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A journal dedicated to conservation and wildlife management in the Pacific region.
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Pacific Conservation Biology

Pacific Conservation Biology

Pacific Conservation Biology provides a forum for discussion about regional conservation problems; debate about priorities and mechanisms for conservation oriented biological research; and dissemination of the results of relevant research. Read more about the journalMore

Editor-in-Chief: Mike Calver

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Pacific Conservation Biology is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 11 April 2025

PC24090Age and growth of the silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis (Muller & Henle, 1839) in the Ecuadorian Pacific

Christopher Mera 0009-0008-1944-4644, Diego Mejía, Smith Vera-Mera, Steven Tamayo-Vega, Felipe Galván-Magaña, Michael Veléz-Soledispa and Jesús Briones-Mendoza 0000-0001-6805-7706
 

Age and growth studies are vital for sustainable fisheries. Research on Carcharhinus falciformis (silky shark) in the Ecuadorian Pacific is limited, but this study found that the species grows slowly, increasing its vulnerability to overfishing. These findings provide essential data for population models, supporting effective management strategies to ensure its long-term conservation.

PC24090 Abstract  | PDF (2.3 MB) - $35.00   | PC24090Supplementary Material (2.8 MB)
Published online 10 April 2025

PC24071Bad dog? The environmental effects of owned dogs

Philip W. Bateman 0000-0002-3036-5479 and Lauren N. Gilson 0000-0002-5454-2038
 

Dogs are popular and ubiquitous pets, making them the commonest large carnivore in the world. We argue that the negative environmental effects of pet dogs are multifarious, ranging from direct predation and disturbance of wildlife to indirect modifications of wildlife behaviour due to their scent marks, faecal and urine pollution, deposition of veterinary insecticides into the environment, and carbon footprint of the pet food industry. The mitigation of these effects lies largely in the responsible behaviour of dog owners.

PC24071 Abstract  |  PC24071 Full Text  | PC24071PDF (1.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 April 2025

PC25003The absurdity of nature love through aviary bird-keeping

Minh-Hoang Nguyen 0000-0002-7520-3844 and Quan-Hoang Vuong
 

Aviary bird-keeping for entertainment exacerbates the loss of bird biodiversity. We reveal the absurdity of bird keepers claiming to love nature and support conservation while engaging in practices that exploit and commodify birds for human interests. This also highlights the eco-deficit culture driving this absurd form of ‘nature love’.

PC25003 Abstract  |  PC25003 Full Text  | PC25003PDF (1.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 April 2025

PC24082The Pacific foodfish list: a standardized list of over 1000 species of marine fish consumed by Pacific people

N. L. Andrew 0000-0002-2337-8722, L. Aisea, N. D. H. Arachchi 0000-0001-8245-6359, N. Bailly, I. Bertram, P. Bosserelle, L. Carron, K. D. Clements 0000-0001-8512-5977, M. P. Duenas, V. Fatongiatau, S. Felise, S. González-Murcia, B. Jaugeon, L. Joy, L. P. Kaitu, U. Kaly, J.-A. Kerandel, J. Z. Koehn, J. Kinch, S. Jalam, A. Kwapena, O. Li, S. Lindfield, F. Magron, B. R. Moore, R. F. Myers, B. Ned, B. Nikiari, D. Ochavillo, J. van der Ploeg 0000-0001-7099-4002, K. Raumea, M. Roscher, M. Sabater, A. Sami, G. Shedrawi, N. Smith, D. J. Steenbergen 0000-0003-4067-4432, M. Sukulu, F. Tulafono, S. Tiitii, T. Toroca, P. Tua, L. Vaipuna, C. C. C. Wabnitz, J. Wencélius, M. White and B. Yeeting
 

The sustainable supply of fish for food is a policy priority for Pacific nations. Despite this imperative, the types and names of fish are not uniformly described and understood. The study provides the first comprehensive description of the 1031 species of fish consumed by Pacific people and highlights the need for comprehensive baselines of foodfish in a changing world.

PC24082 Abstract  |  PC24082 Full Text  | PC24082PDF (2.2 MB)  | PC24082Supplementary Material (1.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 April 2025

PC25014A review of 60 years of fire management for threatened fauna and flora at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Megan Dilly, Sarah Barrett 0000-0003-2790-992X, Sarah Comer 0000-0001-7236-4602, Allan H. Burbidge, Alan Danks 0009-0006-4895-0867, Judith M. Harvey, Angas J. M. Hopkins and Graeme T. Smith
 

Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve in Western Australia has been managed for the conservation of threatened fauna for over 60 years. This review considers the range of species that have benefited, but also the complexity of managing a range of plants and animals concurrently. A long history of fire exclusion from core habitat for threatened fauna has seen significant conservation outcomes for some species, but other species and ecosystems may require more nuanced management.

This article belongs to the collection: The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia.

