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

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.

Are you eligible for APC-free Open Access?

Download our Journal Metrics (PDF, 739KB)

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 26 August 2025

WR24203From mailbox to inbox: mail vs internet waterfowl hunter survey responses

Jerry J. Vaske 0000-0002-6703-2264, Eric M. Walberg 0000-0002-2076-3262, Brent D. Williams, Samantha G. Pallazza, Lauren J. Stephens and Craig A. Miller
 

Photograph of a flock of flying waterfowl.

Declining response rates from mail surveys have prompted a shift toward internet surveys, which has raised questions about results comparability. This study examined survey quality indicators by comparing mail and internet survey responses from waterfowl hunters in Illinois. The findings highlighted the potential of internet surveys as an alternative to mail surveys in human–wildlife research. Photograph by Ryan Askren.


Antilope hunting residues in southwestern Ethiopia.

As a result of rapid human population growth associated with rural poverty, wildlife conservation in Ethiopia is challenging. These challenges originate from resource-use conflicts, insufficient funding, political instabilities, and policy gaps. This perspective aimed to compile scientific evidence on wildlife conservation problems in Ethiopia focusing on ecotourism as a solution. Photograph by E. B. Tefera.

Published online 22 August 2025

WR24160Flight heights in ibis and spoonbills: implications for collision risk

Batbayar Galtbalt, Heather M. McGinness 0000-0002-0380-4982, Shoshana Rapley, Micha V. Jackson, Luke R. Lloyd-Jones, Freya Robinson, Louis O’Neill, Melissa Piper, Micah Davies, John Martin, Richard Kingsford, Kate Brandis, Ralph Mac Nally, Marcel Klaassen, Art Langston, Jessica Hodgson and Veronica Doerr
 

A photograph of an adult royal spoonbill, Platalea regia.

Millions of birds worldwide have become victims of airspace collisions with aircraft and wind turbines. This study aimed to improve understanding of waterbird (ibis and spoonbill) flight characteristics by using GPS satellite telemetry data, as a first step in assessing species vulnerability to collision. There was clear overlap between flight heights and collision zones found, and we make recommendations for factors that should be considered when assessing spatially and temporally explicit scenarios of risk management. Photograph by Heather McGinness.

Published online 21 August 2025

WR25041Informing apex predator management: population viability analysis of dingoes under different management scenarios

Emily K. Henderson 0009-0008-4513-4017, Benjamin J. Pitcher 0000-0002-8580-0343 and Neil R. Jordan 0000-0002-0712-8301
 

Photograph of a dingo resting on the beach.

The effects of lethal management on carnivore populations are rarely measured. This study modelled how different levels of lethal management could impact a known dingo population in eastern Australia, and showed that lethal control targeting individual problem animals has less impact on population persistence than broadscale culls. In scenarios where this is possible, and where carnivore population persistence is desired, we recommend that targeted lethal control of individuals should take precedence over indiscriminate lethal management. Photograph by Alexander Dibnah.

Published online 13 August 2025

WR25009Are sutures a pathway to infection? A multidisciplinary assessment of wound healing in sharks following internal acoustic tagging

Brittany Heath 0009-0007-2164-9561, Charlie Huveneers 0000-0001-8937-1358, Ryan D. Hesse, Lewis Vaughan, Ondi L. Crino, Chloe N. Roberts, Xanthe Venn 0000-0002-8557-3857 and Jordan K. Matley
 

A photograph of Port Jackson shark resting close to seabed.

Tagging animals for acoustic telemetry often involves surgical procedures, which can increase stress and infection risk. This study compared healing outcomes in Port Jackson sharks after internal tagging with and without sutures and found, although while healing was broadly similar, sutures increased bacterial presence but prevented visceral protrusion. We highlight the importance of researchers using practices most appropriate in regard to animal welfare. Photograph by Sergio Madrigal-Mora (Flinders University).

Published online 13 August 2025

WR24209A mouse that rocks: camera trapping shows that mound assessment criteria do not reliably predict pebble mouse (Pseudomys chapmani) activity

Renée C. Firman 0000-0001-9428-7388, Rachelle E. Buckley, William De Angelis and Dustin R. Rubenstein
 

Western pebble mound mouse at the entrance of a subterranean burrow system holding a pebble in its mouth.

