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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 18 September 2025

WR25062Developing a regional species distribution model and validating with independent survey data: a case study of an avian apex predator, the greater sooty owl (Tyto tenebricosa)

Dylan M. Westaway 0009-0005-9498-7284, Yoko Shimizu, Chris J. Jolly and Scott E. Burnett
 

Graph showing predicted greater sooty owl occupancy against Maxent-modelled habitat suitability for field survey sites.

Species distribution models (SDMs) are used for a variety of purposes, yet they are rarely validated externally to test the accuracy of habitat suitability predictions. Using the greater sooty owl as a case study, we demonstrated an approach to validating species distribution models. Our approach could be applied to a variety of species to test the accuracy of SDMs, and provides insight into environmental variables relevant to greater sooty owl conservation, while identifying areas of predicted high-quality habitat in south-eastern Queensland, which could be targeted for future surveys and habitat protection. Graph by Dylan Westaway.

WR25062 Abstract  |  WR25062 Full Text  | WR25062PDF (1.7 MB)  | WR25062Supplementary Material (1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 18 September 2025

WR25039Historic accounts of the impact of dingoes on South Australia’s sheep industry that led to the construction of the Dog Fence, with notes on other wildlife abundance

G. Sansom 0000-0003-1842-3696, B. Ostendorf and D. Taggart 0000-0001-7251-8018
 

A photo showing a section of Dog Fence built to exclude dingoes from sheep grazing land in South Australia.

The Dog Fence was built to exclude dingoes (Canis familiaris) from sheep (Ovis aries) grazing land. This study reviewed historic newspaper articles to examine dingo impacts on the South Australian sheep industry before the Dog Fence, as well as challenges and consequences of broad-scale dingo control. The articles highlighted the extensive damage and cost dingoes caused the sheep industry. However, widespread control led to unintended ecological consequences, including rapid increases in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and native herbivore populations. Photograph by David Taggart.

WR25039 Abstract  |  WR25039 Full Text  | WR25039PDF (2.7 MB)  | WR25039Supplementary Material (505 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 12 September 2025

WR24188Using a state vegetation type map to predict legal koala habitat at large scale: a case study in the Mid North Coast region of NSW

Cristian Gabriel Orlando 0000-0003-3937-423X, Rebecca Montague-Drake, John Turbill, Allen McIlwee and Mathew S. Crowther 0000-0001-8968-1161
 

Female koala with her joey resting on her head, sitting on a tree branch.

In the face of continued koala habitat loss, large-scale mapping methods that accurately predict ‘legal’ koala habitat are essential for the species’ conservation. Our study tested a new vegetation-mapping approach, which slightly outperformed on-ground surveys in identifying potential koala habitats. This method provides wildlife managers, policy makers, and consultants with a reliable, scalable tool for land management and planning. Photograph by John Turbill.

WR24188 Abstract  |  WR24188 Full Text  | WR24188PDF (1.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 11 September 2025

WR24080Farmer–wildlife coexistence: decoding the pattern of human–wildlife conflict and compensation in the human-dominated landscape of Marathwada, western India

Pandurang Pawar 0000-0002-5053-9069 and Mahadeo Mule
 

A graphical presentation of human and livestock losses in the study area in western India.

This study in Marathwada, western India, delved into the nuanced dynamics of human–wildlife conflict, offering a robust foundation for evidence-based conservation management. By systematically analyzing extensive conflict data, the research identified critical hotspots, temporal trends, and key species driving conflicts, highlighting the disproportionate burden on farming communities. The findings emphasize the need for tailored, farmer-centric conflict mitigation strategies and underscore the importance of balancing conservation priorities with rural livelihoods, presenting a scalable framework for human–wildlife coexistence in similar landscapes globally. Image by Pandurang Pawar.

WR24080 Abstract  | PDF (3.9 MB) - $35.00   | WR24080Supplementary Material (158 KB)
Published online 09 September 2025

WR25078Spatial ecology of a translocated, imperiled lagomorph on a newly inhabited island

Wales A. Carter, Eileen McGourty and Thomas J. McGreevy 0000-0002-8542-4210
 

Press event for the release of a founder New England cottontail on Nomans Land Island in Chilmark, Massachusetts.

Islands can play an important role in conserving small mammals. This study monitored the establishment of an island breeding colony by fitting the founding animals with global positioning system radio collars. The founding animals had high individual variability in the resources they selected, which demonstrates that nearly the entire island should be able to support a large breeding colony. Photograph by T.J. McGreevy.

WR25078 Abstract  | PDF (2.5 MB) - $35.00   | WR25078Supplementary Material (340 KB)
Published online 04 September 2025

WR25081Assessing the long-range performance of copper bullets on North American elk (Cervus canadensis)

Craig Jourdonnais, Michael McTee 0000-0002-7737-4743, Mike Henning and Philip Ramsey
 

A photo of hunters targeting elk as they travel to higher elevation areas through grasslands and sagebrush steppe

Many hunters are switching to copper bullets to reduce lead exposure in wildlife and game meat, but little is known about how these bullets perform at long range. In our study of elk shot with copper bullets, recovered animals were hit at an average of 305 m compared with 391 m for unrecovered animals, although overall recovery rates were 91%. These findings support copper bullets as an effective option for long-range hunting when used by skilled hunters. Photograph by Craig Jourdonnais.

