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McLean D, Goldingay R, Letnic M. Diet of the Dingo in Subtropical Australian Forests: Are Small, Threatened Macropods at Risk? Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2257. [PMID: 37508035 PMCID: PMC10376500 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142257] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Carnivores fulfil important ecological roles in natural systems yet can also jeopardise the persistence of threatened species. Understanding their diet is, therefore, essential for managing populations of carnivores, as well as those of their prey. This study was designed to better understand the diet of an Australian apex predator, the dingo, and determine whether it poses a threat to at-risk small macropods in two floristically different yet geographically close reserves in subtropical Australia. Based on an analysis of 512 scats, dingo diets comprised 34 different prey taxa, of which 50% were common between reserves. Our findings add support to the paradigm that dingoes are opportunistic and generalist predators that prey primarily on abundant mammalian fauna. Their diets in the Border Ranges were dominated by possum species (frequency of occurrence (FOC) = 92.5%), while their diets in Richmond Range were characterised by a high prevalence of pademelon species (FOC = 46.9%). Medium-sized mammals were the most important dietary items in both reserves and across all seasons. The dietary frequency of medium-sized mammals was generally related to their availability (indexed by camera trapping); however, the avoidance of some species with high availability indicates that prey accessibility may also be important in dictating their dietary choices. Other prey categories were supplementary to diets and varied in importance according to seasonal changes in their availability. The diets included two threatened macropods, the red-legged pademelon and black-striped wallaby. Our availability estimates, together with earlier dietary studies spanning 30 years, suggest that the red-legged pademelon is resilient to the observed predation. The black-striped wallaby occurred in only two dingo scats collected from Richmond Range and was not detected by cameras so the threat to this species could not be determined. Two locally abundant but highly threatened species (the koala and long-nosed potoroo) were not detected in the dingoes' diets, suggesting dingoes do not at present pose a threat to these populations. Our study highlights the importance of site-based assessments, population monitoring and including data on prey availability in dietary investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dusty McLean
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
| | - Ross Goldingay
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
| | - Mike Letnic
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Dubiner S, Namir I, Chen R, Levin E. Distance from human settlements favors wild-type appearance of feral cats ( Felis catus) in Mediterranean woodland. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10261. [PMID: 37404701 PMCID: PMC10316376 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10261] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Camouflage is a common trait enabling animals to avoid detection by predators and prey. Patterns such as spots and stripes are convergent across carnivore families, including felids, and are hypothesized to have adaptive value through camouflage. House cats (Felis catus) were domesticated thousands of years ago, but despite artificial selection for a wide variety of coat colors, the wild-type pattern of tabby cats is very common. We aimed to determine whether this pattern grants an advantage over other morphs in natural environments. We collected cat images taken with camera traps in natural areas near and far from 38 rural settlements in Israel, to compare the habitat use by feral cats of different colors. We tested the effect of proximity to villages and habitat vegetation (normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI) on the probability of space use by the tabby morph compared to the others. NDVI had a positive effect on site use in both morphs, but non-tabby cats had a 2.1 higher probability of using the near sites than the far sites, independent of NDVI. The wild-type tabby cats' probability of site use were equally likely to be unaffected by proximity, or have an interaction of proximity with NDVI whereby the far transects are used with increasing probability in sites of denser vegetation. We hypothesize that the camouflage of tabby cats, more than other colors and patterns, confers an advantage in roaming the woodland habitats for which this pattern evolved. This has both theoretical implications as rare empirical evidence of the adaptive value of fur coloration, and practical implications on managing the ecological impact of feral cats worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Itai Namir
- Hamaarag—Israel's National Nature Assessment Program, The Steinhardt Museum of Natural HistoryTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Ron Chen
- Hamaarag—Israel's National Nature Assessment Program, The Steinhardt Museum of Natural HistoryTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Eran Levin
- School of ZoologyTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
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pH-Responsive Polymer Implants for the Protection of Native Mammals: Assessment of Material Properties and Poison Incorporation on Performance. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15040878. [PMID: 36850162 PMCID: PMC9958913 DOI: 10.3390/polym15040878] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Efforts to mitigate the effects of feral cats through the management of remnant or reintroduced populations of threatened species, are often unsuccessful due to predation by control-averse feral cats, or 'problem individuals'. In order to target these animals, we have developed the Population Protecting Implant (PPI). PPIs are designed to be implanted subcutaneously in a native animal. If the animal is preyed upon, and the implant ingested by a feral cat, release of a toxic payload is triggered in the acidic stomach environment and the problem individual is eliminated. We introduce the first toxic implant incorporating the poison sodium fluoroacetate. Manufactured via fluidised-bed spray coating, toxic implants exhibited uniform reverse enteric coatings and low intra-batch variation. Toxic implants were found to exhibit favourable stability at subcutaneous pH in vitro, and rapidly release their toxic payload in vitro at gastric pH. However, limited stability was demonstrated in rats in vivo (~39-230 d), due to the use of a filament scaffold to enable coating and was likely exacerbated by metachromatic interactions caused by 1080. This work highlights that future development of the PPIs should primarily focus on removal of the filament scaffold, to afford implants with increased in vivo stability.
