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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 11 April 2025

WR23089Predicting cassowary–vehicle collision in the Wet Tropics of Australia

Bruce L. Webber , Matt Bradford, Noboru Ota and David Westcott

 

Vehicle collision is a significant mortality source for threatened wildlife. We analysed major determinants of vehicle collisions with southern cassowaries, and found that road density at the landscape scale and high cover of higher-quality habitats along straight sections of road were positively associated with collisions at the local scale. Mitigation measures at very few locations could avoid most vehicle collisions with cassowaries. Photograph by Ruchira Somaweera (CSIRO).

WR23089 Abstract  |  WR23089 Full Text  | WR23089PDF (2.1 MB)  | WR23089Supplementary Material (343 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 April 2025

WR24114Hunter movement and habitat use affect observation rate of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Alyssa Meier, Andrew R. Little, Kenneth L. Gee, Stephen Demarais, Stephen L. Webb and Dustin H. Ranglack

 

Understanding what hunter behaviors lead to greater harvest success can be a powerful tool, thereby maintaining hunting as a viable management option, especially in areas with overabundant deer. Our objectives were to assess hunter behavior and evaluate how these behaviors influenced deer observation rates. Our results suggest that hunter movement and habitat use influence the number of deer observed during a hunt. Image by Alyssa Meier

WR24114 Abstract  |  WR24114 Full Text  | WR24114PDF (1.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 April 2025

WR24184Trap evaluation to optimize wild pig removal efforts in remote settings

Michael J. Lavelle , Nathan P. Snow, Michael P. Glow, Justin W. Fischer, Steven C. Hess and Kurt C. VerCauteren

 

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a destructive invasive species that are exceptionally detrimental to flora and fauna native to isolated islands, especially in rugged and remote terrain where population control is difficult. Better wild pig control methods are needed for remote situations where use of high-tech traps utilizing cell phone technology are not an option. We compared corral traps, box traps, and passive net traps and found that passive net traps increased the effectiveness and efficiency for removing wild pigs. Photograph by Justin Fischer.

WR24184 Abstract  |  WR24184 Full Text  | WR24184PDF (2.3 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 April 2025

WR24179Cat among the birds and trees: feral cat movements respond to variation in spatiotemporal productivity in a large island ecosystem

Cyril R. E. Scomparin , Matthew D. Pauza and Menna E. Jones

 

Feral cats are a highly adaptable invasive species, widespread across mainlands and islands in Australia and globally. We aimed to test the influence of the landscape and migration of seabirds on the cat movement on lunawanna-alonnah/Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia. The sudden change in prey following seabird migration could present a threat to native wildlife if cats prey-switch, but offer an opportunity for lethal control because cats will be hungry, more mobile, and therefore more likely to encounter control activities. Photograph by Matthew Pauza.

WR24179 Abstract  |  WR24179 Full Text  | WR24179PDF (2.5 MB)  | WR24179Supplementary Material (336 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 April 2025

WR24060Using citizen science records from iNaturalist to document geographical range outliers in Australian skinks

Feliks Ozolina , Shai Meiri, Jules E. Farquhar and David G. Chapple

 

Understanding and accurately describing species distributions is an ongoing challenge. We used the citizen science website iNaturalist.org to locate geographically anomalous records of Australian skinks. Our study provides a novel and versatile method for locating populations undocumented in the literature. Photograph by Jules E. Farquhar.

WR24060 Abstract  |  WR24060 Full Text  | WR24060PDF (755 KB)  | WR24060Supplementary Material (311 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 April 2025

WR24085Behavioral plasticity in detection height of an invasive, arboreal snake based on size, condition, and prey

Melia G. Nafus , Levi N. Gray, Page E. Klug , Gordon H. Rodda and Scott M. Goetz

 

Habitat use by wildlife may depend on health, food availability, and predation threat. We found that an arboreal snake used microhabitat, as measured by estimated height of detection, based on size, individual condition, and prey counts. Snakes had lower detection heights when prey was less available or their condition scores were lower, and as their size increased. Arboreality as measured by detection height was a plastic behavior that changed in response to prey availability, individual condition, and snake size. Image by Scott Goetz and Melia Nafus.

