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Watchorn DJ, Doherty TS, Wilson BA, Garkaklis MJ, Driscoll DA. How do invasive predators and their native prey respond to prescribed fire? Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11450. [PMID: 38783847 PMCID: PMC11112300 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fire shapes animal communities by altering resource availability and species interactions, including between predators and prey. In Australia, there is particular concern that two highly damaging invasive predators, the feral cat (Felis catus) and European red fox (Vulpes vulpes), increase their activity in recently burnt areas and exert greater predation pressure on the native prey due to their increased exposure. We tested how prescribed fire occurrence and extent, along with fire history, vegetation, topography, and distance to anthropogenic features (towns and farms), affected the activity (detection frequency) of cats, foxes, and the native mammal community in south-eastern Australia. We used camera traps to quantify mammal activity before and after a prescribed burn and statistically tested how the fire interacted with these habitat variables to affect mammal activity. We found little evidence that the prescribed fire influenced the activity of cats and foxes and no evidence of an effect on kangaroo or small mammal (<800 g) activity. Medium-sized mammals (800-2000 g) were negatively associated with prescribed fire extent, suggesting that prescribed fire has a negative impact on these species in the short term. The lack of a clear activity increase from cats and foxes is likely a positive outcome from a fire management perspective. However, we highlight that their response is likely dependent upon factors like fire size, severity, and prey availability. Future experiments should incorporate GPS-trackers to record fine-scale movements of cats and foxes in temperate ecosystems immediately before and after prescribed fire to best inform management within protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcy J. Watchorn
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus)Deakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
| | - Tim S. Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsWoodvaleWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Barbara A. Wilson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus)Deakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Don A. Driscoll
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus)Deakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
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2
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Patel KK, Toft N, Kovaliski J, Page B, Appuhamilage RMJJE, Taggart PL. Bayesian evaluation of temporal changes in sensitivity and specificity of three serological tests for multiple circulating strains of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus. Prev Vet Med 2024; 225:106137. [PMID: 38359470 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Competition and indirect ELISAs are currently being used to monitor rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses (RHDV1 and RHDV2) in rabbits worldwide. Temporal changes in the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of RHDV1 competition-ELISA (cELISA1), RHDV2 competition-ELISA (cELISA2), and RHDV1 Immunoglobulin G (IgG1) ELISA, were investigated using Bayesian Latent Class models (BCLM) in the Australian wild rabbit population where both viruses circulate simultaneously and a long-term serological dataset exists. When cELISA1 was compared to IgG1 ELISA, the Se of cELISA1 improved while the Sp of IgG1 ELISA declined over the 2011-21. This corresponded with a decline in the true RHDV1 prevalence in 2018-21, suggesting that a large proportion of RHDV1 exposed rabbits survived the introduction and dominance of RHDV2 up to approximately 2017/2018, after which they died and were not replaced. The Se and Sp estimates for 2014-15 for both cELISA1 and IgG1 ELISA, and the true prevalence when analysing all three tests together were similar to those obtained from the analysis of cELISA1/IgG1 ELISA. The same was also true for the Se and Sp of cELISA2 and IgG1 ELISA estimates from 2018 onwards. This suggests that RHDV1 was the dominant infection type in 2014-15, but RHDV2 was the dominant infection type in 2018-21. Further, the increase in Se of cELISA2 and the low Sp of IgG1 ELISA in the cELISA2/IgG1 ELISA analysis, compared to the Se of cELISA2 and Sp of IgG1 ELISA when analysing all three tests together suggests that the underlying infection status was more influenced by RHDV2 and that the higher Se of IgG1 ELISA is due to cross-reaction of RHDV2 antibodies on IgG1 ELISA. The true prevalence data suggest that RHDV2 exposure peaked in 2017. Our findings show that test characteristics changed in response to the changing virus prevalences over time. IgG1 ELISA, currently having a high Se, should be used to monitor both viruses and will perform better than both cELISAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kandarp K Patel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia 5371, Australia; Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia; Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory 2617, Australia.
| | - Nils Toft
- IQinAbox, Værløse, Denmark; Toft Analytics, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Kovaliski
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia; Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory 2617, Australia
| | - Bradley Page
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia; Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory 2617, Australia
| | - Ridma M J Jayasinghe Ellakkala Appuhamilage
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia; Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory 2617, Australia
| | - Patrick L Taggart
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia 5371, Australia; Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory 2617, Australia; Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Queanbeyan, New South Wales 2620, Australia; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia; Bush Heritage Australia, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
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3
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Patel KK, Austin C, Warner K, Pickett M, Khabiri A, Mahzounieh M, Hemmatzadeh F, Taggart PL. The impact of integrating rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (K5) release with pindone baiting on wild rabbit populations. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10991. [PMID: 38476706 PMCID: PMC10928239 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Several conventional and recently available tools are available for an integrated control of European rabbits in Australia. We quantified the impact of the release of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus K5 (RHDV K5, hereafter K5) and pindone (2-pivalyl-1,3-indandione) baiting at 13 sites within Cudlee Creek fire scar in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. K5 release was followed by pindone baiting between December 2021 and March 2022; the application of both control methods followed industry best practice. We counted rabbits using spotlights before and after the application of both control methods. Fly samples and livers from dead rabbits were collected to track K5 transmission within and between sites, and to detect the natural circulation of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2). K5 release had minimal impact on rabbit populations, with treated populations increasing by a mean of 65.5% at 14 days post-release and 27.9% at 77 days post-K5 release across all sites, comparable to the changes at control sites. K5 detection in flies up to 77 days post its release, and its detection in rabbit livers, demonstrates that it can survive and transmit in the environment for prolonged periods and that it can lethally infect some rabbits. This limited impact of K5 is consistent with previous studies and may be explained by pre-existing RHDV/RHDV2 immunity in the target populations or the presence of young rabbits with natural innate RHDV immunity. The detection of K5 in flies from control sites demonstrates that it was vectored beyond its release location. A reduction in rabbit counts post-pindone baiting was observed at most treatment sites, with a mean population reduction of 36.6% across all sites. Landholders need to carefully and strategically plan their integrated rabbit control programmes. Not all combinations of controls, even if theoretically logical, achieve meaningful outcomes for rabbit management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kandarp K. Patel
- School of Animal and Veterinary SciencesThe University of AdelaideRoseworthySouth AustraliaAustralia
- Davies Livestock Research CentreThe University of AdelaideRoseworthySouth AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for Invasive Species SolutionsBruceAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
| | - Catherine Austin
- Landscapes Hills and FleurieuMount BarkerSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Katrina Warner
- Landscapes Hills and FleurieuMount BarkerSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Marcus Pickett
- Marcus Pickett Ecological ServicesLobethalSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Aliakbar Khabiri
- School of Animal and Veterinary SciencesThe University of AdelaideRoseworthySouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Mohammadreza Mahzounieh