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Brewer K, McWhorter TJ, Moseby K, Read JL, Peacock D, Blencowe A. pH-responsive subcutaneous implants prepared via hot-melt extrusion and fluidised-bed spray coating for targeted invasive predator control. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
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Whitesel TA, DeHaan PW, Doyle J, Adams BA, Sankovich PM. Evaluating the success of a conservation reintroduction: The case of bull trout in the Wallowa River. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12674] [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)
- Timothy A. Whitesel
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Columbia River Fisheries & Wildlife Conservation Office Vancouver WA USA
| | - Patrick W. DeHaan
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Abernathy Fish Technology Center Longview WA USA
| | | | - Brice A. Adams
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Abernathy Fish Technology Center Longview WA USA
| | - Paul M. Sankovich
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Columbia River Fisheries & Wildlife Conservation Office La Grande OR USA
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Kleemann S, Sandow D, Stevens M, Schultz DJ, Taggart DA, Croxford A. Non-invasive monitoring and reintroduction biology of the brush-tailed rock-wallaby (. AUST J ZOOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/zo21009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Thirty-nine endangered brush-tailed rock-wallabies (Petrogale penicillata) were reintroduced to Grampians National Park, western Victoria, between 2008 and 2012. Subsequent high mortality, low breeding, and no recruitment were linked to fox predation and physical disturbance during monitoring. From 2014 to 2017, the colony was left undisturbed and monitored only by remote camera. Five adult animals were identified across this period (1 ♂ and 3 ♀s – all tagged; and one untagged female), and an average of 0.7 pouch young were birthed per tagged female per year. In 2019, camera-monitoring and non-invasive genetic monitoring (faecal) were used to identify colony members, genetic diversity, and breeding. Camera monitoring in 2019 identified the same five individuals, whereas genetic monitoring using 12 microsatellites identified eight individuals (two male and six female genotypes). Genetic diversity within the colony was moderate (expected heterozygosity (He) = 0.655, observed heterozygosity (Ho) = 0.854). Leaving the colony undisturbed after 2013 correlated with improved adult survival, increased breeding, and successful recruitment of young to the population. Recommendations for the Grampians colony include continuation of regular camera- and scat monitoring to improve our understanding of the reintroduction biology of P. penicillata and other marsupials in open, unfenced landscapes.
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Rendall AR, Sutherland DR, Cooke R, White JG. Does the foraging ecology of feral cats change after the eradication of foxes? Biol Invasions 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02718-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Lohr CA, Nilsson K, Johnson A, Hamilton N, Onus M, Algar D. Two Methods of Monitoring Cats at a Landscape-Scale. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123562. [PMID: 34944337 PMCID: PMC8698172 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Feral cats are difficult to manage and harder to monitor. We report on the efficacy of Eradicat® baiting and the cost and the efficacy of monitoring the activty of feral cats via camera-traps or track counts. Pre-baiting surveys for 2020 and 2021 suggested that the population of feral cats on Matuwa was very low, at 5.5 and 4.4 cats/100 km respectively, which is well below our target threshold of 10 cats/100 km. Post-baiting surveys then recorded 3.6 and 3.0 cats/100 km respectively, which still equates to a 35% and 32% reduction in cat activity despite initial low cat detection rate. Track counts recorded more feral cats than camera traps and were cheaper to implement. Abstract Feral cats are difficult to manage and harder to monitor. We analysed the cost and the efficacy of monitoring the pre- and post-bait abundance of feral cats via camera-traps or track counts using four years of data from the Matuwa Indigenous Protected Area. Additionally, we report on the recovery of the feral cat population and the efficacy of subsequent Eradicat® aerial baiting programs following 12 months of intensive feral cat control in 2019. Significantly fewer cats were captured in 2020 (n = 8) compared to 2019 (n = 126). Pre-baiting surveys for 2020 and 2021 suggested that the population of feral cats on Matuwa was very low, at 5.5 and 4.4 cats/100 km, respectively, which is well below our target threshold of 10 cats/100 km. Post-baiting surveys then recorded 3.6 and 3.0 cats/100 km, respectively, which still equates to a 35% and 32% reduction in cat activity. Track counts recorded significantly more feral cats than camera traps and were cheaper to implement. We recommend that at least two methods of monitoring cats be implemented to prevent erroneous conclusions.
