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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 09 December 2024

WR24163Determining the impacts of conservation fencing on woma pythons (Aspidites ramsayi)

Joshua Magro 0000-0002-7367-6998, Reece Pedler 0000-0002-4170-2274, John Read 0000-0003-0605-5259 and Rebecca West 0000-0001-8577-3317
 

A photo showing a woma python being entangled in netting of a fence.

Entanglements of woma pythons have been recorded in conservation fencing at the Wild Deserts project partnership site, a safe haven in arid Australia. This prompted us to investigate woma spatial ecology in relation to fencing to inform mitigation actions. Entanglements were only observed from 30-mm netting, with no records from 50-mm netting. Larger netting apertures are preferable when planning future fenced conservation reserves where rabbit exclusion is not required. Photograph by Reece Pedler.

WR24163 Abstract  |  WR24163 Full Text  | WR24163PDF (1.4 MB)  | WR24163Supplementary Material (2.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 09 December 2024

WR24045Using stable-isotope analysis to assess recent diet and habitat use of stranded green turtles (Chelonia mydas)

Joshua J. Glen 0009-0006-0743-8883, Christina A. Buelow, Max D. Campbell, Joanna Day, Phoebe J. B. Meagher, Jason P. van de Merwe and Ryan M. Pearson
 

A photograph showing a green turtle in its natural habitat.

New South Wales (NSW) has a high number of green turtle stranding events. Understanding these events is crucial to evidence-based management of this species and prevention of further incidents. This research analysed the diet of select green turtles and found that these turtles were feeding on animal material and macroalgae prior to stranding. This research mapped the stable-isotope values of common dietary items along the NSW coastline and provides the groundwork for future research to investigate diet structure of healthy, free-ranging green turtles in NSW. Photograph by Rory Crofts, 2020.

WR24045 Abstract  |  WR24045 Full Text  | WR24045PDF (1.5 MB)  | WR24045Supplementary Material (2.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 09 December 2024

WR24062Hunters’ knowledge, perceived risks, and agency trust associated with chronic wasting disease, and beliefs about CWD management

Jerry J. Vaske 0000-0002-6703-2264 and Craig A. Miller
 

Photograph of a deer infected with chronic wasting disease

Wildlife agencies spend considerable effort developing communication programs to educate various publics about chronic wasting disease (CWD). This article examined the influence that the number of years CWD had been in a state had on deer hunters’ knowledge of CWD. Knowledge was then related to perceived risks, agency trust, and beliefs about CWD management. Implications are discussed. Photograph by Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

WR24062 Abstract  | PDF (299 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 06 December 2024

WR24021Operational field trialling of Felixer™ grooming traps for the control of feral cats in the Strzelecki Desert, Australia

R. D. Pedler 0000-0002-4170-2274, J. L. Read 0000-0003-0605-5259, K. E. Moseby 0000-0003-0691-1625, T. J. Hunt, C. E. Lynch, D. B. Cullen, B. Coulter, R. T. Kingsford and R. S. West
 

A Felixer grooming trap under shade shelter used in the trial.

Feral cats are a key threat to biodiversity globally, and particularly in Australia, but effective control is complex because of their broadscale distribution and behaviour. Felixer grooming traps were evaluated at a mammal reintroduction site in the Strzelecki Desert, Australia. Felixers showed extremely high target specificity, low incidence of non-target firing events and appear to have supressed cat activity in a semi-bounded area relative to an adjacent unbounded area where no cat control was occurring. The devices had high cost and incidence of technical faults, but showed promise as highly targeted feral cat control tools. Photograph by Reece Pedler.

WR24021 Abstract  |  WR24021 Full Text  | WR24021PDF (2.9 MB)  | WR24021Supplementary Material (1.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 December 2024

WR23141Changes in guanaco distribution from Late Holocene to present times in Northwest Patagonia: connecting archaeological, ethnohistoric and current data

Bruno F. Moscardi 0000-0003-1410-9448, Martín Vilariño, Sergio L. D’Abramo, Luis Sosa Pfatschbacher, Valeria Bernal, Diego D. Rindel 0000-0002-6818-9765 and S. Ivan Perez
 

Two maps showing changes in guanaco distribution over time

The guanaco is the largest native mammal inhabiting arid and semi-arid South American environments, with current density and distribution ranges substantially reduced. Combined lines of evidence model how and why distribution changed in the last 2500 years in Northwest Patagonia, showing guanaco populations pushed to drier, unproductive areas of the east by recent urbanization and livestock practices. Like large mammals in developing countries worldwide, guanacos are threatened by modern human activities, so urgent measures are needed to mitigate impacts. Image by Bruno F. Moscardi and S. Ivan Perez.

