Wildlife Research最新文献

Aerial shooting is an important tool for managing the economic and environmental impacts of widespread wild fallow deer populations in eastern Australia and could be crucial for mounting an effective response to an emergency animal disease incursion. However, there is a concern that the disturbance caused by aerial shooting could cause infected animals to disperse, thereby transmitting pathogens to previously uninfected areas.

We sought to describe the nature and extent of spatial behavioural changes in fallow deer exposed to aerial shooting to: (1) assess the risk that aerial shooting poses to disease spread, and (2) better understand how aerial shooting can contribute to routine deer management programs.

We contrasted movement rates, activity range areas, and daily activity patterns of 48 GPS-collared fallow deer before, during and after exposure to aerial shooting at three sites in New South Wales.

No collared deer left its pre-shoot activity range area during shooting or within 30 days after shooting finished. Observed behaviour changes included increased daily and hourly distance travelled by female deer during and after shooting, increased activity range areas for female deer after shooting, and increased nocturnal activity in female and male deer during shooting. However, observed changes were minor, temporary, localised, and variable among sites.

Collared deer showed strong site fidelity despite repeated intense disturbance and substantial population reductions. We found no evidence to support concerns that aerial shooting poses a hazard of disease spread.

Aerial shooting should be retained as a key control tool for managing wild fallow deer populations in Australia, including for reducing disease host population densities in the event of an emergency animal disease incursion.

Many Australian threatened species occur on Indigenous-owned and/or managed lands, often in vast, remote areas that are difficult and expensive to access. One such species is the white-throated grasswren (WTGW, Amytornis woodwardi), a rare ground-dwelling bird found in rocky spinifex-covered escarpment habitats of northern Australia. To make surveying rare species more tractable, we can predict habitat suitability by associating occurrence points with environmental covariates that may influence the species’ distribution.

Here, we combine western and Indigenous knowledge and approaches to better quantify the habitat associations and distribution of the WTGW.

We modelled habitat suitability across the region using historical occurrence records and applicable environmental variables with input from Traditional ecological knowledge. We then used this habitat-suitability map as a visual tool for participatory mapping and planning sessions with Traditional Custodians to select on-ground survey sites. Collaborative surveys were then undertaken to target WTGWs at 39 sites across the Arnhem Plateau by using several methods, including bioacoustic audio recorders (BARs), call-playback (CPB) surveys, and motion-detection cameras.

Collaboration between Traditional Custodians and scientists at all stages helped make this project a success. Our model suggests that WTGWs typically occupy habitat patches that have lower distance-to-unburnt (fire extent) values, lower proportion-of-area-burnt values, lower vegetation-cover values, and higher time-since-fire values. On-ground surveys detected WTGWs at six sites with BARs and at one of these six sites with CPB and camera-trapping, suggesting that BARs were the most effective detection method.

Our results provided key ecological information for use by land managers in the region and highlighted the importance of effective fire management for the persistence of WTGW populations. The success of the cross-cultural collaboration across several Indigenous organisations relied on the expertise of Traditional Custodians and Indigenous rangers. With Traditional Custodians and Indigenous rangers leading the fieldwork, co-benefits of the program included connecting people with Country and supporting the transfer of intergenerational knowledge surrounding the WTGW.

Whereas fire management in the region over the past decade has led to broadscale reductions in the frequency, extent and intensity of fires, strategic imposition of fire regimes that retain sufficient unburnt refugia at habitat scales appears necessary for viable populations of species such as the WTGW to persist.

Habitat selection is a fundamental process that shapes animal spatial ecology. Species with wide geographic distribution that occupy diverse habitats have to adapt their resource acquisition strategies to maximise their effectiveness under local ecological constraints, leading to intraspecific behavioural variability. Identifying environmental determinants of habitat use pattern and regional intraspecific differences advances our understanding of the ecological underpinnings of animal behaviour and is important in strategising effective conservation and management of free-ranging populations.

The aim of this study was to assess individual heterogeneity of habitat selection and use by African elephants under different seasonal and ecological constraints, in order to better understand the processes underlying their spatial behaviour.

We investigated the habitat selection pattern of 19 African elephants equipped with satellite-linked GPS-collars in two different ecosystems, resource-rich bushveld bordering Kruger National Park, South Africa (six individuals) and arid savannah of Etosha National Park, Namibia (13 individuals). By constructing individual-specific and population-level resource selection functions (RSFs), we examined seasonal differences of elephant habitat use pattern to identify the underlying ecological mechanisms.

Elephants were attracted to surface water in both study areas; but when water availability decreased in arid environment, they showed individual-specific preference in using natural vs artificial water sources. Road networks enabled efficient travel among resource patches, but its use differed between individuals. Areas with higher and more predictable vegetation productivity were generally preferred by elephants in dry season, but in more competitive arid savannah system there were individual/group-specific seasonal differences in resource selection patterns, likely reflecting the social dynamics among individuals. At population-level, the habitat selection pattern was less apparent due to considerable intra-population variability.

