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Wildlife Research

Wildlife Research

Wildlife Research covers all major aspects of the ecology, management and conservation of wild animals in natural and modified habitats. Read more about the journalMore

Editors: Sarah Legge, Phil Stephens and Aaron Wirsing

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Wildlife Research has moved to a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 16 September 2024

WR24034Integrating western and Indigenous knowledge to identify habitat suitability and survey for the white-throated grasswren (Amytornis woodwardi) in the Arnhem Plateau, Northern Territory, Australia

Kelly M. Dixon 0000-0002-2226-9356, Brenton von Takach, Brittany Hayward-Brown, Terrah Guymala, Warddeken Rangers , Jawoyn Rangers , Djurrubu Rangers , Mimal Rangers , Jay Evans and Cara E. Penton
 

A photograph of Indigenous rangers setting bioacoustic surveying equipment on an on-ground site in Arnhem Plateau.

Here, we integrate western and Indigenous knowledge to improve our understanding of white-throated grasswren (WTGW) distribution and habitat requirements through habitat-suitability modelling and on-ground surveys. We detected WTGWs at 6 of 39 sites. Indigenous-led fieldwork helped connect people with Country, supported knowledge exchange and active discussions around fire management to protect the species. [Photograph by Warddeken Land Management Limited.]

Bininj kunwok: Ngarridjare ngarrinan kore baleh nawu mayhmayh, kangeyyo yilingkirrkkirr, kabirrini dja kabirriyo, mak kore baleh kabirriredmarnbun. Ngad Bininj dja Balanda wanjh karrirawon kunmayali ba bu karriwernhburrbun kore baleh kunred nawu yilingkirrkkirr mayhmayh kabirridi dja kabirriyo.

Ngad rangers ngarridjare ngarriborlbme ba ngarriwernhburrbun bu ngarrinahnan nahni mayhmayh yilingkirrkkirr ba kabirridarrkiddi munguyh. Ngarri-awani nawu yilingkirrkkirr mayhmayh. Wanjh ngarringalkeng kore six kunred kabirrihdi.

Wanjh bolkkime ngarriburrbun nawu yilingkirrkkirr mayhmayh kabirrihdi kore minj karralkrung munguyh. Bu mahni ngarridurrkmirri, wanjh kamak ba bu ngarridurndeng kore kunred ngadberre, karringurlkmarren kunred dja mayhmayh mak mayh. Dja mak Balanda dja ngad nawu Bininj karrimarneborlbmerren kore karridjarrkdurrkmirri. Dja wanjh karriwokdi karrikarremarnbun bu baleh karriyimuwon bu kunak karriwurlhke, ba bu minj mayh karribun dja kabirridjaldarrkiddi munguyh

The summary spoken in Bininj kunwok is available here.

This article belongs to the collection Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia.

WR24034 Abstract  |  WR24034 Full Text  | WR24034PDF (3 MB)  | WR24034Supplementary Material (769 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 September 2024

WR24098Site fidelity trumps disturbance: aerial shooting does not cause surviving fallow deer (Dama dama) to disperse

Andrew J. Bengsen 0000-0003-2205-4416, Sebastien Comte 0000-0001-7984-8159, Lee Parker, David M. Forsyth 0000-0001-5356-9573 and Jordan O. Hampton 0000-0003-0472-3241
 

A photograph of a collared wild fallow deer.

Aerial shooting is an important tool for reducing the undesirable impacts of wild fallow deer in eastern Australia and could be crucial for responding to an emergency animal disease incursion. GPS-collared deer exposed to aerial shooting showed strong site fidelity during and after shooting, and only minor, temporary changes in behaviour. We found no evidence of deer dispersing, which validates the suitability of the continued use of aerial shooting in deer management and disease control. Photograph by Lee Parker.

