Bats are crucial for the maintenance of ecosystem functions and services within human-modified landscapes. They are important seed dispersers, especially where large birds and large mammals are functionally or locally extinct. However, the roles of bats in fragmented landscapes are misunderstood, particularly in Neotropics. In the present study, we discuss the potential influences of the habitat-fragmentation process on seed dispersal by Neotropical bats. With the development of these studies, we will better understand the bat-modulated seed dispersal process, supporting regeneration and restoration programs that benefit from bat-based functions. Photograph by Filip Szafirowski.

Translocation is often advocated as a humane human–wildlife conflict-mitigation strategy; however, its impact on the health and survival of animals and its ability to resolve conflicts are questionable. The present study assessed the impact of translocation on the southern hairy-nosed wombat, a species that in conflict with agriculturalists throughout much of its range. Although translocated wombats adapted well to their new environment, they were difficult to capture and it did not reduce their activity at the source sites. These findings suggest that translocation is not a viable conflict-mitigation strategy for wombats. Photograph by Casey O’Brien.

The Baudin’s cockatoo (C. baudinii), one of three species of black cockatoo in Western Australia, is listed as Endangered and continues to decline in both range and number. A lack of fundamental movement ecology knowledge has impeded the ability to address Priority Actions in formal Recovery Plans. Here we use telemetry data to answer questions of importance at both the local and landscape scale to support evidence-based conservation management of this iconic species into the future. Photograph by Sam Rycken.

On the basis of theory of planned behaviour, we identified underlying beliefs linked to public support of gene drive and pest-specific toxin for biodiversity gains. Beliefs of good/bad and safety were significant contributors to overall levels of support; beliefs related to biodiversity outcomes were not significant. These beliefs should be incorporated into future engagement to ensure a constructive public dialogue. Photograph by David Mudge.

We assessed the effect of corporal bending of a newt species (I³S-Straighten) on the reliability of the I³S algorithm (I³S-Pattern⁺), which had a non-negligible negative impact on the algorithm performance. These findings could help other researchers to improve photo-standardisation during wildlife surveys, so as to ensure that their data are useable. Photograph by Julien Renet.

Feral goats are a significant pest species in southern rangeland areas. GPS data collected from feral goats showed they had large annual home ranges of over 100 km², sought out tall shrubland habitat and used waterpoints only intermittently. Data suggest that targeting waterpoints for control operations will not remove all goats from a control area. Photograph by K. Moseby.

Historically, illegal harvesting and by-catch by fishermen have caused dramatic declines in green turtle (Chelonia mydas) populations in Southeast Asian waters, and, alarmingly, these activities continue today. We obtained confiscated green turtles from Hainan Island, China, and used a genetic approach to determine that the Paracel Islands and the Sulu Sea rookeries are the most heavily affected areas by Hainan fishermen. We suggest that more work by the Chinese government needs to be undertaken to deter collection, and to increase the protection of turtles, at nesting rookeries in the Paracel Islands. Photograph by Liu Lin.

Population models are used to plan management actions. However, it is important that these models are realistic. We developed a flexible framework with the capacity to simulate individual interactions with baits, accommodate multi-species interaction and complex dynamics such as avoidance behaviours. This approach provides fine-scale control of the simulated dynamics and is relevant for biodiversity conservation and agriculture protection. Photograph by DPIRD camera trap.

For the past two decades, we have used several methods to monitor wolf populations in Lithuania. Early efforts relied on snow-track counts, but that approach became ineffective during mild winters. We then developed a protocol that relied on incidental observations by volunteers and the combined results of all efforts indicated that wolf abundance, distribution and pack size have increased. Photograph by Vitalijus Stirkė.

Breaks in silo-bag linings alter the internal atmosphere causing losses of stored harvest. We described the incidence and intensity of breaks in silo bag by mammals and recorded damage in 49% of 306 silo bags sampled. Our results showed that farmer’s decision on the location of silo bags has significant implications in mitigating human–wildlife conflicts. Photograph by Agustín M. Abba.