Wildlife Research

Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Wildlife Research has moved to a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 05 February 2024

WR23124Diet of fallow deer suggests potential for invasion of novel habitats in Tasmania

Thomas R. Guy , Jamie B. Kirkpatrick, Calum X. Cunningham, Tina E. Berry , Kathryn L. Dawkins , Michael M. Driessen and Chris N. Johnson

 

Fallow deer in Tasmania exhibit remarkable dietary adaptability, a critical factor in their expanding range. This study compared their diets in established grassy woodlands and newer highland habitats, revealing a broad dietary niche. These findings underscore the urgency of robust management strategies to curb further range expansion and mitigate potential impacts on areas with high conservation values. Photograph by Thomas Guy.

WR23124 Abstract  |  WR23124 Full Text  | WR23124PDF (792 KB)  | WR23124Supplementary Material (714 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 19 January 2024

WR23095Environmental DNA detection of spot-tailed quoll from soil is unlikely to be useful for routine monitoring

Lauren C. White , Jenny L. Nelson, Maria Cardoso and Carlo Pacioni

 

The spot-tailed quoll is difficult to detect owing to its rarity, remote habitat and large home ranges. In this study, environmental DNA (eDNA) soil analysis was evaluated as an alternative to traditional monitoring methods for spot-tailed quoll detection. We designed an eDNA assay that showed high sensitivity at quoll latrine sites but performed poorly in non-latrine habitat due to low concentrations of quoll DNA in soil samples. We thus conclude that eDNA analysis of soil is unlikely to improve current monitoring methods for this species. Photograph by Jemma Cripps (ARI).

WR23095 Abstract  | PDF (1.7 MB) - $35.00   | WR23095Supplementary Material (1.4 MB)

Published online 11 January 2024

WR23058Immobilisation efficacy of conducted electrical weapons on captive white-tailed deer

Patrick J. Grunwald, Mark G. Ruder, David A. Osborn, Lisa I. Muller, Kaitlin O. Goode and Gino J. D’Angelo

 

Conducted electrical weapons, commonly referred to as TASERs®, are used on wildlife without species-specific knowledge about overall efficacy or animal welfare impacts. Our study was designed to estimate physiological effects of short-term exposure to a conducted electrical weapon on white-tailed deer. Our data suggest conducted electrical weapons can be used safely on white-tailed deer for short-term immobilisation in place of other immobilisation techniques and to create a safer atmosphere for humane killing by gunshot. Photo courtesy of Emma Kring and used with permission.

WR23058 Abstract  | PDF (3.1 MB) - $35.00   | WR23058Supplementary Material (636 KB)

Published online 11 January 2024

WR22112Prevalence of pathogens important to human and companion animal health in an urban unowned cat population

Tamar Michaelian, Lana Harriott , Matthew Gentle, Tatiana Proboste, Ian Kei Ho and Rowland Cobbold

 

Unowned cats are common in urban regions, and it is possible they carry pathogens with significant implications for public health and/or domestic cat populations. We aimed to establish baseline prevalence data for key pathogens and found that gastrointestinal parasites are common (76.8% prevalence), Toxoplasma gondii prevalence was 7% and Feline Influenza Virus prevalence was 12%. These results show that unowned cats do carry pathogens of human and companion animal concern. This knowledge is essential to inform both unowned and owned cat management in urban regions. Image by Lana Harriott, Biosecurity Queensland..

WR22112 Abstract  |  WR22112 Full Text  | WR22112PDF (946 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 January 2024

WR23076High survivorship and rapid population growth of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) reintroduced to a feral predator exclosure

Cassandra M. Arkinstall , Sean I. FitzGibbon , Kevin J. Bradley, Katherine E. Moseby and Peter J. Murray

 

The greater bilby has been successfully reintroduced to several exclosures and offshore islands free of feral predators, but there are few published studies examining the establishment of these critical subpopulations. In this 3-year study, we monitored the reintroduction of bilbies to such an exclosure. We demonstrate that bilbies are a model species for reintroductions to feral predator exclosures, due to their highly adaptable nature and capability for rapid population growth. Photograph by Neil Bloem.