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Bannister HL, Letnic M, Blumstein DT, Moseby KE. Individual traits influence survival of a reintroduced marsupial only at low predator densities. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12690] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- H. L. Bannister
- Centre for Ecosystem Science The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
- South Coast Natural Resource Management Inc. Albany WA Australia
| | - M. Letnic
- Centre for Ecosystem Science The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
| | - D. T. Blumstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology The University of California Los Angeles CA USA
| | - K. E. Moseby
- Centre for Ecosystem Science The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
- Arid Recovery SA Australia
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Wellman HP, Austin RM, Dagtas ND, Moss ML, Rick TC, Hofman CA. Archaeological mitogenomes illuminate the historical ecology of sea otters ( Enhydra lutris) and the viability of reintroduction. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20202343. [PMID: 33259759 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic analyses are an important contribution to wildlife reintroductions, particularly in the modern context of extirpations and ecological destruction. To address the complex historical ecology of the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) and its failed 1970s reintroduction to coastal Oregon, we compared mitochondrial genomes of pre-extirpation Oregon sea otters to extant and historical populations across the range. We sequenced, to our knowledge, the first complete ancient mitogenomes from archaeological Oregon sea otter dentine and historical sea otter dental calculus. Archaeological Oregon sea otters (n = 20) represent 10 haplotypes, which cluster with haplotypes from Alaska, Washington and British Columbia, and exhibit a clear division from California haplotypes. Our results suggest that extant northern populations are appropriate for future reintroduction efforts. This project demonstrates the feasibility of mitogenome capture and sequencing from non-human dental calculus and the diverse applications of ancient DNA analyses to pressing ecological and conservation topics and the management of at-risk/extirpated species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah P Wellman
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA.,Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, Stephenson Research and Technology Center, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Rita M Austin
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, Stephenson Research and Technology Center, Norman, OK 73019, USA.,Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.,Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nihan D Dagtas
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, Stephenson Research and Technology Center, Norman, OK 73019, USA.,Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Madonna L Moss
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Torben C Rick
- Program in Human Ecology and Archaeobiology, Department of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| | - Courtney A Hofman
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, Stephenson Research and Technology Center, Norman, OK 73019, USA.,Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
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11
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Genetic Consequences of Multiple Translocations of the Banded Hare-Wallaby in Western Australia. DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12120448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Many Australian mammal species now only occur on islands and fenced mainland havens free from invasive predators. The range of one species, the banded hare-wallaby (Lagostrophus fasciatus), had contracted to two offshore islands in Western Australia. To improve survival, four conservation translocations have been attempted with mixed success, and all occurred in the absence of genetic information. Here, we genotyped seven polymorphic microsatellite markers in two source (Bernier Island and Dorre Island), two historic captive, and two translocated L. fasciatus populations to determine the impact of multiple translocations on genetic diversity. Subsequently, we used population viability analysis (PVA) and gene retention modelling to determine scenarios that will maximise demographic resilience and genetic richness of two new populations that are currently being established. One translocated population (Wadderin) has undergone a genetic bottleneck and lost 8.1% of its source population’s allelic diversity, while the other (Faure Island) may be inbred. We show that founder number is a key parameter when establishing new L. fasciatus populations and 100 founders should lead to high survival probabilities. Our modelling predicts that during periodic droughts, the recovery of source populations will be slower post-harvest, while 75% more animals—about 60 individuals—are required to retain adequate allelic diversity in the translocated population. Our approach demonstrates how genetic data coupled with simulations of stochastic environmental events can address central questions in translocation programmes.
