Register      Login
Wildlife Research Wildlife Research Society
Ecology, management and conservation in natural and modified habitats
Shopping Cart: ( empty )
You are here: Home > Journals > Wildlife Research

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 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

Published online 11 April 2025

WR23089Predicting cassowary–vehicle collision in the Wet Tropics of Australia

Bruce L. Webber 0000-0001-5934-6557, Matt Bradford, Noboru Ota and David Westcott
 

Photograph of a southern cassowary next to a sealed road.

Vehicle collision is a significant mortality source for threatened wildlife. We analysed major determinants of vehicle collisions with southern cassowaries, and found that road density at the landscape scale and high cover of higher-quality habitats along straight sections of road were positively associated with collisions at the local scale. Mitigation measures at very few locations could avoid most vehicle collisions with cassowaries. Photograph by Ruchira Somaweera (CSIRO).

WR23089 Abstract  |  WR23089 Full Text  | WR23089PDF (2.1 MB)  | WR23089Supplementary Material (343 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 April 2025

WR24114Hunter movement and habitat use affect observation rate of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Alyssa Meier, Andrew R. Little, Kenneth L. Gee, Stephen Demarais, Stephen L. Webb 0000-0001-6034-5164 and Dustin H. Ranglack 0000-0003-4534-9487
 

Graphs of three covariates included in the top model for predicting observation rate of white-tailed deer.

Understanding what hunter behaviors lead to greater harvest success can be a powerful tool, thereby maintaining hunting as a viable management option, especially in areas with overabundant deer. Our objectives were to assess hunter behavior and evaluate how these behaviors influenced deer observation rates. Our results suggest that hunter movement and habitat use influence the number of deer observed during a hunt. Image by Alyssa Meier

WR24114 Abstract  |  WR24114 Full Text  | WR24114PDF (1.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 April 2025

WR24184Trap evaluation to optimize wild pig removal efforts in remote settings

Michael J. Lavelle 0000-0002-2766-5673, Nathan P. Snow, Michael P. Glow, Justin W. Fischer, Steven C. Hess 0000-0001-6403-9922 and Kurt C. VerCauteren
 

A photograph showing a passive net trap set to trap wild pigs.

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a destructive invasive species that are exceptionally detrimental to flora and fauna native to isolated islands, especially in rugged and remote terrain where population control is difficult. Better wild pig control methods are needed for remote situations where use of high-tech traps utilizing cell phone technology are not an option. We compared corral traps, box traps, and passive net traps and found that passive net traps increased the effectiveness and efficiency for removing wild pigs. Photograph by Justin Fischer.

WR24184 Abstract  |  WR24184 Full Text  | WR24184PDF (2.3 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 April 2025

WR24179Cat among the birds and trees: feral cat movements respond to variation in spatiotemporal productivity in a large island ecosystem

Cyril R. E. Scomparin 0000-0002-2973-8397, Matthew D. Pauza and Menna E. Jones
 

A photograph of a feral cat among native vegetation on lunawanna-alonnah/Bruny Island.

Feral cats are a highly adaptable invasive species, widespread across mainlands and islands in Australia and globally. We aimed to test the influence of the landscape and migration of seabirds on the cat movement on lunawanna-alonnah/Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia. The sudden change in prey following seabird migration could present a threat to native wildlife if cats prey-switch, but offer an opportunity for lethal control because cats will be hungry, more mobile, and therefore more likely to encounter control activities. Photograph by Matthew Pauza.

WR24179 Abstract  |  WR24179 Full Text  | WR24179PDF (2.5 MB)  | WR24179Supplementary Material (336 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 April 2025

WR24060Using citizen science records from iNaturalist to document geographical range outliers in Australian skinks

Feliks Ozolina 0009-0006-5310-5596, Shai Meiri, Jules E. Farquhar 0000-0002-1894-7580 and David G. Chapple 0000-0002-7720-6280
 

A photograph of a species of Australian skink.

Understanding and accurately describing species distributions is an ongoing challenge. We used the citizen science website iNaturalist.org to locate geographically anomalous records of Australian skinks. Our study provides a novel and versatile method for locating populations undocumented in the literature. Photograph by Jules E. Farquhar.