WR23076 Abstract  |  WR23076 Full Text  | WR23076PDF (2.4 MB)  | WR23076Supplementary Material (1.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 January 2024

WR23142Foreword to the Special Issue on ‘Fertility control for wildlife in the 21st century’

Cheryl S. Asa, Stephanie L. Boyles Griffin, Douglas Eckery, Lyn A. Hinds and Giovanna Massei

 

Public interest in fertility control to manage economic and environmental impacts of wildlife is increasing. This special issue of Wildlife Research presents studies showcasing fertility control applications for a wide range of species. These studies also illustrate new methods to deliver contraceptives, models on the impact of fertility control on populations, feasibility, cost of fertility control, and discussions on the human dimension of this approach.

This article belongs to the Collection Fertility Control for Wildlife in the 21st Century.

WR23142 Abstract  |  WR23142 Full Text  | WR23142PDF (570 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 January 2024

WR23035Influence of wildfire and feral horse use on mule deer summer range occupancy

Ryan C. Platte and Ryan E. Torland

 

Understanding how a species uses the landscape is an important factor for the management of any species. This study aimed to assess mule deer summer range distribution in relation to competition from feral horses and occurrence of wildfire. Our results showed that mule deer had lower occupancy at sites with increased feral horse use and higher occupancy at sites that were within a previous wildfire perimeter. These findings suggest that increased management of feral horse populations and the inclusion of fire into forest restoration projects could benefit mule deer populations. Photograph by Ryan Platte.

WR23035 Abstract  | PDF (1.8 MB) - $35.00   | WR23035Supplementary Material (836 KB)

Published online 19 December 2023

WR23043The impact of wild boars on the temporal resource utilisation of silver pheasants in South China

Wei Liu , Xinhang Song, Ruge Wang, Lingying Shuai, Shuping Xiao and Yanzhen Bu

 

Increased populations of wild boar (Sus scrofa) have raised concern regarding the impacts of this species on ecosystems and biodiversity. This study aimed to assess the effects of the wild boar on the temporal resource utilisation of the silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), and showed that wild boars significantly impact the temporal resource utilisation of silver pheasants. This study provides useful information for understanding the relationship between wildlife and wild boar. Photograph by Shuping Xiao.

WR23043 Abstract  | PDF (3.7 MB) - $35.00   | WR23043Supplementary Material (27.7 MB)

Published online 19 December 2023

WR23075Raccoon abundance indexing and removal: implications for Blanding’s turtle nest success

Andrew U. Rutter, John P. Vanek, Gary A. Glowacki, Callie K. Golba, Richard B. King , Craig K. Pullins and Wesley E. Smith

 

Information on the abundance of nest predators and the effect their removal has on nest success is needed for endangered-turtle recovery. We found that removal was effective in reducing raccoon abundance; however, impacts on Blanding’s turtle nest success were obscured by differences in nesting habitat between removal and control sites. Removal can most benefit endangered species if it occurs in areas of greatest predator impact. Raccoon image by Margot Michaud, map by Yang et al. (2018).

WR23075 Abstract  | PDF (2 MB) - $35.00   | WR23075Supplementary Material (902 KB)

Published online 19 December 2023

WR22175Fighting the flames: site-specific effects determine species richness of Australian frogs after fire

Brittany A. Mitchell , Simon B. Z. Gorta , Corey T. Callaghan , Richard T. Kingsford and Jodi J. L. Rowley

 

Through citizen-science and remotely sensed data, we found no overall decrease in species richness of frogs after the 2019/2020 megafires, or with increased fire severity. Our results instead provide evidence that species richness and its response to fire is site-specific, and we explore possible explanations for this, while emphasising the need to monitor threatened and less-common frog species. Photograph by Jodi Rowley.

WR22175 Abstract  |  WR22175 Full Text  | WR22175PDF (1.7 MB)  | WR22175Supplementary Material (2.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 04 December 2023

WR23027Environmental DNA as a detection tool for small-bodied, cryptic, threatened fish in a highly turbid freshwater lake system

D. J. Stoessel , T. A. Raadik, M. Adams, J. J. Shelley, T. J. Hately, D. Iervasi, P. Rose, A. Russell and N. Murphy

 

Comparatively few resources are devoted to the detection of rare small-bodied cryptic fish species. The extent of decline of many of these species is therefore often unknown. We found significant clustering of eDNA of such a species towards the outlets of lakes, suggesting that sampling for detection (presence/absence) in such environments should be undertaken at outlet channels to minimise cost and maximise opportunities to detect rare aquatic species. Photograph by Doug Gimesy, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change.