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12
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Murray PJ, Rogie M, Fraser N, Hoy J, Kempster S. Development of the Mata Hari Judas Queen ( Felis catus). Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101843. [PMID: 33050456 PMCID: PMC7599923 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats (Felis catus) are significant predators of mammals, birds, frogs and reptiles and are implicated in mammal species extinctions in Australia. Current controls fail to eradicate entire populations allowing survivors to re-establish. The use of the Mata Hari Judas (MHJ) technique, i.e., inducing prolonged oestrus using hormone implants, can enhance the eradication of remnant animals and would greatly improve conservation efforts. The hypotheses tested were that hormone implants could induce prolonged oestrus in queens (adult female cats), and that prolonging oestrus would result in sustained attractiveness to toms (adult male cats). Queens (n = 14) were randomly allocated to five treatments including a control and four treatments using hormone implants. Queens were observed daily; alone and during indirect contact with a tom for 30 consecutive days. There were significant increases (p < 0.001) in oestrus duration (19 to 27 days) for entire and ovariohysterectomised queens given Compudose100™ implants (1/8 or 1/4 implant). This study shows that it is possible to induce and prolong oestrus in queens using Compudose100™ implants where these queens are attractive to toms. The MHJ queen is a new tool with the potential to enhance the detection and thus the control of feral cats in remnant populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Murray
- School of Sciences, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba QLD 4350, Australia
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland Gatton campus, Gatton QLD 4343, Australia;
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland Gatton campus, Gatton QLD 4343, Australia; (N.F.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Melanie Rogie
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland Gatton campus, Gatton QLD 4343, Australia;
| | - Natalie Fraser
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland Gatton campus, Gatton QLD 4343, Australia; (N.F.); (S.K.)
| | - Julia Hoy
- Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre, The University of Queensland, Grandchester QLD 4340, Australia;
| | - Samantha Kempster
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland Gatton campus, Gatton QLD 4343, Australia; (N.F.); (S.K.)
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Seymour CL, Simmons RE, Morling F, George ST, Peters K, O’Riain MJ. Caught on camera: The impacts of urban domestic cats on wild prey in an African city and neighbouring protected areas. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Moseby KE, McGregor H, Read JL. The lethal 23%: predator demography influences predation risk for threatened prey. Anim Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. E. Moseby
- Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
- Arid Recovery Roxby Downs SA Australia
| | - H. McGregor
- Arid Recovery Roxby Downs SA Australia
- University of Tasmania Hobart TAS Australia
| | - J. L. Read
- University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
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Khayat ROS, Grant RA, Ryan H, Melling LM, Dougill G, Killick DR, Shaw KJ. Investigating cat predation as the cause of bat wing tears using forensic DNA analysis. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:8368-8378. [PMID: 32788986 PMCID: PMC7417221 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cat predation upon bat species has been reported to have significant effects on bat populations in both rural and urban areas. The majority of research in this area has focussed on observational data from bat rehabilitators documenting injuries, and cat owners, when domestic cats present prey. However, this has the potential to underestimate the number of bats killed or injured by cats. Here, we use forensic DNA analysis techniques to analyze swabs taken from injured bats in the United Kingdom, mainly including Pipistrellus pipistrellus (40 out of 72 specimens). Using quantitative PCR, cat DNA was found in two-thirds of samples submitted by bat rehabilitators. Of these samples, short tandem repeat analysis produced partial DNA profiles for approximately one-third of samples, which could be used to link predation events to individual cats. The use of genetic analysis can complement observational data and potentially provide additional information to give a more accurate estimation of cat predation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana O. S. Khayat
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
- Department of BiologyUmm Al‐Qura UniversityMakkahSaudi Arabia
| | - Robyn A. Grant
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
| | | | - Louise M. Melling
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
| | - Gary Dougill
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
| | - David R. Killick
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological SciencesUniversity of Liverpool, LeahurstLiverpoolUK
| | - Kirsty J. Shaw
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
