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Ecology, management and conservation in natural and modified habitats
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Wildlife Research

Wildlife Research

Volume 52 Number 7 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.


Photographs showing tarantula females in their burrows, and graphs of temperature and humidity data of the burrows.

Tarantula burrows provide essential microhabitats that buffer extreme weather conditions. This study, based on long-term wild monitoring, has shown how burrows stabilize temperatures and cooling/heating rates. Protecting natural habitats and understanding the fine-scale relationship between organisms and their environment is crucial for wildlife resilience, particularly in the face of climate change. Image by Leonela Schwerdt.


Image of an arboreal mammal captured by a thermal camera.

This study assessed thermal cameras against traditional spotlighting for detecting small arboreal mammals. Thermal imaging proved more effective for detecting smaller eastern pygmy possums, while detection rates for larger common ringtail possums were similar across both methods. Integrating thermal imaging into wildlife surveys can improve species detection and population estimates, enhancing the accuracy of ecological monitoring programs. Photograph by George Madani.

WR24211Chum dine with me: assessing the effects of wildlife tourism on non-target fish assemblages

Sasha K. Whitmarsh 0000-0001-8934-2354, Thomas M. Clarke 0000-0002-3342-7671, Mollie Owens, Jamie Hicks, Danny Brock, Caitlin J. Fox, Lauren Meyer and Charlie Huveneers

Photograph of a white shark in front of a baited camera.

The effect of wildlife tourism on non-target species is understudied. We assessed the impacts of bait and berley input on fish assemblages at a white shark cage-diving site by using underwater cameras. Abundances of some species were higher at the tourist site, but species diversity and evenness were comparable to offshore islands without cage-diving. Overall, current management regulations for the cage-diving industry are effective in minimising impacts to non-target species. Photograph by the Southern Shark Ecology Group.

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

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.


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.


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.

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.

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