WR23027 Abstract  | PDF (2.3 MB) - $35.00   | WR23027Supplementary Material (999 KB)

Published online 30 October 2023

WR22132Estimating roadkill rates while accounting for carcass detection and persistence using open-population capture–recapture models

Talita Menger , Andreas Kindel and Ismael Verrastro Brack

 

An accurate wildlife roadkill rate is essential to effectively plan and monitor roadkill mitigation. We applied an open-population model (widely used to estimate living animal population dynamics) to a roadkill estimation context that allowed us to account for observation error. The approach can be used to guide roadkill mitigation efforts by understanding variation among sampling designs, species, and spatiotemporal variation in roadkill rates. Photograph by Talita Menger.

WR22132 Abstract  | PDF (2.5 MB) - $35.00   | WR22132Supplementary Material (705 KB)

Published online 26 October 2023

WR23053Developing Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assays for rapid, presumptive DNA detection of an invasive reptile (Boa constrictor)

Nathan Deliveyne , Jeremy J. Austin and Phillip Cassey

 

Boa constrictor is a key vertebrate biosecurity risk species in Australia. This study aimed to develop rapid presumptive trace DNA detection methods for the detection of B. constrictor in biosecurity and compliance contexts. We successfully designed and tested a colourimetric and fluorescence-based test with appropriate sensitivity and specificity, advancing preparedness and surveillance. Image created in Canva.

WR23053 Abstract  |  WR23053 Full Text  | WR23053PDF (4.2 MB)  | WR23053Supplementary Material (1.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 October 2023

WR22196Effects of sardines as an attractant on carnivore detection and temporal activity patterns at remote camera traps

Anna C. Siegfried, Stephen N. Harris , Colleen Olfenbuttel and David S. Jachowski

 

Attractants are widely used to draw carnivores to remote camera traps, but questions remain about how this practice can affect animal behaviour. Our study aimed to assess the effects of a sardine attractant on detection and diel activity patterns of a diverse carnivore suite in the Appalachian Mountains, showing that changes in detection and temporal activity patterns were species-specific. Therefore, using attractants at camera traps can be a useful method in increasing detections for certain carnivore species without altering these species’ natural behaviours. Photograph by Clemson University/North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

WR22196 Abstract  | PDF (1.2 MB) - $35.00   | WR22196Supplementary Material (1.4 MB)

Published online 17 October 2023

WR23037Estimating the effectiveness of using wildlife cameras versus visual-encounter surveys to detect herpetofauna

Ally K. Brown , Devyn A. Hannon and John C. Maerz

 

Wildlife cameras have been proposed as a method to efficiently monitor herpetofauna; however, estimates of detection rates and factors affecting detection by cameras are generally lacking and therefore limiting their application. We estimated the effects of body size and surface-temperature differential on the detection of snakes and frogs by passive infrared (PIR) wildlife cameras, then compared cameras with traditional survey techniques. We demonstrated PIR wildlife cameras to be highly effective for monitoring large, diurnal herpetofauna, but ineffective at detecting small and nocturnal species unless time-lapse is employed. Photograph by Ally Brown.

WR23037 Abstract  | PDF (5.8 MB) - $35.00   | WR23037Supplementary Material (999 KB)

More content

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.

