Article
Biodiversity Conservation
John C. Z. Woinarski, David G. Chapple, Stephen T. Garnett, Sarah M. Legge, Mark Lintermans, Ben C. Scheele
Summary: Many Australian animal species are threatened by introduced species and problematic native species. Conservation programs have successfully reduced extinction risks for threatened mammals susceptible to introduced predators, but other threatened animal species susceptible to introduced and problematic native species have not received enough strategic assessment and conservation investment. This study identifies 122 additional threatened Australian animal taxa susceptible to introduced and problematic native species, as well as the specific threats they face. Current conservation efforts, such as the establishment of havens, provide a potential foundation for the protection of these species, although many still lack havens that exclude relevant threats.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Olivia K. Bates, Cleo Bertelsmeier
Summary: Studies on niche conservatism assumptions in predicting biological invasions have shown contradictory results, revealing uncertainties in the frequency of niche shifts, potential biases towards conservatism, and the need for a new focus on trends or relative degrees of niche change. Additional experimental studies and computational analyses are recommended to address the mechanisms of niche shifts.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sandrine Pavoine, Carlo Ricotta
Summary: Functional traits determine species' responses to environmental change and/or determine species' effects on ecosystem functions. To include functional distinctiveness as a criterion in conservation strategies, we need formal quantification of species' degree of distinctiveness while incorporating extinction risk. Our framework is particularly relevant at the local scale, where species extinctions impact ecosystem functioning and where conservation policies are developed.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Russell Palmer, Hannah Anderson, Brooke Richards, Michael D. Craig, Lesley Gibson
Summary: The study demonstrated the positive effect of feral cat baiting on protecting northern quoll populations, with evidence of range expansion in a relatively short-term project. Strategic long-term feral cat management approaches are likely needed to maximize control program efficacy and improve conservation outlook for vulnerable threatened fauna.
Article
Ecology
Maximillian P. T. G. Tercel, Rosemary J. Moorhouse-Gann, Jordan P. Cuff, Lorna E. Drake, Nik C. Cole, Martine Goder, Rouben Mootoocurpen, William O. C. Symondson
Summary: In a study on Round Island, Mauritius, Telfair's skinks were found to consume introduced species more frequently than other categories, with most food coming from native and endemic species. There was a significant seasonal and gender-based difference in diet composition.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oscar Morton, Brett R. Scheffers, Torbjorn Haugaasen, David P. Edwards
Summary: We assessed the trade volumes of threatened and non-threatened species regulated by CITES and found that non-threatened species dominate the trade. We also discovered a disconnect between trade volumes and changing extinction risk, highlighting potential drawbacks in the current regulation of species trade.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carolyn J. Hogg, Kym Ottewell, Peter Latch, Maurizio Rossetto, James Biggs, Andrew Gilbert, Sarah Richmond, Katherine Belov
Summary: Globally, less than 3% of threatened animal species have genomic resources for conservation management. To address this, a consortium in Australia launched the Threatened Species Initiative to develop genomic data and tools for conservation practitioners. The objective is to empower conservation practitioners to access and apply genomic data to their decision-making processes through a web-based portal.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Ornithology
Sifeng Wang, L. M. Chu
Summary: The study identified significant variations among roost sites, with birds switching to different roosts based on specific microhabitat characteristics such as land use types and microclimate. Spring roosts were located in tree-dominated areas, summer roosts were associated with night illumination, and winter roosts had higher temperatures. This helps to understand birds' behavioral adaptation to urban environments.
