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Australian Journal of Zoology Australian Journal of Zoology Society
Evolutionary, molecular and comparative zoology
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Australian Journal of Zoology

Australian Journal of Zoology

Australian Journal of Zoology is an international journal covering the evolutionary, molecular and comparative zoology of Australasian fauna. Read more about the journalMore

Editors-in-Chief: Christofer Clemente and Laura Wilson

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Australian Journal of Zoology is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 18 September 2025

ZO25024The Southern Angle-headed Dragon (Lophosaurus spinipes): a systematic review of the literature

Bradley J. Traynor 0000-0003-1231-3672, Heike Schütze 0000-0003-4766-523X, Darryl L. Houston 0009-0002-2902-5394, Harold Heatwole and Eric J. Nordberg 0000-0002-1333-622X
 

Female Southern Angle-headed Dragon (Lophosaurus spinipes) on a branch.

The Southern Angle-headed Dragon (Lophosaurus spinipes) is a cryptic agamid endemic to the warm-temperate and subtropical rainforests of south-eastern Australia. We conducted a systematic literature review to synthesise information relevant to its potential conservation in the face of predicted climatic change. There is limited empirical data on L. spinipes; more research on population sizes, trends over time, thermal properties of the microclimate, thermal limits, and metabolism, with a focus on rising environmental temperatures, is required to underpin conservation decisions. Photograph by B. J. Traynor 2022.

ZO25024 Abstract  |  ZO25024 Full Text  | ZO25024PDF (721 KB)  | ZO25024Supplementary Material (424 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 September 2025

ZO25009Science meets the taipan: the discovery and description of an iconic venomous snake

Kevin Markwell 0000-0002-1814-1480 and Richard Shine 0000-0001-7529-5657
 

The coastal taipan (left) and the woman who obtained the first specimen known to science, Amalie Dietrich (right).

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this publication contains images of deceased persons, and discussion of historical events which may be deemed culturally sensitive.

We explore the history of the taipan’s ‘discovery’ by Western scientists, and early attempts to classify the species. Our analysis of historical documents reveals a much greater role for First Nations people in collection of the first taipans known to science; and identifies reasons why this giant snake remained poorly understood for many decades. Photographs by Rob Valentic and Ray Sumner.

ZO25009 Abstract  |  ZO25009 Full Text  | ZO25009PDF (7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 11 August 2025

ZO24036Hospital admissions to a major wildlife hospital in south-east Queensland, Australia, over a 10-year period, 2012–2022

Kate J. Dutton-Regester 0000-0002-5011-997X
 

The RSPCA Wildlife Hospital, located in Wacol, Brisbane, Australia.

Wildlife hospitals play a vital role in caring for injured animals and revealing threats to local species. A study of 10 years of data from the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital in Brisbane found that orphaning, vehicle collisions, disease, and dog attacks were the main causes of admissions, with vehicle collisions having a major impact on koalas. These findings highlight the need for better conservation efforts to reduce these threats and protect wildlife in urban areas. Photograph by RSPCA Queensland Ltd.

ZO24036 Abstract  |  ZO24036 Full Text  | ZO24036PDF (2.4 MB)  | ZO24036Supplementary Material (170 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 August 2025

ZO25015A new species of Phryssonotus (Diplopoda: Synxenidae) from north-eastern New South Wales, Australia

Cuong Huynh 0000-0002-2571-4507 and Anneke A. Veenstra 0000-0003-2857-3583
 

Photograph of Phryssonotus borealis

Penicillate millipedes are tiny, soft-bodied arthropods under 5 mm long, lacking body calcification and covered in trichomes. Phryssonotus borealis is a newly discovered synxenid species from north-eastern New South Wales, Australia. It is distinguished taxonomically by having white tergal scale trichomes and by its unique genetic characteristics when compared to related species. Photograph by Cuong Huynh.

ZO25015 Abstract  |  ZO25015 Full Text  | ZO25015PDF (3.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 25 July 2025

ZO24031Group structure in a social huntsman spider (Delena cancerides) reveals seasonal variation in group complexity

Vanessa Penna-Gonçalves 0009-0007-7403-347X
 

Delena cancerides spiderlings sharing a large prey during a feeding trial.

Spider social behaviour is a fascinating area of study that reveals how these often-misunderstood creatures interact. Research on the Australian huntsman spider (Delena cancerides) shows that its colonies can be quite diverse, especially in summer, with multiple adults and juveniles cohabiting and sharing prey. These findings challenge previous assumptions and suggest a more intricate social structure that could reshape our understanding of spider ecology and behaviour. Photographs by Vanessa Penna-Gonçalves

ZO24031 Abstract  |  ZO24031 Full Text  | ZO24031PDF (2.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 07 July 2025

ZO24041Evaluation of parameters of health in Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) pups during early and mid-lactation

Jessalyn J. Taylor 0009-0000-6181-6474, Rebecca R. McIntosh 0000-0003-3159-9581, Isabelle Charrier and Rachael B. Gray
 

Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) pups.