WR23141 Abstract  | PDF (8.7 MB) - $35.00   | WR23141Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)
Published online 28 November 2024

WR24013Den selection and movement patterns in a tropical savanna population of the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus)

Gavin J. Trewella 0000-0001-5875-6378, Teigan Cremona and Brett P. Murphy 0000-0002-8230-3069
 

A photograph of a northern quoll in its native habitat in northern Australia.

The drivers of declining small-mammal populations in northern Australia are complex, but may include the structural simplification of tropical savannas. We explored denning preferences and nocturnal movement patterns of the Endangered northern quoll, highlighting the species’ reliance on large hollow-bearing trees in high-biomass savanna habitats of Cape York Peninsula, Australia, where these habitats have a critical role for the species’ survival. We recommend prioritising conservation efforts in these areas, with a focus on effective fire management and avoidance of clearing and logging. Photograph by Gavin Trewella.

WR24013 Abstract  |  WR24013 Full Text  | WR24013PDF (7.6 MB)  | WR24013Supplementary Material (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 26 November 2024

WR24063Influence of stand thinning on wildlife in managed second-growth forests: tree squirrels, small mustelids, and mammalian species richness

Thomas P. Sullivan 0000-0002-9811-1504 and Druscilla S. Sullivan
 

Photograph of a long-tailed weasel (Neogale frenata) next to a tree log on the forest floor

Forest restoration strategies are most successful when they accelerate development of habitat features that support wildlife. We evaluated mammal use of second-growth lodgepole pine stands that had been thinned. Thinned stands provided habitats for tree squirrels, weasels, and mammalian species richness at 30–36 years after treatment. Availability of wildlife habitats in managed stands may converge with those of older natural stands. Photograph by T. Sullivan.

WR24063 Abstract  | PDF (3.4 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 22 November 2024

WR24054Foraging habitat locations of flatback (Natator depressus) and olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) in northern Australia

Justin S. Smith, Colin J. Limpus, Takahiro Shimada, Laurie Booth, Eve C. Hinchliffe 0009-0004-5289-3733, Mariana M. P. B. Fuentes, Frank Loban, Shane Preston and Mark Hamann 0000-0003-4588-7955
 

Flatback turtle nesting on vegetated sand dune in northern Australia

The foraging behaviour of flatback (Natator depressus) and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) marine turtles in northern Australia is understudied. We used satellite telemetry to investigate the location of foraging habitats of flatbacks and olive ridleys. Our results have identified key areas for conservation initiatives and informed management strategies for marine turtle species and foraging areas. Photograph by Mark Hamann.

WR24054 Abstract  |  WR24054 Full Text  | WR24054PDF (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 November 2024

WR23042Flock size does not influence escape decisions of urban lawn-foraging birds

Jin-Ming Zhao 0000-0003-2305-7643, Xiang-Rong Song, Xiao-Yu Yang, Yue Xie and Xiao-Nong Yang
 

Diagram showing urban birds’ escape behaviors when approached by humans.

Our study shows that urban birds’ escape behavior, including routes and distances, does not vary significantly with flock size when encountering humans. Urban birds exhibit consistent escape responses across different flock sizes, which may indicate a generalized behavior in response to frequent human presence, likely induced by habituation. Regardless of flock size, urban birds exhibit a baseline level of antipredator behavior, suggesting a uniform response to human approaches. Diagram by Xiao-Nong Yang..

WR23042 Abstract  | PDF (973 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 19 November 2024

WR24110Temporal variation in utilisation distribution and direction distribution of dugong feeding trails in intertidal seagrass beds in Talibong Island, Thailand: an insight into dugong feeding routes

Chiaki Yamato 0000-0001-7910-5072, Kotaro Ichikawa, Kongkiat Kittiwattanawong and Nobuaki Arai
 

Aerial photograph of a dugong

Observing dugongs, an endangered, herbivorous marine mammal, is challenging because of the often-turbid waters they inhabit. We evaluated the daily and quarterly variations in dugong feeding in Thailand and demonstrated consistency in the direction and spatial range despite varying amounts and shifting hotspots of feeding. These findings highlight the significance of understanding predictable feeding routes for dugong conservation. Photograph by Chiaki Yamato.