WR25081 Abstract  |  WR25081 Full Text  | WR25081PDF (1.1 MB)  | WR25081Supplementary Material (405 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 26 August 2025

WR24203From mailbox to inbox: mail vs internet waterfowl hunter survey responses

Jerry J. Vaske 0000-0002-6703-2264, Eric M. Walberg 0000-0002-2076-3262, Brent D. Williams, Samantha G. Pallazza, Lauren J. Stephens and Craig A. Miller
 

Photograph of a flock of flying waterfowl.

Declining response rates from mail surveys have prompted a shift toward internet surveys, which has raised questions about results comparability. This study examined survey quality indicators by comparing mail and internet survey responses from waterfowl hunters in Illinois. The findings highlighted the potential of internet surveys as an alternative to mail surveys in human–wildlife research. Photograph by Ryan Askren.

WR24203 Abstract  | PDF (302 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 22 August 2025

WR24105Wildlife conservation problems in Ethiopia and its solution: a focus on ecotourism

Eskinder Belay Tefera 0009-0006-5419-6733
 

Antilope hunting residues in southwestern Ethiopia.

As a result of rapid human population growth associated with rural poverty, wildlife conservation in Ethiopia is challenging. These challenges originate from resource-use conflicts, insufficient funding, political instabilities, and policy gaps. This perspective aimed to compile scientific evidence on wildlife conservation problems in Ethiopia focusing on ecotourism as a solution. Photograph by E. B. Tefera.

WR24105 Abstract  |  WR24105 Full Text  | WR24105PDF (2.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 22 August 2025

WR24160Flight heights in ibis and spoonbills: implications for collision risk

Batbayar Galtbalt, Heather M. McGinness 0000-0002-0380-4982, Shoshana Rapley, Micha V. Jackson, Luke R. Lloyd-Jones, Freya Robinson, Louis O’Neill, Melissa Piper, Micah Davies, John Martin, Richard Kingsford, Kate Brandis, Ralph Mac Nally, Marcel Klaassen, Art Langston, Jessica Hodgson and Veronica Doerr
 

A photograph of an adult royal spoonbill, Platalea regia.

Millions of birds worldwide have become victims of airspace collisions with aircraft and wind turbines. This study aimed to improve understanding of waterbird (ibis and spoonbill) flight characteristics by using GPS satellite telemetry data, as a first step in assessing species vulnerability to collision. There was clear overlap between flight heights and collision zones found, and we make recommendations for factors that should be considered when assessing spatially and temporally explicit scenarios of risk management. Photograph by Heather McGinness.

WR24160 Abstract  |  WR24160 Full Text  | WR24160PDF (2.4 MB)  | WR24160Supplementary Material (515 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 August 2025

WR25041Informing apex predator management: population viability analysis of dingoes under different management scenarios

Emily K. Henderson 0009-0008-4513-4017, Benjamin J. Pitcher 0000-0002-8580-0343 and Neil R. Jordan 0000-0002-0712-8301
 

Photograph of a dingo resting on the beach.

The effects of lethal management on carnivore populations are rarely measured. This study modelled how different levels of lethal management could impact a known dingo population in eastern Australia, and showed that lethal control targeting individual problem animals has less impact on population persistence than broadscale culls. In scenarios where this is possible, and where carnivore population persistence is desired, we recommend that targeted lethal control of individuals should take precedence over indiscriminate lethal management. Photograph by Alexander Dibnah.

WR25041 Abstract  |  WR25041 Full Text  | WR25041PDF (1.7 MB)  | WR25041Supplementary Material (247 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 August 2025

WR25009Are sutures a pathway to infection? A multidisciplinary assessment of wound healing in sharks following internal acoustic tagging

Brittany Heath 0009-0007-2164-9561, Charlie Huveneers 0000-0001-8937-1358, Ryan D. Hesse, Lewis Vaughan, Ondi L. Crino, Chloe N. Roberts, Xanthe Venn 0000-0002-8557-3857 and Jordan K. Matley
 

A photograph of Port Jackson shark resting close to seabed.

Tagging animals for acoustic telemetry often involves surgical procedures, which can increase stress and infection risk. This study compared healing outcomes in Port Jackson sharks after internal tagging with and without sutures and found, although while healing was broadly similar, sutures increased bacterial presence but prevented visceral protrusion. We highlight the importance of researchers using practices most appropriate in regard to animal welfare. Photograph by Sergio Madrigal-Mora (Flinders University).

WR25009 Abstract  |  WR25009 Full Text  | WR25009PDF (786 KB)  | WR25009Supplementary Material (930 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 August 2025

WR24209A mouse that rocks: camera trapping shows that mound assessment criteria do not reliably predict pebble mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) activity

Renée C. Firman 0000-0001-9428-7388, Rachelle E. Buckley, William De Angelis and Dustin R. Rubenstein
 

Western pebble mound mouse at the entrance of a subterranean burrow system holding a pebble in its mouth.