Article
Business
David J. Lewis, David M. Kling, Steven J. Dundas, Daniel K. Lew
Summary: This paper develops an empirical approach to estimate the marginal benefits and discount rate of increasing the abundance of threatened species using a choice experiment and a structural model. The study applies this method to the threatened Coho salmon and finds that immediate abundance gains for the species have significantly higher benefits than gradual increases. Additionally, the results show the potential social marginal benefits of conservation activities on the salmon population.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Jennifer Bruder, Lauren M. Burakowski, Taeyong Park, Reem Al-Haddad, Sara Al-Hemaidi, Amal Al-Korbi, Almayasa Al-Naimi
Summary: This study explores attitudes towards animals across different cultural groups, finding that liking plays a key role in predicting endorsement for government protection, with variations in animal liking observed across cultures.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Tim S. Jessop, Ben Holmes, Arvel Sendjojo, Mary O. Thorpe, Euan G. Ritchie
Summary: The study tested the effects of colocating a predator-exclusion fence and lethal fox baiting on varanid site occupancy in a semiarid protected area. The results showed that varanid site occupancy was higher at sites inside the fenced enclosure, while the increase in varanid site occupancy at fox baited sites was minimal. Overall, the colocated predator management actions achieved some additive benefits through spillover fencing effects for native mesopredator populations.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Meijiao Xin, Xichen Li, Sharon E. Stammerjohn, Wenju Cai, Jiang Zhu, John Turner, Kyle R. Clem, Chentao Song, Wenzhu Wang, Yurong Hou
Summary: During the second half of the twentieth century, the Antarctic Surface Air Temperature (SAT) trends showed fast warming over West Antarctica but mild cooling over East Antarctica. However, after 2000, the warming over the Antarctic Peninsula slowed down while the South Pole experienced fast warming. A study using the CMCA method found that the reversals in SAT trends before and after 2000 were mainly attributed to changes in atmospheric circulation and thermal advection patterns over Antarctica. The CMCA decomposition provided a better understanding of the long-term SAT trend and its reversal for different seasons.
Article
Ecology
Travis McDevitt-Galles, Wynne E. E. Moss, Dana M. M. Calhoun, Cheryl J. J. Briggs, Pieter T. J. Johnson
Summary: Native amphibian species in California have experienced a decline in population size and geographic range over the past century. This study investigates the impacts of habitat loss, infectious disease, invasive species, and extreme weather events like drought on amphibian population dynamics. The findings indicate that the breeding activities of the two studied species were highly affected by drought severity, but they showed recovery as drought conditions eased. Invasive species and bullfrogs negatively affected the occurrence and density of the native species, and the relationship between a fungal infection and one of the species was influenced by drought conditions.
FRESHWATER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Leonardo Llorens, Lucas Cortes, Herminio Boira
Summary: This study reveals the ecological characteristics of Euphorbia margalidiana, an endemic plant thriving in a micro-island environment in the Western Mediterranean region. It examines the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on the distribution of this endangered species through detailed habitat characterization. The study also analyzes its pollination biology, evaluates vegetative propagation success, and discusses its potential use in conservation strategies, highlighting the importance of adaptive traits enabling its survival in harsh micro-island environments.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Phillip J. Haubrock, Danish A. Ahmed, Ross N. Cuthbert, Rachel Stubbington, Sami Domisch, Jaime R. G. Marquez, Ayah Beidas, Giuseppe Amatulli, Jens Kiesel, Longzhu Q. Shen, Ismael Soto, David G. Angeler, Nuria Bonada, Miguel Canedo-Arguelles, Zoltan Csabai, Thibault Datry, Elvira de Eyto, Alain Dohet, Emma Drohan, Judy England, Maria J. Feio, Marie A. E. Forio, Peter Goethals, Wolfram Graf, Jani Heino, Emma J. Hudgins, Sonja C. Jahnig, Richard K. Johnson, Aitor Larranaga, Patrick Leitner, Lionel L'Hoste, Marie-Helene Lizee, Anthony Maire, Jes J. Rasmussen, Ralf B. Schafer, Astrid Schmidt-Kloiber, Rudy Vannevel, Gabor Varbiro, Peter Wiberg-Larsen, Peter Haase
Summary: Globalization has led to the introduction of numerous alien species worldwide. Understanding the invasion process and its impacts is crucial for effective management. This study proposes an impact curve based on cumulative abundances to describe the effects of invasive species over time. Empirical testing using data from the New Zealand mud snail in Europe shows that 59% of populations follow the impact curve, characterized by initial occurrence, exponential growth, and long-term saturation.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
K. E. Moseby, H. M. McGregor
