater retention ponds. Photograph by Alexandra Knight.

WR23032 Abstract  |  WR23032 Full Text  | WR23032PDF (1.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 11 June 2024

WR23138Better to bluff than run: conservation implications of feral-cat prey selectivity

John L. Read 0000-0003-0605-5259, Katherine E. Moseby 0000-0003-0691-1625 and Hugh W. McGregor
 

A feral cat carcass from this study showing stomach contents.

Cat hunting selectivity has the potential to influence trophic cascades and conservation status of wildlife, including many species threatened by cat predation. Analyses of a 27-year dataset of over 2000 cats and 4000 prey items identified species and guilds disproportionately hunted by cats relative to their availability. Implications of prey selectivity for conservation planning are described. Photograph by John Read.

WR23138 Abstract  | PDF (761 KB) - $35.00   | WR23138Supplementary Material (748 KB)
Published online 07 June 2024

WR23147Increasing the target specificity of the canid-pest ejector for red fox (Vulpes vulpes) control by using a collar to exclude larger canids

Lauren I. Young 0000-0002-9497-9728, Kirsten Skinner, John Tyne and Glenn Edwards 0000-0002-7340-7624
 

A photograph of red fox, a pest in Australia.

Non-target impacts of baiting programs may prevent the participation of landholders in red fox control. We field-trialled a collar for the canid-pest ejector (CPE) that prevented wild dogs from triggering the CPE, while allowing foxes to do so. Collared CPEs have the potential to improve the efficacy of baiting programs for foxes and encourage greater participation by landholders, particularly where impacts on non-target canids are considered undesirable. Photograph by Northern Territory Government.

WR23147 Abstract  | PDF (1.6 MB) - $35.00   | WR23147Supplementary Material (677 KB)
Published online 04 June 2024

WR23082Leopards at large: population density, habitat utilisation and spatio-temporal overlap of leopards (Panthera pardus) with competitors and prey in the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, northern India

Shashank Yadav 0000-0003-3871-0772, Manu Mohan 0000-0002-1697-6302, Aditi Sharma, Sanatan Sonker and Ramesh Krishnamurthy 0000-0001-8797-8615
 

Photographs showing the tiger and leopard in India.

The larger carnivores often influence a top–down regulation on mesopredator behaviour. This study aimed to assess the response of the leopards to non-breeding tigers and its probable link with the conflict with humans, and showed that leopards avoided tigers and increased in substantial numbers, with transient individuals likely to be dispersing and causing conflict. We make recommendations to study the coexistence of copredators and transient animals. Photograph by Wildlife Institute of India.

WR23082 Abstract  | PDF (2.6 MB) - $35.00   | WR23082Supplementary Material (617 KB)
Published online 03 June 2024

WR24008Assessing the suitability of a surveillance fauna-monitoring program for detecting future changes in reptile occupancy

Peter J. McDonald 0000-0001-6875-1466, Alistair Stewart, Simon J. Ward, Paul M. Oliver 0000-0003-4291-257X and Catherine E. M. Nano
 

A photo of a spinifex specialist skink in Northern Territory.

Ecological surveillance monitoring targets multiple taxonomic groups using standardised sampling across large spatial scales. We assessed the adequacy of a general fauna-monitoring program for sampling reptiles as indicators of ecosystem health in the semi-arid Northern Territory and found insufficient power to detect potential future changes in reptile occupancy. Once ecological associations are understood, monitoring ecological health remotely using techniques such fire-scar mapping to track proportions of long-unburnt vegetation, should be considered over labour-intensive surveillance monitoring for reptiles. Photograph by Peter J. McDonald.

WR24008 Abstract  | PDF (3.5 MB) - $35.00   | WR24008Supplementary Material (510 KB)
Published online 03 June 2024

WR23107Current and emerging feral cat management practices in Australia

A. Dorph 0000-0001-8133-080X, G. Ballard, S. Legge 0000-0001-6968-2781, D. Algar 0000-0002-6018-2841, G. Basnett, T. Buckmaster, J. Dunlop 0000-0003-4842-0672, A. M. Edwards, A. Hine, A. R. Knight 0000-0003-4159-731X, E. Marshall, S. C. McColl-Gausden, M. D. Pauza and T. D. Penman
 

Feral cat in a cage trap.

Feral cats have caused the decline of many native Australian species, but cat management remains challenging with programs being variable in their success. Experts from Australia identified the techniques currently used in cat management and the environmental, economic, and social impacts influencing their success. We summarise the impacts that vegetation, land-use, legislation, and social licence can have on the efficacy of different management techniques. Image by Guy Ballard.

WR23107 Abstract  |  WR23107 Full Text  | WR23107PDF (937 KB)  | WR23107Supplementary Material (1.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 31 May 2024

WR24002Putting rakali in the spotlight: innovative methods for detecting an elusive semi-aquatic mammal

Emmalie Sanders 0000-0002-1051-1854, Dale G. Nimmo, James M. Turner 0000-0001-8699-7750, Skye Wassens and Damian R. Michael 0000-0003-3980-9723
 

Photograph showing a rakali on a floating platform used for observing small mammals.

Cryptic semi-aquatic mammals present a particular challenge to monitor because of their unique lifestyles. We aimed to identify the most effective methods to detect the seldom-studied rakali, a native Australian semi-aquatic mammal; spotlighting and camera traps placed over water provided the greatest detection probabilities. We present a novel method to monitor rakali, which has the potential to improve the detection and conservation of other small semi-aquatic mammals. Photograph by Emmalie Sanders.

WR24002 Abstract  |  WR24002 Full Text  | WR24002PDF (2.1 MB)  | WR24002Supplementary Material (1.3 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 May 2024

WR24024The effect of collar weight and capture frequency on bodyweight in feral cats (Felis catus)

Ned L. Ryan-Schofield 0000-0002-4997-6560, Katherine E. Moseby 0000-0003-0691-1625, Todd J. McWhorter 0000-0002-4746-4975, Sarah M. Legge 0000-0001-6968-2781 and Hugh W. McGregor 0000-0003-3255-9282
 

A photograph of a collared feral cat in Australia.

Feral cats are one of the most harmful invasive species in Australia, and are often caught and collared as part of scientific study to investigate their impacts and inform management. We evaluated the impacts of this process on feral cats. Even though collar weight had no impact, repeated recaptures reduced cat weight. Researchers should consider prioritising fewer capture and handling events over collar-weight reductions, or offset the effect of repeated capture by allowing recovery time greater than 30 days before subsequent recapture attempts. Photograph by Darcy Whittaker.

WR24024 Abstract  |  WR24024 Full Text  | WR24024PDF (753 KB)   Open Access Article

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Collections

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 Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Land)
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)

Last Updated: 24 Apr 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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