WR23041, Accepted 22 January 2024

Seasonal nest use of sympatric North American flying squirrels

Rosemary Minns, Rebekah Persad , Laurelie Menelon, Sasha Newar, Paul O'Brien, Samantha Stead and Jeffrey Bowman

 

WR23041Abstract

WR23062, Accepted 22 January 2024

Applications of chemical bird repellents for crop and resource protection: a review and synthesis

Shelagh DeLiberto and Scott Werner

 

WR23062Abstract

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1. Historical record shows broad habitat use and rapid decline of the greater bilby Macrotis lagotis in eastern Australia

   Wildlife Research 51 (1)

   J. L. Silcock , P. D. McRae, M. J. Laidlaw, R. I. Southgate

2. Novel acoustic lure methodology facilitates detection of the cryptic ghost bat at a landscape scale

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   Laura Ruykys , Nicola Hanrahan , Danielle Stokeld

3. Factors affecting bait uptake by the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the future delivery of oral contraceptives

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   Sarah E. Beatham , Julia Coats, Philip A. Stephens , Giovanna Massei

4. Investigating the impact of black rats (Rattus rattus) on the endemic and threatened avifauna of Christmas Island

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   Rosalie Willacy , Samantha Flakus, Eve McDonald-Madden, Sarah Legge

5. Spatial and temporal variation in the diet of introduced sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) in an alpine landscape

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   Matthew J. Quin , John W. Morgan, Nicholas P. Murphy

6. Scat DNA as a non-invasive method for estimating the abundance of the vulnerable mala (Lagorchestes hirsutus)

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   Shannon Treloar , Cheryl Lohr , Anna J. M. Hopkins , Kym Ottewell , Shelley McArthur, Robert A. Davis

7. Evaluating predator control using two non-invasive population metrics: a camera trap activity index and density estimation from scat genotyping

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   Jessica L. Keem , Bronwyn A. Hradsky , Joe Benshemesh, Mark Le Pla , Abigail Watkins, Andrew R. Weeks , Anthony van Rooyen , John Black, Darren Southwell

8. Movement and ranging behaviour of long-nosed potoroos (Potorous tridactylus) in south-west Victoria, Australia

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   Mark Le Pla , Bronwyn A. Hradsky, Julian Di Stefano, Tamika C. Farley-Lehmer, Emma K. Birnbaum, Jack H. Pascoe

9. Comparisons of morphometrics and body condition between two breeding populations of Australian humpback whales

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   Grace Russell , Fredrik Christiansen, Andrew Colefax, Kate R. Sprogis , Daniele Cagnazzi

10. What can wildlife-detection dogs offer for managing small mammalian predators?

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11. Developing Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assays for rapid, presumptive DNA detection of an invasive reptile (Boa constrictor)

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    Nathan Deliveyne , Jeremy J. Austin , Phillip Cassey

12. The Sentinel Bait Station: an automated, intelligent design pest animal baiting system

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13. A review of viral and parasitic infections in wild deer in Australia with relevance to livestock and human health

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    Jose L. Huaman, Karla J. Helbig, Teresa G. Carvalho, Mark Doyle, Jordan Hampton , David M. Forsyth , Anthony R. Pople , Carlo Pacioni

14. Still a good dog! Long-term use and effectiveness of livestock guardian dogs to protect livestock from predators in Australia’s extensive grazing systems

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    Linda van Bommel , Chris N. Johnson

15. Hybridisation rates, population structure, and dispersal of sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) and rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) in south-eastern Australia

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    Erin Hill , Nicholas Murphy, Scarlett Li-Williams , Christopher Davies , David Forsyth , Sebastien Comte , Lee Ann Rollins , Fiona Hogan , Faye Wedrowicz , Troy Crittle, Elaine Thomas, Luke Woodford, Carlo Pacioni

16. Carcass use by mesoscavengers drives seasonal shifts in Australian alpine scavenging dynamics

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    James Vandersteen , Christopher Fust, Mathew S. Crowther , Matt Smith , Benjamin Viola , Philip Barton , Thomas M. Newsome

17. Dragon detectives: citizen science confirms photo-ID as an effective tool for monitoring an endangered reptile

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18. Habitat structure facilitates coexistence of native and invasive mesopredators in an Australian tropical savanna

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19. Chlamydia in wild Australian rodents: a cross-sectional study to inform disease risks for a conservation translocation

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20. High survivorship and rapid population growth of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) reintroduced to a feral predator exclosure

    Wildlife Research 51 (1)

    Cassandra M. Arkinstall , Sean I. FitzGibbon , Kevin J. Bradley, Katherine E. Moseby , Peter J. Murray

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