Summary: Introduced predators are a major cause of decline in island vertebrates. This study investigates how feral cats use fine-scale prey cues and microhabitat features in an arid environment. Video collars and GPS were used to track the cats' activity, and it was found that they focused on prominent prey cues such as burrows and foraging digs. Cats also spent more time in areas with high vegetation cover. These findings suggest that prey species with conspicuous cues are at higher risk of predation, and knowledge of fine-scale movement patterns is crucial for predator management.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
I. R. Onley, L. C. White, K. E. Moseby, P. Copley, S. Cowen
Summary: Translocation is an important approach to threatened species conservation, but it can lead to unsustainable harvesting pressure on critical and vulnerable source populations. Population Viability Analysis (PVA) can be used to predict translocation outcomes and optimize strategies. This study demonstrates the value of admixing founder populations for translocation, even when one source population is genetically depauperate.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Darren Southwell, Anja Skroblin, Katherine Moseby, Richard Southgate, Naomi Indigo, Brett Backhouse, Keith Bellchambers, Robert Brandle, Peter Brenton, Peter Copley, Martin A. A. Dziminski, Carolina Galindez-Silva, Catherine Lynch, Peggy Newman, Reece Pedler, Daniel Rogers, David A. A. Roshier, Ellen Ryan-Colton, Katherine Tuft, Matt Ward, Damaris Zurell, Sarah Legge
Summary: Monitoring trends in animal populations in arid regions is challenging due to remoteness and low population densities. However, detecting species' tracks or signs is an effective survey technique for monitoring population trends across large spatial and temporal scales. This study developed a simulation framework to evaluate different monitoring designs and found that surveying existing plots annually, with a subset resurveyed twice within a year, can effectively detect declines in occupancy for multiple species. Targeting specific species of conservation concern can further improve the power to detect declines, albeit at the cost of reduced power for other species. Overall, track-based surveying is a feasible and effective approach for monitoring occupancy trends in desert species.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
N. E. Tay, N. M. Warburton, K. E. Moseby, P. A. Fleming
Summary: Escaping from predators is a crucial behavior for prey species. In Australia, native marsupials lack co-evolution with introduced predators, possibly leading to inappropriate or ineffective antipredator behavior. The escape behavior of eight marsupial taxa in response to introduced predators was examined, revealing a strong link between phylogenetic relatedness and escape tactics. Bipedal macropods used straight-line, fast escapes, while quadrupedal bandicoots employed sudden changes of direction, suggesting adaptation to different predator types or environments.
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ayesha I. T. Tulloch, Micha V. V. Jackson, Elisa Bayraktarov, Alexander R. R. Carey, Diego F. F. Correa-Gomez, Michael Driessen, Ian C. C. Gynther, Mel Hardie, Katherine Moseby, Liana Joseph, Harriet Preece, Andres Felipe Suarez-Castro, Stephanie Stuart, John C. Z. Woinarski, Hugh P. P. Possingham
Summary: Monitoring is crucial for assessing management effectiveness, but there is a lack of comprehensive assessments of monitoring to evaluate and improve recovery efforts. In this study, time series data from 71 threatened and near-threatened mammal species in Australia were analyzed to compare population trends under different management strategies. The results showed that unmanaged populations declined significantly, while populations in havens and those undergoing predator baiting exhibited positive trends. However, there is a need for more comprehensive and improved monitoring to understand the effectiveness of management actions and recover Australia's threatened mammal species.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Katherine Moseby, Leanne Van der Weyde, Mike Letnic, Daniel T. T. Blumstein, Rebecca West, Hannah Bannister
Summary: Harnessing natural selection to improve conservation outcomes is a new concept. By exposing a prey species to a novel predator, we found that the phenotypic traits of the prey species changed over time. Traits such as flight initiation distance, hind foot length, and head size were observed to be larger in predator-exposed population compared to the control group. This suggests that long-term exposure to novel predators can drive phenotypic changes that may aid in future conservation efforts.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Brianna Coulter, Rebecca S. West, Richard T. Kingsford, Katherine E. Moseby
Summary: The survival and density of burrowing arthropods and their burrows in arid environments following prolonged dry periods and subsequent rains is poorly understood. In this study, the density of burrowing and ground-nesting arthropods and their burrows in Australia's Strzelecki Desert over two years was examined. The study found that the largest changes in arthropod abundance and burrow density occurred between a period of drought and the commencement of drought-breaking rains.