This study assessed parameters of health in Australian fur seal pups at Seal Rocks (Victoria) in early (3–6 weeks) and mid-lactation (5–6 months). Results provide a baseline for health monitoring and highlight the increased vulnerability of younger pups during early lactation. This research informs understanding of pinniped health and management strategies. Photograph by Jessalyn Taylor.

ZO24041 Abstract  |  ZO24041 Full Text  | ZO24041PDF (3.5 MB)  | ZO24041Supplementary Material (442 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 26 June 2025

ZO25006Molecular and morphological analysis confirms two additional species of python (Antaresia) on Cape York Peninsula, Queensland

D. J. D. Natusch 0000-0002-3275-518X, L. McIntyre, B. J. Muller and D. Esquerré
 

Antaresia species from Cape York Peninsula: (a) A. papuensis, (b) A. maculosa peninsularis and (c) A. childreni.

We examined molecular and morphological information from Antaresia pythons in northern Cape York Peninsula, Australia. We confirm the presence of two additional species from Cape York (Antaresia childreni and A. papuensis), making this region Australia’s hotspot for python diversity. Photographs by Daniel Natusch.

ZO25006 Abstract  |  ZO25006 Full Text  | ZO25006PDF (1.8 MB)  | ZO25006Supplementary Material (4.4 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 22 May 2025

ZO25002The influence of season, habitat and diet on the faecal microbiome of the yellow-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus)

Lauren Elizabeth Werner 0000-0001-9065-7839, Shannon Leilani Kleemann 0000-0003-4376-293X, Stacey Kathleen Dix, Korjent van Dijk, Edward Biffin, Michelle Waycott, Raphael Eisenhofer and David Augustine Taggart 0000-0001-7251-8018
 

The yellow-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus).

The characterisation of Australian marsupials’ faecal microbiome is largely uncharted, but has previously been identified as an important component of conservation programs. This project examined the interaction between diet and faecal microbiome of yellow-footed rock-wallabies in South Australia, found that there are similarities with other Australia marsupials and that diet likely affects faecal microbial composition. Continuing to characterise the faecal microbiome of Australian marsupials will provide a valuable tool for their conservation as climate change worsens. Photograph by Stacey Dix.

ZO25002 Abstract  |  ZO25002 Full Text  | ZO25002PDF (3.8 MB)  | ZO25002Supplementary Material (590 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 May 2025

ZO24034Population structure, growth and reproduction in two species of Tympanocryptis (Agamidae)

Lyn Nelson and Paul D. Cooper 0000-0002-1433-5309
 

Growth (measured as the increase of snout–vent length) of two species of Tympanocryptis lizards over three years.

Growth of two species of the endangered lizard in the genus Tympanocryptis (T. lineata and T. osbornei) from around the Canberra, ACT, and Cooma, NSW, respectively, is similar over three years, as is the population age structure. Individuals of each species are also able to survive over multiple years. Colour changes with reproduction in females is most obvious for both species in spring and autumn during the year for both species. Image Paul Cooper.

ZO24034 Abstract  |  ZO24034 Full Text  | ZO24034PDF (1.5 MB)  | ZO24034Supplementary Material (513 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 28 March 2025

ZO24027Determination of population age structure from the survivorship of individuals of unknown ages in unicorns and platypuses

J. W. Macgregor 0009-0007-0519-2549, P. A. Fleming 0000-0002-0626-3851, O. Wade, R. Donaldson and K. S. Warren
 

A platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus).

Knowing the ages of animals in wild populations is important for conservation modelling. But for many species it is not possible to determine an adult individual’s age. By looking at how long individuals of unknown ages live, this report uses a hypothetical population of unicorns to illustrate a method of working out the proportion of animals in a population that are any particular age, and then applies the same method to a population of wild platypuses. Photograph by Joanne Connolly.

ZO24027 Abstract  |  ZO24027 Full Text  | ZO24027PDF (567 KB)   Open Access Article

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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.

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

Transitions: between water and land

The Australian Journal of Zoology presents this collection of 15 important papers that support and amplify key themes of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically targeting Life on Land (SDG 15) and Life Below Water (SDG 14). In this collection, the focus is exclusively on two groups of vertebrates: frogs and turtles, representing critical components of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Collection Editor
Paul Cooper (Australian National University)

Last Updated: 22 Mar 2024

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AJZ Award winner

Murraya Lane has been awarded the AJZ Best Student Paper Award for 2024.

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