- School of Animal and Veterinary SciencesThe University of AdelaideRoseworthySouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Farhid Hemmatzadeh
- School of Animal and Veterinary SciencesThe University of AdelaideRoseworthySouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Patrick L. Taggart
- School of Animal and Veterinary SciencesThe University of AdelaideRoseworthySouth AustraliaAustralia
- Centre for Invasive Species SolutionsBruceAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
- Bush Heritage AustraliaVictor HarborSouth AustraliaAustralia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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4
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Archibald CL, Summers DM, Graham EM, Bryan BA. Habitat suitability maps for Australian flora and fauna under CMIP6 climate scenarios. Gigascience 2024; 13:giae002. [PMID: 38442145 PMCID: PMC10939329 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spatial information about the location and suitability of areas for native plant and animal species under different climate futures is an important input to land use and conservation planning and management. Australia, renowned for its abundant species diversity and endemism, often relies on modeled data to assess species distributions due to the country's vast size and the challenges associated with conducting on-ground surveys on such a large scale. The objective of this article is to develop habitat suitability maps for Australian flora and fauna under different climate futures. RESULTS Using MaxEnt, we produced Australia-wide habitat suitability maps under RCP2.6-SSP1, RCP4.5-SSP2, RCP7.0-SSP3, and RCP8.5-SSP5 climate futures for 1,382 terrestrial vertebrates and 9,251 vascular plants vascular plants at 5 km2 for open access. This represents 60% of all Australian mammal species, 77% of amphibian species, 50% of reptile species, 71% of bird species, and 44% of vascular plant species. We also include tabular data, which include summaries of total quality-weighted habitat area of species under different climate scenarios and time periods. CONCLUSIONS The spatial data supplied can help identify important and sensitive locations for species under various climate futures. Additionally, the supplied tabular data can provide insights into the impacts of climate change on biodiversity in Australia. These habitat suitability maps can be used as input data for landscape and conservation planning or species management, particularly under different climate change scenarios in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla L Archibald
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - David M Summers
- UniSA Business, The University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Erin M Graham
- eResearch Centre, James Cook University, James Cook Drive, Townsville, Australia
| | - Brett A Bryan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Legge S, Rumpff L, Garnett ST, Woinarski JCZ. Loss of terrestrial biodiversity in Australia: Magnitude, causation, and response. Science 2023; 381:622-631. [PMID: 37561866 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg7870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Australia's biota is species rich, with high rates of endemism. This natural legacy has rapidly diminished since European colonization. The impacts of invasive species, habitat loss, altered fire regimes, and changed water flows are now compounded by climate change, particularly through extreme drought, heat, wildfire, and flooding. Extinction rates, already far exceeding the global average for mammals, are predicted to escalate across all taxa, and ecosystems are collapsing. These losses are symptomatic of shortcomings in resourcing, law, policy, and management. Informed by examples of advances in conservation practice from invasive species control, Indigenous land management, and citizen science, we describe interventions needed to enhance future resilience. Many characteristics of Australian biodiversity loss are globally relevant, with recovery requiring society to reframe its relationship with the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Legge
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
- Fenner School of Society and the Environment, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Libby Rumpff
- School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen T Garnett
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - John C Z Woinarski
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
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6
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Yong C, Ward M, Watson JEM, Reside AE, van Leeuwen S, Legge S, Geary WL, Lintermans M, Kennard MJ, Stuart S, Carwardine J. The costs of managing key threats to Australia's biodiversity. J Appl Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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7
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Irwin A, Geschke A. A consumption‐based analysis of extinction risk in Australia. Conserv Lett 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Irwin
- ISA, School of Physics The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Arne Geschke
- ISA, School of Physics The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
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8
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Hernandez‐Santin L, Goldizen AW, Fisher DO. Northern quolls in the Pilbara persist in high‐quality habitat, despite a decline trajectory consistent with range eclipse by feral cats. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lorna Hernandez‐Santin
- School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland St. Lucia Queensland Australia
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation Sustainable Minerals Institute, University of Queensland St. Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Anne W. Goldizen
- School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland St. Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Diana O. Fisher
- School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland St. Lucia Queensland Australia
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9
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Goolmeer T, Skroblin A, Grant C, Leeuwen S, Archer R, Gore‐Birch C, Wintle BA. Recognizing culturally significant species and Indigenous‐led management is key to meeting international biodiversity obligations. Conserv Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Teagan Goolmeer
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Science University of Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Anja Skroblin
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Science University of Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | | | - Stephen Leeuwen
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences Curtin University Perth Western Australia
| | - Ricky Archer
- North Australia Indigenous Land & Sea Management Alliance Ltd Darwin Australia
| | | | - Brendan A. Wintle
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Science University of Melbourne Victoria Australia
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10
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Kennedy BPA, Boyle N, Fleming PJS, Harvey AM, Jones B, Ramp D, Dixon R, McGreevy PD. Ethical Treatment of Invasive and Native Fauna in Australia: Perspectives through the One Welfare Lens. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111405. [PMID: 35681870 PMCID: PMC9179540 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A public forum can reveal a wide range of perspectives on the ethical treatment of animals. This article describes how a panel of experts navigated through a discussion on the many and varied challenges of attempting to manage invasive and native fauna in Australia. The panel acknowledged the variety of these fauna, their effects on others and the consequences of control measures for three parties: animals, humans and the environment. The One Welfare concept has been developed to guide humans in the ethical treatment of non-human animals, each other and the environment. The forum accepted the need to consider this triple line, and exemplifies the merits of a One Welfare approach to discussions such as this. We used a series of questions about past, present and anticipated practices in wildlife control as the core of the panel discussion. We revealed five different but intersecting perspectives: conservation action, wildlife research, invasive animal ecology, mainstream animal protection and compassionate conservation. This article shows how understanding of lines of contention on various core topics can provide a framework for further discourse that may bear fruit in the form of One Welfare solutions. Abstract The One Welfare concept is proposed to guide humans in the ethical treatment of non-human animals, each other and the environment. One Welfare was conceptualized for veterinarians but could be a foundational concept through which to promote the ethical treatment of animals that are outside of direct human care and responsibility. However, wild-living animals raise additional ethical conundrums because of their multifarious values and roles, and relationships that humans have with them. At an open facilitated forum, the 2018 Robert Dixon Memorial Animal Welfare Symposium, a panel of five experts from different fields shared their perspectives on “loving and hating animals in the wild” and responded to unscripted questions from the audience. The Symposium’s objectives were to elucidate views on the ethical treatment of the native and invasive animals of Australia and to identify some of the resultant dilemmas facing conservationists, educators, veterinarians and society. Here, we document the presented views and case studies and synthesize common themes in a One Welfare framework. Additionally, we identified points of contention that can guide further discourse. With this guide in place, the identification and discussion of those disparate views was a first step toward practical resolutions on how to manage wild-living Australian fauna ethically. We concluded that there was great utility in the One Welfare approach for any discourse about wild animal welfare. It requires attention to each element of the triple bottom line and ensures that advocacy for one party does not vanquish the voices from other sectors. We argue that, by facilitating a focus on the ecology in the context of wild animal issues, One Welfare is more useful in this context than the veterinary context for which it was originally developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke P. A. Kennedy
