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.
Wildlife Research
Volume 48 Number 6 2021
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.
WR20020 Abstract | WR20020 Full Text | WR20020PDF (947 KB) Open Access Article
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.
WR20090 Abstract | WR20090 Full Text | WR20090PDF (1.2 MB) Open Access Article
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.
WR20108 Abstract | WR20108 Full Text | WR20108PDF (1.3 MB) Open Access Article
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
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.
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.
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
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.