1
|
Donfrancesco V, Allen BL, Appleby R, Behrendorff L, Conroy G, Crowther MS, Dickman CR, Doherty T, Fancourt BA, Gordon CE, Jackson SM, Johnson CN, Kennedy MS, Koungoulos L, Letnic M, Leung LK, Mitchell KJ, Nesbitt B, Newsome T, Pacioni C, Phillip J, Purcell BV, Ritchie EG, Smith BP, Stephens D, Tatler J, van Eeden LM, Cairns KM. Understanding conflict among experts working on controversial species: A case study on the Australian dingo. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin L. Allen
- University of Southern Queensland Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment Toowoomba Queensland Australia
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology Nelson Mandela University Port Elizabeth South Africa
| | - Rob Appleby
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security Griffith University Nathan Queensland Australia
| | - Linda Behrendorff
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences University of Queensland Gatton Queensland Australia
| | - Gabriel Conroy
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Science, Technology and Engineering University of the Sunshine Coast Maroochydore DC Queensland Australia
| | - Mathew S. Crowther
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Christopher R. Dickman
- Desert Ecology Research Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Tim Doherty
- Desert Ecology Research Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Bronwyn A. Fancourt
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science University of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
| | - Christopher E. Gordon
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World Aarhus University Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Stephen M. Jackson
- Collection Care and Conservation Australian Museum Research Institute Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Chris N. Johnson
- School of Natural Sciences and Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Malcolm S. Kennedy
- Threatened Species Operations Department of Environment and Science Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Loukas Koungoulos
- Department of Archaeology, School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Mike Letnic
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Luke K.‐P. Leung
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences University of Queensland Gatton Queensland Australia
| | - Kieren J. Mitchell
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, School of Biological Sciences University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Bradley Nesbitt
- School of Environmental and Rural Science University of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
| | - Thomas Newsome
- Global Ecology Lab, School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Carlo Pacioni
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Arthur Rylah Institute Heidelberg Victoria Australia
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia Australia
| | | | - Brad V. Purcell
- Kangaroo Management Program Office of Environment and Heritage Dubbo New South Wales Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Centre for Integrative Ecology Deakin University Burwood Victoria Australia
| | - Bradley P. Smith
- College of Psychology, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences CQUniversity Australia Wayville South Australia Australia
| | | | - Jack Tatler
- Narla Environmental Pty Ltd Warriewood New South Wales Australia
| | - Lily M. van Eeden
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Arthur Rylah Institute Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Kylie M. Cairns
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gorta SBZ, Callaghan CT, Pedler RD, Read JL, West RS, Kingsford RT. Habitat associations of dryland avian communities during an extended dry period. AUSTRAL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon B. Z. Gorta
- Centre for Ecosystem Science School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Corey T. Callaghan
- Centre for Ecosystem Science School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Reece D. Pedler
- Centre for Ecosystem Science School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - John L. Read
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Adelaide Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Rebecca S. West
- Centre for Ecosystem Science School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Richard T. Kingsford
- Centre for Ecosystem Science School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fleming PA, Stobo-Wilson AM, Crawford HM, Dawson SJ, Dickman CR, Doherty TS, Fleming PJS, Newsome TM, Palmer R, Thompson JA, Woinarski JCZ. Distinctive diets of eutherian predators in Australia. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220792. [PMID: 36312571 PMCID: PMC9554524 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction of the domestic cat and red fox has devastated Australian native fauna. We synthesized Australian diet analyses to identify traits of prey species in cat, fox and dingo diets, which prey were more frequent or distinctive to the diet of each predator, and quantified dietary overlap. Nearly half (45%) of all Australian terrestrial mammal, bird and reptile species occurred in the diets of one or more predators. Cat and dingo diets overlapped least (0.64 ± 0.27, n = 24 location/time points) and cat diet changed little over 55 years of study. Cats were more likely to have eaten birds, reptiles and small mammals than foxes or dingoes. Dingo diet remained constant over 53 years and constituted the largest mammal, bird and reptile prey species, including more macropods/potoroids, wombats, monotremes and bandicoots/bilbies than cats or foxes. Fox diet had greater overlap with both cats (0.79 ± 0.20, n = 37) and dingoes (0.73 ± 0.21, n = 42), fewer distinctive items (plant material, possums/gliders) and significant spatial and temporal heterogeneity over 69 years, suggesting the opportunity for prey switching (especially of mammal prey) to mitigate competition. Our study reinforced concerns about mesopredator impacts upon scarce/threatened species and the need to control foxes and cats for fauna conservation. However, extensive dietary overlap and opportunism, as well as low incidence of mesopredators in dingo diets, precluded resolution of the debate about possible dingo suppression of foxes and cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A. Fleming
- Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Alyson M. Stobo-Wilson
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory 0909, Australia
- CSIRO Land and Water, PMB 44, Winnellie, Northern Territory 0822, Australia
| | - Heather M. Crawford
- Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Stuart J. Dawson
- Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, Western Australia 6151, Australia
| | - Chris R. Dickman
- Desert Ecology Research Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Tim S. Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Peter J. S. Fleming
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange Agricultural Institute, 1447 Forest Road, Orange, New South Wales 2800, Australia
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia
- Institute for Agriculture and the Environment, Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia.