- School of Environment and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Nick Boyle
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia;
| | - Peter J. S. Fleming
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange Agricultural Institute, 1447 Forest Road, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia;
- Ecosystem Management, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Andrea M. Harvey
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, TD School, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (A.M.H.); (D.R.)
| | - Bidda Jones
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Daniel Ramp
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, TD School, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (A.M.H.); (D.R.)
| | - Roselyn Dixon
- School of Education, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
| | - Paul D. McGreevy
- School of Environment and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia;
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11
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Allmert T, Jeschke JM, Evans T. An assessment of the environmental and socio-economic impacts of alien rabbits and hares. AMBIO 2022; 51:1314-1329. [PMID: 34709588 PMCID: PMC8931149 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-021-01642-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Directly comparable data on the environmental and socio-economic impacts of alien species informs the effective prioritisation of their management. We used two frameworks, the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT) and Socio-Economic Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (SEICAT), to create a unified dataset on the severity and type of impacts caused by alien leporids (rabbits and hares). Literature was reviewed to collate impact data, which was categorised following EICAT and SEICAT guidelines. We aimed to use these data to identify: (1) alien leporid species with severe impacts, (2) their impact mechanisms, (3) the native species and local communities vulnerable to impacts and (4) knowledge gaps. Native species from a range of taxonomic groups were affected by environmental impacts which tended to be more damaging than socio-economic impacts. Indirect environmental impacts were particularly damaging and underreported. No impact data were found for several alien leporid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Allmert
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Present Address: Department of Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Invalidenstr. 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jonathan M. Jeschke
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Königin-Luise-Str. 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Evans
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Königin-Luise-Str. 2-4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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12
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Patel KK, Strive T, Hall RN, Mutze G, Page B, Korcz M, Booth-Remmers M, Smith IL, Huang DN, Kovaliski J, Jayasinghe Ellakkala Appuhamilage RMJ, Taggart PL. Cross-protection, infection, and case fatality rates in wild European rabbits experimentally challenged with different rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1959-e1971. [PMID: 35315981 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is now the dominant calicivirus circulating in wild rabbit populations in Australia. This study compared the infection and case fatality rates of RHDV2 and two RHDVs in wild rabbits, as well as their ability to overcome immunity to the respective other strains. Wild rabbits were allocated to groups either blindly or based on prescreening for RHDV/RHDV2 antibodies at capture. Rabbits were monitored regularly until their death or humane killing at 7 days post infection. Liver and eyeball samples were collected for lagovirus testing and aging rabbits, respectively. At capture, rabbits showed high seroprevalence to RHDV2 but not to RHDV. In RHDV/RHDV2 seronegative rabbits at capture, infection rates were highest in those inoculated with RHDV2 (81.8%, 18/22), followed by K5 (53.8%, 7/13) and CZECH (40.0%, 2/5), but these differences were not statistically significant. In rabbits with previous exposure to RHDV2 at capture, infection rates were highest when inoculated with K5 (59.6%, 31/52) followed by CZECH (46.0%, 23/50), with infection rates higher in younger rabbits for both viruses. In RHDV/RHDV2 seronegative rabbits at capture, case fatality rates were highest for those inoculated with K5 (71.4%), followed by RHDV2 (50.0%) and CZECH (50.0%). In rabbits with previous exposure to RHDV2 at capture, case fatality rates were highest in rabbits inoculated with K5 (12.9%) followed by CZECH (8.7%), with no case fatalities following RHDV2 inoculation. Case fatality rates did not differ significantly between inoculums in either serostatus group at capture. Based on multivariable modelling, time to death post RHDV inoculation increased in rabbits with recent RHDV2 exposure compared to seronegative rabbits and with age. The results suggest that RHDV2 may cause higher mortalities than other variants in seronegative rabbit populations but that K5 may be more effective in reducing rabbit populations in an RHDV2-dominant landscape. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kandarp K Patel
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia.,School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia.,Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia
| | - Tanja Strive
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia.,Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Robyn N Hall
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia.,Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Greg Mutze
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - Bradley Page
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia.,Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia
| | - Matthew Korcz
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - Mahalia Booth-Remmers
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia.,Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Subiaco, Western Australia, 6008, Australia
| | - Ina L Smith
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia
| | - D Nina Huang
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia.,Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - John Kovaliski
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia.,Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia
| | - Ridma M J Jayasinghe Ellakkala Appuhamilage
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, South Australia, 5064, Australia.,Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia
| | - Patrick L Taggart
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia.,Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Australian Capital Territory, Bruce, 2617, Australia.,Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Queanbeyan, New South Wales, 2620, Australia
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13
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Kearney SG, Carwardine J, Reside AE, Adams VM, Nelson R, Coggan A, Spindler R, Watson JEM. Saving species beyond the protected area fence: Threats must be managed across multiple land tenure types to secure Australia's endangered species. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen G. Kearney
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | | | - April E. Reside
- School of Biological Science University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Vanessa M. Adams
- School of Technology, Environments and Design University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Rebecca Nelson
- University of Melbourne Law School Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | | | | | - James E. M. Watson
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
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14
