ABSTRACT Context. Home range studies allow investigation of faunal habitat use within a well-defined area, and for some species, the concept of ‘core’ and ‘non-core’ home ranges provides the means to examine how resource use varies within home ranges. Taking this approach, we investigated whether koalas preferentially used areas of taller forest canopy within home ranges. After an extensive examination of data quality and home range estimation methods, we used remote sensing techniques to provide canopy height information at high resolution. Aims. In many areas, koalas prefer taller individual trees at the plot scale; our aim was to investigate whether koalas prefer forest areas with higher canopy height within their home ranges. Methods. In our southeast Queensland study area, we developed a canopy height model (CHM) from airborne LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data. Existing radio telemetry and GPS data from 135 koalas were used to generate home ranges using 95% kernel density estimators, and 50% kernels represented core home ranges. Some home ranges occupied more than one forest type (Regional Ecosystem – RE); we treated each RE as an individual patch, and used 225 patches in our analysis. We intersected the 95% kernels with the CHM, and used hierarchical spatial clustering to derive four categorical canopy height classes within each patch. We then compared differences in height class area proportions between core and non-core areas for each patch. Key results. The highest of the four canopy height classes comprised a significantly higher proportion of core areas (42.3%) than non-core areas (30.7%). Classes 2 and 3 were evenly distributed, and the proportion of Class 4 (lowest canopy height) was 20.3% of non-core areas and 11.0% in core areas. Results were similar for REs grouped by Land Zone and individual REs. Conclusions and implications We conclude that areas of higher canopy are an important habitat resource for koalas. We have, for the first time, examined resource variability within entire koala home ranges using remote sensing, and our methods demonstrate an avenue for further research using other forms of remote sensing. Classified canopy height models could also be used for strategic conservation planning, and at population-level koala habitat management when combined with other relevant habitat factors.
{"title":"Remote sensing shows south-east Queensland koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) prefer areas of higher tree canopy height within their home ranges","authors":"D. Mitchell, M. Soto‐Berelov, S. Jones","doi":"10.1071/wr22093","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/wr22093","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Context. Home range studies allow investigation of faunal habitat use within a well-defined area, and for some species, the concept of ‘core’ and ‘non-core’ home ranges provides the means to examine how resource use varies within home ranges. Taking this approach, we investigated whether koalas preferentially used areas of taller forest canopy within home ranges. After an extensive examination of data quality and home range estimation methods, we used remote sensing techniques to provide canopy height information at high resolution. Aims. In many areas, koalas prefer taller individual trees at the plot scale; our aim was to investigate whether koalas prefer forest areas with higher canopy height within their home ranges. Methods. In our southeast Queensland study area, we developed a canopy height model (CHM) from airborne LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data. Existing radio telemetry and GPS data from 135 koalas were used to generate home ranges using 95% kernel density estimators, and 50% kernels represented core home ranges. Some home ranges occupied more than one forest type (Regional Ecosystem – RE); we treated each RE as an individual patch, and used 225 patches in our analysis. We intersected the 95% kernels with the CHM, and used hierarchical spatial clustering to derive four categorical canopy height classes within each patch. We then compared differences in height class area proportions between core and non-core areas for each patch. Key results. The highest of the four canopy height classes comprised a significantly higher proportion of core areas (42.3%) than non-core areas (30.7%). Classes 2 and 3 were evenly distributed, and the proportion of Class 4 (lowest canopy height) was 20.3% of non-core areas and 11.0% in core areas. Results were similar for REs grouped by Land Zone and individual REs. Conclusions and implications We conclude that areas of higher canopy are an important habitat resource for koalas. We have, for the first time, examined resource variability within entire koala home ranges using remote sensing, and our methods demonstrate an avenue for further research using other forms of remote sensing. Classified canopy height models could also be used for strategic conservation planning, and at population-level koala habitat management when combined with other relevant habitat factors.","PeriodicalId":23971,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife Research","volume":"142 1","pages":"939 - 953"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88958233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ABSTRACT Context. Interaction between predators and humans is a key driver of human–wildlife conflicts, and can underpin management of predator populations. Management of the impacts of dingoes on livestock and native species is a prime example of a persistent and contentious predator management issue with potential impacts on the integrity of dingo populations. To manage the potential impacts of dingoes and their control, it is imperative to understand the effects of control approaches on their populations in the short and long term. Hybridisation of dingoes with domestic dogs also threatens the genetic integrity of pure dingoes. It has been hypothesised that lethal control of dingoes can facilitate hybridisation through disrupting pack social structures leading to increased dingo–domestic dog interactions. Aims. We aimed to to investigate how dingo population structure and genetic purity have changed, assessing dingo purity, individual relatedness, population clustering and gene flow, particularly across land use types and barrier fences, in the context of ongoing lethal control within the Murchison Regional Vermin Cell area in Western Australia (WA). Methods. We tested dingo genetic samples from three distinct sampling periods (2009, 2014 and 2020) for changes in population summary statistics and dingo ancestry. Barriers and corridors to gene flow were also examined. Key results. We identified three genetically distinct populations in the study area, consistent with previous genetic studies in WA. We did not find any evidence of change in dingo purity or population characteristics; however, barrier fencing may be influencing recent gene flow. Conclusions. The metapopulation of dingoes in the southern rangelands of WA appears to be stable over the 11 years assessed. Implications. Because we were unable to demonstrate that lethal control has accelerated hybridisation between dingoes and domestic dogs in the study area over the last 11 years, we have no evidence that lethal control to reduce losses to livestock production and for conservation of native wildlife in the southern rangelands of WA is putting dingo purity at risk. Fencing appears to be an effective management tool because there is some evidence it is congruent with reduced gene flow in areas where the fences are well maintained.
