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Ecology, management and conservation in natural and modified habitats
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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 is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 01 July 2025

WR24173Habitat use of invasive chital deer is associated with soil mineral content

Catherine L. Kelly 0000-0002-0936-149X, Lin Schwarzkopf, Iain J. Gordon, Anthony Pople 0000-0002-5172-3407 and Ben T. Hirsch
 

Map of chital deer spread in North Queensland over a map of soil phosphorus content with the Burdekin River highlighted.

After their introduction to north Queensland, Australia, chital deer have increased in number and distribution, causing negative social and economic impacts. This study investigated chital deer habitat use on two scales (local and regional) and found that soil phosphorus content was positively correlated with chital densities at both scales. Image created by authors.

WR24173 Abstract  |  WR24173 Full Text  | WR24173PDF (2.1 MB)  | WR24173Supplementary Material (397 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 20 June 2025

WR24145Transoceanic dispersal and connectivity of a white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) between southern Africa and Southeast Asia

Dylan T. Irion 0000-0002-1075-3458, Oliver J. D. Jewell 0000-0001-7680-8960, Alison V. Towner,  Fahmi 0000-0003-3199-7467, G. Christopher Fischer, Enrico Gennari 0000-0002-4334-727X, Madison Stewart, John P. Tyminski 0000-0001-8251-7385 and Alison A. Kock 0000-0001-9981-1652
 

A photograph of a satellite transmitter used to tag shark species.

We report the discovery of potential population connectivity between southern Africa and Southeast Asia. This short communication details the chain of events that led to the recovery of a long defunct satellite transmitter, made possible through the trusting relationships and respect built between shark fishers and conservation organisations in the region. Further areas of research focus and collaboration are highlighted. Photograph by Caragh Fraser.

This article belongs to the collection: White Sharks Global proceedings and recent advances in white shark ecology and conservation.

WR24145 Abstract  |  WR24145 Full Text  | WR24145PDF (1.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 June 2025

WR24192Assessing the contributions of hunting tourism to the South African economy: a post-covid analysis

Peet van der Merwe 0000-0002-6640-4062 and Andrea Saayman
 

WR24192_toc.jpg

Hunting tourism annually contributes billions of dollars to South Africa’s economy. This research aimed to evaluate the economic impact of international and local hunting tourists and found that hunting contributes USD 2.5 billion. These findings highlight the substantial role of hunting tourism in South Africa’s post-COVID economic recovery. Photograph by Peet van der Merwe.

WR24192 Abstract  |  WR24192 Full Text  | WR24192PDF (407 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 June 2025

WR25008Deep snow and human influence affect survival of an ungulate at the northern part of its range

Alexej P. K. Sirén 0000-0003-3067-6418, Nathan R. Bieber and Kyle Ravana
 

An image of a white-tailed deer in winter, which is a limiting season for these animals.

Winter is considered the limiting season for wildlife populations in high-latitude regions. We aimed to assess how winter variables and human influence, primarily in the form of artificial feeding, affect white-tailed deer survival at the north-eastern part of its range in the USA. Deep snow within closed-canopy forests had a negative impact on survival and human influence had a positive impact. We recommend using automated snow monitoring stations for monitoring impacts of winter on deer and determining harvest quotas. Image courtesy of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife by Scott McLellan.

WR25008 Abstract  |  WR25008 Full Text  | WR25008PDF (1.1 MB)  | WR25008Supplementary Material (434 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 10 June 2025

WR24081Monitoring the Endangered wiliji (Petrogale lateralis kimberleyensis) on Nyikina Mangala Country (Western Australia) using camera traps

Tyrone H. Lavery 0000-0001-5397-4974, Darraga John Watson, Nyikina Mangala Rangers , Lane Broome, Raymond Charles, Mark D. B. Eldridge, Jeremiah Green, Pius Gregory, Sarah Legge 0000-0001-6968-2781, Shaquille Millindee, David Pearson, Tyrese Skeen, Daniel Smuskowitz, Darren Southwell 0000-0002-8767-9014, Albert Watson, Alexander Watson, William Watson, Nick Weigner 0000-0003-2039-2294, John Woinarski 0000-0002-1712-9500, Leigh-Ann Woolley and David B. Lindenmayer
 

A photograph showing Nyikina Mangala Rangers setting up camera traps to monitor Endangered wiliji.

Since 2012, the Nyikina Mangala Rangers have used cameras to monitor Endangered wiliji, a culturally important rock-wallaby endemic to Nyikina Mangala Country. Trusted scientists were invited to analyse this camera data to inform a ranger-led wiliji management plan. Modelling estimated the most recent Malarabba population to be 108 wiliji, and ongoing monitoring is guiding our adaptive threat management strategies. Photograph by Veronica Joseph/WWF-Australia.

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

WR24081 Abstract  |  WR24081 Full Text  | WR24081PDF (2.4 MB)  | WR24081Supplementary Material (453 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 June 2025

WR24207Sympatric ray species show different temporal patterns for accessing provisioned food

Joni Pini-Fitzsimmons 0000-0001-6131-9718, Molly White, Nathan A. Knott and Culum Brown
 

A photograph showing a stingray being fed.