WR24098 Abstract  |  WR24098 Full Text  | WR24098PDF (3.2 MB)  | WR24098Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 September 2024

WR23139Habitat use strategies of African elephants under different seasonal and ecological constraints

Scott Y. S. Chui 0000-0003-2442-4898, Wayne M. Getz, Michelle Henley, Dana P. Seidel, Mark Keith 0000-0001-7179-9989, Francesca Parrini and Leszek Karczmarski 0000-0001-9712-1172
 

Male African elephant equipped with satellite-linked GPS-collar foraging in shrub vegetation.

Habitat use pattern of animals is shaped by their biological needs and ecological dynamics of their environment. We examined habitat selection of African elephants in two different ecosystems in southern Africa, and found that individual responses to seasonally fluctuating resources varied considerably within and between populations. We conclude that individual-specific habitat selection pattern is as essential in maintaining population resilience as is the population-level pattern, and the intra- and inter-population spatio-behavioural heterogeneity have to be accounted for in conservation management. Photograph by Scott Y. S. Chui.

WR23139 Abstract  | PDF (2.6 MB) - $35.00   | WR23139Supplementary Material (812 KB)
Published online 11 September 2024

WR24070The Arid Zone Monitoring Project: combining Indigenous ecological expertise with scientific data analysis to assess the potential of using sign-based surveys to monitor vertebrates in the Australian deserts

Sarah Legge 0000-0001-6968-2781, Naomi Indigo 0000-0002-0465-7849, Darren M. Southwell, Anja Skroblin, Tida Nou, Alys R. Young, Jaana Dielenberg, David P. Wilkinson, Diego Brizuela-Torres, Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara , Birriliburu Rangers , Brett Backhouse, Carolina Galindez Silva, Cassandra Arkinstall 0000-0002-0078-0137, Catherine Lynch, Central Land Council Rangers , Chris L. Curnow, Dan J. Rogers, Danae Moore, Ellen Ryan-Colton, Joe Benshemesh, Josef Schofield, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, Karajarri Rangers , Katherine Moseby 0000-0003-0691-1625, Katherine Tuft 0000-0002-3585-444X, Keith Bellchambers, Kevin Bradley, Kim Webeck, Kimberley Land Council Land and Sea Management Unit , Kiwirrkurra Rangers , Laurie Tait, Malcolm Lindsay 0000-0001-9683-8331, Martin Dziminski, Newhaven Warlpiri Rangers , Ngaanyatjarra Council Rangers , Ngurrara Rangers , Nigel Jackett, Nyangumarta Rangers , Nyikina Mangala Rangers , Parna Ngururrpa Aboriginal Corporation , Pete Copley, Rachel Paltridge, Reece D. Pedler 0000-0002-4170-2274, Rick Southgate, Rob Brandle, Stephen van Leeuwen, Thalie Partridge, Thomas M. Newsome, Wiluna Martu Rangers and Yawuru Country Managers
 

A photograph showing animal tracks that provide information on which animals have been present.

Our old people taught us how to recognise tracks and scats of different animals. Looking for tracks and scats is a good way to be on Country and pass knowledge from older to younger people. If we search for animal signs regularly, we can collect information on which animals are present, and whether their numbers are going up or down. In this project, we come together to talk about our animals and the bigger picture of what is happening in the desert.

Pitjantjatjara: Nganaṉanya nintiringi Aṉangu puḻka tjuṯangku tjina munu kuna tjuṯa ngurkantankunytjaku. Animal kutjupa tjuṯaku. Ngurintjaku tjina tjuṯa munu kuna tjuṯa panya ngurangka munu ma-nintitjaku Aṉangu puḻka tjuṯangka tjitji tjuṯakutu. Panya nganaṉa ngurkantanyi nyanga palunya tjananya munula mantjlpai animals nyaa: tjuṯa nyinanyi kuwari tjinguruya tjuṯaringanyi manta mankuraringu. Ka project nyangangka nganaṉa ma-ungkupai tjukurpa Tjuta. Kutjupa tjuṯa picture puḻka nyakuntjikitjangku. Nyaanganyi animal tjuṯa nganampa ngurangka. [Translated by Jeanie Robin.]

