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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WR24071_CO Full Text | WR24071_COPDF (149 KB) Open Access Article
and Viorel D. Popescu
The North American beaver populations are still being trapped in many USA states. We identified predictors of beaver colony density in Ohio and improved aerial survey methods for broad scale monitoring. Areas with high wetland and reclaimed surface mine areas are important habitat for beavers in Ohio and yielded the greatest density of beaver colonies. We develop a model-based habitat classification and make recommendations for improving the efficiency and spatial representation of aerial monitoring efforts. Photograph by Joe Barber.
, 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 , Brett P. Murphy, Sam Banks and Malcom Lindsay
Karajarri and Ngurrara Rangers collaborated with scientists to investigate how fire management in the Great Sandy Desert could help mammals and reptiles. We found that some species prefer particular spinifex post-fire ages, from recently burnt to long-unburnt, and that patchworks of spinifex ages benefit mammals. This means that we should aim to reduce fire size and increase the area of mature/long-unburnt spinifex. Our work provides ecological information from a little-studied region of Australia, and highlights the role of Indigenous land managers in biodiversity conservation. Photographs by Anne Jones.
Translated summary: the two ranger groups have decided not to translate the summary into their languages. Although there are many language speakers from Ngurrara, the most fluent Karajarri speaker passed away last year, and translating complex sentences is now challenging. Out of mutual respect for their collaboration, the rangers prefer not to include a summary that is only in a Ngurrara language. However, we use words from both languages in the text. A short video about our project can be seen here.
This article belongs to the collection Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia.
WR24069 Abstract | WR24069 Full Text | WR24069PDF (3.3 MB) | WR24069Supplementary Material (3.7 MB) Open Access Article
, Rachel Paltridge, Nicholas Leseberg, Nigel Jackett, Stephen Murphy, Birriliburu Rangers , Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) Martu Rangers , Karajarri Rangers , Kiwirrkurra Rangers , Ngurrara Rangers , Nyangumarta Rangers , Wiluna Martu Rangers , Gooniyandi Rangers , Kija Rangers , Paruku Rangers , Nharnuwangga Wajarri Ngarlawangga Warida Rangers , Ngurra Kayanta Rangers , Ngururrpa Rangers , Adrian Boyle, Alexander Watson, Bruce Greatwich, Neil Hamaguchi and Stella Shipway
Night parrot surveys were conducted by 13 Western Australian Aboriginal ranger groups and scientific partners between 2017 and 2023, over 8613 survey nights, confirming 22 new night parrot sites, which is 54% of all confirmed night parrot sites in Australia today. This work has greatly expanded our knowledge about night parrot distribution and ecology, while showcasing how respectful two-way scientific partnerships, supported by regional networks, can deliver significant benefits to both threatened species management and caring for Country and culture. Photograph by Paruku Rangers & the Kimberley Land Council.
This article belongs to the Collection Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia.
, Robert A. Gitzen, Stephen J. Zenas, Mark D. Smith, Kurt C. VerCauteren and Stephen S. Ditchkoff
The recent range expansion of invasive wild pigs in North America has lead to increasing concerns of how they affect native species. This study aims to investigate how white-tailed deer respond to wild pig removals and found that, although relative abundance did not change, detection of white-tailed deer increased as wild pigs were removed. We suggest that wild pigs affect white-tailed deer behaviourally at a local scale and that behavioural changes may not result in population-level effects. Photograph by Matthew McDonough.
and Ellen Freeman
The introduced Tasmanian fallow deer population is believed to have grown exponentially within the last 25 years, impacting agriculture and conservation. This study compared two aerial survey methods – human observers and thermal imaging – to improve population monitoring. Human counts produced more reliable population density estimates in this study, but thermal imagery allowed precise spatial analysis of how deer were distributed within the landscape. Image by Cameron Wells.