WR24110 Abstract  | PDF (5 MB) - $35.00   | WR24110Supplementary Material (934 KB)
Published online 19 November 2024

WR24029Bird and mammal roadkill patterns and associated factors on a tropical mountain area: the Interamerican Highway, Cerro de la Muerte, Costa Rica

José F. González-Maya, Luis Sánchez-Arguedas, Marisol Rodríguez Pacheco, Diego R. Gutiérrez-Sanabria 0000-0003-3642-0499, Lourdes Martínez-Estévez 0000-0002-2496-4600 and Jan Schipper
 

A photograph showing a section of the Interamerican Highway in Costa Rica.

Roadkill is a major threat for terrestrial vertebrates worldwide. This study aimed to identify wildlife–vehicle collision hotspots for birds and mammals along a section of the Interamerican Highway, one of the most transited roads in Costa Rica, to identify temporal patterns in roadkill, and to describe the relationship between wildlife–vehicle collisions and landscape characteristics. We identified 34 roadkill hotspots where forest area, distance to rivers, and road sinuosity were the most influencing factors. We make recommendations on the next steps to reduce bird and mammal roadkills. Photograph by José F. González Maya.

WR24029 Abstract  | PDF (1.6 MB) - $35.00   | WR24029Supplementary Material (876 KB)
Published online 29 October 2024

WR24086Balancing act: evaluating non-target risks of feral cat management in conservation reserves

Mark Cowan, Michelle Drew, Brian Macmahon and Lesley A. Gibson 0000-0001-6665-729X
 

A tree-mounted camera trap image of three phascogales.

Predation by feral cats threatens native Australian wildlife, yet effectively mitigating this threat remains challenging. The poison bait Eradicat® provides one tool to help control feral cats, but only in areas where the risk to non-target species is considered acceptable. Our study suggests the risk posed to red-tailed phascogale populations from repeated use of Eradicat® is likely to be low, providing assurance to conservation managers intending on integrating this bait with fox control in areas where this species occurs. Image by Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (captured by camera trap).

WR24086 Abstract  |  WR24086 Full Text  | WR24086PDF (1.8 MB)  | WR24086Supplementary Material (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 29 October 2024

WR24065Girrimarring wiirrilgal bulany ngayanbading (bat nest-type fur sun-like): blending traditional knowledge and western science to create roosting habitat for the threatened golden-tipped bat Phoniscus papuensis

Anna Lloyd 0009-0009-4141-676X, Alicia Scanlon, Lilly Clegg, Ruth Link, Lauren Jarrett, Kristy Pursch, Alison Williams and Melissa Giese
 

A photograph of an artificial roosting structure for golden-tipped bat.

The 2019–20 megafires across south-eastern Australia affected 40% of the habitat for the threatened golden-tipped bat (Phoniscus papuensis). We blended Indigenous cultural practices and western science to create woven roosts for the golden-tipped bat, which were successfully utilised in the second year of the project. Our experience provides a framework for collaborative conservation responses for golden-tipped bats and has broader implications for the recovery of other threatened species. A short video about the project is available here and footage of golden-tipped bats leaving woven roosts is available here. Photograph: Anna Lloyd/DCCEEW.

This article belongs to the Collection Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia.

WR24065 Abstract  |  WR24065 Full Text  | WR24065PDF (25.5 MB)  | WR24065Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 22 October 2024

WR24027Spatiotemporal responses of ungulates to hunting in a fenced multi-use area

Koen M. van Roekel, Lysanne Snijders and Darcy R. Visscher 0000-0002-4119-3991
 

Camera-trap image capturing moose activity in a landscape

Human use, including recreation and hunting, can disturb wildlife and this can be particularly problematic in fenced multi-use landscapes. This study aimed to investigate how human use, which switched from recreation-based disturbance to hunting, changed the patterns of use by native ungulates in space and time and we found consistent patterns of temporal avoidance, whereas patterns of spatial avoidance were species-specific. We make recommendations for how to minimise human impacts in multi-use recreational landscapes. Image by Darcy Visscher.