WR24060 Abstract  |  WR24060 Full Text  | WR24060PDF (755 KB)  | WR24060Supplementary Material (311 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 April 2025

WR24085Behavioral plasticity in detection height of an invasive, arboreal snake based on size, condition, and prey

Melia G. Nafus 0000-0002-7325-3055, Levi N. Gray, Page E. Klug 0000-0002-0836-3901, Gordon H. Rodda and Scott M. Goetz
 

Image of prey-rich (left) and prey-poor (right) environment separated by an arrow indicating snakes’ vertical movement.

Habitat use by wildlife may depend on health, food availability, and predation threat. We found that an arboreal snake used microhabitat, as measured by estimated height of detection, based on size, individual condition, and prey counts. Snakes had lower detection heights when prey was less available or their condition scores were lower, and as their size increased. Arboreality as measured by detection height was a plastic behavior that changed in response to prey availability, individual condition, and snake size. Image by Scott Goetz and Melia Nafus.

WR24085 Abstract  |  WR24085 Full Text  | WR24085PDF (11 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 20 March 2025

WR24135Fire regimes drive population trends of a threatened lizard in the central and western deserts of Australia

Darren M. Southwell 0000-0002-8767-9014, Danae Moore, Steve McAlpin, Edward M. J. Blackwood 0000-0003-4505-0960, Andrew Schubert, Kiwirrkurra Rangers, Adam S. Smart, Samuel D. Merson, Margarita Goumas, Nicholas A. Macgregor 0000-0002-7995-0230 and Rachel M. Paltridge
 

A photograph of great desert skink in its natural habitat in Australian desert.

Understanding the drivers and trends of plant and animal populations is an essential part of conservation management. This study assessed the effects of fire, rainfall and vegetation condition on the long-term trends of a threatened lizard in the central and western deserts of Australia. Our results showed contrasting trends in populations, with fire extent and frequency a major driver of population change. Photograph by Rachel Paltridge.

WR24135 Abstract  |  WR24135 Full Text  | WR24135PDF (656 KB)  | WR24135Supplementary Material (4.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 18 March 2025

WR24150Comparing shotshell characteristics to optimize aerial removal of wild pigs (Sus scrofa)

Michael J. Lavelle 0000-0002-2766-5673, Nathan P. Snow, Bryan Kluever, Bruce R. Leland, Seth M. Cook, Justin W. Fischer and Kurt C. VerCauteren
 

Shooting from a helicopter is a commonly used strategy to control wild pig populations in the USA.

Aerial operations to remove invasive species are increasingly common and can be highly effective towards reducing damage and disease threats to anthropogenic resources and native biota. This study compared a variety of shotshells used during aerial operations to optimize lethality and overall effectiveness of removal efforts. We recommend maximizing the number of pellets delivered downrange within limited distances at which sufficient energy is retained to maximize penetration and lethality. Photograph by Michael Lavelle.

WR24150 Abstract  |  WR24150 Full Text  | WR24150PDF (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 March 2025

WR24107Purpose-driven approaches to age estimation in Australian flying-foxes (Pteropus)

Cinthia Pietromonaco 0009-0008-5966-457X, Douglas Kerlin 0000-0001-5898-1559, Peggy Eby, Hamish McCallum, Jennefer Mclean, Linda Collins and Alison J. Peel 0000-0003-3538-3550
 

A photo of a flying-fox having its forearm length measured with a calliper.

Age estimation is crucial for understanding the ecology, biology and behaviour of wildlife. Our systematic review summarises current age estimation practices on Australian flying-foxes, revealing inconsistencies in terminology, methodology and definitions that hinder cross-disciplinary research. By recommending enhanced reporting standards and promoting consistency, our work aims to improve age data reliability, facilitating more comprehensive ecological and biological studies and serving as a model for broader species application. Photograph by Kathleen Flynn.

WR24107 Abstract  |  WR24107 Full Text  | WR24107PDF (1.6 MB)  | WR24107Supplementary Material (822 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 March 2025

WR24108Monitoring and habitat inferences change with population metric: a case study with mesocarnivores

Andrew R. Butler 0000-0001-9694-1670, Mairi K. P. Poisson, Patrick Tate, Daniel H. Bergeron and Remington J. Moll
 

Photograph of a bobcat entering a detection zone in forest.

Accurate and precise information on the abundance and distribution of mesocarnivores is essential for their management and conservation, but difficult to obtain. This study compared four monitoring metrics derived from camera traps and resultant habitat relationships for five mesocarnivores. Estimates of density and relative abundance were strongly correlated, whereas occupancy poorly aligned with density estimates, and the direction and strength of habitat relationships were metric dependent. Our results can help wildlife managers evaluate species-metric specific tradeoffs when designing monitoring programs. Photograph by University of New Hampshire/New Hampshire Fish and Game.