WR24056 Abstract | WR24056 Full Text | WR24056PDF (4.9 MB) Open Access Article
, Shaina Russell, Gabrielle Brennan, Yirralka Rangers , Bec Condon, Yinimala Gumana, Frances Morphy and Emilie Ens
Amidst growing international calls for inclusive conservation, and a backdrop of declining species and cultural diversity, Indigenous-led conservation approaches are of growing importance. This study established a working list of priority animals of concern to Yolŋu Yirralka Rangers and Ŋalapalmi (knowledge holders) in the Laynhapuy Indigenous Protected Area. This priority animal list will guide Indigenous-led fauna management and equitable, collaborative fauna research grounded in Yolŋu priorities. Photograph by Yirralka Rangers.
This article belongs to the Collection Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia.
WR24071 Abstract | WR24071 Full Text | WR24071PDF (3.7 MB) | WR24071Corrigendum (149 KB) | WR24071Supplementary Material (15.7 MB) Open Access Article
, Laura F. Grogan, Hamish I. McCallum and David A. Newell
The amphibian chytrid fungus has descimated frog populations but infection outcome depends on the frog’s life stage. We investigated chytrid infection patterns in tadpoles and found that they are often infected with higher pathogen loads than are adults and juveniles. This suggests that tadpoles could act as a reservoir for infection and further opens the door to additional research into immune responses of different amphibian life stages. Photograph by Matthijs Hollanders.
WR23126 Abstract | WR23126 Full Text | WR23126PDF (2.2 MB) | WR23126Supplementary Material (1.3 MB) Open Access Article
, Juan Mula Laguna and Lin Schwarzkopf
Passive acoustic monitoring has the potential to aid in the effective monitoring of endangered species, but analysis of recordings is challenging. We developed a call recogniser for the southern black-throated finch, and compared its ability to detect the species at new locations with manual bird surveys. We found strong agreement between the two methods suggesting this to be a useful tool in the conservation of this species. Photograph by Juan Mula Laguna.
WR23151 Abstract | WR23151 Full Text | WR23151PDF (3.8 MB) | WR23151Supplementary Material (1.5 MB) Open Access Article
, Marcus Clarke, Ebony Hickey, Laura Prentice, Vicki Couzens and John Clarke
This paper outlines the Eastern Maar approach to biocultural landscape restoration. The paper outlines the principles that guide the practice and how culturally significant entities are central to the way we view and understand Country. Finally, the paper highlights ways that non-Maar people and organisations can partner with us to care for Eastern Maar Country. Photograph by David Roberts.
This article belongs to the Collection Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia.
WR24068 Abstract | WR24068 Full Text | WR24068PDF (219 KB) Open Access Article
, Barry W. Brook and Jessie C. Buettel
Lures improve predator detection on camera traps, although it is unknown which are effective for attracting Felis catus. We tested how three lures affect the capture of feral cats in south-eastern Tasmania. Cats were attracted to all lure treatments; however, their activity decreased when Tasmanian devil activity increased in response to a lure, indicating limitations of lures owing to interspecific interactions. Photograph by Alexandra J. Paton.
WR24055 Abstract | WR24055 Full Text | WR24055PDF (12.7 MB) Open Access Article
, Ryan Baring and Michael G. Gardner
Reptiles partition their activity among their microhabitats for thermoregulatory, predatory, and refuge opportunities. We investigated whether a habitat specialist, the endangered pygmy bluetongue, preferentially occupied vacant spider burrows in specific microhabitats in agricultural grasslands. Pygmy bluetongues showed strong positive and negative associations with various microhabitats. Our results have implications for selecting appropriate microhabitats when installing artificial burrows for lizards at future translocation sites and land-management implications to ensure landscape heterogeneity for successful conservation. Photograph by Kimberley Michael.
WR23146 Abstract | WR23146 Full Text | WR23146PDF (1.1 MB) | WR23146Supplementary Material (1.2 MB) Open Access Article
, Rebecca West , Cheryl Lohr , Ruth Wongawol and Valdera Morgan
We conducted a survey, and present a case study, of the perspectives of non-Indigenous practitioners and Traditional Owners who had been involved with conservation translocations. The main finding was to acknowledge the importance of recognising and adopting the cultural dimension of conservation translocations when conducted on Indigenous Country. Results highlight key guiding principles to assist increased partnerships between Traditional Owners and western practitioners. Photograph by Wild Deserts.