{"title":"Stable dingo population structure and purity over 11 years of lethal management","authors":"D. Stephens, M. Kennedy, T. Kreplins","doi":"10.1071/wr22110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/wr22110","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Context. Interaction between predators and humans is a key driver of human–wildlife conflicts, and can underpin management of predator populations. Management of the impacts of dingoes on livestock and native species is a prime example of a persistent and contentious predator management issue with potential impacts on the integrity of dingo populations. To manage the potential impacts of dingoes and their control, it is imperative to understand the effects of control approaches on their populations in the short and long term. Hybridisation of dingoes with domestic dogs also threatens the genetic integrity of pure dingoes. It has been hypothesised that lethal control of dingoes can facilitate hybridisation through disrupting pack social structures leading to increased dingo–domestic dog interactions. Aims. We aimed to to investigate how dingo population structure and genetic purity have changed, assessing dingo purity, individual relatedness, population clustering and gene flow, particularly across land use types and barrier fences, in the context of ongoing lethal control within the Murchison Regional Vermin Cell area in Western Australia (WA). Methods. We tested dingo genetic samples from three distinct sampling periods (2009, 2014 and 2020) for changes in population summary statistics and dingo ancestry. Barriers and corridors to gene flow were also examined. Key results. We identified three genetically distinct populations in the study area, consistent with previous genetic studies in WA. We did not find any evidence of change in dingo purity or population characteristics; however, barrier fencing may be influencing recent gene flow. Conclusions. The metapopulation of dingoes in the southern rangelands of WA appears to be stable over the 11 years assessed. Implications. Because we were unable to demonstrate that lethal control has accelerated hybridisation between dingoes and domestic dogs in the study area over the last 11 years, we have no evidence that lethal control to reduce losses to livestock production and for conservation of native wildlife in the southern rangelands of WA is putting dingo purity at risk. Fencing appears to be an effective management tool because there is some evidence it is congruent with reduced gene flow in areas where the fences are well maintained.","PeriodicalId":23971,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife Research","volume":"9 1","pages":"980 - 992"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86340662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Our most loyal readers might be thinking that Wildlife Research (WR) has been around For full list of author affiliations and declarations see end of paper longer than 50 years. Strictly speaking, they are correct if you include its original incarnation and title as CSIRO Wildlife Research. However, it is the half-century of the journal in its current form as a vibrant and impactful contributor to the international *Correspondence to: Andrea C. Taylor School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3800, Australia Email: andrea.taylor@monash.edu research landscape that we are celebrating with this introduction to Issue 1 of Volume 50. Notably, this volume sees the journal move from publishing 8 to 12 issues per year, reflecting its ongoing success and growth. We begin with a brief history of WR to highlight its evolution into a trusted source of high-quality research providing an evidence base for wildlife scientists, managers, and policy makers on the world stage, as Handling Editor: Phil Stevens well as where we see it heading in the future. Andrew Stammer, Director of Publishing at CSIRO Publishing, reminded us recently of the main driver for establishment of an Australian publishing house around the middle of last century. Consider for a moment the experience of post war Australian scientists having to publish in British and American journals, which required each of the associated processes – submission, review, receipt of reviews, resubmission, and then receipt and return of proofs – to be conducted via sea mail. The significance for local scientists of establishing an Australian-based publisher cannot be overstated. In 1956, CSIRO Wildlife Research was one of a group of journals introduced by CSIRO operating in partnership with the newly established Australian Academy of Science, with quality oversight by the Board of Standards and regulation by the Science and Industry Research Act 1949 (Cth). Australian wildlife research in those early days had a strong focus on the biology, impacts and control of invasive vertebrates, particularly the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), with much of this work being done by CSIRO scientists (e.g. Mykytowycz 1956). However, by 1974 the author base and content had diversified substantially to include contributions from a wide pool of research institutes and universities – from across the country at first and then increasingly internationally. Renaming of the journal as Australian Wildlife Research and then WR reflected this broadening of research involvement. The journal has continued to grow and provide more content from international collaborations and research groups, as is fitting given that the issues faced by wildlife and natural resource researchers and managers are shared globally and more effectively tackled with an outward-looking research focus. Another key moment in the journal’s development was a switch in the late 2000s from in-house editorial oversight – in the latter yea