WR24108 Abstract  | PDF (1.5 MB) - $35.00   | WR24108Supplementary Material (611 KB)
Published online 06 March 2025

WR24066Establishing protocols to apply repellents while hazing crop pests: importance of habitat, flock size, and time on blackbird (Icteridae) responses to a drone capable of spraying

Mallory G. White, Jessica L. Duttenhefner and Page E. Klug 0000-0002-0836-3901
 

A photograph showing a blackbird flock above a sunflower field, where they can cause significant damage to the crop.

Drones are used to haze birds in conflict with agriculture, but understanding the impact of flocks, habitat, and environment improves protocols for integration of repellents applied by a spraying drone. We found that flocks in cattail allowed closer approach than those in sunflower. Although smaller flocks approached by drones later in the day allowed closer approach, abandonment increased with smaller flocks as the day progressed. Photograph by Jessica Duttenhefner.

WR24066 Abstract  |  WR24066 Full Text  | WR24066PDF (2.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 March 2025

WR24132Evidence for an ecological two-population model for white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in Australian waters

T. G. Burke 0000-0003-2129-5664, C. Huveneers, L. Meyer, J. P. W. Hollins, L. Loseto, J. M. Werry and N. E. Hussey
 

Two white shark vertebrae of different sizes being displayed on gloved hands.

Understanding the population structure and connectivity of highly migratory fishes across their range is crucial information to develop and implement conservation initiatives for vulnerable species. This study aimed to characterise the extent of ontogenetic divergence in resource–habitat behaviour of two proposed subpopulations of white sharks in Australia. Differences in isotopic profiles of vertebrae across ontogeny from juvenile to subadult life stages support an ecological two-population model in Australia, suggesting the need for region-specific management. Photograph by Teah Burke.

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

WR24132 Abstract  | PDF (2.2 MB) - $35.00   | WR24132Supplementary Material (2.1 MB)
Published online 21 February 2025

WR24088Exploring the human dimensions of gharial conservation in the Mahanadi River, India

Laxmi Prasad Rath 0000-0001-7923-9820, Suraj Kumar Dash 0000-0003-1269-1518, Rajesh Kumar Mohapatra 0000-0002-4381-4421, Aliva Patnaik, Ashaharraza Khan and Sudarsan Maharana
 

Photograph of a gharial basking on a sandy dune near river bank occupied by people.

Critically endangered gharials found in the Mahanadi River are on the brink of extirpation which demands urgent conservation efforts for its survival. This study examines the dependencies of local people on the Mahanadi River and their perception of gharials. Despite living with gharials for years, people are still unaware of their ecological role and perceive them as a threat, similar to other crocodile; therefore, awareness on gharial ecology among the local riverside residents near critical gharial habitats may be useful for gharial conservation. Photograph by Ashaharraza Khan.

WR24088 Abstract  | PDF (1.4 MB) - $35.00   | WR24088Supplementary Material (340 KB)
Published online 13 February 2025

WR24103Wildfire in rainforest margins is associated with variation in mammal diversity and habitat use

Rhiannon R. Bird 0000-0002-9778-8265, Rebeka R. Zsoldos, Martha V. Jimenez Sandoval, Shania J. Watson 0000-0002-4294-4435 and Annabel L. Smith
 

Photograph of rainforest habitat in South East Queensland, Australia is used by a diversity of mammal species.

Global increases in wildfires are making rainforests vulnerable to fire, especially at the margins. We found that fire in rainforest margins was associated with lower mammal diversity than in unburnt rainforest, and caused variation in how rainforest-associated species used habitat. Fire in sclerophyll vegetation surrounding rainforests was associated with reduced probability of movement of a generalist mammal species at low elevations. Mammals in rainforest margins had modified habitat use and behaviour 15 months post-fire, indicating that rainforest margins need to be protected from increasing wildfires. Photograph by Rhiannon Bird.

WR24103 Abstract  |  WR24103 Full Text  | WR24103PDF (991 KB)  | WR24103Supplementary Material (428 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.

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.

Collections

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

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: 03 Mar 2025

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)

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 peoples, including details and pictures of people who may be deceased, are included in some articles.

Last Updated: 13 Feb 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

Committee on Publication Ethics

Submit Article

Visit the journal’s submission site

Call for Papers

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

Advertisement