A scoring system based on external mound features was published to allow for quick assessment of whether a western pebble mouse mound was ‘active’ or not. Here, we have shown that the scoring system is not accurate. We provide recommendations on how to adequately assess pebble mouse activity, which will be important in defining the current and future conservation status of this important Pilbara region species. Photograph by Aline Gibson Vega.

WR24209 Abstract  |  WR24209 Full Text  | WR24209PDF (2 MB)  | WR24209Supplementary Material (930 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 August 2025

WR24174Habitat use and survival of the endangered northern bettong (Bettongia tropica) after prescribed fire

Christopher A. Pocknee 0000-0002-4435-9571, Sarah M. Legge 0000-0001-6968-2781, Jane McDonald and Diana Fisher
 

A picture of a northern bettong fitted with a GPS collar as part of this study.

We aimed to test how northern bettongs, an endangered Australian mammal, respond to low-to-medium severity prescribed fires intended to improve habitat structure for the species. Bettongs did not move their home range but shifted their nesting areas following fire to incorporate more unburned grassy habitat. Northern bettongs appear well-adapted to low severity fires, but high severity fire may result in a lack of appropriate nesting areas. Photograph by Nicolas Rakotopare (Threatened Species Recovery Hub).

WR24174 Abstract  |  WR24174 Full Text  | WR24174PDF (2.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 August 2025

WR25016The human and social impacts of an Australian mouse plague

Lucy Carter 0000-0003-2606-1584, Kerry Collins 0000-0001-6508-6640, Aditi Mankad, Walter Okello and Peter R. Brown 0000-0001-5894-8329
 

A photograph of a community hall in Mullaley NSW where a mouse outbreak caused significant damage to crops and health.

Scientific knowledge of the social and human impacts of mouse plagues is sparse. This research has provided qualitative insights into the impacts of a significant Australian plague event, beyond the usual boundaries of plagues in the context of farming systems or zoonotic disease transmission. The breadth of impacts uncovered, along with their scale and context, signals the existence of a much more complex system. We offer recommendations for agencies and service providers to better support rural communities to prepare for and recover from future outbreaks. Photograph by Kerry Collins.

WR25016 Abstract  |  WR25016 Full Text  | WR25016PDF (669 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 30 July 2025

WR24183Differences in juvenile white sharks’ (Carcharodon carcharias) resource use in southern California waters

Yamilla N. Samara Chacon 0009-0008-8878-620X, Christine R. Whitcraft, James M. Anderson 0000-0002-4900-5916, Emily Spurgeon 0000-0001-9587-7179, Patrick Rex, Elizabeth E. Jahn, Zachariah S. Merson and Christopher G. Lowe
 

A photograph showing a shark swimming in nearshore water.

Juvenile white sharks in southern California most use neritic habitat from the shoreline to >5 km from shore and water depths to 100 m. Using stable isotope analysis and acoustic tracking, we found that sharks sampled nearshore and offshore exhibit isotopic signatures reflecting the respective habitats where they were encountered. This study showed that juvenile white sharks may rely on resources beyond California State waters as they mature, affecting management strategies. Photograph by Patrick Rex.

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

WR24183 Abstract  |  WR24183 Full Text  | WR24183PDF (1.2 MB)  | WR24183Supplementary Material (804 KB)   Open Access Article

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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.

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  20. Flight heights in ibis and spoonbills: implications for collision risk

    Wildlife Research 52 (9)
    Batbayar Galtbalt, Heather M. McGinness 0000-0002-0380-4982, Shoshana Rapley, Micha V. Jackson, Luke R. Lloyd-Jones, Freya Robinson, Louis O’Neill, Melissa Piper, Micah Davies, John Martin, Richard Kingsford, Kate Brandis, Ralph Mac Nally, Marcel Klaassen, Art Langston, Jessica Hodgson, Veronica Doerr

Collections

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

Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia

This content alert for Wildlife Research highlights the Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia collection, which focuses on the importance of Indigenous inclusion and leadership in the stewardship of Australian ecosystems.

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.

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 people, including details and pictures of people who may be deceased, are included in some articles.

Last Updated: 04 Jul 2025

White Sharks Global proceedings and recent advances in white shark ecology and conservation

White Sharks Global was the first international white shark conference since the white shark research community met in Honolulu (Hawaii) in February 2010. With the increasing amount of studies focused on white sharks but continued and evolving issues around this species, the recent conference held in Port Lincoln (Australia) in November 2023 was a timely opportunity for scientists, managers, industry, and students to meet, exchange knowledge, report on recent scientific studies, and facilitate in-depth discussions of key challenges related to white sharks (e.g. managing human-shark interactions, supporting the recovery of this threatened species).

This collection of Wildlife Research papers features selected studies presented during White Sharks Global and outputs from workshops held during the conference. Other recent studies on white sharks that can help in the management of this threatened but potentially dangerous species are also included.

Guest Editors
Charlie Huveneers (Flinders University)
Lauren Meyer (Flinders University)
Samantha Andrzejaczek (Stanford University)
Chris Lowe (California State University Long Beach)

Last Updated: 20 May 2025

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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