我们最忠实的读者可能会认为野生动物研究(WR)已经存在了。要了解作者归属和声明的完整列表，请参阅超过50年的论文结束。严格来说，如果你把它最初的化身和名称——CSIRO野生动物研究——包括在内，他们是正确的。然而，这是半个世纪以来，该杂志目前的形式是一个充满活力和影响力的国际*通信:安德里亚·c·泰勒生物科学学院，莫纳什大学，克莱顿，维克3800，澳大利亚电子邮件:andrea.taylor@monash.edu研究景观，我们正在庆祝第50卷第1期的介绍。值得注意的是，这一卷看到杂志从每年出版8期到12期，反映了它持续的成功和增长。我们从WR的简史开始，强调它的发展成为一个值得信赖的高质量研究来源，为世界舞台上的野生动物科学家、管理者和政策制定者提供证据基础，作为处理编辑:Phil Stevens，以及我们对未来发展的展望。CSIRO出版公司的出版主管Andrew Stammer最近提醒我们，上世纪中叶左右澳大利亚出版社成立的主要推动力是什么。考虑一下战后澳大利亚科学家不得不在英国和美国期刊上发表文章的经历，这需要通过海运进行每一个相关的过程——提交、审稿、收到审稿、再提交、然后收到并返回证明。对当地科学家来说，建立一家澳大利亚出版商的重要性怎么强调都不为过。1956年，CSIRO野生动物研究是CSIRO与新成立的澳大利亚科学院合作推出的一组期刊之一，由标准委员会进行质量监督，并受1949年科学和工业研究法案(Cth)的监管。澳大利亚早期的野生动物研究非常关注入侵脊椎动物的生物学、影响和控制，特别是欧洲兔(Oryctolagus cuniculus)，其中大部分工作是由CSIRO的科学家完成的(例如Mykytowycz 1956)。然而，到1974年，作者基础和内容已经大大多样化，包括来自广泛的研究机构和大学的贡献-最初来自全国各地，然后越来越多地来自国际。该杂志更名为《澳大利亚野生动物研究》，然后更名为《野生动物保护区》，反映了研究参与范围的扩大。鉴于野生动物和自然资源研究人员和管理人员面临的问题是全球共享的，并且以外向的研究重点更有效地解决了这些问题，该杂志继续发展，并提供了更多来自国际合作和研究小组的内容。《科学》发展的另一个关键时刻是在2000年代末，由内部编辑监督(后来由Camilla Myers负责)转向任命来自学术界的外部总编辑(EiCs)。Piran White, Andrea Taylor和Stan Boutin在一篇概述新模型的社论中确立了这些角色(White et al. 2009)。查尔斯·克雷布斯，以其对野生动物生态学的杰出贡献和与澳大利亚野生动物管理协会(AWMS)的长期参与，收到:2022年11月29日接受:2022年12月9日出版:2023年1月19日WR，被任命为编辑委员会主席。建立了一个多学科和国际副编辑团队，以支持eic对期刊日益多样化的投稿做出决定。对…有重要贡献的
{"title":"Wildlife Research turns 50","authors":"Andrea C. Taylor, Aaron J. Wirsing","doi":"10.1071/wr22191","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/wr22191","url":null,"abstract":"Our most loyal readers might be thinking that Wildlife Research (WR) has been around For full list of author affiliations and declarations see end of paper longer than 50 years. Strictly speaking, they are correct if you include its original incarnation and title as CSIRO Wildlife Research. However, it is the half-century of the journal in its current form as a vibrant and impactful contributor to the international *Correspondence to: Andrea C. Taylor School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3800, Australia Email: andrea.taylor@monash.edu research landscape that we are celebrating with this introduction to Issue 1 of Volume 50. Notably, this volume sees the journal move from publishing 8 to 12 issues per year, reflecting its ongoing success and growth. We begin with a brief history of WR to highlight its evolution into a trusted source of high-quality research providing an evidence base for wildlife scientists, managers, and policy makers on the world stage, as Handling Editor: Phil Stevens well as where we see it heading in the future. Andrew Stammer, Director of Publishing at CSIRO Publishing, reminded us recently of the main driver for establishment of an Australian publishing house around the middle of last century. Consider for a moment the experience of post war Australian scientists having to publish in British and American journals, which required each of the associated processes – submission, review, receipt of reviews, resubmission, and then receipt and return of proofs – to be conducted via sea mail. The significance for local scientists of establishing an Australian-based publisher cannot be overstated. In 1956, CSIRO Wildlife Research was one of a group of journals introduced by CSIRO operating in partnership with the newly established Australian Academy of Science, with quality oversight by the Board of Standards and regulation by the Science and Industry Research Act 1949 (Cth). Australian wildlife research in those early days had a strong focus on the biology, impacts and control of invasive vertebrates, particularly the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), with much of this work being done by CSIRO scientists (e.g. Mykytowycz 1956). However, by 1974 the author base and content had diversified substantially to include contributions from a wide pool of research institutes and universities – from across the country at first and then increasingly internationally. Renaming of the journal as Australian Wildlife Research and then WR reflected this broadening of research involvement. The journal has continued to grow and provide more content from international collaborations and research groups, as is fitting given that the issues faced by wildlife and natural resource researchers and managers are shared globally and more effectively tackled with an outward-looking research focus. Another key moment in the journal’s development was a switch in the late 2000s from in-house editorial oversight – in the latter yea","PeriodicalId":23971,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife Research","volume":"222 1","pages":"1 - 3"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75642619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ABSTRACT Context. Understanding the home-range size and the ecological drivers that influence the spatial distribution of feral pigs is of paramount importance for exotic-disease modelling and the improvement of pest management programs. Aims. To investigate various factors affecting home- and core-range size and test selection of habitat, to better inform disease modelling and pest management programs. Methods. In this study, 59 GPS-collared feral pigs were tracked over four sites in eastern Australia between 2017 and 2021. Using minimum convex polygon (MCP) and the nearest-neighbour–local convex hull (k-LoCoH) as home-range estimators and foliage projective cover (FPC) as an estimator of landscape-scale shelter, we investigated the influence of sex, site, season, year and body weight on range size and tested selection of habitat by using chi-squared and Jacob’s index tests. Key results. Home-range sizes were highly variable, with k-LoCoH90 (home) ranges between 0.08 and 54.97 km2 and k-LoCoH50 (core) ranges between 0.01 and 7.02 km2. MCP90 ranged between 0.15 and 242.30 km2, with MCP50 being between 0.07 and 60.61 km2. Sex and site both significantly (P < 0.001) influenced home-range size, but season and year did not. Home-range size was shown to increase with body mass for both sexes (P = 0.001). Importantly, the data indicated that feral pigs prefer habitat within 20–40% FPC (woodland), whereas open forests (51–80% FPC) and closed forests (>80% FPC) were actively avoided. Typically, use of open vegetation (1–10% FPC) was also avoided, but this behaviour varied and was dependent on site. Conclusion Feral pig ranges are influenced by sex, site and body mass but not by season and year. Broad-scale selection for shelter indicated that feral pigs prefer habitat between 20% and 40% FPC. Implications. Targeting or avoiding such areas respectively for control or monitoring tool placement may result in improved, efficient outcomes to monitor or manage feral pig populations. Feral pig distribution modelling may also find benefit in the consideration and further study of the above factors and the influence of food and water sources on the activity ranges and behaviour of feral pigs.