The substantial differences in model coefficients within and between our study populations demonstrate the spatio-behavioural plasticity of elephants under various environmental conditions and suggest that population-level RSFs may over-simplify elephants’ socio-ecological complexity.

Within the resource competition paradigm, individual-specific habitat selection may be as essential in maintaining population resilience as is the population-level pattern of resource use. Consequently, spatio-behavioural heterogeneity within and between populations should be accounted for in resource selection studies and all subsequent conservation management policies.

Deserts cover large areas and support substantial biodiversity; however, like other biomes, they are experiencing biodiversity loss. Monitoring biodiversity trends in deserts is rare, partly because of the logistical challenges of working in remote areas. This is true also in Australia, which has one of the largest and least populated desert areas worldwide, has suffered marked biodiversity loss since European colonisation, and has minimal large-scale biodiversity monitoring. However, Indigenous people of many Traditional Owner groups continue to live in, and care for, these deserts. Over the past two decades, Indigenous ranger groups have been collecting species records by using sign-based surveys, adding to work begun in the 1980s by researchers and government scientists. In sign-based surveys, the presence (or absence) of species is recorded by searching on sandy substrates for tracks, scats, burrows and diggings in a fixed area, or a fixed time. Such surveys combine the tracking skills of Indigenous people with robust analytical methods. Here, we describe a desert-wide project that collated and analysed existing sign-based data to explore its potential for local-, regional- and national-scale biodiversity monitoring. The Arid Zone Monitoring Project also provided guidance about future monitoring designs and data-collection methods for varying survey objectives. The project collated data from 44 groups and individuals, comprising almost 15,000 surveys from over 5300 unique sites, with almost 49,000 detections of 65 native and 11 introduced species, including threatened, and culturally significant species. Despite heterogeneity in survey objectives and data collection methods, we were able to use the collated data to describe species distributions and understand correlates of suitable habitat, investigate temporal trends, and to simulate the monitoring effort required to detect trends in over 25 vertebrate species at regional and national scales. Most importantly, we built a large collaboration, and produced informative maps and analyses, while respecting the intellectual property and diverse aspirations of the project partners. With this foundation in place, a national sign-based monitoring program for medium–large desert vertebrates seems achievable, if accompanied by overarching coordination and survey support, training, standardised data collection, improved sampling design, centralised data curation and storage, and regular communication.

This article may contain images, names of or references to deceased Aboriginal people.

The Nyangumarta people are the Traditional Owners of more than 33,000 km² of land and sea in north-western Australia, encompassing Pirra Country (The Great Sandy Desert) and nearby coastal areas. They are also the custodians and managers of the Nyangumarta Warrarn Indigenous Protected Area (IPA). The wartaji (or dingo) holds immense cultural significance for the Nyangumarta people and is a vital part of a healthy Country. This inspired the community and rangers to focus on the wartaji as a key part of the management objectives of the IPA. We detail the development of the resulting collaborative research project between the IPA rangers and university-based scientists. The project not only presented an opportunity for the Nyangumarta community to deepen their understanding of wartaji residing on their Country, but also upskilled the Nyangumarta rangers in wartaji monitoring and management. This project is a testament to the importance of First Nations groups developing and addressing their research priorities. IPA-managed lands and associated ranger programs offer the perfect opportunity, funding and support to make these conservation-related decisions and implement actions. The collaboration with academic and non-academic researchers promises to enhance this conservation effort through mutual learning.

Toxic meat baits are the most effective broadscale method used for reducing the densities and impacts of feral cats (Felis catus) on vulnerable Australian native fauna when alternative prey is minimal.

Our aim was to assess the efficiency (proportion of baits removed by target animals) and effectiveness (proportion of target animals removed) of Eradicat® baits and to identify how their use may be improved in Southern Jarrah Forest ecosystems of Western Australia. We sought to determine how, when, and where best to deploy baits using the current Eradicat® bait prescriptions to maximise the reduction of feral cats.

Eradicat® uptake trials were conducted over a 15-month period using remote sensor cameras (RSCs) to observe animals interacting with the baits at 40 sites. Ten successive baiting trials were conducted, each involving four randomly selected sites (two replicates for each of two bait deployment methods: clusters and transects).

The fate of 5658 Eradicat® baits at 2000 bait locations was recorded during 54,361 camera trap nights. Despite occupancy rates being high for cat and fox (Vulpes vulpes), (92% and 84%, respectively), the efficiency and effectiveness of Eradicat® baits was low for both introduced predators (cat: 0.1% and 10–12%, respectively; and fox: <0.6% and 8–20%, respectively). There were no major differences in baiting efficiency in relation to bait deployment method or time of year. More than half (56–58%) of the baits were removed by non-target animals prior to an introduced predator being observed on camera at the bait location. Along transects, there were more cat and fox visits closer to tracks and surface water features. Foxes were also more likely to visit bait locations closer to private property. Younger cats appeared to be more interested and more likely to eat a bait than older cats.

Substantial improvements could be made by increasing bait availability (reducing non-target interference), detectability and attractiveness to cats.