A scoring system based on external mound features was published to allow for quick assessment of whether a western pebble mouse mound was ‘active’ or not. Here, we have shown that the scoring system is not accurate. We provide recommendations on how to adequately assess pebble mouse activity, which will be important in defining the current and future conservation status of this important Pilbara region species. Photograph by Aline Gibson Vega.

Published online 13 August 2025

WR24174Habitat use and survival of the endangered northern bettong (Bettongia tropica) after prescribed fire

Christopher A. Pocknee 0000-0002-4435-9571, Sarah M. Legge 0000-0001-6968-2781, Jane McDonald and Diana Fisher
 

A picture of a northern bettong fitted with a GPS collar as part of this study.

We aimed to test how northern bettongs, an endangered Australian mammal, respond to low-to-medium severity prescribed fires intended to improve habitat structure for the species. Bettongs did not move their home range but shifted their nesting areas following fire to incorporate more unburned grassy habitat. Northern bettongs appear well-adapted to low severity fires, but high severity fire may result in a lack of appropriate nesting areas. Photograph by Nicolas Rakotopare (Threatened Species Recovery Hub).

Published online 08 August 2025

WR25016The human and social impacts of an Australian mouse plague

Lucy Carter 0000-0003-2606-1584, Kerry Collins 0000-0001-6508-6640, Aditi Mankad, Walter Okello and Peter R. Brown 0000-0001-5894-8329
 

A photograph of a community hall in Mullaley NSW where a mouse outbreak caused significant damage to crops and health.

Scientific knowledge of the social and human impacts of mouse plagues is sparse. This research has provided qualitative insights into the impacts of a significant Australian plague event, beyond the usual boundaries of plagues in the context of farming systems or zoonotic disease transmission. The breadth of impacts uncovered, along with their scale and context, signals the existence of a much more complex system. We offer recommendations for agencies and service providers to better support rural communities to prepare for and recover from future outbreaks. Photograph by Kerry Collins.

Published online 30 July 2025

WR24183Differences in juvenile white sharks’ (Carcharodon carcharias) resource use in southern California waters

Yamilla N. Samara Chacon 0009-0008-8878-620X, Christine R. Whitcraft, James M. Anderson 0000-0002-4900-5916, Emily Spurgeon 0000-0001-9587-7179, Patrick Rex, Elizabeth E. Jahn, Zachariah S. Merson and Christopher G. Lowe
 

A photograph showing a shark swimming in nearshore water.

Juvenile white sharks in southern California most use neritic habitat from the shoreline to >5 km from shore and water depths to 100 m. Using stable isotope analysis and acoustic tracking, we found that sharks sampled nearshore and offshore exhibit isotopic signatures reflecting the respective habitats where they were encountered. This study showed that juvenile white sharks may rely on resources beyond California State waters as they mature, affecting management strategies. Photograph by Patrick Rex.

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

Published online 25 July 2025

WR25006Leopard next door: understanding livestock depredation and public attitudes in Surat district of Gujarat, India

Keyur Naria 0000-0002-5068-3626, Hiren Patel, Narendra Chetule, Chandni Valodkar and Geeta Padate
 

A photograph of a leopard at night.

As leopards have started adapting to decreased wild spaces, their growing presence near human settlements has sparked rising conflicts over livestock losses. The current study shows that communities struggle with negative attitudes in Surat district, although many support conservation when informed about the leopards ecological importance. These findings underline the need for education and better compensation policies to promote harmony. Photograph by GFRF project team.

Published online 21 July 2025

WR24169Estimating eastern wild turkey productivity using trail camera images

Hannah E. Butkiewicz, Jennifer L. Stenglein, Jason D. Riddle, Shelby A. Truckenbrod and Christopher D. Pollentier 0000-0002-4071-3561
 

Trail camera photograph of the Snapshot Wisconsin project capturing eastern wild turkey hens (2) and poults (12).