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Moyses J, Hradsky B, Tuft K, Moseby K, Golding N, Wintle B. Factors influencing the residency of bettongs using one-way gates to exit a fenced reserve. AUSTRAL ECOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12898] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessie Moyses
- School of Biosciences; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Bronwyn Hradsky
- School of Biosciences; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | | | - Katherine Moseby
- Arid Recovery; Roxby Downs South Australia Australia
- University of New South Wales; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Nicholas Golding
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Brendan Wintle
- School of Biosciences; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria Australia
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Body Size and Bite Force of Stray and Feral Cats-Are Bigger or Older Cats Taking the Largest or More Difficult-to-Handle Prey? Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10040707. [PMID: 32316555 PMCID: PMC7222765 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As carnivorans rely heavily on their head and jaws for prey capture and handling, skull morphology and bite force can therefore reflect their ability to take larger or more difficult-to-handle prey. For 568 feral and stray cats (Felis catus), we recorded their demographics (sex and age), source location (feral or stray) and morphological measures (body mass, body condition); we estimated potential bite force from skull measurements for n = 268 of these cats, and quantified diet composition from stomach contents for n = 358. We compared skull measurements to estimate their bite force and determine how it varied with sex, age, body mass, body condition. Body mass had the strongest influence of bite force. In our sample, males were 36.2% heavier and had 20.0% greater estimated bite force (206.2 ± 44.7 Newtons, n = 168) than females (171.9 ± 29.3 Newtons, n = 120). However, cat age was the strongest predictor of the size of prey that they had taken, with older cats taking larger prey. The predictive power of this relationship was poor though (r2 < 0.038, p < 0.003), because even small cats ate large prey and some of the largest cats ate small prey, such as invertebrates. Cats are opportunistic, generalist carnivores taking a broad range of prey. Their ability to handle larger prey increases as the cats grow, increasing their jaw strength, and improving their hunting skills, but even the smallest cats in our sample had tackled and consumed large and potentially 'dangerous' prey that would likely have put up a defence.
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Taggart PL, Fancourt BA, Peacock D, Caraguel CGB, McAllister MM. Variation in Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence: effects of site, sex, species and behaviour between insular and mainland macropods. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/wr19041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Context Feral cats threaten wildlife conservation through a range of direct and indirect effects. However, most studies that have evaluated the impacts of feral cats on species of conservation significance have focussed on direct impacts such as predation; few studies have considered the indirect impacts of cat-borne disease. Toxoplasma gondii, a cat-borne parasite, causes both acute and latent disease in a range of wildlife species, and macropods are particularly susceptible. Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island and supports a high density of feral cats and high seroprevalence of T. gondii in multiple species, relative to the mainland. This suggests that Kangaroo Island has a high environmental contamination with the parasite and a high risk of infection for other species. Aims We aimed to describe T. gondii seroprevalence in culled and road-killed macropods, so as to assess the effects of island versus mainland location, sex, species and behaviour. Methods Macropod sera were tested for T. gondii IgG antibodies using a commercially available modified agglutination test. Key results The seroprevalence of T. gondii in culled western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) was significantly higher on the island (20%, 11/54 positive) than on the mainland (0%, 0/61 positive). There was no difference in T. gondii seroprevalence between culled and road-killed (21%, 21/102 positive) kangaroos from the island. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was significantly higher in female (32%, 12/38 positive) than in male (13%, 8/60 positive) kangaroos, but we observed no sex effect in tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii), and no effect of species. Conclusions The higher T. gondii seroprevalence in insular macropods supports previous reports of higher T. gondii exposure in other Kangaroo Island fauna. The lack of difference in T. gondii seroprevalence between culled and road-killed kangaroos suggests that T. gondii-positive animals are not more vulnerable to road mortality, in contrast to that suggested previously. Implications Our findings suggest greater potential adverse conservation impacts owing to toxoplasmosis on the island than on the mainland. In light of a recent study demonstrating higher cat abundance on the island than on the mainland, the higher observed T. gondii seroprevalence in insular macropods is likely to be a consequence of higher cat density.
