Understanding where feeding turtles are born and if threats are occurring at those areas, is vital for developing sound conservation practices. Using mitochondrial DNA sequencing, this study determined that the majority of Eretmochelys imbricata found feeding on the Great Barrier Reef had originated from nesting sites widely distributed though the western Pacific. Holistic conservation strategies are required to save the species.

Urban snakes are often managed by translocating them away from properties, despite the practice having limited success worldwide. We tracked 10 dugites (Pseudonaja affinis, Elapidae) using radio-telemetry and GPS in Perth, Western Australia, where translocated snakes had larger activity ranges and higher mortality than did residents. Translocation is not a humane snake management method, and alternatives such as public education are recommended.

Many mule deer populations have not recovered from previous declines whereas populations near urban areas have increased, causing human-wildlife conflicts. We assessed the efficacy of using urban mule deer as translocation sources into wildland areas in New Mexico, USA; survival rates of translocated urban deer were moderate and using soft-release pens did not increase mule deer survival. Over-abundant mule deer populations in urban areas may serve as source animals to bolster declining populations.

For New Zealand’s invasive brushtail possum the main causes of population change are control programmes. Managers need to predict populations relative to targets to assess success at preventing the spread of disease or for protecting indigenous species. We extended a possum spatial model to represent all individuals in the national population and created a web-based prototype for interactive presentation.

Invasive alien species cause serious effects on the ecological and economic wellbeing of society, and genetic studies are useful to shed light on appropriate management strategies. This study aimed to investigate the structure and genetic variability of American mink, an invasive species in South America. Results indicate marked population structure, with three genetic clusters with low dispersal among them, suggesting that control strategies should be concentrated on these three units. Such recommendations could be useful for other regions and species with similar characteristics.

We collected empirical data on stray cat predation on wildlife and investigated influences on hunting behavior. We found that a majority of colony cats kill prey, most commonly invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians. We suggest further investigation into the impact of domestic cats on herpetofauna and recommend that Trap-Neuter-Return colonies be located away from habitats hosting sensitive species.

Chlamydia pecorum and koala retrovirus infect wild koala populations with potential negative impacts. Non-invasive methods facilitate broad-scale pathogen detection in wild populations. DNA sourced from scats was used to establish baseline prevalence and diversity data for these pathogens in a remnant, genetically diverse koala population. Continued monitoring of pathogen prevalence in this koala population is important for its future conservation.