Pintupi Luritja: Ngunampa kapali tjumuku ngunanya nintinu tjina kuna mituntjaku kukaku. Nangunyi tjinaku kunaku ngunampa ngurra palyalinku tinatjutanya nintitjaku wimatjutanya. Nganana nungunyi kukuku tjunguru tjuna uparing/tjunguru tjuna tjutaring. Nanana tjungurinkula wankanyi ngunampa kukatjara tjuna yaltjirinyi tjutangka. [Translated by Ebony West. ]

Photograph by Nico Rakotopare. A short video about our project can be seen here (or access the video from the Supplementary material).

This article belongs to the collection Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia.

WR24070 Abstract  |  WR24070 Full Text  | WR24070PDF (3.3 MB)  | WR24070Supplementary Material (2.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 September 2024

WR24082Traditional owner-led wartaji (dingo) research in Pirra Country (Great Sandy Desert): a case study from the Nyangumarta Warrarn Indigenous Protected Area

Bradley P. Smith 0000-0002-0873-3917, Jacob Loughridge, Nyangumarta Rangers , Charlie Wright, Augustine Badal, Nyaparu (Margaret) Rose, Elliot Hunter and José Kalpers
 

Indigenous Protected Area rangers conducting research in Western Australia.

Warning:This article may contain images, names of or references to deceased Aboriginal people.

The Nyangumarta people consider the wartaji (dingo) to be culturally significant and essential for maintaining a healthy Country. Nyangumarta Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) rangers and university-based researchers collaborated in a project designed to address the community’s desire to learn more about the wartaji and to build the capacities of the rangers for ongoing wartaji monitoring and management. The wartaji project highlighted the importance of First Nation groups developing and addressing their research priorities. It also underscores the ability of IPA-managed lands to facilitate these conservation-related decisions and actions. Photograph by Jessica Bolton.

This article belongs to the Collection Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia.

WR24082 Abstract  |  WR24082 Full Text  | WR24082PDF (8.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 22 August 2024

WR24073Feral cat control: improving Eradicat® bait efficiency and effectiveness for fauna conservation in the Southern Jarrah Forest, Western Australia

Adrian F. Wayne 0000-0002-3102-4617, Marika A. Maxwell, Colin G. Ward and Jodie Quinn
 

Photograph of a feral cat carrying a wambenger (brushtailed phascogale) in its mouth.

Improving the management of feral cats is paramount for the conservation and recovery of many threatened Australian mammals. This study found that the efficiency and effectiveness of Eradicat® baits in the Southern Jarrah Forests of Western Australia were low. We provide recommendations for improvements within an integrated and holistic invasive animal management framework to deliver better biodiversity conservation outcomes. Photograph by Marika Maxwell/DBCA.

WR24073 Abstract  |  WR24073 Full Text  | WR24073PDF (9.9 MB)  | WR24073Supplementary Material (1.3 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 August 2024

WR23117_COCorrigendum to: Where there’s smoke, there’s cats: long-unburnt habitat is crucial to mitigating the impacts of cats on the Ngarlgumirdi, greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis)

Harry A. Moore, Yawuru Country Managers , Bardi Jawi Oorany Rangers , Nyul Nyul Rangers , Nykina Mangala Rangers , Lesley A. Gibson, Martin A. Dziminski, Ian J. Radford, Ben Corey, Karen Bettink, Fiona M. Carpenter, Ruth McPhail, Tracy Sonneman and Bruce Greatwich
 

WR23117_CO Full Text  | WR23117_COPDF (2.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 August 2024

WR23047Nine-banded armadillos temporally avoid sites visited by domestic dogs and native carnivores

Rômulo Theodoro Costa 0000-0002-9724-6490, Larissa Fornitano 0000-0002-8984-1919 and Rita de Cassia Bianchi 0000-0001-8027-755X
 

Photograph of a domestic dog in a forest

We investigated the effects of domestic dogs (Canis l. familiaris) and native predators on the activity period and avoidance behaviour of nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) in human-altered landscapes in São Paulo State, Brazil. Domestic dog presence increased the time between detections of armadillos, suggesting that they temporally avoid areas used by dogs. Our results highlight the need for measures to control domestic dog populations to mitigate their impact on wildlife. Photograph by Laboratório de Ecologia de Mamíferos.