WR24085 Abstract  |  WR24085 Full Text  | WR24085PDF (11 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 20 March 2025

WR24135Fire regimes drive population trends of a threatened lizard in the central and western deserts of Australia

Darren M. Southwell , Danae Moore, Steve McAlpin, Edward M. J. Blackwood , Andrew Schubert, , Adam S. Smart, Samuel D. Merson, Margarita Goumas, Nicholas A. Macgregor and Rachel M. Paltridge

 

Understanding the drivers and trends of plant and animal populations is an essential part of conservation management. This study assessed the effects of fire, rainfall and vegetation condition on the long-term trends of a threatened lizard in the central and western deserts of Australia. Our results showed contrasting trends in populations, with fire extent and frequency a major driver of population change. Photograph by Rachel Paltridge.

WR24135 Abstract  |  WR24135 Full Text  | WR24135PDF (656 KB)  | WR24135Supplementary Material (4.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 18 March 2025

WR24150Comparing shotshell characteristics to optimize aerial removal of wild pigs (Sus scrofa)

Michael J. Lavelle , Nathan P. Snow, Bryan Kluever, Bruce R. Leland, Seth M. Cook, Justin W. Fischer and Kurt C. VerCauteren

 

Aerial operations to remove invasive species are increasingly common and can be highly effective towards reducing damage and disease threats to anthropogenic resources and native biota. This study compared a variety of shotshells used during aerial operations to optimize lethality and overall effectiveness of removal efforts. We recommend maximizing the number of pellets delivered downrange within limited distances at which sufficient energy is retained to maximize penetration and lethality. Photograph by Michael Lavelle.

WR24150 Abstract  |  WR24150 Full Text  | WR24150PDF (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 March 2025

WR24107Purpose-driven approaches to age estimation in Australian flying-foxes (Pteropus)

Cinthia Pietromonaco , Douglas Kerlin , Peggy Eby, Hamish McCallum, Jennefer Mclean, Linda Collins and Alison J. Peel

 

Age estimation is crucial for understanding the ecology, biology and behaviour of wildlife. Our systematic review summarises current age estimation practices on Australian flying-foxes, revealing inconsistencies in terminology, methodology and definitions that hinder cross-disciplinary research. By recommending enhanced reporting standards and promoting consistency, our work aims to improve age data reliability, facilitating more comprehensive ecological and biological studies and serving as a model for broader species application. Photograph by Kathleen Flynn.

WR24107 Abstract  |  WR24107 Full Text  | WR24107PDF (1.6 MB)  | WR24107Supplementary Material (822 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 March 2025

WR24108Monitoring and habitat inferences change with population metric: a case study with mesocarnivores

Andrew R. Butler , Mairi K. P. Poisson, Patrick Tate, Daniel H. Bergeron and Remington J. Moll

 

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.

WR24108 Abstract  | PDF (1.5 MB) - $35.00   | WR24108Supplementary Material (611 KB)

Published online 06 March 2025

WR24066Establishing protocols to apply repellents while hazing crop pests: importance of habitat, flock size, and time on blackbird (Icteridae) responses to a drone capable of spraying

Mallory G. White, Jessica L. Duttenhefner and Page E. Klug

 

Drones are used to haze birds in conflict with agriculture, but understanding the impact of flocks, habitat, and environment improves protocols for integration of repellents applied by a spraying drone. We found that flocks in cattail allowed closer approach than those in sunflower. Although smaller flocks approached by drones later in the day allowed closer approach, abandonment increased with smaller flocks as the day progressed. Photograph by Jessica Duttenhefner.

WR24066 Abstract  |  WR24066 Full Text  | WR24066PDF (2.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 March 2025

WR24132Evidence for an ecological two-population model for white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in Australian waters

T. G. Burke , C. Huveneers, L. Meyer, J. P. W. Hollins, L. Loseto, J. M. Werry and N. E. Hussey

 

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.