{"title":"Factors influencing the activity ranges of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) across four sites in eastern Australia","authors":"C. Wilson, M. Gentle, D. Marshall","doi":"10.1071/wr22095","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/wr22095","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Context. Understanding the home-range size and the ecological drivers that influence the spatial distribution of feral pigs is of paramount importance for exotic-disease modelling and the improvement of pest management programs. Aims. To investigate various factors affecting home- and core-range size and test selection of habitat, to better inform disease modelling and pest management programs. Methods. In this study, 59 GPS-collared feral pigs were tracked over four sites in eastern Australia between 2017 and 2021. Using minimum convex polygon (MCP) and the nearest-neighbour–local convex hull (k-LoCoH) as home-range estimators and foliage projective cover (FPC) as an estimator of landscape-scale shelter, we investigated the influence of sex, site, season, year and body weight on range size and tested selection of habitat by using chi-squared and Jacob’s index tests. Key results. Home-range sizes were highly variable, with k-LoCoH90 (home) ranges between 0.08 and 54.97 km2 and k-LoCoH50 (core) ranges between 0.01 and 7.02 km2. MCP90 ranged between 0.15 and 242.30 km2, with MCP50 being between 0.07 and 60.61 km2. Sex and site both significantly (P < 0.001) influenced home-range size, but season and year did not. Home-range size was shown to increase with body mass for both sexes (P = 0.001). Importantly, the data indicated that feral pigs prefer habitat within 20–40% FPC (woodland), whereas open forests (51–80% FPC) and closed forests (>80% FPC) were actively avoided. Typically, use of open vegetation (1–10% FPC) was also avoided, but this behaviour varied and was dependent on site. Conclusion Feral pig ranges are influenced by sex, site and body mass but not by season and year. Broad-scale selection for shelter indicated that feral pigs prefer habitat between 20% and 40% FPC. Implications. Targeting or avoiding such areas respectively for control or monitoring tool placement may result in improved, efficient outcomes to monitor or manage feral pig populations. Feral pig distribution modelling may also find benefit in the consideration and further study of the above factors and the influence of food and water sources on the activity ranges and behaviour of feral pigs.","PeriodicalId":23971,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife Research","volume":"51 1","pages":"876 - 889"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89417553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jeremy A. Baumgardt, A. Foley, K. Sliwa, R. Deyoung, J. A. Ortega-S., D. Hewitt, T. Campbell, J. Goolsby, K. Lohmeyer
ABSTRACT Context. Research on large, terrestrial mammals often requires physical captures to attach tags or collars, collect morphological data, and collect biological samples. Choice of capture method should minimise pain and distress to the animal, minimise risk to personnel, and consider whether the method can achieve study objectives without biasing results. Aims. We studied how capture via helicopter net-gunning affected survival, post-capture movement patterns, and space use of exotic nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in southern Texas, USA. Methods. We estimated daily survival rates for 101 collared nilgai over 28 days, following 125 captures. We calculated mean daily movement rates and net-squared displacement for 21 recaptured nilgai for 60 days, starting 30 days before capture. Key results. The survival probability of 125 nilgai individuals was 0.97 (95% CI = 0.92–0.99) over the 28 days following capture, with the lowest daily survival for the day after capture (x̄ = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.96–1.00). We observed an increase of ~65% in the mean daily movement rate of 134 m/h on the first 2 days since capture, followed by a period of reduced movement out to the 5th day before returning to pre-capture levels. Analysis of net-squared displacement for 21 nilgai showed that 17 resumed pre-capture space-use patterns within a week, whereas four individuals did not return to the pre-capture range for ≥1 month. Conclusions. Capture-related mortality rates for nilgai using helicopter net-gunning in our study (3%) were similar or lower than those reported for similar species captured using the same method. While we were able to detect a period of elevated movement rates, followed by a recovery period of diminished movement as a result of capture, nilgai appeared to return to typical behaviour ~6 days post-capture. Most nilgai in our study also resumed typical space-use patterns within a week of capture; however, our results suggest high individual variability in their response. Implications. We recommend using net-gunning from a helicopter as a method for capturing nilgai when conditions and where vegetation and topography allow. We suggest censoring data for a minimum of 7 days following capture for analyses related to survival and movement rates. For analyses relating to space use, we suggest inspecting net-squared displacement or some similar displacement analysis for each animal separately to account for individual variation in response and exclude data accordingly.