PC25014 Abstract  |  PC25014 Full Text  | PC25014PDF (7 MB)  | PC25014Supplementary Material (1.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 31 March 2025

PC24086Overfished and under conserved: life-history, ecology and supply chain of the Endangered whitespotted whipray (Maculabatis gerrardi) and sharpnose whipray (Maculabatis macrura) from south-east Asia

N. Clark-Shen 0000-0002-8003-6681, A. Chin 0000-0003-1813-4042, C. Gan, K. Xu-Ting Ting, C. Terence, J. Ng Zheng Kai, D. Wee 0009-0005-3805-0622 and N. Hutchinson
 

Whitespotted whipray (Maculabatis gerrardi) and sharpnose whipray (Maculabatis macrura) are caught and traded in large volumes in south-east Asia. This study reveals late maturity (50% age-at-maturity of 5–6 years old), which makes them vulnerable to fisheries. A seafood trader who was interviewed perceives significant population declines.

PC24086 Abstract  |  PC24086 Full Text  | PC24086PDF (1.7 MB)  | PC24086Supplementary Material (894 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 March 2025

PC24105Local knowledge of Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) in north-central Flores Island (Indonesia) and implications for conservation of the species

Gregory Forth 0000-0001-6298-8665
 

The world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis continues to survive in parts of Flores Island. Anthropological fieldwork reveals local knowledge of the dragons that complements information on their distribution derived from zoological field studies. Focusing on a region in north-central Flores Island, the paper analyses detailed, credible local accounts of these rare lizards that could contribute to conservation of the species.

PC24105 Abstract  | PDF (9.2 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 20 March 2025

PC24075Open data for biogeography research of the genus Metrosideros across the south-central Pacific region

Thomas R. Etherington 0000-0002-3187-075X, Murray I. Dawson, Anne Sutherland and James K. McCarthy 0000-0003-3060-1678
 

Mapping the distribution of species from the genus Metrosideros is crucial for surveillance and management plans associated with species conservation. Such mapping requires accurate and accessible Metrosideros occurrence data and geographic information system data on island locations and extents. Here, we reviewed, compiled, and provided this data via an open science framework to support pan-Pacific conservation efforts.

PC24075 Abstract  |  PC24075 Full Text  | PC24075PDF (1.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 18 March 2025

PC24102Spatial variability of water chemistry in the Ayeyarwady River Basin, Myanmar

An V. Vu 0000-0002-0684-4664, John C. Conallin, Lauren J. Stoot, Gregory S. Doran, Lee J. Baumgartner, Katherine E. Doyle, Nathan Ning, Zau Lunn, Nyein Chan, Nyi Nyi Tun, Aye Myint Swe and Bronwyn M. Gillanders
 

Understanding the water chemistry of the Ayeyarwady River Basin in Myanmar is crucial for environmental and ecological studies such as fish migrations. This research reveals significant variations in trace elements along the river, highlighting the significant differences between freshwater and coastal environments. These findings shed light on future studies to track fish migrations in the basin.

PC24102 Abstract  |  PC24102 Full Text  | PC24102PDF (5.6 MB)  | PC24102Supplementary Material (1.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 11 March 2025

PC24055Recognising spatial distribution shifts in southern beech Nothofagus in the Island of New Guinea in response to climate change

Zahra Salsabila Rosmaitsa 0009-0007-6906-1097, Teguh Husodo and Angga Yudaputra
 

According to modelled predictions, climate change will affect the distribution and existence of the genus Nothofagus in future. The objective of this study is to understand the impact of climate change on suitable distribution areas of Nothofagus in the Island of New Guinea. Recognising how future climate may influence the distribution patterns would be useful for employing a sound conservation strategy for the protection of these species in future.

PC24055 Abstract  |  PC24055 Full Text  | PC24055PDF (4.4 MB)

Published online 28 February 2025

PC24068Rapid identification of shark species on mislabelled seafood products in Mexican markets

Alexis Alejandro Jiménez-Pérez 0009-0007-8515-3119, Carolina Garciglia-Mercado, Sergio Francisco Flores-Ramírez, Rogelio Gónzalez-Armas, Felipe Galván-Magaña, Manuel Jesús Zetina-Rejón and César Salvador Cardona-Félix
 

Conservation of marine species is crucial for ensuring the health of marine ecosystems. Use of marine species, like sharks, must be properly regulated by management plans, including their trading. Shark trade should have accurate information concerning their correct identity using the most advanced and fast techiques, which will encourage to develop a sustainable trading.

PC24068 Abstract  | PDF (2.3 MB) - $35.00   | PC24068Supplementary Material (727 KB)
Published online 24 February 2025

PC25004Aboriginal-constructed lizard traps on Western Australia’s south coast create reptile habitat and teach principles of granite outcrop conservation

Susie Cramp 0000-0001-7841-3567, Lynette Knapp, Harriet Paterson, Peter Speldewinde, Alison Lullfitz and Stephen D. Hopper 0000-0002-0364-2856
 

Lizard traps are culturally and ecologically important Aboriginal-constructed rock formations found on granite outcrops. Directed by Merningar Elder Lynette Knapp, this paper provides the first robust evidence of reptiles using lizard traps as habitat. They teach that granite conservation requires minimising disturbance, deep knowledge of the landscape, and multi-generational thinking.

This article belongs to the collection: The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia.