WR24132 Abstract  | PDF (2.2 MB) - $35.00   | WR24132Supplementary Material (2.1 MB)

Published online 21 February 2025

WR24088Exploring the human dimensions of gharial conservation in the Mahanadi River, India

Laxmi Prasad Rath , Suraj Kumar Dash , Rajesh Kumar Mohapatra , Aliva Patnaik, Ashaharraza Khan and Sudarsan Maharana

 

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.

WR24088 Abstract  | PDF (1.4 MB) - $35.00   | WR24088Supplementary Material (340 KB)

Published online 13 February 2025

WR24103Wildfire in rainforest margins is associated with variation in mammal diversity and habitat use

Rhiannon R. Bird , Rebeka R. Zsoldos, Martha V. Jimenez Sandoval, Shania J. Watson and Annabel L. Smith

 

Global increases in wildfires are making rainforests vulnerable to fire, especially at the margins. We found that fire in rainforest margins was associated with lower mammal diversity than in unburnt rainforest, and caused variation in how rainforest-associated species used habitat. Fire in sclerophyll vegetation surrounding rainforests was associated with reduced probability of movement of a generalist mammal species at low elevations. Mammals in rainforest margins had modified habitat use and behaviour 15 months post-fire, indicating that rainforest margins need to be protected from increasing wildfires. Photograph by Rhiannon Bird.

WR24103 Abstract  |  WR24103 Full Text  | WR24103PDF (991 KB)  | WR24103Supplementary Material (428 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 February 2025

WR24076The relationship between the presence of people, fire patterns and persistence of two threatened species in the Great Sandy Desert

Rachel Paltridge , Yalti Napangati, Yukultji Ward, Johnny Nangagee, Mantua James, Raymond Olodoodi, Nanyuma Napangati, Stephen Eldridge, Andrew Schubert, Edward Blackwood and Sarah Legge

 

Kiwirrkurra Traditional Owners use fire as an important tool to assist the harvest of bush meats and promote growth of favoured food plants. Forty years of firescar mapping across managed and unmanaged areas of Kiwirrkurra country show that where traditional burning has been maintained, populations of threatened species (bilby and great desert skink) have persisted, while disappearing from the surrounding landscape.

Pintupi summary: Yanangu Kiwirrkurra tjana kututja waru kutjani panya kukaku an yukiri mangarri puutjinuku yurrunpa tjintu nganti yarra-paluda yirrititja tjutangku. 40 yiya panya waru yilkarri katunguru nintini Ninu anta Tjalapaku yaaltji-wana Yanangu tjutangku yankula kuka an warukitjangkulpi nyanganyi ngurra Tjalapaku.

Photograph by Kiwirrkurra Indigenous Protected Area.

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

WR24076 Abstract  |  WR24076 Full Text  | WR24076PDF (3.6 MB)   Open Access Article

More content

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.

WR24136, Accepted 11 April 2025

Seasonal patterns of adult and sub-adult white shark presence at coastal aggregation sites in Central California

Samantha Andrzejaczek , Taylor Chapple, Alexandra DiGiacomo , Salvador Jorgensen, Scot Anderson, Michael Castleton, Paul Kanive, Theodore Reimer, Timothy White and Barbara Block

 

WR24136Abstract

WR24140, Accepted 05 April 2025

Call broadcast surveys monitor owls with more precision than passive surveys by citizen scientists or acoustic recording units

Victoria Sperring , Melinda Wilson, Bronwyn Isaac, Nicholas Macgregor and Rohan Clarke

 

WR24140Abstract

WR24030, Accepted 21 March 2025

Factors affecting the detection probability of a critically endangered flying-fox: consequences for monitoring and conservation

Annabel Dorrestein , Harry Rust, Nicholas Macgregor , Brendan Tiernan, Alexia Jankowski, John Woinarski , David James, Samantha Flakus, Martin Schulz, Simon Pahor, Anthony Mann, Bradley Desmond and Justin Welbergen

 

WR24030Abstract

WR25010, Accepted 31 January 2025

Editorial – Indigenous and Cross-cultural Wildlife Research in Australia

Jack Pascoe , Marlee Hutton, Sarah Legge , Emilie Ens, Hannah Cliff and Stephen Van Leeuwen

 

WR25010Abstract

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