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Kaiser SW, Greenlees MJ, Shine R. Wildfires modify the parasite loads of invasive cane toads. Biol Lett 2021; 17:20210470. [PMID: 34932921 PMCID: PMC8692031 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2021.0470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The frequency and severity of wildfires are increasing due to anthropogenic modifications to habitats and to climate. Post-fire landscapes may advantage invasive species via multiple mechanisms, including changes to host-parasite interactions. We surveyed the incidence of endoparasitic lungworms (Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephala) in invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) in near-coastal sites of eastern Australia, a year after extensive fires in this region. Both the prevalence of infection and number of worms in infected toads increased with toad body size in unburned areas. By contrast, parasite load decreased with toad body size in burned areas. By killing moisture-dependent free-living lungworm larvae, the intense fires may have liberated adult cane toads from a parasite that can substantially reduce the viability of its host. Smaller toads, which are restricted to moist environments, did not receive this benefit from fires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon W. Kaiser
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | | | - Richard Shine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
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15
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Hall RN, King T, O’Connor TW, Read AJ, Vrankovic S, Piper M, Strive T. Passive Immunisation against RHDV2 Induces Protection against Disease but Not Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9101197. [PMID: 34696305 PMCID: PMC8537872 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a lagovirus in the family Caliciviridae. The closely related Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV, termed RHDV1 throughout this manuscript for clarity) has been used extensively as a biocontrol agent in Australia since the mid-1990s to manage wild rabbit populations, a major economic and environmental pest species. Releasing RHDV1 into populations with a high proportion of rabbits less than 8–10 weeks of age leads to non-lethal infection in many of these young animals, with subsequent seroconversion and long-term immunity against reinfection. In contrast, RHDV2 causes lethal disease even in young rabbits, potentially offering substantial benefits for rabbit management programs over RHDV1. However, it is not clear how acquired resistance from maternal antibodies may influence immunity after RHDV2 infection. In this study, we assessed serological responses after RHDV2 challenge in young rabbits of three different ages (5-, 7-, or 9-weeks-old) that were passively immunised with either high- (titre of 2560 by RHDV IgG ELISA; 2.41 mg/mL total protein) or low- (titre of 160–640 by RHDV IgG ELISA; 1.41 mg/mL total protein) dose RHDV2 IgG to simulate maternal antibodies. All rabbits treated with a high dose and 75% of those treated with a low dose of RHDV2 IgG survived virus challenge. Surviving animals developed robust lagovirus-specific IgA, IgM, and IgG responses within 10 days post infection. These findings demonstrate that the protection against RHDV2 conferred by passive immunisation is not sterilising. Correspondingly, this suggests that the presence of maternal antibodies in wild rabbit populations may impede the effectiveness of RHDV2 as a biocontrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn N. Hall
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (T.K.); (T.S.)
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-6246-4245
| | - Tegan King
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (T.K.); (T.S.)
| | - Tiffany W. O’Connor
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia (A.J.R.); (S.V.)
| | - Andrew J. Read
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia (A.J.R.); (S.V.)
| | - Sylvia Vrankovic
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia (A.J.R.); (S.V.)
| | - Melissa Piper
- Agriculture & Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia;
| | - Tanja Strive
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (T.K.); (T.S.)
- Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
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16
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Melton CB, Reside AE, Simmonds JS, Mcdonald PG, Major RE, Crates R, Catterall CP, Clarke MF, Grey MJ, Davitt G, Ingwersen D, Robinson D, Maron M. Evaluating the evidence of culling a native species for conservation benefits. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney B. Melton
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - April E. Reside
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Jeremy S. Simmonds
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Paul G. Mcdonald
- School of Environmental and Rural Science University of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
| | - Richard E. Major
- Australian Museum Research Institute Australian Museum Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Ross Crates
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University Canberra Acton Australia
| | - Carla P. Catterall
- School of Environment and Science Griffith University Nathan Queensland Australia
| | - Michael F. Clarke
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Merilyn J. Grey
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | | | | | - Doug Robinson
- Trust for Nature Melbourne Victoria Australia
- School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
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17
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Finlayson G, Taggart P, Cooke B. Recovering Australia's arid‐zone ecosystems: learning from continental‐scale rabbit control experiments. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Graeme Finlayson
- Bush Heritage Australia Flinders Lane Melbourne Victoria 3009 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
- Rabbit Free Australia PO Box 145 Collinswood South Australia 5081 Australia
| | - Patrick Taggart
- Department of Primary Industries NSW Vertebrate Pest Research Unit Queanbeyan New South Wales 2620 Australia
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences The University of Adelaide Roseworthy South Australia 5371 Australia
| | - Brian Cooke
- Rabbit Free Australia PO Box 145 Collinswood South Australia 5081 Australia
- Institute for Applied Ecology University of Canberra Bruce Australian Capital Territory 2617 Australia
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18
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Castle G, Smith D, Allen LR, Allen BL. Terrestrial mesopredators did not increase after top-predator removal in a large-scale experimental test of mesopredator release theory. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18205. [PMID: 34521924 PMCID: PMC8440509 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97634-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Removal or loss of top-predators has been predicted to cause cascading negative effects for ecosystems, including mesopredator release. However, reliable evidence for these processes in terrestrial systems has been mixed and equivocal due, in large part, to the systemic and continued use of low-inference study designs to investigate this issue. Even previous large-scale manipulative experiments of strong inferential value have been limited by experimental design features (i.e. failure to prevent migration between treatments) that constrain possible inferences about the presence or absence of mesopredator release effects. Here, we build on these previous strong-inference experiments and report the outcomes of additional large-scale manipulative experiments to eradicate Australian dingoes from two fenced areas where dingo migration was restricted and where theory would predict an increase in extant European red foxes, feral cats and goannas. We demonstrate the removal and suppression of dingoes to undetectable levels over 4–5 years with no corresponding increases in mesopredator relative abundances, which remained low and stable throughout the experiment at both sites. We further demonstrate widespread absence of negative relationships between predators, indicating that the mechanism underpinning predicted mesopredator releases was not present. Our results are consistent with all previous large-scale manipulative experiments and long-term mensurative studies which collectively demonstrate that (1) dingoes do not suppress red foxes, feral cats or goannas at the population level, (2) repeated, temporary suppression of dingoes in open systems does not create mesopredator release effects, and (3) removal and sustained suppression of dingoes to undetectable levels in closed systems does not create mesopredator release effects either. Our experiments add to similar reports from North America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa which indicate that not only is there a widespread absence of reliable evidence for these processes, but there is also a large and continually growing body of experimental evidence of absence for these processes in many terrestrial systems. We conclude that although sympatric predators may interact negatively with each other on smaller spatiotemporal scales, that these negative interactions do not always scale-up to the population level, nor are they always strong enough to create mesopredator suppression or release effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoff Castle
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia
| | - Deane Smith
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia.,NSW Department of Primary Industries, Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Lee R Allen
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland Government, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia
| | - Benjamin L Allen
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia. .,Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 6034, South Africa.