PC25004 Abstract  |  PC25004 Full Text  | PC25004PDF (7.6 MB)  | PC25004Supplementary Material (160 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 20 February 2025

PC24061Recovery of the Southern Greater Glider (Petauroides volans) following the extreme drought, heatwaves, and mega-fires of 2019–2020 in the southern Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia

Peter Smith 0000-0002-3421-1725 and Judy Smith 0000-0002-2785-7042
 

The iconic Southern Greater Glider (Petauroides volans) is threatened by increasing frequency and severity of wildfires under climate change. Since the Australian ‘Black Summer‘ fires of 2019–2020, it has recovered well under wet conditions in lightly burnt and moderately burnt sites but not in severely burnt sites. Reducing fire severity and protecting prime habitat are critical for its conservation.

PC24061 Abstract  | PDF (4.6 MB) - $35.00   | PC24061Supplementary Material (5.1 MB)
Published online 10 February 2025

PC24056Using the prey captured by breeding Crested Terns to assess the availability of forage fish for other coastal meso-predators

J. Nic Dunlop, Erin Clitheroe 0000-0001-6431-6977 and Donna Chapman
 

Prey species carried to Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) breeding colonies on Penguin Island, Western Australia were photographed using digital telephoto cameras to monitor tern diet and fish availability for a declining population of Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor) sharing the same breeding island and foraging area.

PC24056 Abstract  |  PC24056 Full Text  | PC24056PDF (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 10 February 2025

PC24051Can epigeic invertebrates escape fire?

Christopher Swinstead, Paul Nevill and Philip W. Bateman 0000-0002-3036-5479
 

Fire escape and survival is a key component of a species’ fire response and future recovery. The immediate fire escape potential of ground dwelling invertebrates is, however, poorly known, despite their importance to ecosystem services. We investigated this, and found that there is limited escape potential among this group except for a handful of taxonomic groups.

PC24051 Abstract  |  PC24051 Full Text  | PC24051PDF (725 KB)   Open Access Article

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

Collections

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

The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve is one of the most important nature conservation areas along the south coast of Western Australia. This Collection of Pacific Conservation Biology papers about the natural history of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, provides past and current knowledge of this significant nature reserve.

Collection Editors
A. J. M. Hopkins, G. T. Smith and D. A. Saunders

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2025

Publishing Science 101: advice on submitting and promoting your research paper

This Collection offers an overview of the publishing process from start to finish, and is designed to provide information and support to researchers looking to publish academic articles. Topics include common mistakes authors make in presentation or in misunderstanding what happens in production, the importance of accurate referencing and proofing, navigating problems with authorship, making decisions about Open Access, and promoting work once it is accepted.

Collection Editor
Mike Calver (Editor-in-Chief, Pacific Conservation Biology)

Last Updated: 12 Dec 2024

Marine Mammals in the Pacific

This collection of Pacific Conservation Biology papers will enable a synthesis of the challenges which face marine mammal populations and research in the Pacific and the actions and agreements to address some of the challenges, facilitate the publication of important knowledge from research poor areas, and highlight the importance of crowd-sourced data across geographically complex regions.

Collection Editors
Rochelle Constantine (University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau)
Claire Garrigue (Institute for Research and Development)

Last Updated: 07 Oct 2024

Conservation Highlights in the Americas

This Collection focuses on contributions from researchers studying conservation problems and solutions along the eastern Pacific coast and Hawaii. The papers from the eastern Pacific coast include island and mainland examples, confirming that both are considered within the journal’s scope. They illustrate the range and quality of the work published by Pacific Conservation Biology, as well as the journal’s service to the scientific communities of the eastern Pacific coast.

Last Updated: 22 Mar 2024

Coral Reefs in the Pacific: Values, Threats and Solutions

The challenges for conservation in the Pacific are sharpest in managing coral reefs. The effects of anthropogenic climate change are already evident, as well as unregulated exploitation, land clearing or agricultural production on adjoining lands. In 2018, Pacific Conservation Biology celebrated 25 years of publication. It was also International Year of the Reef. In this Collection, we have collated key papers to aid the understanding of the value of, and threats to, coral reefs and their ecosystems, with hope that this research will contribute to a brighter future for our reefs.

Collection Editors
Mike Van Keulen and Mike Calver

Last Updated: 18 May 2018

Pacific Biodiversity: Values, Threats and Solutions

Pacific Conservation Biology is dedicated to conservation in the Pacific region, which is defined broadly as the western Pacific (East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania), the north Pacific (including Russia), and the islands of the central Pacific across to countries on the North American and South American continents bordering on the eastern Pacific. In this Collection, Pacific Conservation Biology addresses the ‘big questions’ in conservation, providing a forum for conservation scientists, natural resource managers and science communicators to explore the answers in a Pacific context.

Last Updated: 27 Jun 2017

Committee on Publication Ethics

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Expressions of Interest

Expressions of interest are invited for an Editor-in-Chief or joint Editors-in-Chief, commencing July 2025.

Ivor Beatty Award

Kit Prendergast has been awarded the Ivor Beatty Award for 2023.

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