{"title":"Effects of helicopter net gunning on the survival and movement behaviour of nilgai antelope","authors":"Jeremy A. Baumgardt, A. Foley, K. Sliwa, R. Deyoung, J. A. Ortega-S., D. Hewitt, T. Campbell, J. Goolsby, K. Lohmeyer","doi":"10.1071/wr22049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/wr22049","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Context. Research on large, terrestrial mammals often requires physical captures to attach tags or collars, collect morphological data, and collect biological samples. Choice of capture method should minimise pain and distress to the animal, minimise risk to personnel, and consider whether the method can achieve study objectives without biasing results. Aims. We studied how capture via helicopter net-gunning affected survival, post-capture movement patterns, and space use of exotic nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in southern Texas, USA. Methods. We estimated daily survival rates for 101 collared nilgai over 28 days, following 125 captures. We calculated mean daily movement rates and net-squared displacement for 21 recaptured nilgai for 60 days, starting 30 days before capture. Key results. The survival probability of 125 nilgai individuals was 0.97 (95% CI = 0.92–0.99) over the 28 days following capture, with the lowest daily survival for the day after capture (x̄ = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.96–1.00). We observed an increase of ~65% in the mean daily movement rate of 134 m/h on the first 2 days since capture, followed by a period of reduced movement out to the 5th day before returning to pre-capture levels. Analysis of net-squared displacement for 21 nilgai showed that 17 resumed pre-capture space-use patterns within a week, whereas four individuals did not return to the pre-capture range for ≥1 month. Conclusions. Capture-related mortality rates for nilgai using helicopter net-gunning in our study (3%) were similar or lower than those reported for similar species captured using the same method. While we were able to detect a period of elevated movement rates, followed by a recovery period of diminished movement as a result of capture, nilgai appeared to return to typical behaviour ~6 days post-capture. Most nilgai in our study also resumed typical space-use patterns within a week of capture; however, our results suggest high individual variability in their response. Implications. We recommend using net-gunning from a helicopter as a method for capturing nilgai when conditions and where vegetation and topography allow. We suggest censoring data for a minimum of 7 days following capture for analyses related to survival and movement rates. For analyses relating to space use, we suggest inspecting net-squared displacement or some similar displacement analysis for each animal separately to account for individual variation in response and exclude data accordingly.","PeriodicalId":23971,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife Research","volume":"68 2 1","pages":"890 - 898"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88745433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hugh F. Davies, Brett P. Murphy, Clément Duvert, Georgina Neave
ABSTRACT Context. The bourgeoning carbon economy is creating novel ways to incentivise conservation management activities that have the co-benefits of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and social inequality. Aims. To estimate the monetary value of carbon credits that landowners could generate by reducing ecologically destructive feral populations of the Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in northern Australia. Methods. First, we estimated buffalo enteric emissions based on the population structure of feral buffalo in northern Australia, and discounted the reduction of fire emissions due to the consumption of grassy fuel by feral buffalo. We then predicted the change in buffalo population size across the South Alligator River region of Kakadu National Park under four buffalo management scenarios: (1) no buffalo control; (2) low-intensity buffalo control; (3) moderate-intensity buffalo control; and (4) high-intensity buffalo control. We quantified the reduction of GHG emissions under the three buffalo control scenarios, relative to the scenario of no buffalo control, while discounting the GHG emissions that directly result from buffalo control actions (e.g. helicopter emissions). Key results. All three buffalo control scenarios substantially reduced the estimated GHG emissions that would otherwise have been produced. The low-intensity buffalo control scenario was predicted to abate 790 513 t CO2-e over the 20-year simulation, worth USD15 076 085 (or USD753 804 year−1). Our high-intensity buffalo control scenario had the greatest reduction in GHG emissions, with a total net abatement of 913 231 t CO2-e, worth USD17 176 437 (or USD858 822 year−1). Conclusions. The potential value of carbon credits generated by controlling feral buffalo populations in northern Australian savannas far exceeds the management costs. Implications. The management of feral ruminants could be incentivised by the generation of carbon credits. Such management could simultaneously avoid GHG emissions, generate income for landowners and offer significant ecological benefits.