Wildlife tourism, particularly feeding activities, can significantly alter animal behaviour and space use, potentially modifying ecological interactions. This study examined how two co-occurring ray species responded to unregulated feeding from tourists in south-eastern Australia, and found differing patterns of site attachment, visitation, and space use between the two species. The findings highlighted the importance of considering how different species respond to feeding, to help guide more effective and responsible management of wildlife tourism. Photograph by Joni Pini-Fitzsimmons.

WR24207 Abstract  |  WR24207 Full Text  | WR24207PDF (3.8 MB)  | WR24207Supplementary Material (321 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 29 May 2025

WR25024Aerial shooting is unlikely to cause dispersal or consistent changes in the movements of feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Andrew J. Bengsen 0000-0003-2205-4416, Sebastien Comte 0000-0001-7984-8159, Troy Crittle, Suzie Holbery, Darren Marshall, Lachlan Marshall, Lee Parker and David M. Forsyth 0000-0001-5356-9573
 

A photograph showing feral pigs, which cause damage to agriculture and biodiversity in Australia.

Aerial shooting is widely used to reduce feral pig damage, but there are concerns that it could cause pigs to spread. We used GPS collars to investigate how aerial shooting affects feral pig movement and found that although individual pig behaviour varied, it did not cause widespread dispersal. Overall, it is unlikely to spread pigs or their impacts. Photograph by Andrew Bengsen.

WR25024 Abstract  |  WR25024 Full Text  | WR25024PDF (2.7 MB)  | WR25024Supplementary Material (718 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 May 2025

WR25010Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia: editorial

Jack Pascoe 0000-0001-6061-3130, Marlee Hutton, Sarah Legge 0000-0001-6968-2781, Emilie Ens, Hannah Cliff and Stephen van Leeuwen
 

This editorial highlights progress and the further need for Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia. It also introduces the major themes covered by the papers in this Collection including: (1) putting Country stewardship first through promotion of Indigenous priorities; (2) opportunities and benefits for wildlife research that come from working on Country in partnership with Indigenous Australians; and (3) the need for research partnerships with Indigenous Australians to prioritise respect and equity in benefit sharing.

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

WR25010 Abstract  |  WR25010 Full Text  | WR25010PDF (715 KB)

Published online 13 May 2025

WR24159Power and the passion: assessing statistical power with simulations to optimise monitoring of a threatened lizard

Jack Bilby 0000-0003-3103-9605, Joshua S. Martin 0009-0003-2229-6623, Kelly Arbon, Ryan Baring, Jessica Clayton and Lucy F. R. Clive
 

A photograph of the endemic and endangered pygmy bluetongue lizard (Tiliqua adelaidensis).

Effective monitoring is critical for the conservation of cryptic and endangered species. This study aimed to optimise survey methods for the endemic and endangered pygmy bluetongue (Tiliqua adelaidensis) by using data simulations to determine optimal quadrat size for detecting population changes. The results demonstrated that 50 × 50-m quadrats balanced survey effort with statistical power, offering a robust framework for ongoing monitoring and conservation strategies. Photograph by Jack Bilby.

WR24159 Abstract  |  WR24159 Full Text  | WR24159PDF (1.5 MB)  | WR24159Supplementary Material (347 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 May 2025

WR24051Genetic characteristics of translocated Indian bison (Bos gaurus gaurus) from the core area of the Kanha Tiger Reserve to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in central India

Puneet Pandey, Sujeet Kumar Singh, Rahul De 0000-0002-4518-9607, Reeta Sharma, B. Navaneethan, M.P. Manjrekar, R. Vishwakarma 0000-0002-0804-3641, J. S. Chauhan, H. S. Negi, H. S. Pabla, Aseem Shrivastava, P. Nigam, K. Sankar, Bilal Habib 0000-0003-0040-6214 and S. P. Goyal 0000-0002-2284-8796
 

Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) of Indian gaur samples using microsatellite data.

The reintroduction of individuals has been a standard tool for restoring species population and genetic variability for effective conservation planning. This study assessed the baseline genetic diversity and population genetic structure of the reintroduced Indian bison or gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus) in a central Indian forest following extirpation. These results suggest moderate genetic diversity, non-random mating, and habitat connectivity in the source population. Image by S. P. Goyal.

WR24051 Abstract  | PDF (1.7 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 12 May 2025

WR24196City life does not change a small mammal community composition

Rebecca Rimbach 0000-0003-3059-0382, Kerrin Heinze, Lars Poorthuis, Jules Petit and Melanie Dammhahn
 

A photograph showing photos of small mammals captured by camera-trap.

Urbanization is one of the most important global drivers of environmental change altering biological communities. Our study showed that small mammal community composition, species diversity and evenness do not change along an urbanization gradient. The overall neutral results are likely to be due to generalist species expressing high phenotypic plasticity to bypass the urban filters. Photograph by Rebecca Rimbach.

WR24196 Abstract  | PDF (4.5 MB) - $35.00   | WR24196Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)
Published online 09 May 2025

WR24143Motivations and motivational typologies of Tennessee small game hunters

Kiley M. D. Fryman 0000-0003-1852-7962 and Neelam C. Poudyal
 

Recreational hunters in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Tennessee and Kentucky, USA.