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19
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Ward M, Carwardine J, Yong CJ, Watson JEM, Silcock J, Taylor GS, Lintermans M, Gillespie GR, Garnett ST, Woinarski J, Tingley R, Fensham RJ, Hoskin CJ, Hines HB, Roberts JD, Kennard MJ, Harvey MS, Chapple DG, Reside AE. A national-scale dataset for threats impacting Australia's imperiled flora and fauna. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:11749-11761. [PMID: 34522338 PMCID: PMC8427562 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Australia is in the midst of an extinction crisis, having already lost 10% of terrestrial mammal fauna since European settlement and with hundreds of other species at high risk of extinction. The decline of the nation's biota is a result of an array of threatening processes; however, a comprehensive taxon-specific understanding of threats and their relative impacts remains undocumented nationally. Using expert consultation, we compile the first complete, validated, and consistent taxon-specific threat and impact dataset for all nationally listed threatened taxa in Australia. We confined our analysis to 1,795 terrestrial and aquatic taxa listed as threatened (Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered) under Australian Commonwealth law. We engaged taxonomic experts to generate taxon-specific threat and threat impact information to consistently apply the IUCN Threat Classification Scheme and Threat Impact Scoring System, as well as eight broad-level threats and 51 subcategory threats, for all 1,795 threatened terrestrial and aquatic threatened taxa. This compilation produced 4,877 unique taxon-threat-impact combinations with the most frequently listed threats being Habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation (n = 1,210 taxa), and Invasive species and disease (n = 966 taxa). Yet when only high-impact threats or medium-impact threats are considered, Invasive species and disease become the most prevalent threats. This dataset provides critical information for conservation action planning, national legislation and policy, and prioritizing investments in threatened species management and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ward
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLDAustralia
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- World Wide Fund for Nature‐AustraliaBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | | | - Chuan J. Yong
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLDAustralia
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - James E. M. Watson
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLDAustralia
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Jennifer Silcock
- Department of Environment and ScienceQueensland HerbariumBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Gary S. Taylor
- School of Biological SciencesAustralian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and BiodiversityThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Mark Lintermans
- Centre for Applied Water ScienceUniversity of CanberraCanberraACTAustralia
| | - Graeme R. Gillespie
- Flora and Fauna DivisionDepartment of Environment, Parks and Water SecurityNorthern TerritoryPalmerstonSAAustralia
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Stephen T. Garnett
- Threatened Species Recovery HubResearch Institute for the Environment and LivelihoodsCharles Darwin UniversityDarwinNTAustralia
| | - John Woinarski
- Threatened Species Recovery HubResearch Institute for the Environment and LivelihoodsCharles Darwin UniversityDarwinNTAustralia
| | - Reid Tingley
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Rod J. Fensham
- Department of Environment and ScienceQueensland HerbariumBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Conrad J. Hoskin
- College of Science & EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQLDAustralia
| | - Harry B. Hines
- Department of Environment and ScienceQueensland Parks and Wildlife Service and PartnershipsBellbowrieQLDAustralia
- BiodiversitySouth BrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - J. Dale Roberts
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaAlbanyWAAustralia
| | - Mark J. Kennard
- Australian Rivers InstituteGriffith UniversityNathanQLDAustralia
- National Environmental Science ProgrammeNorthern Australia Environmental Resources HubDarwinNTAustralia
| | - Mark S. Harvey
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaAlbanyWAAustralia
- Department of Terrestrial ZoologyWestern Australian MuseumWeslshpool DCWAAustralia
| | - David G. Chapple
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - April E. Reside
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLDAustralia
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
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20
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Naujokaitis‐Lewis I, Endicott S, Guezen J. Treatment of climate change in extinction risk assessments and recovery plans for threatened species. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Naujokaitis‐Lewis
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Sarah Endicott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Jessica Guezen
- School of Environmental Sciences University of Guelph Guelph Ontario Canada
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21
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Eeden LM, Hames F, Faulkner R, Geschke A, Squires ZE, McLeod EM. Putting the cat before the wildlife: Exploring cat owners' beliefs about cat containment as predictors of owner behavior. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lily M. Eeden
- Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Heidelberg Victoria Australia
- ICON Science Research Group, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Fern Hames
- Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Richard Faulkner
- Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Andrew Geschke
- Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Zoe E. Squires
- Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Emily M. McLeod
- Department of Wildlife Conservation and Science, Zoos Victoria Parkville Victoria Australia
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22