Article
Ecology
Peri Stenhouse, Katherine E. E. Moseby
Summary: Information about species movement ecology can help identify barriers to dispersal and guide management strategies. In this study, the movement patterns of the threatened Malleefowl were investigated, with a focus on their ability to move and disperse in fragmented landscapes. The study also examined the potential impact of climate change on Malleefowl movement. GPS telemetry was used to collect movement data, and factors such as breeding status, vegetation patch size, and environmental variables were analyzed. The study found that Malleefowl had smaller home ranges, shorter daily distances, and stayed closer to their incubation mounds during breeding. Patch size influenced movement patterns, with Malleefowl utilizing smaller patches more frequently. The study also revealed that temperature and rainfall had significant effects on movement, with higher temperatures resulting in shorter daily distances. The findings highlight the importance of habitat continuity and the potential impact of climate change on Malleefowl movement and breeding success.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Jack Bilby, Katherine Moseby
Summary: Species translocation is a common tool to reverse biodiversity loss, but it often fails due to postrelease hyperdispersal. A review showed that hyperdispersal was confirmed in 52.1% of tracked animals in 151 conservation translocations. The prevalence of hyperdispersal was consistent across taxa, with birds likely having underestimated rates. Mitigation techniques had mixed success, and hyperdispersal incidence varied within taxa.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kyle Brewer, Todd J. McWhorter, Katherine Moseby, John L. Read, David Peacock, Anton Blencowe
Summary: Globally, invasive mammalian predators, such as feral cats, are causing significant harm to threatened species. To address this problem, researchers have developed the population-protecting implant (PPI), a subcutaneous implant that targets the most dangerous predators. This implant releases a toxic payload, leading to the death of the predator.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Kyle Brewer, Todd J. McWhorter, Katherine Moseby, John L. Read, David Peacock, Anton Blencowe
Summary: Efforts to manage feral cats and protect threatened species are often unsuccessful. In order to solve this problem, a Population Protecting Implant (PPI) has been developed that can eliminate problem individuals. The PPI is implanted in a native animal and releases a toxic payload when ingested by a feral cat. Future development should focus on increasing in vivo stability by removing the filament scaffold.
Article
Zoology
Tessa P. Manning, Jeremy J. Austin, Katherine E. Moseby, Melissa A. Jensen
Summary: Reintroduction programs face challenges in maintaining genetic diversity due to founder effects and subsequent reproductive skews. In a reintroduced western quoll population, pedigree analysis revealed multiple paternity but with skewed results, as one male fathered 65% of sampled offspring. The most successful male had a smaller body mass but a larger home range, and additional genetic management measures may be needed to address genetic drift and inbreeding risks.
AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Rebecca West, Katherine Moseby, John Read, Reece Pedler
Summary: Initial translocations are risky and uncertain, but using a range of release protocols can minimize the risks of failure. In this study, post-translocation hyperdispersal was identified as a risk to the first translocation of the crest-tailed mulgara, and temporary confinement and releasing females with pouch young were tested as mitigation strategies. The results showed that temporary confinement did not affect survival but did influence dispersal behavior. Confined females settled closer to their release site.
AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Cassandra M. Arkinstall, Sean FitzGibbon, Kevin J. Bradley, Katherine E. Moseby, Peter J. Murray
Summary: Microchip-reading devices provide a cost-effective and efficient way to passively detect and monitor wildlife reintroductions, especially in situations where trapping and radio-tracking may not be feasible. In a reintroduction project for bilbies in southwest Queensland, microchip-reading antennas successfully detected the survival rates of both captive-born and wild-born bilbies. The use of microchip-reading antennas greatly improved the detection rate compared to cage trapping alone.
AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY
(2023)