Understanding small game hunters’ motivations could help improve hunter recruitment and retention. This study sought to understand the motivations of Tennessee small game hunters and identify existing motivational-based typologies. On the basis of our findings, we make recommendations on what agencies can do to enhance the experience of small game hunters with various motivations. Photograph by Land Between the Lakes.

WR24143 Abstract  | PDF (333 KB) - $35.00   | WR24143Supplementary Material (431 KB)
Published online 06 May 2025

WR24136Seasonal patterns of adult and subadult white shark presence at coastal aggregation sites in central California

Samantha Andrzejaczek 0000-0002-9929-7312, Taylor K. Chapple, Alexandra E. DiGiacomo 0000-0002-6375-6070, Salvador J. Jorgensen, Scot D. Anderson, Michael Castleton, Paul E. Kanive, Theodore E. J. Reimer, Timothy D. White and Barbara A. Block
 

A white shark swims at the surface by Año Nuevo Island, California.

We used acoustic tracking to examine seasonal habitat use of subadult and adult white sharks in central California, focusing on aggregation patterns near pinniped colonies. Data from 355 tags, deployed between 2006 and 2022, showed that adult males displayed the highest residency and earlier seasonal peaks, whereas subadults demonstrated higher coastal affinity year-round. The differences in habitat use among demographic groups are likely to be due to varying foraging and reproductive strategies, with expanded tracking showing new potential aggregation sites. Photograph by Samantha Andrzejaczek.

This article belongs to the collection: White Sharks Global proceedings and recent advances in white shark ecology and conservation.

WR24136 Abstract  | PDF (3.1 MB) - $35.00   | WR24136Supplementary Material (3 MB)
Published online 05 May 2025

WR24140Call broadcast surveys monitor owls with more precision than passive surveys by citizen scientists or acoustic recording units

V. F. Sperring 0000-0003-2952-971X, M. Wilson, B. Isaac, N. A. Macgregor 0000-0002-7995-0230 and R. H. Clarke
 

A Critically Endangered owl, the Norfolk Island morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae undulata), perching on a branch.

Monitoring programs that can effectively detect population trends are an essential part of conservation management, yet they are regularly overlooked or poorly designed and executed. This study assessed the precision of three monitoring techniques for a Critically Endangered owl, the management of which requires the ability to detect very small changes in population size. We highlight the capacity of call broadcast to achieve high detectability relative to passive approaches and recommend the use of call-broadcast surveys in this case study. Photograph by Rohan Clarke.

WR24140 Abstract  |  WR24140 Full Text  | WR24140PDF (549 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 April 2025

WR24030Factors affecting the detection probability of a critically endangered flying-fox: consequences for monitoring and conservation

A. Dorrestein 0000-0003-3165-6603, H. P. R. Rust, N. A. Macgregor 0000-0002-7995-0230, B. Tiernan, A. Jankowski, J. C. Z. Woinarski 0000-0002-1712-9500, D. J. James, S. Flakus, M. Schulz, S. Pahor, A. Mann, B. Desmond and J. A. Welbergen
 

A photograph of a Christmas Island flying-fox, a critically endangered species.

Population monitoring is crucial for assessing trajectory of decline and the effectiveness of conservation efforts, yet it is subject to imperfect detection. This study aimed to assess what affects the detection probability of the Christmas Island flying-fox, and showed that environmental, spatiotemporal and other factors had significant impacts. This knowledge can be used when designing monitoring programs to maximise accuracy of estimates derived from monitoring. Photograph by Samantha Wright.

WR24030 Abstract  |  WR24030 Full Text  | WR24030PDF (1.9 MB)  | WR24030Supplementary Material (1.4 MB)   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.

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

  7. 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

This content alert for Wildlife Research highlights the Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia collection, which focuses on the importance of Indigenous inclusion and leadership in the stewardship of Australian ecosystems.

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.

Warning: these articles contain terms, descriptions and opinions that may be culturally sensitive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Names or images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including details and pictures of people who may be deceased, are included in some articles.

Last Updated: 10 Jun 2025

White Sharks Global proceedings and recent advances in white shark ecology and conservation

White Sharks Global was the first international white shark conference since the white shark research community met in Honolulu (Hawaii) in February 2010. With the increasing amount of studies focused on white sharks but continued and evolving issues around this species, the recent conference held in Port Lincoln (Australia) in November 2023 was a timely opportunity for scientists, managers, industry, and students to meet, exchange knowledge, report on recent scientific studies, and facilitate in-depth discussions of key challenges related to white sharks (e.g. managing human-shark interactions, supporting the recovery of this threatened species).

This collection of Wildlife Research papers features selected studies presented during White Sharks Global and outputs from workshops held during the conference. Other recent studies on white sharks that can help in the management of this threatened but potentially dangerous species are also included.

Guest Editors
Charlie Huveneers (Flinders University)
Lauren Meyer (Flinders University)
Samantha Andrzejaczek (Stanford University)
Chris Lowe (California State University Long Beach)

Last Updated: 20 May 2025

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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