WR24027 Abstract  | PDF (1.9 MB) - $35.00   | WR24027Supplementary Material (740 KB)
Published online 21 October 2024

WR24131On the nose: validating a novel, non-invasive method to identify individual koalas using unique nose patterns

Janine Duffy, Tori Stragliotto and Valentina S. A. Mella 0000-0001-5577-2487
 

A photograph of a close up of a koala nose.

Identification of individual koalas is difficult and relies mostly on invasive methods requiring capture. This study describes and validates a novel non-invasive method to identify koalas from their nose markings, using the unpigmented pattern of the nose to determine unique features of individuals. This new method offers a vital tool for monitoring endangered koalas whilst minimising human interference. Photograph by Koala Clancy Foundation.

WR24131 Abstract  |  WR24131 Full Text  | WR24131PDF (8.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Just Accepted

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.

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.

  10. The Arid Zone Monitoring Project: combining Indigenous ecological expertise with scientific data analysis to assess the potential of using sign-based surveys to monitor vertebrates in the Australian deserts

    Wildlife Research 51 (9)
    Sarah Legge 0000-0001-6968-2781, Naomi Indigo 0000-0002-0465-7849, Darren M. Southwell, Anja Skroblin, Tida Nou, Alys R. Young, Jaana Dielenberg, David P. Wilkinson, Diego Brizuela-Torres, Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara , Birriliburu Rangers , Brett Backhouse, Carolina Galindez Silva, Cassandra Arkinstall 0000-0002-0078-0137, Catherine Lynch, Central Land Council Rangers , Chris L. Curnow, Dan J. Rogers, Danae Moore, Ellen Ryan-Colton, Joe Benshemesh, Josef Schofield, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, Karajarri Rangers , Katherine Moseby 0000-0003-0691-1625, Katherine Tuft 0000-0002-3585-444X, Keith Bellchambers, Kevin Bradley, Kim Webeck, Kimberley Land Council Land and Sea Management Unit , Kiwirrkurra Rangers , Laurie Tait, Malcolm Lindsay 0000-0001-9683-8331, Martin Dziminski, Newhaven Warlpiri Rangers , Ngaanyatjarra Council Rangers , Ngurrara Rangers , Nigel Jackett, Nyangumarta Rangers , Nyikina Mangala Rangers , Parna Ngururrpa Aboriginal Corporation , Pete Copley, Rachel Paltridge, Reece D. Pedler 0000-0002-4170-2274, Rick Southgate, Rob Brandle, Stephen van Leeuwen, Thalie Partridge, Thomas M. Newsome, Wiluna Martu Rangers , Yawuru Country Managers

  14. Pirra Jungku and Pirra Warlu: using traditional fire-practice knowledge and contemporary science to guide fire-management goals for desert animals

    Wildlife Research 51 (10)
    Sarah Legge 0000-0001-6968-2781, Hamsini Bijlani, Karajarri Rangers , Ngurrara Rangers , Braedan Taylor, Jacqueline Shovellor, Frankie McCarthy, Chantelle Murray, Jesse Ala’i, Courtney Brown, Kevin Tromp, Sam Bayley, Ewan Noakes, Jackie Wemyss, Hannah Cliff, Nigel Jackett, Bruce Greatwich, Ben Corey, Mark Cowan, Kristina J. Macdonald 0000-0003-0357-1231, Brett P. Murphy, Sam Banks, Malcom Lindsay 0000-0001-9683-8331

Collections

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

Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia

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.

Collection Editors
Jack Pascoe (University of Melbourne, Yuin, living on Gadabanut Country)
Stephen van Leeuwen (Curtin University, Wardandi Noongar, living on Wadjuk Noongar Boodja)
Marlee Hutton (Kimberley Land Council, Bardi Jawi, living on Yawuru Land)
Emilie Ens (Macquarie University, living on Dharug Land)
Hannah Cliff (Indigenous Desert Alliance, living on Wadjuk Noongar Boodja)
Sarah Legge (Charles Darwin University, living on Bundjalung Land)

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

Last Updated: 10 Oct 2024

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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