{"title":"Controlling feral ruminants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: a case study of buffalo in northern Australia","authors":"Hugh F. Davies, Brett P. Murphy, Clément Duvert, Georgina Neave","doi":"10.1071/wr22134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/wr22134","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Context. The bourgeoning carbon economy is creating novel ways to incentivise conservation management activities that have the co-benefits of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and social inequality. Aims. To estimate the monetary value of carbon credits that landowners could generate by reducing ecologically destructive feral populations of the Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in northern Australia. Methods. First, we estimated buffalo enteric emissions based on the population structure of feral buffalo in northern Australia, and discounted the reduction of fire emissions due to the consumption of grassy fuel by feral buffalo. We then predicted the change in buffalo population size across the South Alligator River region of Kakadu National Park under four buffalo management scenarios: (1) no buffalo control; (2) low-intensity buffalo control; (3) moderate-intensity buffalo control; and (4) high-intensity buffalo control. We quantified the reduction of GHG emissions under the three buffalo control scenarios, relative to the scenario of no buffalo control, while discounting the GHG emissions that directly result from buffalo control actions (e.g. helicopter emissions). Key results. All three buffalo control scenarios substantially reduced the estimated GHG emissions that would otherwise have been produced. The low-intensity buffalo control scenario was predicted to abate 790 513 t CO2-e over the 20-year simulation, worth USD15 076 085 (or USD753 804 year−1). Our high-intensity buffalo control scenario had the greatest reduction in GHG emissions, with a total net abatement of 913 231 t CO2-e, worth USD17 176 437 (or USD858 822 year−1). Conclusions. The potential value of carbon credits generated by controlling feral buffalo populations in northern Australian savannas far exceeds the management costs. Implications. The management of feral ruminants could be incentivised by the generation of carbon credits. Such management could simultaneously avoid GHG emissions, generate income for landowners and offer significant ecological benefits.","PeriodicalId":23971,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife Research","volume":"5 1","pages":"899 - 910"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134996601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Nsor, Nana Afua Ankomah Dei, John Nkrumah, Rockson Acolatse, E. Danquah
ABSTRACT Context. Globally, an estimated 1.3% of the bird species have gone extinct over the past millennia, largely owing to habitat loss. Aims. This study investigated bird–habitat associations and assemblages in the Owabi Ramsar wetland. Methods. The study was conducted over 5 months (May–September 2019) in four habitat types (agricultural land, built-up, forest reserve, and open-water area). Data were collected in 84 plots across four habitats (i.e. built-up area = 25, forest reserve = 25, agricultural land = 25 and open-water area = 9 plots), using a point-count technique. The Gambin model, non-metric multidimensional scaling, Chao-1, and Hill numbers models were used to evaluate differences in bird diversity and composition among the habitat types. Key results. In all, 1260 individual birds, belonging to 81 species, were encountered. Many of the species occurred in the forest habitat (n = 46, 56.8%. Species from the agricultural land (n = 37) and built-up (n = 30) were mainly habitat generalists that used these two habitats as their shared feeding station. Bird–habitat specialisation grouping equally showed the forest specialists to be the highest (n = 23, 38.4%), whereas the open water had the least number of habitat specialisation associations (e.g. white-faced whistling duck, n = 20, 24.7%). Five species were widely distributed in all four habitats (e.g. bronze-mannikins and white-throated bee-eaters), indicating their broad habitat preferences and ability to adapt to varied conditions. The forest reserve tended to be the most diverse, which was likely mediated by factors such as nesting microhabitats, varied food availability, and human-led activities. Conclusions. This study highlighted bird dietary structure and associated habitat type and bird-habitat specialisation in four different land-use types at Owabi Ramsar wetland. Implications. Given the increasing level of disturbance, there is the likelihood that the population of forest-dependent and open water-dependent birds will be lost or will have to change or modify their behaviour to be similar to that of open-tolerant or open-country birds if managers of the Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary fail to implement the recommended management interventions highlighted.
{"title":"Bird community structure and habitat association in Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary, Ashanti Region (Ghana)","authors":"C. Nsor, Nana Afua Ankomah Dei, John Nkrumah, Rockson Acolatse, E. Danquah","doi":"10.1071/WR21148","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/WR21148","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Context. Globally, an estimated 1.3% of the bird species have gone extinct over the past millennia, largely owing to habitat loss. Aims. This study investigated bird–habitat associations and assemblages in the Owabi Ramsar wetland. Methods. The study was conducted over 5 months (May–September 2019) in four habitat types (agricultural land, built-up, forest reserve, and open-water area). Data were collected in 84 plots across four habitats (i.e. built-up area = 25, forest reserve = 25, agricultural land = 25 and open-water area = 9 plots), using a point-count technique. The Gambin model, non-metric multidimensional scaling, Chao-1, and Hill numbers models were used to evaluate differences in bird diversity and composition among the habitat types. Key results. In all, 1260 individual birds, belonging to 81 species, were encountered. Many of the species occurred in the forest habitat (n = 46, 56.8%. Species from the agricultural land (n = 37) and built-up (n = 30) were mainly habitat generalists that used these two habitats as their shared feeding station. Bird–habitat specialisation grouping equally showed the forest specialists to be the highest (n = 23, 38.4%), whereas the open water had the least number of habitat specialisation associations (e.g. white-faced whistling duck, n = 20, 24.7%). Five species were widely distributed in all four habitats (e.g. bronze-mannikins and white-throated bee-eaters), indicating their broad habitat preferences and ability to adapt to varied conditions. The forest reserve tended to be the most diverse, which was likely mediated by factors such as nesting microhabitats, varied food availability, and human-led activities. Conclusions. This study highlighted bird dietary structure and associated habitat type and bird-habitat specialisation in four different land-use types at Owabi Ramsar wetland. Implications. Given the increasing level of disturbance, there is the