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Wildlife Research Wildlife Research Society
Ecology, management and conservation in natural and modified habitats
Wildlife Research

Wildlife Research

Volume 51 Number 4 2024

WR23083Activity of dingoes (Canis familiaris) and their use of anthropogenic resources in the Strzelecki Desert, South Australia

Paul D. Meek 0000-0002-3792-5723, Guy A. Ballard 0000-0002-0287-9720, James Abell, Heath Milne, Deane Smith and Peter J. S. Fleming 0000-0002-3490-6148

Photograph of a dingo in the Strzelecki Desert South Australia.

Managing over-abundant dingoes in mine sites requires an understanding of their use of the landscape. Using GPS radio-tracking, we collared dingoes to assess their home-range sizes, and the relationships of home-range sizes to anthropogenic resources, with a focus on a waste-management facility. Three categories of dingo were identified, showing differing relationships to human-provided resources, all of which help develop dingo-population management strategies. Photograph by Paul Meek.

WR23118Life-history of masked water snakes (Homalopsis buccata) in Java: implications for the sustainability of harvesting

Evy Arida, Noor Laina Maireda, Alamsyah Elang Nusa Herlambang,   Mumpuni, Awal Riyanto, Amir Hamidy 0000-0001-6426-7458, Richard Shine and Daniel J. D. Natusch 0000-0002-3275-518X

Photograph showing the study species, Homalopsis buccata.

Although it is impossible to prove sustainability of any wildlife harvest, except in hindsight, studies of commercially exploited taxa can provide a basis for prediction. Our data on commercially harvested masked water snakes in Java, Indonesia, suggest that these snakes possess ecological and life-history attributes likely to make them resilient to harvesting, consistent with the species’ continuing abundance, despite a long history of intense exploitation. Photograph by Alamsyah Herlambang.

WR23063An estimate of the marginal annual economic contribution of wild-pig hunting in Texas

Sophie C. McKee 0000-0002-2283-4191, Sophie C. McKee 0000-0002-2283-4191, Keith M. Carlisle, Keith M. Carlisle, John Tomecek, John Tomecek, Stephanie A. Shwiff, Stephanie A. Shwiff, Rachael Connally, Rachael Connally, Maureen Frank, Maureen Frank, Mike Bodenchuk, Mike Bodenchuk, Nicole Didero and Nicole Didero

Feral swine running away – 2017.

Wild-pig hunting is a culturally significant recreational and commercial activity in Texas, but the economic impacts have not been formally quantified. A sample survey of resident and non-resident 2018–2019 Texas hunting-license holders indicated that the estimated upper range of annual marginal economic benefit is between US$68.5 and US$188.0 million. Although hunting is an important consideration in the discussion of wild-pig management, this estimate is dwarfed by the estimated total damage costs associated with wild pigs in Texas. Photograph by Nathan P. Snow.


Four photographs of small insectivorous bats resting on trees.

Insectivorous bats play important roles in keeping insect populations in balance. At least 11 species of insectivorous bats were recorded in open green spaces (e.g. parks, ovals) of Melbourne, with their diversity and activity increasing with greater tree density. Given the potential value of these often-overlooked habitats, tree densities should be increased around open green spaces to support communities of insectivorous bats in cities. Photograph by Lindy Lumsden.


Photograph of a dark-coloured feral pig walking across low shrubs with trees on bare soil in background.

Baiting is used in conservation and invasive species management. Increased bait density increases probability of bait encounter, but it can also escalate costs and risks wastage. To refine bait placement, we compared simulated aerial and ground transects with feral pig ranges in Queensland. Aerial transects at 4 km intervals were the most efficient, and no alternate transect placement significantly improved effectiveness at intersecting pig ranges. Additional data on bait encounter and interactions is critical to assess effectiveness of bait uptake. Photograph by Darryl Duff, Charleville.

WR23100Evaluating translocation strategies for box turtles in urbanising landscapes

Elizabeth D. Hays 0009-0009-0700-6265, Ethan J. Royal, Ethan C. Hollender 0000-0001-7457-921X and John D. Willson 0000-0001-6751-8961

Photograph of a three-toed box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis) with a radio transmitter on shell.

Wildlife translocation is often necessary to mitigate negative effects of habitat loss or degradation as a result of urbanisation. This study investigated post-translocation movements of immediately released Terrapene carolina triunguis (three-toed box turtle) and box turtles held long-term (>1 year) at an off-site location prior to translocation. Turtles held long-term remained within the translocation site more reliably and had reduced homing attempts compared with immediate-release turtles. We make recommendations for mitigating homing attempts of translocated turtles. Photograph by Elizabeth D. Hays.

WR23128Trialling a new method to attract feral cats (Felis catus) in situ – the Mata Hari Judas queen

Abby L. Dennien, Megan C. Edwards 0000-0002-1561-1942, Julia M. Hoy, Vere Nicolson, Megan J. Brady and Peter J. Murray 0000-0003-1143-1706

Close-up photograph of a cat inside a pipe trap section of an enclosure.

Feral cats are a significant threat to Australia’s wildlife, and innovative management techniques are needed to capture remnant individuals that persist following traditional management actions. This study aimed to assess whether a female cat in prolonged oestrus could attract and help capture feral cats in situ. Proof of concept was achieved, and with further refinement, this technique could be significant for feral cat management. Photograph by Abby Dennien.

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