WR23047 Abstract  | PDF (1.3 MB) - $35.00   | WR23047Supplementary Material (940 KB)
Published online 08 August 2024

WR24039The intact and the imperilled: contrasting mammal population trajectories between two large adjacent islands

Georgina Neave 0000-0001-6173-0881, Brett P. Murphy 0000-0002-8230-3069, Tiwi Rangers, Alan N. Andersen and Hugh F. Davies 0000-0002-8473-4540
 

Photograph of a brush-tailed rabbit-rat

Two of northern Australia’s largest islands, Melville and Bathurst, were used to explore the drivers of native mammal decline in this region’s tropical savannas. By comparing both islands’ mammal population trajectories over two decades, Bathurst Island’s national significance as a refuge is highlighted, and insights are provided into the link between disturbance regimes, feral cats, and their contributions to mammal declines. This study also provides one of the first examples of a stable native mammal assemblage, a unique and important finding. Photograph by Georgina Neave.

WR24039 Abstract  |  WR24039 Full Text  | WR24039PDF (1.5 MB)  | WR24039Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 August 2024

WR24016Brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) dominate dama wallabies (Notamacropus eugenii) and Bennett’s wallabies (Notamacropus rufogriseus) at bait feeders: implications for invasive species management

Graham J. Hickling 0000-0002-1894-7505 and Tim D. Day
 

Infrared photograph of a possum guarding a bait feeder at night

Feeding stations deploying toxic bait are being developed to control invasive dama and Bennett’s wallabies on the New Zealand mainland. This field study investigated whether brushtail possums’ behaviour affects wallabies’ use of such feeders. Despite their smaller size, possums dominated wallabies and often excluded them from feeders. Possum population suppression is likely to improve the success of wallaby bait feeder programs. Photograph by Tim Day.

WR24016 Abstract  |  WR24016 Full Text  | WR24016PDF (6.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 August 2024

WR23160Stronger together: different community science platforms all contribute to wildlife research

Lucas Rodriguez Forti, Ana Marta P. R. da Silva Passetti, Talita Oliveira, Kauane Freitas, Guilherme de Freitas Costa, Juan Victor de Lima Maia, Arthur Queiros, Maria Alice Dantas Ferreira Lopes and Judit K. Szabo 0000-0002-8786-1887
 

A photograph of a violet-capped woodnymph (Thalurania glaucopis) an endemic Brazilian Atlantic forest bird.

Observers often contribute bird sightings through different citizen-science schemes. Through an example of endemic Atlantic Forest birds in Brazil, we show that the combined contribution of different schemes improves data quality. Because observer behaviour is often different among schemes, considering all available data increases the quantity and quality of available information for management, particularly for undersampled areas. Photograph by Manequinho on iNaturalist (CC BY-NC).

WR23160 Abstract  | PDF (2.9 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 01 August 2024

WR23096Assessing local landowner versus non-local public support for a red wolf reintroduction using varying message treatments

Madaline G. Toth 0009-0001-5390-0438 and Elena C. Rubino 0000-0001-8037-8385
 

Photograph of a red wolf (Canis rufus)

This study explores how different theoretically-grounded messages influence public support for a potential red wolf (Canis rufus) reintroduction to the Ozark National Forest, AR, USA. Specifically, we compared results between landowners adjacent to Ozark National Forest and all other Arkansas resident respondents. Our results provide evidence that highlighting information about the species, the ecosystem benefits they offer, and how to mitigate potential risks may be the best options for increasing levels of support among populations local to a wildlife reintroduction. Photograph by ucumari photography.