We explored how >2000 trail cameras operated by community scientists could be used to estimate three wild turkey productivity metrics in Wisconsin, USA. We found higher recruitment in northern and eastern Wisconsin, and two metrics increased throughout summer while one decreased. Trail cameras can be used to estimate wild turkey productivity at scales that may not otherwise be possible with traditional field methods. Photograph by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Published online 16 July 2025

WR24151To sea in the dark: assessing effects of LED streetlights on sea-finding in marine turtle hatchlings

Ebony J. King, Kate M. Hofmeister, Simone C. Bosshard, Colin J. Limpus and Kylie L. Scales 0000-0003-0843-0956
 

A photograph of marine turtle hatchling on a beach crawling towards the ocean.

Artificial light at night (ALAN) disrupts marine turtle hatchlings’ ability to find the sea, threatening their survival. This study tested how different LED streetlights affect the sea- finding behaviour of loggerhead and flatback turtle hatchlings. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers and land managers involved in coastal lighting management. Photograph by Adriana Watson.

Published online 15 July 2025

WR24193Non-invasive extraction of white shark swimming kinematics from unoccupied aircraft system (UAS) imagery

Alexandra E. DiGiacomo 0000-0002-6375-6070, Ann Marie Abraham and Barbara A. Block
 

A photograph of white shark, with body parts labelled by using computer vision model.

Advances in drone technology and computer vision are transforming the study of coastal ecosystems and resident megafauna. This study employs aerial focal follows of white sharks to develop and test a body pose estimation model that quantifies swimming kinematics with high performance. This scalable, non-invasive approach offers wildlife managers and researchers an effective tool for monitoring marine megafauna without the challenges of traditional invasive approaches. Photograph by Alexandra DiGiacomo.

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

Published online 15 July 2025

WR24111Tracking movement, home range, and microhabitat use in a small terrestrial breeding frog using harmonic direction-finding technology

Jordy Groffen 0000-0002-4772-3068, Conrad J. Hoskin, Matthew S. Siderhurst and Myles H. M. Menz 0000-0002-3347-5411
 

Male Austrochaperina robusta (robust whistling frog) fitted with a harmonic direction-finding (HDF) tracker.

Tracking the movements and habitat use of small terrestrial frogs is crucial for conservation. This study used innovative lightweight tracking technology to monitor male Austrochaperina robusta, revealing their minimal movement and small home ranges (5-day spatial area used) during the breeding season. These results improve our understanding of microhylid ecology and can guide conservation efforts for these cryptic amphibians. Photograph by J. Bartholomew.

Published online 07 July 2025

WR24205A comparison of ranger patrol survey to camera trapping for assessment of terrestrial mammal diversity in Htanmanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Myanmar

Myo Min Latt 0000-0001-5361-0265, Jonathan O. Hernandez 0000-0003-2872-1099, Si Ho Han, Saw Htun, Hla Naing, Kyaw Moe, Zarni Aung, Aung Ye Tun, Okka Myo, Pyae Phyo Kyaw, Thura Nyein Zaw and Byung Bae Park
 

Map depicting location of Myanmar’s Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary and surveyed areas and methods.

Mammals are vital indicators of ecosystem health and for conservation in a changing climate. This study compared the effectiveness of camera trapping and ranger patrol surveys for assessing mammal diversity in Myanmar’s Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary. The number of camera trap locations and duration exhibited a higher likelihood of detecting a greater diversity of mammal species. A greater number of mammal species was observed increasing in the distance and duration of patrol. Combined methods enhances mammal monitoring and management strategies. Image created by authors.

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.

  1. Pirra Jungku and Pirra Warlu: using traditional fire-practice knowledge and contemporary science to guide fire-management goals for desert animals

    Wildlife Research 51 (10)
    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 J. Macdonald 0000-0003-0357-1231, Brett P. Murphy, Sam Banks, Malcom Lindsay 0000-0001-9683-8331

Collections

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

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: 04 Jul 2025

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

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

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

Committee on Publication Ethics

Wildlife Research Submissions

Submit in the format of your choice with Format-Free Submission.

Call for Papers

We are seeking contributions for the following Special Issues, More information

Advertisement