This article belongs to the collection Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia.
WR24053 Abstract | WR24053 Full Text | WR24053PDF (937 KB) Open Access Article
and Brett A. DeGregorio
We explored whether mesocarnivores use residential yards, and how certain features influence mesocarnivore occupancy, relative abundance, and interspecies temporal activity overlap. Mesocarnivore occupancy of residential yards was influenced by yard-level features, such as fences, as opposed to surrounding landscape composition. With residential lawns becoming a more prominent landcover type worldwide, understanding how they provide resources for wildlife in suburban settings and how yard features can create hot spots of conflict with wildlife would be beneficial. Photograph by Emily Johansson.
WR23065 Abstract | WR23065 Full Text | WR23065PDF (1.4 MB) | WR23065Supplementary Material (1.2 MB) Open Access Article
This paper provides an introduction to night parrots in the Great Sandy Desert of Western Australia from the dual perspectives of Indigenous rangers and scientists working together to understand their ecology on the Ngururrpa Indigenous Protected Area. We describe night parrot roosting habitat and use firescar mapping and predator surveys to develop recommendations for the protection of night parrots in this area.
Kukatja summary: Ngatjangkura inni kulu kulkurru ngaka ngurrupa IPA. Rangers kamu scientists paya warakuyarra kutjungka tjatuwana mangininpa. Kulkurruya Ngurra tjanapa nginaya mangalwana. Ngampurrpala tjana kangikuwa warukamarra wilpinpa murtitikirlpaya kamu murtika.
A short video describing our project can be seen here.
This article belongs to the Collection Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia.
WR24083 Abstract | WR24083 Full Text | WR24083PDF (3 MB) Open Access Article
, Alicia Scanlon, Lilly Clegg, Ruth Link, Lauren Jarrett,
Kristy Pursch, Alison Williams and Melissa Giese
, Naomi Indigo , 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 , 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 , Katherine Tuft , Keith Bellchambers, Kevin Bradley, Kim Webeck, Kimberley Land Council Land and Sea Management Unit , Kiwirrkurra Rangers , Laurie Tait, Malcolm Lindsay , 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 , Rick Southgate, Rob Brandle, Stephen van Leeuwen, Thalie Partridge, Thomas M. Newsome, Wiluna Martu Rangers , Yawuru Country Managers
, Marika A. Maxwell, Colin G. Ward, Jodie Quinn
, G. Ballard, S. Legge , D. Algar , G. Basnett, T. Buckmaster, J. Dunlop , A. M. Edwards, A. Hine, A. R. Knight , E. Marshall, S. C. McColl-Gausden, M. D. Pauza, T. D. Penman
, Jacob Loughridge, Nyangumarta Rangers , Charlie Wright, Augustine Badal, Nyaparu (Margaret) Rose, Elliot Hunter, José Kalpers
, Damian R. Michael , James M. Turner , Lucy J. Wright, Dale G. Nimmo
, Ryan Baring, Michael G. Gardner
, Sebastien Comte , Lee Parker, David M. Forsyth , Jordan O. Hampton
, Andrew Turley , Callum Waite , Shandiya Balasubramaniam , Cameron Slatyer , J. Andrew Pearce
, Teagan Goolmeer , Anthony McKnight, Vicki Couzens
, Rebecca West , Cheryl Lohr , Ruth Wongawol, Valdera Morgan
, Juan Mula Laguna, Lin Schwarzkopf
, Barry W. Brook, Jessie C. Buettel
, Laura F. Grogan, Hamish I. McCallum, David A. Newell
, Tim D. Day
, Vera Weisbecker , Robert R. Hill , Kathryn E. Hill
, Brett P. Murphy , Tiwi Rangers, Alan N. Andersen, Hugh F. Davies
, Brenton von Takach, Brittany Hayward-Brown, Terrah Guymala, Warddeken Rangers , Jawoyn Rangers , Djurrubu Rangers , Mimal Rangers , Jay Evans, Cara E. Penton
, Ellen Freeman
, 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 , Brett P. Murphy, Sam Banks, Malcom Lindsay
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
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
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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