WR23096 Abstract  | PDF (305 KB) - $35.00   | WR23096Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)
Published online 26 July 2024

WR24061A new device to reduce mammal predation on reptiles in pitfall traps

Andrea D. Stiglingh 0000-0001-9693-2387, Katherine E. Moseby, Georgina Neave 0000-0001-6173-0881, Nathan Beerkens and Katherine Tuft 0000-0002-3585-444X
 

Illustration and photograph of wooden false-floors used in pitfall traps to reduce small mammal predation on reptiles.

This study assesses the effectiveness of a new device (false-floors) in reducing the opportunistic predation of small reptiles by small mammals caught within the same pitfall trap during vertebrate surveys. Reptile predation was much lower in pitfalls with false-floors (15% of reptile-mammal pit co-occupancies) than in pits without false-floors (60% of co-occupancies). Photograph by Andrea Stiglingh, 2021.

WR24061 Abstract  |  WR24061 Full Text  | WR24061PDF (2.8 MB)  | WR24061Supplementary Material (681 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 26 July 2024

WR23129The influence of severe wildfire on a threatened arboreal mammal

Mikayla C. Green 0009-0000-8430-0702, Damian R. Michael 0000-0003-3980-9723, James M. Turner 0000-0001-8699-7750, Lucy J. Wright and Dale G. Nimmo 0000-0002-9814-1009
 

Photograph taken at night of a greater glider in a tree.

This study aimed to assess the impact of the 2019–2020 wildfires on the abundance of the southern greater glider in Woomargama National Park, New South Wales, Australia. Our results indicated that southern greater glider populations were lower in areas that burned during the fires, as well as in small, unburned refuges. These declines were linked to the loss of critical resources, such as an intact canopy and hollow-bearing trees. Photograph by Mikayla Green.

WR23129 Abstract  |  WR23129 Full Text  | WR23129PDF (1.7 MB)  | WR23129Supplementary Material (927 KB)   Open Access Article

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

WR24094, Accepted 04 September 2024

Aboriginal rangers co-lead night parrot conservation: background, survey effort and success in Western Australia 2017-2023

Malcolm Lindsay 0000-0001-9683-8331, Rachel Paltridge, Nicholas Leseberg, Nigel Jackett, Stephen Murphy, Birriliburu Rangers, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) Martu Rangers, Karajarri Rangers, Kiwirrkurra Rangers, Ngurrara Rangers, Nyangumarta Rangers, Wiluna Martu Rangers, Gooniyandi Rangers, Kija Rangers, Paruku Rangers, Nharnuwangga Wajarri Ngarlawangga Warida Rangers, Ngurra Kayanta Rangers, Ngururrpa Rangers, Adrian Boyle, Alexander Watson, Bruce Greatwich, Neil Hamaguchi and Stella Shipway
 
WR24094Abstract
WR24069, Accepted 15 August 2024

Pirra Jungku, Pirra Warlu: Using traditional fire practice knowledge and contemporary science to guide fire management goals for desert animals

Sarah Legge 0000-0001-6968-2781, Hamsini Bijlani, Karajarri Rangers, Ngurrara Rangers, Braedan Taylor, Jacqueline Shovellor, Frankie McCarthy, Chantelle Murray, Jesse Ala'i, Courtney Brown, Kevin Tromp, Sam Bayley, Ewan Noakes, Jackie Wemyss, Hannah Cliff, Nigel Jackett, Bruce Greatwich, Ben Corey, Mark Cowan, Kristina Macdonald 0000-0003-0357-1231, Brett Murphy, Sam Banks and Malcolm Lindsay 0000-0001-9683-8331
 
WR24069Abstract

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  4. The Arid Zone Monitoring Project: combining Indigenous ecological expertise with scientific data analysis to assess the potential of using sign-based surveys to monitor vertebrates in the Australian deserts

