Critically endangered gharials found in the Mahanadi River are on the brink of extirpation which demands urgent conservation efforts for its survival. This study examines the dependencies of local people on the Mahanadi River and their perception of gharials. Despite living with gharials for years, people are still unaware of their ecological role and perceive them as a threat, similar to other crocodile; therefore, awareness on gharial ecology among the local riverside residents near critical gharial habitats may be useful for gharial conservation. Photograph by Ashaharraza Khan.

Understanding the population structure and connectivity of highly migratory fishes across their range is crucial information to develop and implement conservation initiatives for vulnerable species. This study aimed to characterise the extent of ontogenetic divergence in resource–habitat behaviour of two proposed subpopulations of white sharks in Australia. Differences in isotopic profiles of vertebrae across ontogeny from juvenile to subadult life stages support an ecological two-population model in Australia, suggesting the need for region-specific management. Photograph by Teah Burke.

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

Accurate and precise information on the abundance and distribution of mesocarnivores is essential for their management and conservation, but difficult to obtain. This study compared four monitoring metrics derived from camera traps and resultant habitat relationships for five mesocarnivores. Estimates of density and relative abundance were strongly correlated, whereas occupancy poorly aligned with density estimates, and the direction and strength of habitat relationships were metric dependent. Our results can help wildlife managers evaluate species-metric specific tradeoffs when designing monitoring programs. Photograph by University of New Hampshire/New Hampshire Fish and Game.