Extreme heat events are responsible for the deaths of large numbers of flying-foxes. Responders use a range of interventions to minimise mortality, such as spraying water on roost vegetation or individual animals and procedures to cool and rehydrate animals in the hand. Our current understanding of how effective these methods are is largely anecdotal rather than built on scientific evidence. Further research is warranted, particularly for understanding how temperature and humidity influence flying-foxes’ ability to regulate their body temperature. Photograph by Matthew Mo.

Knowledge of life history of the threatened brush-tailed rabbit-rat is poor, yet needed for conservation and management. A study of growth and development found that early post-natal development was rapid and there was little difference in size between males and females. Compared with the black-footed tree-rat, Conilurus penicillatus may be able to respond more rapidly to ecological disturbances. Photograph by Catherine Kemper.

Mallee small mammals are commonly surveyed using pitfall trapping but the influence of weather conditions on trap success is largely unknown. We tested the influence of weather and moon phase on capture rates of five species and three families of small mammals. Wind speeds >20 km h⁻¹ positively influenced capture rates, but responses to other meteorological variables differed between taxa. We recommend that surveys encompass a variety of meteorological conditions to increase capture rates and effectively sample small mammal communities.

Bat assemblages were compared across different silvicultural treatments and times in wet sclerophyll forests. Bat activity was substantially greater on tracks than off tracks, especially in unlogged and unthinned regrowth forest. Activity off track was greater in unlogged areas than in thinned and unthinned regrowth. Thinning altered species composition to more closely resemble unlogged forest than unthinned regrowth, but differences in total activity were unclear. These patterns are broadly consistent with other forest types, though subtle differences were revealed. Photograph of southern forest bat, Vespadelus regulus, by B. Law

Moon phase and ambient light conditions play a role in regulating predator and prey behaviour. Within a fenced conservation reserve we conducted spotlight surveys of native species during different moon phases. We found an interaction between cloud cover and moon phase and an interaction of the two depending on the mammal size and class. Our findings have implications for ecological survey design and interpretation of results for mammal populations across moon phases.

Quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) provides a non-invasive measure of body condition in small animals. We validated this technique against chemical carcass analysis in an Australian microbat, which will allow accurate, non-invasive, repeatable measures of body condition that may have important implications for ecological research in the face of changing environments. Furthermore, we found that a commonly used body condition index was a poor predictor of fat mass, thus we recommend body condition indices be used with caution in microbats

Long-term studies of native small mammals across the eastern Otway Ranges found severe recent (2013–2018) regional decreases in abundance and species occurrence compared to earlier decades. Declines occurred following wildfire and drought with drivers likely to be multifactorial. However, higher mammal abundance (two to 6-fold) and species richness were recorded in coastal dune communities, indicating an important role as mammal refuges. Identification of refuges across the landscape and protection from inappropriate fire and predators are management priorities. Photograph by B. Wilson.

Dietary analysis can increase knowledge of the ecological roles of native predators, helping to guide and improve management actions and conservation outcomes, including species reintroductions. We examined spotted-tailed quoll diet using scats, within a fenced conservation reserve containing a diverse native and introduced prey community. European rabbits were the predominant prey species by volume and frequency in scats, followed by small to medium native mammal species. Our findings suggest that reintroducing spotted-tailed quolls could aid rabbit suppression and ecosystem restoration. Photograph by Simon Gorta.

In order to understand the space needed by northern quolls, we tracked their movements using a GPS that we attached to their bodies when we trapped them. These GPS devices were attached for two week periods, thus, we estimated space requirements over a short-term period. We monitored them successfully at two times of the year September–October 2014 and June–July 2015, with males using smaller areas (less space) in the latter. Photograph by Lorna Hernandez-Santin.

Many researchers use trigger-delays on camera traps to limit data collection or extend servicing intervals. However, there is little information regarding the effects trigger-delays have on data quality and what is ‘missed’ by using these settings. We found that implementing trigger-delays of between 5 and 60 minutes reduced feral cat and fox detections and also reduced the number of individuals detected per trigger. We recommend avoiding the use of trigger-delays, particularly when evaluating the success of pest animal management programs. Image supplied by Adam McSorley.

We examined the diet of the eastern barn owl (Tyto delicatula) in the Simpson Desert, Queensland. In total, 642 unique prey items were recorded, 92% of which were mammals. Small rodents (native and introduced) were the dominant prey (Mus musculus and Pseudomys hermannsburgensis), and the presence of Notomys cf. fuscus, Pseudantechinus cf. mimulus and Dasycercus blythi were significant range extensions.

A population of eastern short-eared rock wallaby (Petrogale wilkinsi) has been confirmed in Queensland. This extends the range of the species from its typically tropical habitat in the Top End of the Northern Territory to the semi-arid sandstone gorges of north western Queensland's Gulf Country. Recent genetic work on the Northern Territory population indicates significant divergence in the eastern P. wilkinsi and suggests the possibility that the Queensland population may be a separate taxon. Further investigation is required to clarify the status of this new population. Photograph by A. C. Grice.

This research note investigates the diets of four rare rodents found on Goodenough Island in the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea. The study also provides insights into the ecological role of these rodents as dispersers of fungal spores.

Koalas are cryptic and difficult to survey. Advancements in drone technology may allow a more efficient means to achieve this. Recent attempts at koala surveys with drones have used ex-situ processing to validate possible koalas. Here we demonstrate a survey method that combines the use of drone technology and in-field ecology to validate koala detections in-situ. Photograph by L. G. Howell.