The conservation strategy of widely distributed endangered species depends on the definition of population units with relative evolutionary independence. However, controversies may appear when the identification of evolutionarily significant units is in conflict with current taxonomic subdivisions. The present study has re-evaluated genetic evidence to characterise conservation units of American manatee (Trichechus manatus) and compare it to the current conservation management strategies adopted for this species. We suggest that conservation priorities should ensure the maintenance of historical population structure and dynamics, even if they are contradictory to traditional taxonomic subdivisions that are not fully supported by evolutionary evidence.
Wildlife Research
Volume 48 Number 5 2021
WR19183Lowland tapir exposure to pesticides and metals in the Brazilian Cerrado
Voracious pesticide consumption is a serious threat to the rich biodiversity of the Brazilian Cerrado, the country’s main frontier for large-scale agriculture and livestock production. This study aimed to assess the exposure of the lowland tapir – a threatened, large herbivorous mammal – to these chemicals in this area. This is the first dataset of synthetic pesticide and metal concentrations in wild lowland tapirs, with some reported values raising concern over potential adverse health effects. Photograph by Emília P. Medici.
WR20196Data sharing among protected areas shows advantages in habitat suitability modelling performance
The collection of data on species presence is a key step in wildlife monitoring and management. We assessed how the sharing of species presence data among protected areas may influence the reliability of habitat suitability models in various situations. We showed that data-sharing is usually the winning option, notably when sampling effort is limited.
Changes to forest fire regimes under climate change will impact birds, so reliable and efficient methods of assessing and monitoring avian responses are required. This study aimed to optimise survey of bird assemblages using autonomous acoustic recorders, and found that using five 20-min post-dawn samples on each of 2 days was satisfactory for many types of studies. This method provides an effective option for surveying birds in montane dry sclerophyll forests. Photograph by M. Franklin.
WR20127The assemblage of birds struck by aircraft differs among nearby airports in the same bioregion
When aircraft strike wildlife, substantive economic and safety costs are realised. We show that the composition of species struck by aircraft can differ between airports, even between nearby airports, with similar habitat and species. Photograph by M. A. Weston.
WR20127 Abstract | WR20127 Full Text | WR20127PDF (218 KB) | WR20127Supplementary Material (3 MB) Open Access Article
This article supported the premise that demographic variables are related to the publics’ cognitions and emotions. However, (1) not all demographics were related to all cognitions, (2) the strength of the relationships were often small, and (3) interaction effects must be considered. By understanding the demographics, natural resource managers can target the most appropriate message for a given stakeholder group. Photograph by Laura Barisonzi.
WR20032Rocky escarpment versus savanna woodlands: comparing diet and body condition as indicators of habitat quality for the endangered northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus)
The northern quoll has contracted to rocky refugia on mainland Australia. However, on island refuges they persist in savanna woodland. Here, we assess diet and stable isotopic niche width to investigate one aspect of habitat quality. Quolls from savanna woodland had good body condition and a wider isotopic niche width than did quolls from rocky escarpment. We suggest that savanna woodlands are important for the persistence of this endangered species. Photograph by Skye Cameron.
This native rodent has largely disappeared from Australia’s arid and semiarid zones, but persists as an isolated population at Shark Bay, some 1600 km south-west of the closest other mainland population. We trapped to establish the extent of its range, its habitat preference, and likely threats to its persistence. We found it to be present in localised mesic refuges, vulnerable to trampling and grazing by feral goats. Persistence will likely require a substantial reduction in the goat population. Photograph by Jiri Lochman (Lochman Transparancies).
WR20005 Abstract | WR20005 Full Text | WR20005PDF (1000 KB) Open Access Article
WR20133Can flexible timing of harvest for translocation reduce the impact on fluctuating source populations?
Species translocations are an important conservation tool, but they may negatively affect source populations. We tested whether the timing of harvest can be altered to reduce impact on a fluctuating source population of Mallee Emu-wrens, Stipiturus mallee in south-eastern Australia. Harvest timing (i.e. prevailing population trajectory) was an important determinant of harvest impact and we recommend harvesting Mallee emu-wrens after high-rainfall years, when source populations are likely to have increasing trajectories. Photograph by Tom Hunt.
WR20133 Abstract | WR20133 Full Text | WR20133PDF (2.9 MB) | WR20133Supplementary Material (4.2 MB) Open Access Article
WR20194Reptiles as food: predation of Australian reptiles by introduced red foxes compounds and complements predation by cats
Australia’s reptile fauna is rich and distinctive, but many species are declining. This study aimed to review one threat to that fauna, namely, predation by the introduced red fox; we provide an inventory and examine characteristics of reptile species known to be consumed by the introduced red fox, and compare this predation with that of the domestic cat. Enhanced and integrated management of these two introduced predators will benefit many Australian reptile species. Photograph by Stuart Dawson.
WR20194 Abstract | WR20194 Full Text | WR20194PDF (857 KB) | WR20194Supplementary Material (4.3 MB) Open Access Article