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Greenwell CN, Calver MC, Loneragan NR. Cat Gets Its Tern: A Case Study of Predation on a Threatened Coastal Seabird. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9070445. [PMID: 31315191 PMCID: PMC6681120 DOI: 10.3390/ani9070445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic cats have a cosmopolitan distribution, commonly residing in urban, suburban and peri-urban environments that are also critical for biodiversity conservation. This study describes the impact of a desexed, free-roaming cat on the behavior of a threatened coastal seabird, the Australian Fairy Tern, Sternula nereis nereis, in Mandurah, south-western Australia. Wildlife cameras and direct observations of cat incursions into the tern colony at night, decapitated carcasses of adult terns, dead, injured or missing tern chicks, and cat tracks and scats around the colony provided strong evidence of cat predation, which led to an initial change in nesting behavior and, ultimately, colony abandonment and the reproductive failure of 111 nests. The death of six breeding terns from the population was a considerable loss for this threatened species and had the potential to limit population growth. This study highlights the significant negative impacts of free-roaming cats on wildlife and the need for monitoring and controlling cats at sites managed for species conservation. It also provides strong evidence against the practice of trap-neuter-release programs and demonstrates that desexed cats can continue to negatively impact wildlife post-release directly through predation, but also indirectly through fundamental changes in prey behavior and a reduction in parental care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire N Greenwell
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Michael C Calver
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Neil R Loneragan
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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20
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Read JL, Dagg E, Moseby KE. Prey selectivity by feral cats at central Australian rock-wallaby colonies. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/am17055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Threatened warru, or black-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis MacDonnell Ranges race), populations in northern South Australia continued to decline despite baiting for foxes (Vulpes vulpes), which improved their short-term conservation status elsewhere. To investigate whether feral cats (Felis catus) also represent a risk to warru we compared frequencies of prey occurrence in 103 feral cat and 14 fox stomachs shot near warru colonies in northern South Australia during 2001–17 with measures of prey abundance from pitfall trapping and opportunistic searches. We hypothesise that one fresh adult warru kill and the presence of warru remains in four other cats suggests predation by cats on adult and juvenile warru. Small reptiles and invertebrates were the most frequently recorded prey of cats in summer, whereas rodents and small dasyurids were the most frequent prey items in winter. Small mammals, small snakes and pygopodid lizards were over-represented in the diet of cats compared with estimated encounter frequencies, whereas fast-running dragons, knob-tailed geckoes (Nephrurus) and echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) were not recorded from cat stomachs despite being relatively abundant. Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), rodents and fruits were the most frequently recorded items in fox stomachs. This study reinforces that targeted management of feral cat populations should be considered in concert with control of canids in sustainable recovery programs for warru and other cat-vulnerable species.
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21
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Taggart PL, Fancourt BA, Bengsen AJ, Peacock DE, Hodgens P, Read JL, McAllister MM, Caraguel CGB. Evidence of significantly higher island feral cat abundance compared with the adjacent mainland. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/wr18118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Feral cats (Felis catus) impact the health and welfare of wildlife, livestock and humans worldwide. They are particularly damaging where they have been introduced into island countries such as Australia and New Zealand, where native prey species evolved without feline predators. Kangaroo Island, in South Australia, is Australia’s third largest island and supports several threatened and endemic species. Cat densities on Kangaroo Island are thought to be greater than those on the adjacent South Australian mainland, based on one cat density estimate on the island that is higher than most estimates from the mainland. The prevalence of cat-borne disease in cats and sheep is also higher on Kangaroo Island than the mainland, suggesting higher cat densities. A recent continental-scale spatial model of cat density predicted that cat density on Kangaroo Island should be about double that of the adjacent mainland. However, although cats are believed to have severe impacts on some native species on the island, other species that are generally considered vulnerable to cat predation have relatively secure populations on the island compared with the mainland.
Aims
The present study aimed to compare feral cat abundance between Kangaroo Island and the adjacent South Australian mainland using simultaneous standardised methods. Based on previous findings, we predicted that the relative abundance of feral cats on Kangaroo Island would be approximately double that on the South Australian mainland.
Methods
Standardised camera trap surveys were used to simultaneously estimate the relative abundance of feral cats on Kangaroo Island and the adjacent South Australian mainland. Survey data were analysed using the Royle–Nichols abundance-induced heterogeneity model to estimate feral cat relative abundance at each site.
Key results
Cat abundance on the island was estimated to be over 10 times greater than that on the adjacent mainland.
Conclusions
Consistent with predictions, cat abundance on the island was greater than on the adjacent mainland. However, the magnitude of this difference was much greater than expected.