    Wildlife Research 51 (9)
    Sarah Legge 0000-0001-6968-2781, Naomi Indigo 0000-0002-0465-7849, Darren M. Southwell, Anja Skroblin, Tida Nou, Alys R. Young, Jaana Dielenberg, David P. Wilkinson, Diego Brizuela-Torres, Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara , Birriliburu Rangers , Brett Backhouse, Carolina Galindez Silva, Cassandra Arkinstall 0000-0002-0078-0137, Catherine Lynch, Central Land Council Rangers , Chris L. Curnow, Dan J. Rogers, Danae Moore, Ellen Ryan-Colton, Joe Benshemesh, Josef Schofield, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, Karajarri Rangers , Katherine Moseby 0000-0003-0691-1625, Katherine Tuft 0000-0002-3585-444X, Keith Bellchambers, Kevin Bradley, Kim Webeck, Kimberley Land Council Land and Sea Management Unit , Kiwirrkurra Rangers , Laurie Tait, Malcolm Lindsay 0000-0001-9683-8331, Martin Dziminski, Newhaven Warlpiri Rangers , Ngaanyatjarra Council Rangers , Ngurrara Rangers , Nigel Jackett, Nyangumarta Rangers , Nyikina Mangala Rangers , Parna Ngururrpa Aboriginal Corporation , Pete Copley, Rachel Paltridge, Reece D. Pedler 0000-0002-4170-2274, Rick Southgate, Rob Brandle, Stephen van Leeuwen, Thalie Partridge, Thomas M. Newsome, Wiluna Martu Rangers , Yawuru Country Managers

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia

The rights, responsibilities and expertise of Indigenous Australians in Caring for Country are increasingly acknowledged in policy and management. The growing leadership of Indigenous Australians across applied ecological research is fuelling growth in cross-cultural science. This Collection aims to recognise and celebrate the leadership and collaboration of Indigenous Australians in wildlife research, and showcase how this is generating fresh insights for conservation and wildlife management.

Collection Editors
Jack Pascoe (University of Melbourne, Yuin, living on Gadabanut Country)
Stephen van Leeuwen (Curtin University, Wardandi Noongar, living on Wadjuk Noongar Boodja)
Marlee Hutton (Kimberley Land Council, Bardi Jawi, living on Yawuru Land)
Emilie Ens (Macquarie University, living on Dharug Land)
Hannah Cliff (Indigenous Desert Alliance, living on Wadjuk Noongar Boodja)
Sarah Legge (Charles Darwin University, living on Bundjalung Land)

Last Updated: 01 Aug 2024

Fertility Control for Wildlife in the 21st Century

This collection of Wildlife Research papers features selected presentations from the 9th International Conference on Wildlife Fertility Control, held in Colorado Springs (USA) in 2022. These studies showcase the wide spectrum of topics that covered novel contraceptives tested on several species, ranging from mice to elephants. They also illustrate new methods to deliver contraceptives, models on the impact of fertility control on populations, feasibility, cost of practical applications of fertility control, discussions on animal welfare and human dimension of these approaches.

Collection Editors
Cheryl S. Asa (Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA, Reproductive Management Center at the Saint Louis Zoo)
Stephanie L. Boyles Griffin (Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control, BIWFC)
Douglas Eckery (USDA APHIS WS National Wildlife Research Center)
Lyn A. Hinds (CSIRO)
Giovanna Massei (Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control)

Last Updated: 16 Jan 2024

Cats in Australia: Ecology, Impact, Management

Invasive introduced species are a major cause of biodiversity decline globally. Many of the world’s most significant recent conservation successes arise from the resolute control of invasive species, with such management working most effectively when it is based on robust evidence about the ecology of the pest species. In this collection of papers, we highlight these inter-related issues – of impact, management and ecology – for the case of the introduced domestic cat Felis catus in Australia.

Collection Editors
John Woinarski, Sarah Legge and Chris Dickman

Last Updated: 01 Nov 2018

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