Register      Login
Wildlife Research Wildlife Research Society
Ecology, management and conservation in natural and modified habitats
Wildlife Research

Wildlife Research

Volume 48 Number 6 2021

WR20156Plasticity in daily activity patterns of a key prey species in the Iberian Peninsula to reduce predation risk

Esther Descalzo 0000-0002-0809-4422, Jorge Tobajas 0000-0002-8329-8265, Rafael Villafuerte, Rafael Mateo and Pablo Ferreras 0000-0002-1116-6706
pp. 481-490
Graphical Abstract Image

Some prey species can shift their daily activity patterns to reduce predation risk. We tested whether European rabbits can adapt their activity depending on predation risk by mesocarnivores in areas with different activity of mesocarnivores. We conclude that rabbits adapt their daily activity patterns by being more nocturnal in the fenced plot where the risk of mongoose (diurnal) predation is higher. Photograph by Jorge Tobajas.

Graphical Abstract Image

Determining the most efficient detection method for a target species is key for successful wildlife monitoring and management. This study compared driven transects, sign surveys and camera trapping for detecting numbats (Myrmecobius fasciatus) in the Upper Warren region, Western Australia. Sign surveys were more successful and had the lowest cost per detection. We recommend sign surveys with occupancy modelling for long-term monitoring of numbats in the Upper Warren. Photograph by Anke Seidlitz.

WR20090Developing a correction factor to apply to animal–vehicle collision data for improved road mitigation measures

Tracy S. Lee 0000-0002-0498-5930, Kimberly Rondeau 0000-0002-0707-5668, Rob Schaufele, Anthony P. Clevenger and Danah Duke
pp. 501-510
Graphical Abstract Image

There has long been concern about the number of unreported animal–vehicle collisions (AVC). We developed a method to calculate a correction factor to correct traditional AVC road survey data and account for unreported AVCs. In our case study, applying the correction factor increased the number of road sections where road mitigation is cost effective. Photograph by Gerry Smith.

Graphical Abstract Image

Threatened Gouldian finches are obligate tree-hollow nesters and are, therefore, susceptible to fire regimes that can influence abundance of hollows. We found that late dry-season fire frequency, and not total fire frequency, has the greatest influence on hollow availability. We recommend fire management of finch breeding habitat not to exclude fire, but to use patchy early dry-season burning to reduce the incidence of late-season wildfires that are detrimental to finch breeding habitat. Photograph by David Bettini.

Graphical Abstract Image

Multiple rotations of timber harvesting affect coarse woody debris and use by fauna. We found significantly greater volume of medium-sized pieces in sites harvested three times versus unharvested sites. Camera trapping found that fauna used a variety of logs, including large and small logs in various states of decay. No relationships were found between fauna and frequency of timber harvesting. Photograph by Caragh Threlfall.

WR20076Lethal control reduces the relative abundance of dingoes but not cattle production impacts

Glenn P. Edwards 0000-0002-7340-7624, Stephen R. Eldridge, Bernie J. Shakeshaft and Teresa Nano
pp. 531-539
Graphical Abstract Image

Lethal control is widely used in Australia to manage the negative impacts of dingoes on livestock, but its effectiveness is not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 1080 baiting on dingoes and its effects in mitigating predation and sublethal impacts on beef cattle. Our results add to the growing body of consistent evidence that contemporary dingo control practices yield little benefit to beef producers in arid and semiarid areas most of the time. Photograph by Stephen Eldridge.

WR20175Scars of human–elephant conflict: patterns inferred from field observations of Asian elephants in Sri Lanka

Chase A. LaDue 0000-0002-3224-0397, Rajnish P. G. Vandercone 0000-0003-1800-4133, Wendy K. Kiso 0000-0002-6675-5970 and Elizabeth W. Freeman 0000-0001-7374-1502
pp. 540-553
Graphical Abstract Image

Human–elephant conflict (HEC) threatens the long-term survival of Asian elephants. The present study described unique scars incurred by elephants during HEC incidents adjacent to a protected area in Sri Lanka, and we described differences in scar patterns on the basis of age, sex, and body condition. These results illustrated the need for adaptive conservation strategies to address HEC in Sri Lanka and elsewhere, and these scar patterns may be useful for monitoring HEC in this elephant population. Photograph by Chase LaDue.

WR20178Rodenticide baiting black rats (Rattus rattus) in mangrove habitats

David Ringler 0000-0001-7022-2686, Nicolas Guillerault, Mickaël Baumann, Martin Cagnato and James C. Russell 0000-0002-5901-6416
pp. 554-560
Graphical Abstract Image

Tidally inundated habitats are challenging environments for invasive rat eradication. We investigated black rat population biology as well as rodenticide availability in mangrove forests and showed that although mangroves are an important reservoir for rats, large bait blocks on the ground and ‘bait bolas’ may be effective bait delivery options. We suggest practitioners consider these alternative methods to adapt current eradication best practices. Photograph by James Russell.

WR20165Mammal responses to moderate-intensity planned burning in a small, isolated woodland reserve

Michael M. Driessen 0000-0003-2553-0027, Peter J. Jarman, Micah Visoiu and Elise Dewar
pp. 561-576
Graphical Abstract Image

Planned burning is an important tool for property protection and ecosystem management, but few studies have investigated its effects on mammal communities. This 10-year study aimed to assess the response of Australian mammal species to planned burns and showed that all but one species were resilient to the burning program, and some may have benefitted. Although the study supports the assumption that carefully planned burning will cause only limited and short-term detriment, our finding that aspects of climate change may be affecting biotic post-fire recovery deserves further research. Photograph by Michael Driessen.

Committee on Publication Ethics

Call for Papers

We are seeking contributions for the following Special Issues, More information

Advertisement