likelihood that the population of forest-dependent and open water-dependent birds will be lost or will have to change or modify their behaviour to be similar to that of open-tolerant or open-country birds if managers of the Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary fail to implement the recommended management interventions highlighted.","PeriodicalId":23971,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"827 - 839"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80050070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ABSTRACT Invasive alien species are responsible for considerable biodiversity loss and environmental damage. Timely detection of new incursions is critical in preventing novel populations establishing. Citizen reports currently account for the majority of alien species detections, arising from the massive observation effort that the physical and digital ‘eyes and ears’ of citizens provide, in combination with crowd-sourced species identification. Because the reporting of alien species sightings is generally not mandatory, there is interest in whether mining social media data via image recognition and/or natural language processing can improve on existing passive citizen surveillance in a cost-effective manner. Here, we illustrate, using examples from Australia, how citizen surveillance for most vertebrate groups appears to currently be effective using existing voluntary reporting mechanisms. Where citizen surveillance is currently ineffective, for reasons of inadequate sampling, data mining of social media feeds will be similarly affected. We argue that mining citizens’ social media data for evidence of invasive alien species needs to demonstrate not only that it will be an improvement on the business as usual case, but also that any gains achieved cannot be achieved by alternative approaches. We highlight the potential role of education in increasing the surveillance effectiveness of citizens for detecting and reporting sightings of alien species. Should data mining of social media platforms be pursued, we note that the scale of the task in terms of the potential number of exotic vertebrate species to be classified is very large. The expected number of false positive classifications would present a considerable workload to process, possibly undermining the efficiency rationale for the use of data mining. Hence, prioritisation is needed, and we illustrate how the number of species to be classified can be reduced considerably. If we are to deploy data mining and analysis of social media data to help with detecting introductions of invasive alien species, we need to conduct it in a manner where it adds value and is trusted.
{"title":"Do we need to mine social media data to detect exotic vertebrate-pest introductions?","authors":"P. Caley, P. Cassey","doi":"10.1071/wr22116","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/wr22116","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Invasive alien species are responsible for considerable biodiversity loss and environmental damage. Timely detection of new incursions is critical in preventing novel populations establishing. Citizen reports currently account for the majority of alien species detections, arising from the massive observation effort that the physical and digital ‘eyes and ears’ of citizens provide, in combination with crowd-sourced species identification. Because the reporting of alien species sightings is generally not mandatory, there is interest in whether mining social media data via image recognition and/or natural language processing can improve on existing passive citizen surveillance in a cost-effective manner. Here, we illustrate, using examples from Australia, how citizen surveillance for most vertebrate groups appears to currently be effective using existing voluntary reporting mechanisms. Where citizen surveillance is currently ineffective, for reasons of inadequate sampling, data mining of social media feeds will be similarly affected. We argue that mining citizens’ social media data for evidence of invasive alien species needs to demonstrate not only that it will be an improvement on the business as usual case, but also that any gains achieved cannot be achieved by alternative approaches. We highlight the potential role of education in increasing the surveillance effectiveness of citizens for detecting and reporting sightings of alien species. Should data mining of social media platforms be pursued, we note that the scale of the task in terms of the potential number of exotic vertebrate species to be classified is very large. The expected number of false positive classifications would present a considerable workload to process, possibly undermining the efficiency rationale for the use of data mining. Hence, prioritisation is needed, and we illustrate how the number of species to be classified can be reduced considerably. If we are to deploy data mining and analysis of social media data to help with detecting introductions of invasive alien species, we need to conduct it in a manner where it adds value and is trusted.","PeriodicalId":23971,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife Research","volume":"7 1","pages":"869 - 875"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87767364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ABSTRACT Context. Risk assessments currently undertaken to approve pesticides for use against locusts in Australia are predominated by laboratory-generated data, often collected from non-endemic species. Very little information exists concerning the potential ecological effects of insecticides used for locust control. Aims. To determine the effect of aerial ultra-low volume (ULV) applications of the organophosphorous insecticide, fenitrothion (used for locust control), on avian assemblages in arid and semiarid agro-ecosystems. Methods. Avian abundance was surveyed in pesticide-exposed and unexposed locations during standard locust control operations, using fenitrothion, in western New South Wales and Queensland in the spring and summer of 1996, 1997 and 2000, using a transect-point method. Temporal changes in assemblages were analysed using multi-dimensional ordination (MDS) and permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) with PRIMER (V7). Key results. Avian assemblages varied over time, independent of pesticide application, reflecting significant redistribution and mobility of birds across a highly disturbed agricultural landscape, irrespective of pesticide exposure. Additionally, pesticide exposure did not affect species abundance or diversity. Conclusions. There was no evidence that ultra-low volume (ULV) applications of fenitrothion, currently used in locust control, are impacting avian assemblages, despite previous research indicating that individual birds co-occurring with spray operations suffer suppressions in the enzymatic biomarker for OP exposure, plasma acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Implications. Although the risk to avian assemblages associated with the aerial application of locusticides is reduced by the small proportion of the landscape where locust control activities are focused, any change in spray application parameters would necessitate a re-evaluation of the risks associated with insecticide exposure.