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Pirtle EI, van Rooyen AR, Maino J, Weeks AR, Umina PA. A molecular method for biomonitoring of an exotic plant-pest: Leafmining for environmental DNA. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:4913-4925. [PMID: 34309946 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how invasive species respond to novel environments is limited by a lack of sensitivity and throughput in conventional biomonitoring methods. Arthropods in particular are often difficult to monitor due to their small size, rapid lifecycles, and/or visual similarities with co-occurring species. This is true for the agromyzid leafminer fly, Liriomyza sativae, a global pest of vegetable and nursery industries that has recently established in Australia. A robust method based on environmental DNA (eDNA) was developed exploiting traces of DNA left inside "empty" leaf mines, which are straightforward to collect and persist longer in the environment than the fly. This extends the window of possible diagnosis to at least 28 days after a leaf mine becomes empty. The test allowed for visually indistinguishable leafmining damage caused by L. sativae to be genetically differentiated from that of other flies. Field application resulted in the identification of new local plant hosts for L. sativae, including widely distributed weeds and common garden crops, which has important implications for the pest's ability to spread. Moreover, the test confirmed the presence of a previously unknown population of L. sativae on an island in the Torres Strait. The developed eDNA method is likely to become an important tool for L. sativae and other leafmining species of biosecurity significance, which, historically, have been difficult to detect, diagnose and monitor. More generally, eDNA is emerging as a highly sensitive and labour-efficient surveillance tool for difficult to survey species to improve outcomes for agricultural industries, global health, and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andrew R Weeks
- Cesar Australia, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Paul A Umina
- Cesar Australia, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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23
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Bayraktarov E, Correa DF, Suarez‐Castro AF, Garnett ST, Macgregor NA, Possingham HP, Tulloch AIT. Variable effects of protected areas on long‐term multispecies trends for Australia's imperiled birds. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Bayraktarov
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland St. Lucia, Queensland Australia
| | - Diego F. Correa
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland St. Lucia, Queensland Australia
| | - Andrés F. Suarez‐Castro
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland St. Lucia, Queensland Australia
| | - Stephen T. Garnett
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
| | - Nicholas A. Macgregor
- Parks Australia Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) University of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Hugh P. Possingham
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland St. Lucia, Queensland Australia
- The Nature Conservancy Arlington Virginia USA
| | - Ayesha I. T. Tulloch
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland St. Lucia, Queensland Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Camperdown New South Wales Australia
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24
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Roshier DA, Carter A. Space use and interactions of two introduced mesopredators, European red fox and feral cat, in an arid landscape. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Roshier
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy PO Box 8070 Subiaco East Western Australia 6008 Australia
| | - Andrew Carter
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy PO Box 8070 Subiaco East Western Australia 6008 Australia
- Institute for Land, Water and Society Charles Sturt University PO Box 789 Albury New South Wales 2640 Australia
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25
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Dueñas MA, Hemming DJ, Roberts A, Diaz-Soltero H. The threat of invasive species to IUCN-listed critically endangered species: A systematic review. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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26
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Kraus D, Murphy S, Armitage D. Ten bridges on the road to recovering Canada’s endangered species. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife is declining around the world. Many developed nations have enacted legislation on endangered species protection and provide funding for wildlife recovery. Protecting endangered species is also supported by the public and judiciary. Yet, despite what appear as enabling conditions, wild species continue to decline. Our paper explores pathways to endangered species recovery by analyzing the barriers that have been identified in Canada, the United States, and Australia. We summarize these findings based on Canada’s Species at Risk Conservation Cycle (assessment, protection, recovery planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation) and then identify 10 “bridges” that could help overcome these barriers and bend our current trajectory of wildlife loss to recovery. These bridges include ecosystem approaches to recovery, building capacity for community co-governance, linking wildlife recovery to ecosystem services, and improving our storytelling about the loss and recovery of wildlife. The focus of our conclusions is the Canadian setting, but our findings can be applied in other national and subnational settings to reverse the decline of wildlife and halt extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kraus
- Faculty of Environment, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Environment 2, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
- Nature Conservancy of Canada, 245 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 410, Toronto, ON M4P 3J1, Canada
| | - Stephen Murphy
- Faculty of Environment, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Environment 2, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Derek Armitage
- Faculty of Environment, School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Environment 2, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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27
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Sparkes J, Fleming PJS, McSorley A, Mitchell B. What are we missing? How the delay-period setting on camera traps affects mesopredator detection. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/am19068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Trigger-delays are often set on camera traps to save labour costs involved with servicing camera traps and reviewing images. However, the effects that delays of various length could have on data quantity and quality are unmeasured. Here, we aimed to assess how varying trigger-delays (5, 10, 30 and 60min) or using an ‘independent event’ classification (i.e. a series of images taken less than 5min apart on the same camera trap) affects detection rates and the number of individuals per trigger for feral cats and European red foxes. Using real camera trap images, we simulated trigger-delays of between 5min and 60min and compared with the independent events. Trigger-delays caused inaccuracies in detection frequencies of 3.6–22.0% for feral cats and 3.1–24.0% for foxes. Further, 68% of independent events in which two individual foxes were present were reduced to a single fox trigger when implementing a 5-min trigger-delay (n=65). Using trigger-delays likely reduces accuracy and reliability of data generated for wildlife monitoring programs and could affect the types of observations and analyses able to be made from imagery so obtained.