Implications
The findings show that the actual densities of cats at local sites can vary substantially from predictions generated by continental-scale models. The study also demonstrates the value of estimating abundance or density simultaneously across sites using standardised methods.
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22
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Moseby KE, Letnic M, Blumstein DT, West R. Understanding predator densities for successful co‐existence of alien predators and threatened prey. AUSTRAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E. Moseby
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales 2035 Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Michael Letnic
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales 2035 Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Daniel T. Blumstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California Los Angeles California USA
| | - Rebecca West
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales 2035 Sydney New South Wales Australia
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23
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Butler K, Paton D, Moseby K. One-way gates successfully facilitate the movement of burrowing bettongs (Bettongia lesueur
) through exclusion fences around reserve. AUSTRAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Butler
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science; The University of Adelaide; 195 Reynell Road Happy Valley South Australia 5159 Australia
| | - David Paton
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science; The University of Adelaide; 195 Reynell Road Happy Valley South Australia 5159 Australia
| | - Katherine Moseby
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science; The University of Adelaide; 195 Reynell Road Happy Valley South Australia 5159 Australia
- Arid Recovery; Roxby Downs South Australia Australia
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24
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Davies HF, McCarthy MA, Firth RSC, Woinarski JCZ, Gillespie GR, Andersen AN, Rioli W, Puruntatameri J, Roberts W, Kerinaiua C, Kerinauia V, Womatakimi KB, Murphy BP. Declining populations in one of the last refuges for threatened mammal species in northern Australia. AUSTRAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hugh F. Davies
- Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Michael A. McCarthy
- Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Ronald S. C. Firth
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
- Strategen Environmental Subiaco Western Australia Australia
| | - John C. Z. Woinarski
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
- Flora and Fauna Division Department of Environment and Natural Resources Northern Territory Government Berrimah Northern Territory Australia
| | - Graeme R. Gillespie
- Flora and Fauna Division Department of Environment and Natural Resources Northern Territory Government Berrimah Northern Territory Australia
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Alan N. Andersen
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
| | - Willie Rioli
- Tiwi Land Council Winnellie Northern Territory Australia
| | | | - Willie Roberts
- Tiwi Land Council Winnellie Northern Territory Australia
| | | | | | | | - Brett P. Murphy
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
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25
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Moro D, Byrne M, Kennedy M, Campbell S, Tizard M. Identifying knowledge gaps for gene drive research to control invasive animal species: The next CRISPR step. Glob Ecol Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2017.e00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
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26
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Watkins GE, Willers N, Raudino H, Kinloch J, van Dongen R. Success criteria not met, but valuable information gained: monitoring a reintroduction of the tammar wallaby. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/wr17102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context Fauna translocations are a tool for improving the conservation status of threatened species. Reviews of translocations undertaken in Australia and globally have reported that many fail because of predation by exotic predators. The outcome of ~40% of translocations was unknown, often owing to inadequate post-release monitoring. Monitoring methods such as global positioning system data-loggers can provide valuable information on survival, habitat use and sociality, and can be particularly useful for cryptic species. Aims The present study used global positioning system (GPS) data-loggers and VHF radio-transmitters to evaluate the success of a reintroduction of the tammar wallaby and measured survival, short-term home-range, habitat use and proximity between reintroduced individuals (as a proxy for association). Methods Sixty-nine tammar wallabies of captive and wild stock were reintroduced to Kalbarri National Park (KNP) following long-term and broad-scale fox control, with nine receiving GPS data-loggers, and 16 receiving VHF radio-transmitters. Wallabies were intensively monitored for up to 11 months post-release. Mortalities were investigated using DNA identification and field necropsies. Key results In total, 16 of the 25 collared wallabies died within 11–319 days of release. Ten of the sixteen deaths were from predation. Home-range areas were larger than those reported elsewhere. Wallabies utilised long-undisturbed vegetation with a dense canopy cover during crepuscular periods. These areas were likely sought as refuge from predation and thermal extremes. During the main feeding period, a mosaic of recently burnt (i.e. ~1 year) and >10 years since last disturbance was important. Conclusions The reintroduction was not considered successful because two-thirds of the collared wallabies died within 1 year of release and, therefore, the success criteria were not met. Implications Despite long-term fox control in KNP, the majority of collared wallaby deaths were a result of fox predation. This highlights the inherent difficulty of establishing populations of some species in the presence of introduced predators. Additional research could assist in determining appropriate control levels for introduced predators, to help ensure the success of future translocations of this species. Consideration should be given to the prey naivety of source animals, prey-switching by introduced predators, and short-term supplementary feeding to assist population establishment.
