Collisions between birds and aircraft are a serious threat to aviation safety. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an acoustic deterrent (sonic net) and simulated predator disturbance (fox effigy) to reduce bird accumulations near and on airfields, and showed that bird abundances can be reduced at problematic foraging and roosting sites. The examined technology can complement other non-lethal control methods to improve airfield wildlife management. Photograph by Jeremy Nicholson.

Conservation performance payment (CPP) has recently been introduced for Taiwan’s leopard cat, a small felid that suffers from anthropogenic mortality. We assessed whether CPP is likely to change attitudes towards this species and found that CPP can promote leopard cat conservation. On the basis of our findings, we provide suggestions on how to design effective CPP schemes that benefit biodiversity conservation. Photograph by Institute of Wildlife Conservation, Pingtung University.

Millions of water snakes are captured and killed for trade in Indonesia each year, questioning the sustainability of this offtake. We surveyed for snakes in highly modified agricultural landscapes on the island of Java and showed that water snakes remain exceptionally abundant despite harvesting. Our study showed that whereas habitat changes affect many species, other species are likely to increase their abundance in these resource-rich landscapes. Photographs by Ramdani Manurung.

Thousands of rainbow mudsnakes are captured and killed for trade in Indonesia each year, questioning the sustainability of this offtake. We examined the reproductive biology of Enhydris enhydris collected from disturbed landscapes in West Java. Collected snakes are mostly adults, quick to mature, reproduce frequently and have large litters. These traits render this species resilient to intensive harvesting. Photograph by Alamsyah Elang Nusa Herlambang.

The conservation of large African mammals in small protected areas might come at a physiological cost. This study investigated the effects of poaching pressure, protected area size (<500 km²), season and rainfall on white rhinos’ physiological condition. We found that elevated adrenocortical activity was associated with smaller protected areas and the dry season. We recommend careful consideration of density of white rhinos and other large mammals in small protected areas. Photograph by Zoliswa N. Nhleko.

Livestock depredation by carnivores is a major conservation challenge around the world, causing substantial economic losses of people living around protected areas. This study aimed to assess livestock depredation by carnivore in the highlands of Wolaita, southern Ethiopia, and results showed that most losses occurred mainly during the night-time and dry season. We make recommendations for how to minimise human–carnivore conflicts by adjusting livestock guarding time and seasonality. Photograph by Yigrem Deneke.

Retaliatory killing of lions is a threat to African lion (Panthera leo) populations. Our study took place in the Tsavo–Amboseli ecosystem, Kenya, assessing lion diet and cattle depredation. The most common species consumed by lions were cattle, whereas lag rainfall was an important predictor of cattle depredation. The findings provide opportunities to develop proactive husbandry interventions to reduce cattle depredations. Photograph by Iain Olivier.