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28
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Read JL, Firn J, Grice AC, Murphy R, Ryan‐Colton E, Schlesinger CA. Ranking buffel: Comparative risk and mitigation costs of key environmental and socio-cultural threats in central Australia. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:12745-12763. [PMID: 33304491 PMCID: PMC7713970 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Changed fire regimes and the introduction of rabbits, cats, foxes, and large exotic herbivores have driven widespread ecological catastrophe in Australian arid and semi-arid zones, which encompass over two-thirds of the continent. These threats have caused the highest global mammal extinction rates in the last 200 years, as well as significantly undermining social, economic, and cultural practices of Aboriginal peoples of this region. However, a new and potentially more serious threat is emerging. Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) is a globally significant invader now widespread across central Australia, but the threat this ecological transformer species poses to biodiversity, ecosystem function, and culture has received relatively little attention. Our analyses suggest threats from buffel grass in arid and semi-arid areas of Australia are at least equivalent in magnitude to those posed by invasive animals and possibly higher, because unlike these more recognized threats, buffel has yet to occupy its potential distribution. Buffel infestation also increases the intensity and frequency of wildfires that affect biodiversity, cultural pursuits, and productivity. We compare the logistical and financial challenges of creating and maintaining areas free of buffel for the protection of biodiversity and cultural values, with the creation and maintenance of refuges from introduced mammals or from large-scale fire in natural habitats. The scale and expense of projected buffel management costs highlight the urgent policy, research, and financing initiatives essential to safeguard threatened species, ecosystems, and cultural values of Aboriginal people in central Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Firn
- Queensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQldAustralia
| | - Anthony C. Grice
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQldAustralia
| | | | - Ellen Ryan‐Colton
- Research Institute for the Environment and LivelihoodsCharles Darwin UniversityAlice SpringsNTAustralia
| | - Christine A. Schlesinger
- Research Institute for the Environment and LivelihoodsCharles Darwin UniversityAlice SpringsNTAustralia
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Essl F, Latombe G, Lenzner B, Pagad S, Seebens H, Smith K, Wilson JRU, Genovesi P. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)’s Post-2020 target on invasive alien species – what should it include and how should it be monitored? NEOBIOTA 2020. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.62.53972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The year 2020 and the next few years are critical for the development of the global biodiversity policy agenda until the mid-21st century, with countries agreeing to a Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Reducing the substantial and still rising impacts of invasive alien species (IAS) on biodiversity will be essential if we are to meet the 2050 Vision where biodiversity is valued, conserved, and restored. A tentative target has been developed by the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG), and formally submitted to the CBD for consideration in the discussion on the Post-2020 targets. Here, we present properties of this proposal that we regard as essential for an effective Post-2020 Framework. The target should explicitly consider the three main components of biological invasions, i.e. (i) pathways, (ii) species, and (iii) sites; the target should also be (iv) quantitative, (v) supplemented by a set of indicators that can be applied to track progress, and (vi) evaluated at medium- (2030) and long-term (2050) time horizons. We also present a proposed set of indicators to track progress. These properties and indicators are based on the increasing scientific understanding of biological invasions and effectiveness of responses. Achieving an ambitious action-oriented target so that the 2050 Vision can be achieved will require substantial effort and resources, and the cooperation of a wide range of stakeholders.
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Tulloch AIT, Hagger V, Greenville AC. Ecological forecasts to inform near-term management of threats to biodiversity. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:5816-5828. [PMID: 32652624 PMCID: PMC7540556 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystems are being altered by rapid and interacting changes in natural processes and anthropogenic threats to biodiversity. Uncertainty in historical, current and future effectiveness of actions hampers decisions about how to mitigate changes to prevent biodiversity loss and species extinctions. Research in resource management, agriculture and health indicates that forecasts predicting the effects of near-term or seasonal environmental conditions on management greatly improve outcomes. Such forecasts help resolve uncertainties about when and how to operationalize management. We reviewed the scientific literature on environmental management to investigate whether near-term forecasts are developed to inform biodiversity decisions in Australia, a nation with one of the highest recent extinction rates across the globe. We found that forecasts focused on economic objectives (e.g. fisheries management) predict on significantly shorter timelines and answer a broader range of management questions than forecasts focused on biodiversity conservation. We then evaluated scientific literature on the effectiveness of 484 actions to manage seven major terrestrial threats in Australia, to identify opportunities for near-term forecasts to inform operational conservation decisions. Depending on the action, between 30% and 80% threat management operations experienced near-term weather impacts on outcomes before, during or after management. Disease control, species translocation/reintroduction and habitat restoration actions were most frequently impacted, and negative impacts such as increased species mortality and reduced recruitment were more likely than positive impacts. Drought or dry conditions, and rainfall, were the most frequently reported weather impacts, indicating that near-term forecasts predicting the effects of low or excessive rainfall on management outcomes are likely to have the greatest benefits. Across the world, many regions are, like Australia, becoming warmer and drier, or experiencing more extreme rainfall events. Informing conservation decisions with near-term and seasonal ecological forecasting will be critical to harness uncertainties and lower the risk of threat management failure under global change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valerie Hagger
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of QueenslandSt. LuciaQldAustralia
| | - Aaron C. Greenville
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
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31
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van Eeden LM, Slagle K, Newsome TM, Crowther MS, Dickman CR, Bruskotter JT. Exploring nationality and social identity to explain attitudes toward conservation actions in the United States and Australia. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2020; 34:1165-1175. [PMID: 32090380 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Understanding human attitudes toward wildlife management is critical to implementing effective conservation action and policy. Understanding the factors that shape public attitudes toward different wildlife management actions is limited, however, which can result in unpredictable public responses to interventions. We drew on comparisons between residents of 2 countries on separate continents to explore differences in attitudes toward wildlife management and determine factors important in shaping these attitudes. We surveyed representative publics via market research panels in Australia (n = 881 respondents) and the United States (n = 1287). We applied a social-identity approach and demography to identify factors that explained variance between responses about wildlife management. We compared responses between countries overall and within subgroups of respondents who strongly identified as environmentalists, animal rights activists, wildlife conservation advocates, and farmers. We created aggregate scores for the management-related response items per respondent and used regression analyses to identify the relative importance of country, identity, age, and gender in explaining variance between responses. These factors accounted for 15.3% of variance among responses. Australians overall were generally more accepting of lethal wildlife management actions than U.S. respondents. Differences in national attitudes reflected differences between United States and Australian wildlife management and policy, highlighting the importance of understanding social attitudes in shaping conservation policy. Identifying as a farmer followed by identifying as an animal rights activist most shaped attitudes toward wildlife management. Identity-related conflicts could be initiated or exacerbated by conservation interventions that fail to consider identity-related processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily M van Eeden
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
- School of Environment and Forest Sciences, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98115-2100, U.S.A
| | - Kristina Slagle
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, U.S.A
| | - Thomas M Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Mathew S Crowther
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Christopher R Dickman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Jeremy T Bruskotter