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27
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Groenewegen R, Harley D, Hill R, Coulson G. Assisted colonisation trial of the eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) to a fox-free island. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/wr16198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context Assisted colonisation has the potential to protect species from intractable threats within their historical ranges. The Australian mainland subspecies of the eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) is extinct in the wild, with surviving populations restricted to small sites protected by predator–barrier fences. PVA modelling shows that a self-sustaining bandicoot population would require an area free of the introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes) of at least 2500ha. French Island is outside the historic range of the species, but is fox-free and contains around 9000ha of potentially suitable habitat. Aims This study will assess the suitability of French Island as a potential site for a self-sustaining eastern barred bandicoot population by conducting a 1-year assisted colonisation trial to assess habitat use, body condition and survival. Methods Between July and September 2012, 18 adult bandicoots were released. We radio-tracked bandicoots using intraperitoneal radio-transmitters for up to 122 days and trapped fortnightly. Key results The release group met the three measures of success: (1) appropriate habitat use; (2) recovery of post-release bodyweight; and (3) founder survival exceeding 100 days. Habitat use and body condition throughout the trial reflected that of mainland populations, and seven bandicoots survived longer than 100 days. Mortality was greatest in the first month, with veterinary investigations confirming two deaths due to cat predation, two deaths from toxoplasmosis and one unknown cause of death. Bandicoots that survived longer than 100 days occupied higher, drier ground than those that did not. Toxoplasmosis cases were associated with lower topographic position on the site. Conclusions Our results suggest that French Island provides suitable habitat for the establishment of a population of eastern barred bandicoots. On French Island, toxoplasmosis was identified as an important source of mortality in addition to cat predation, and warrants further investigation. Implications Given the costs and challenges of predator control and the maintenance of predator exclusion fences, assisted colonisation to one or more fox-free islands remains the most viable option to establish self-sustaining bandicoot populations. Our results highlight the value in conducting trial releases ahead of major translocations.
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28
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Davies HF, McCarthy MA, Firth RSC, Woinarski JCZ, Gillespie GR, Andersen AN, Geyle HM, Nicholson E, Murphy BP. Top‐down control of species distributions: feral cats driving the regional extinction of a threatened rodent in northern Australia. DIVERS DISTRIB 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hugh F. Davies
- Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group The University of Melbourne Parkville Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
| | - Michael A. McCarthy
- Quantitative and Applied Ecology Group The University of Melbourne Parkville Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
| | - Ronald S. C. Firth
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Darwin NT 0909 Australia
- 360 Environmental West Leederville Perth WA 6007 Australia
| | - John C. Z. Woinarski
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub National Environmental Science Programme Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Darwin NT 0810 Australia
| | - Graeme R. Gillespie
- Flora and Fauna Division Department of Land Resource Management Berrimah NT 0820 Australia
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Melbourne Vic. 3010 Australia
| | - Alan N. Andersen
- CSIRO Land & Water Flagship Tropical Ecosystems Research Centre Winnellie NT 0822 Australia
| | - Hayley M. Geyle
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub National Environmental Science Programme Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Darwin NT 0810 Australia
- Deakin University Burwood Melbourne Vic. 3125 Australia
| | | | - Brett P. Murphy
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub National Environmental Science Programme Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Darwin NT 0810 Australia
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29
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Doherty TS, Dickman CR, Johnson CN, Legge SM, Ritchie EG, Woinarski JCZ. Impacts and management of feral catsFelis catusin Australia. Mamm Rev 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tim S. Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood campus); Deakin University; Geelong Vic. Australia
| | - Chris R. Dickman
- Desert Ecology Research Group; School of Life and Environmental Sciences; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Chris N. Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Tasmania; Hobart Tas. Australia
| | - Sarah M. Legge
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub; National Environmental Science Program; Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science; University of Queensland; St Lucia Qld Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood campus); Deakin University; Geelong Vic. Australia
| | - John C. Z. Woinarski
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub; National Environmental Science Programme; Charles Darwin University; Casuarina NT Australia
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