Additional introduced predator threat abatement methods may be needed for the conservation and recovery of many threatened native mammals in the Southern Jarrah Forests and elsewhere in Australia. Feral cat baiting should be conducted within an integrated and holistic invasive animal management system.

Human-induced habitat loss and fragmentation facilitate the presence of domestic dogs (Canis l. familiaris) in natural habitats, posing risks to native wildlife through predation and competition. The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) faces increased vulnerability to dog attacks due to frequent pursuits.

We evaluate the effect of predator presence (exotic and native) on the activity pattern and temporal avoidance behaviour of nine-banded armadillos in the Northeast region of São Paulo state, Brazil.

We analysed camera trap data (2020–2022) for co-occurrence activity between nine-banded armadillos and domestic dogs, and native predators. We also investigated temporal variations between armadillo detections in response to the presence of predators.

Nine-banded armadillos and ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) exhibited nocturnal activity, whereas domestic dogs and jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) were diurnal. The activity pattern of nine-banded armadillos remained consistent in the presence of domestic dogs and native predators, although the time between detections increased at sites frequented by dogs and ocelots.

Our findings suggest that armadillos may avoid areas frequented by domestic dogs and ocelots over time, even without direct interactions.

Our research may assist conservationists and policymakers in developing domestic dog control to mitigate the impact of domestic dogs on nine-banded armadillos. Controlling domestic dog populations and raising awareness among owners to confine their pets are crucial measures.

Dama wallaby (Notamacropus eugenii) and Bennett’s wallaby (N. rufogriseus) are invasive pests on the New Zealand mainland and consequently are subject to ongoing control measures that include deployment of toxic baits in feeding stations.

We investigated whether behavioural interactions between wallabies and introduced brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) at bait feeders are likely to reduce the efficacy of this method for wallaby control.

Wallaby and possum visits and encounters at cereal bait feeders were monitored with trail cameras for several months in dama wallaby habitat near Rotorua, and in Bennett’s wallaby habitat in South Canterbury. The response of Bennett’s wallabies to possum carcases placed at feeders was also assessed.

The diurnal activity of wallabies and possums at the feeders overlapped extensively, although Bennett’s wallabies exhibited more daytime activity than the other two species. Thousands of visits by wallabies and possums were recorded but close encounters between the species at feeders were infrequent (N = 251). When encounters did occur, the wallaby was usually excluded from the feeder (72% of 229 encounters at Titoki Estate, near Rotorua, and 95% of 22 encounters at Blue Cliffs, South Canterbury) regardless of which species arrived at the feeder first. Zero instances of a wallaby excluding a possum from a feeder were recorded. When possum carcases were placed beside feeders, visitations by Bennett’s wallabies reduced significantly, by 86% during the first week when a possum carcase was present. This effect was short lived, however, because the carcase soon decayed or was scavenged by other wildlife.

Despite their smaller body size, possums are strongly behaviourally dominant over both wallaby species. Consequently, possums may empty feeders of bait before visiting wallabies have an opportunity to feed. Furthermore, interruption and exclusion of feeding wallabies by possums will increase the risk of sublethal toxic dosing and consequent bait shyness.

Since possums are common throughout most wallaby habitat in New Zealand, their dominance behaviour is likely to reduce the efficacy of bait feeder control of wallabies at many sites. Possum population suppression is, therefore, likely to increase the effectiveness of wallaby bait feeder programs but will be costly to achieve.

Engaging the general public can increase spatio-temporal coverage of wildlife monitoring. Given the potentially substantial costs, we need to evaluate the contribution of known and planned initiatives and confirm whether multiple platforms increase the efficiency of data collection. As observer behaviour affects data quantity and quality, users of specialised and generalist platforms are expected to behave differently, resulting in more connected networks for specialised and higher nestedness for generalist platforms. Specialist observers are expected to contribute a balanced ratio of rare and common species, whereas non-specialist contribution will depend more on species detectability.

We aim to evaluate whether the combined contribution of observers from different platforms can improve the quality of occurrence and distribution data of 218 endemic Atlantic Forest bird species in Brazil. We also describe and compare observer-bird species interaction networks to illustrate observer behaviour on different platforms.

On the basis of data from five community science platforms in Brazil, namely, eBird, WikiAves, Biofaces, iNaturalist and Táxeus, we compared the spatial distribution of bird observations, the number of observers, the presence of the same observers on various platforms, bird species coverage, and the proportion of duplicate observations within and among platforms.

Although species coverage of the joint dataset increased by up to 100%, spatial completeness among the five platforms was low. The network of individual platforms had low values of clustering, and the network of the joint dataset had low connectance and high nestedness.

Each platform had a somewhat unique contribution. Pooling these datasets and integrating them with standardised data can inform our knowledge on bird distributions and trends in this fragile biome. Nevertheless, we encourage observers to provide precise coordinates, dates and other data (and platforms to accommodate such data) and recommend submitting data from all platforms into the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to support wildlife research and conservation.

If new platforms engage more and different people, new initiatives can cover poorly represented areas and successfully expand monitoring effort for Atlantic Forest endemic bird species.