The greater stick-nest rat (an Australian native rodent) survived as just one population before management intervention in the 1980s. Since then, 10 translocations have been undertaken, greatly increasing the long-term security of the species. However, success of translocations has been variable, and this seems to be largely due to a lack of understanding of the key drivers of decline. Photograph by Jiri Lochman.
Wildlife Research
Volume 46 Number 6 2019
Many local governments in Japan attempt to address the impacts of invasive raccoons, but these efforts face many challenges. With a view to improving raccoon control, we reviewed the various management programs and perceptions of local government officers involved in raccoon management. The most significant factor influencing the effectiveness of management was the lack of adequate monitoring. Collecting and sharing information about basic management methods and case study examples and the implementation of effective monitoring will greatly improve the current situation. Photograph by Takaaki Suzuki.
WR18146Tools for co-existence: fladry corrals efficiently repel wild wolves (Canis lupus) from experimental baiting sites
Mitigating wolf–livestock conflicts is crucial for both wolf conservation and livestock farming. After testing in a human-dominated landscape in Greece, fladry behavioural fence proved to be effective in repelling wild wolves from experimental baiting sites for several weeks or months. Fladry effects were stronger when a less attractive bait was used and weaker as pre-baiting duration or pre-exposure time of wolves to fladry increased. Fladry also significantly reduced overall feeding rates of sympatric wild boars, but repellence efficiency on brown bears was poor. Implementation on livestock farms needs further research and should take into account livestock attractiveness and wolf habituation. Photograph by Yorgos Iliopoulos.
WR19039Effects of wet season mineral nutrition on chital deer distribution in northern Queensland
Chital deer are an invasive ungulate in northern Queensland, where over long periods they have occupied specific areas in high densities while maintaining a much lower density in the broader landscape. This study explored the relationship between mineral concentrations in soil and food plants and the areas occupied by chital at high and low densities. Our findings suggest that phosphorus concentrations in soil, and sodium concentrations in plants, may be determinants for habitat selection by chital deer. Photograph by Michael Brennan.
WR19043Movements, space use and site fidelity of translocated and resident mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
Translocation of wildlife has become a common management strategy for animals on increasingly modified landscapes, but little has been done to document the outcomes of such translocations. We evaluated the movement, space use and site fidelity of translocated mule deer in comparison with resident deer in Utah, USA. Our observations suggest that translocation can be an effective strategy for managers to establish or augment populations of mule deer on winter range. Photograph by Madelon van de Kerk.
Accurate estimates of abundance are extremely useful for wildlife management and conservation, but many commonly used methods for estimating abundance are considered inaccurate. Using conventional distance sampling we were able to generate density estimates for greater gliders and common ringtail possums. These estimates are considered more accurate and robust than those generated from strip transects and abundance indices. Limitations of arboreal marsupial abundance survey methods need to be recognised, and further research needs to be conducted to refine these methods. Photograph by Luke D. Emerson.
WR19028Moving at the speed of flight: dabbling duck-movement rates and the relationship with electronic tracking interval
Accurate flight speeds of waterfowl are needed for energetics modelling that informs management. We tracked six species of ducks, calculated flight speeds, quantified differences between flight types (migratory or non-migratory) and estimated speeds at different temporal intervals. Speeds varied by flight type and data interval but not by species. Updated speeds parameterise and validate energetics models, guiding optimisation of habitat distribution. Photograph by Shannon Skalos.
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