{"title":"Avian assemblages are maintained after aerial applications of ULV fenitrothion for control of the Australian plague locust (Chortoicetes terminifera (Walker)) in arid and semiarid agroecosystems","authors":"Paul G. Story, K. French","doi":"10.1071/WR22065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/WR22065","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Context. Risk assessments currently undertaken to approve pesticides for use against locusts in Australia are predominated by laboratory-generated data, often collected from non-endemic species. Very little information exists concerning the potential ecological effects of insecticides used for locust control. Aims. To determine the effect of aerial ultra-low volume (ULV) applications of the organophosphorous insecticide, fenitrothion (used for locust control), on avian assemblages in arid and semiarid agro-ecosystems. Methods. Avian abundance was surveyed in pesticide-exposed and unexposed locations during standard locust control operations, using fenitrothion, in western New South Wales and Queensland in the spring and summer of 1996, 1997 and 2000, using a transect-point method. Temporal changes in assemblages were analysed using multi-dimensional ordination (MDS) and permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) with PRIMER (V7). Key results. Avian assemblages varied over time, independent of pesticide application, reflecting significant redistribution and mobility of birds across a highly disturbed agricultural landscape, irrespective of pesticide exposure. Additionally, pesticide exposure did not affect species abundance or diversity. Conclusions. There was no evidence that ultra-low volume (ULV) applications of fenitrothion, currently used in locust control, are impacting avian assemblages, despite previous research indicating that individual birds co-occurring with spray operations suffer suppressions in the enzymatic biomarker for OP exposure, plasma acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Implications. Although the risk to avian assemblages associated with the aerial application of locusticides is reduced by the small proportion of the landscape where locust control activities are focused, any change in spray application parameters would necessitate a re-evaluation of the risks associated with insecticide exposure.","PeriodicalId":23971,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife Research","volume":"27 1","pages":"849 - 857"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81503978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ABSTRACT Context. Wildlife viewing is a primary reason people visit parks and protected areas. However, high rates of visitation increase the potential for interactions between humans and wildlife. This close proximity of humans and wildlife can lead to habituation to human presence and pose a threat to both animals and humans. Aims. We describe human–mountain goat interactions in Cathedral Provincial Park (CPP), in British Columbia (BC), Canada, and examine management and mitigation strategies to reduce these interactions. Methods. This project was a collaboration with BC Parks. We used community-based participatory research methodologies, conducting interviews and surveys from July 2020 to November 2021 with park visitors, staff, and researchers. Key results. Most respondents encountered mountain goats in the park and understood the park’s messaging; however, not all respondents took the necessary steps to reduce encounters. We recommend further education efforts focused on formal staff training and improved infrastructure in the park. Conclusions. Our results can be used to inform management decisions related to human–wildlife interactions, primarily in parks and protected areas. On a proximate level, we suggest further educational efforts and improved infrastructure in the park to help overcome perceived lack of action by some participants. Ultimately, there is a need to incorporate human aspects of human–wildlife interactions into management decisions aimed at addressing potential and existing problems. Implications. Using a multitude of approaches to management, informed by biological, social, and cultural knowledge, can improve responses and mitigation strategies in human–wildlife interactions. Collaboration among different stakeholders allows for the exchange of ideas and innovations that can contribute to positive movement towards coexistence of humans and wildlife in parks and recreational areas.
{"title":"‘It’s a people problem, not a goat problem.’ Mitigating human–mountain goat interactions in a Canadian Provincial Park","authors":"J. Vayro, Emalee A. Vandermale, Courtney W. Mason","doi":"10.1071/wr22005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1071/wr22005","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Context. Wildlife viewing is a primary reason people visit parks and protected areas. However, high rates of visitation increase the potential for interactions between humans and wildlife. This close proximity of humans and wildlife can lead to habituation to human presence and pose a threat to both animals and humans. Aims. We describe human–mountain goat interactions in Cathedral Provincial Park (CPP), in British Columbia (BC), Canada, and examine management and mitigation strategies to reduce these interactions. Methods. This project was a collaboration with BC Parks. We used community-based participatory research methodologies, conducting interviews and surveys from July 2020 to November 2021 with park visitors, staff, and researchers. Key results. Most respondents encountered mountain goats in the park and understood the park’s messaging; however, not all respondents took the necessary steps to reduce encounters. We recommend further education efforts focused on formal staff training and improved infrastructure in the park. Conclusions. Our results can be used to inform management decisions related to human–wildlife interactions, primarily in parks and protected areas. On a proximate level, we suggest further educational efforts and improved infrastructure in the park to help overcome perceived lack of action by some participants. Ultimately, there is a need to incorporate human aspects of human–wildlife interactions into management decisions aimed at addressing potential and existing problems. Implications. Using a multitude of approaches to management, informed by biological, social, and cultural knowledge, can improve responses and mitigation strategies in human–wildlife interactions. Collaboration among different stakeholders allows for the exchange of ideas and innovations that can contribute to positive movement towards coexistence of humans and wildlife in parks and recreational areas.","PeriodicalId":23971,"journal":{"name":"Wildlife Research","volume":"22 1","pages":"911 - 926"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79240991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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