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, U.S.A
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Driscoll DA, Garrard GE, Kusmanoff AM, Dovers S, Maron M, Preece N, Pressey RL, Ritchie EG. Consequences of information suppression in ecological and conservation sciences. Conserv Lett 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Don A. Driscoll
- Academic Freedom Working Group Ecological Society of Australia Windsor Australia
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Geelong Melbourne Burwood Campus Burwood Australia
| | - Georgia E. Garrard
- Academic Freedom Working Group Ecological Society of Australia Windsor Australia
- ICON Science, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Australia
| | - Alexander M. Kusmanoff
- Academic Freedom Working Group Ecological Society of Australia Windsor Australia
- ICON Science, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies RMIT University Melbourne Australia
| | - Stephen Dovers
- Academic Freedom Working Group Ecological Society of Australia Windsor Australia
- Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University Canberra Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- Academic Freedom Working Group Ecological Society of Australia Windsor Australia
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
| | - Noel Preece
- Academic Freedom Working Group Ecological Society of Australia Windsor Australia
- College of Science & Engineering, Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science James Cook University Cairns Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin Australia
| | - Robert L. Pressey
- Academic Freedom Working Group Ecological Society of Australia Windsor Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- Academic Freedom Working Group Ecological Society of Australia Windsor Australia
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Geelong Melbourne Burwood Campus Burwood Australia
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33
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Prendergast KS. Defending biodiversity through our diets. AUSTRAL ECOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kit S. Prendergast
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences; Curtin University; Perth Bentley Western Australia Australia
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Ward M, Tulloch AIT, Radford JQ, Williams BA, Reside AE, Macdonald SL, Mayfield HJ, Maron M, Possingham HP, Vine SJ, O’Connor JL, Massingham EJ, Greenville AC, Woinarski JCZ, Garnett ST, Lintermans M, Scheele BC, Carwardine J, Nimmo DG, Lindenmayer DB, Kooyman RM, Simmonds JS, Sonter LJ, Watson JEM. Impact of 2019–2020 mega-fires on Australian fauna habitat. Nat Ecol Evol 2020; 4:1321-1326. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-1251-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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35
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Biocontrol of the Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) in Australia: A Review and Future Directions. FISHES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/fishes5020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Invasive pest species are recognized as one of the important drivers of reduced global biodiversity. In Australia, the 267 invasive plant, animal and microbial species, established since European colonization in the 1770s, have been unequivocally declared the most important threat to species diversity in this country. One invasive pest, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), has been targeted in an integrated pest management plan that might include cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) as a potential biocontrol agent. The species-specificity of the released virus (and of field variants that will inevitably arise) has been assessed, and the virus judged to be safe. It has also been hypothesised that, because the virulence of the CyHV-3 will likely decline following release, the virus should be used strategically: initially, the aim would be to markedly reduce numbers of carp in naive populations, and then some other, as yet uncertain, complementary broad-scale control measure would knock-down carp numbers even further. Brief results are included from recent studies on the modelling of release and spread of the virus, the ecological and social concerns associated with virus release, and the restoration benefits that might be expected following carp control. We conclude that, while further work is required (on the virus, the target species, environmental issues, and especially the identification of a suitable broad-scale complementary control measure), optimism must prevail in order to ensure an eventual solution to this important environmental problem.
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36
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Recent Australian wildfires made worse by logging and associated forest management. Nat Ecol Evol 2020; 4:898-900. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-1195-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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37
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Bennett A, Duncan DH, Rumpff L, Vesk PA. Disentangling chronic regeneration failure in endangered woodland ecosystems. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ami Bennett
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - David H. Duncan
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Libby Rumpff
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Peter A. Vesk
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
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38
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Roshier DA, Hotellier FL, Carter A, Kemp L, Potts J, Hayward MW, Legge SM. Long-term benefits and short-term costs: small vertebrate responses to predator exclusion and native mammal reintroductions in south-western New South Wales, Australia. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/wr19153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextThe success of conservation fences at protecting reintroduced populations of threatened mammals from introduced predators has prompted an increase in the number and extent of fenced exclosures. Excluding introduced species from within conservation fences could also benefit components of insitu faunal assemblages that are prey for introduced predators, such as reptiles and small mammals. Conversely, reintroduced mammals may compete with smaller mammals and reptiles for resources, or even prey on them.
AimsIn a 10-year study from 2008, we examine how small terrestrial vertebrates respond to the exclusion of introduced predators, the feral cat (Felis catus) and red fox (Vulpes Vulpes), introduced herbivores and the reintroduction of regionally extinct mammal species.
MethodsDifferences in the yearly relative abundance of reptiles and mammals according to habitat type and whether sites were fenced or not, were tested using multivariate generalised linear models. Next, we calculated univariate P-values to identify individual species that showed significant relationships, positive and negative, with any of the explanatory variables.
Key resultsTotal captures of reptiles were lower inside the conservation fence in all years, whereas total captures of small mammals were markedly higher inside the fenced area, notably in dasyurids.
ConclusionOur results showed that conservation fences can deliver benefits for some fauna (but not all) beyond facilitating the reintroduction of highly threatened mammals.
ImplicationsOur results demonstrated the consequential impacts of introduced predators on the Australian small mammal fauna, and showed that predator-exclusion fences can be an effective conservation intervention for this guild.
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Nicol S, Brazill-Boast J, Gorrod E, McSorley A, Peyrard N, Chadès I. Quantifying the impact of uncertainty on threat management for biodiversity. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3570. [PMID: 31395891 PMCID: PMC6687751 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11404-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
With inadequate resources to manage the threats facing biodiversity worldwide, achieving projected management outcomes is critical for efficient resource allocation and species recovery. Despite this, conservation plans to mitigate threats rarely articulate the likelihood of management success. Here we develop a general value of information approach to quantify the impact of uncertainty on 20 threatening processes affecting 976 listed species and communities. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive quantification of the impacts of uncertainty on threat management. We discover that, on average, removing uncertainty about management effectiveness could triple the gain in persistence achieved by managing under current uncertainty. Management of fire, invasive animals and a plant pathogen are most impeded by uncertainty; management of invasive plants is least impacted. Our results emphasise the tremendous importance of reducing uncertainty about species responses to management, and show that failure to consider management effectiveness wastes resources and impedes species recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Nicol
- CSIRO, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD, 4102, Australia.
| | | | - Emma Gorrod
- Office of Environment and Heritage, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia.,Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, 2033, Australia
| | - Adam McSorley
- Office of Environment and Heritage, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Nathalie Peyrard
- INRA UR875 Unité de Mathématiques et Informatique Appliquées, 31320, Toulouse, Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Iadine Chadès
- CSIRO, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD, 4102, Australia
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