| | - Thomas M. Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Russell Palmer
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, Western Australia 6983, Australia
| | - Jim A. Thompson
- Queensland Museum Network, PO Box 3300, South Brisbane BC, Queensland 4101, Australia
| | - John C. Z. Woinarski
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory 0909, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Harriott L, Amos M, Brennan M, Elsworth P, Gentle M, Kennedy M, Pople T, Scanlan J, Speed J, Osunkoya OO. State‐wide prioritisation of vertebrate pest animals in Queensland, Australia. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
|
5
|
|
6
|
Thompson ER, Driscoll DA, Venn SE, Geary WL, Ritchie EG. Interspecific variation in the diet of a native apex predator and invasive mesopredator in an alpine ecosystem. AUSTRAL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eilysh R. Thompson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology Deakin University Burwood Victoria 3125 Australia
| | - Don A. Driscoll
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology Deakin University Burwood Victoria 3125 Australia
| | - Susanna E. Venn
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology Deakin University Burwood Victoria 3125 Australia
| | - William L. Geary
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology Deakin University Burwood Victoria 3125 Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology Deakin University Burwood Victoria 3125 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jain S, Roy P. Untangling the role of tri-trophic food chain model in sustaining quokka population. INT J BIOMATH 2022. [DOI: 10.1142/s1793524521500534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of predators like red fox and dingoes in the 1930s took a big toll on the quokka population. This paper is mainly concerned with designing conservation policies for quokka population (an endangered species). For this purpose, we designed a reaction–diffusion tri-tropic food chain model consisting quokka and its two predators, red fox and dingoes. We have shown the global existence, non-negativity and uniform boundedness for the designed spatiotemporal model. Existence and stability analysis of the equilibrium points for the model is done. We applied the prevalent idea of basic reproduction number with its origin from epidemiology to the food chain model, to deduce a condition for extinction and persistence of predator population. Natural systems exhibit an amazing diversity of structures in both living and non-living systems. We found that in the presence of diffusion, the model has the potential of exhibiting Turing instability generating beautiful patterns. Numerical results reveal that quokka tends to avoid places resided by dingoes. Our research aims at finding a solution for the current quokka extinction problem by showing the effect of presence of alternative food for dingoes and prohibiting the external factor causing death of quokka population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjoli Jain
- School of Mathematics, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab
| | - Parimita Roy
- School of Mathematics, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hunter DO, Letnic M. Dingoes have greater suppressive effect on fox populations than poisoning campaigns. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/am21036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
9
|
McGregor H, Moseby K, Johnson CN, Legge S. Effectiveness of thermal cameras compared to spotlights for counts of arid zone mammals across a range of ambient temperatures. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/am20040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Effective monitoring of mammal species is critical to their management. Thermal cameras may enable more accurate detection of nocturnal mammals than visual observation with the aid of spotlights. We aimed to measure improvements in detection provided by thermal cameras, and to determine how these improvements depended on ambient temperatures and mammal species. We monitored small to medium sized mammals in central Australia, including small rodents, bettongs, bilbies, European rabbits, and feral cats. We conducted 20 vehicle-based camera transects using both a spotlight and thermal camera under ambient temperatures ranging from 10°C to 35°C. Thermal cameras resulted in more detections of small rodents and medium sized mammals. There was no increased benefit for feral cats, likely due to their prominent eyeshine. We found a strong relationship between increased detections using thermal cameras and environmental temperature: thermal cameras detected 30% more animals than conventional spotlighting at approximately 15°C, but produced few additional detections above 30°C. Spotlighting may be more versatile as it can be used in a greater range of ambient temperatures, but thermal cameras are more accurate than visual surveys at low temperatures, and can be used to benchmark spotlight surveys.
Collapse
|
10
|
Tracking Devices for Pets: Health Risk Assessment for Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092721. [PMID: 34573686 PMCID: PMC8465301 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092721] [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: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary To increase the probability of reunions occurring between owners and lost pets, tracking devices are applied to pets. The pet’s position is determined by satellites (e.g., GPS) and transmitted by radio frequencies (RFs) to a mobile phone. In this study, the health risks from exposure to radio frequencies emitted by radios, TVs, mobile networks, indoor devices (e.g., WLAN, Bluetooth), mobile phones, and in the use of such tracking devices were investigated. The radiation exposure was found to be well below international limit values, which means that adverse health effects are unlikely to occur. The risk of high exposure of pets is mainly caused by indoor RF-emitting devices, such as WLAN devices. This exposure can be limited through a reduction in the exposure time and an increase in the distance between the animal and the RF-emitting device. Even though the exposure of pets to total radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) levels was found to be below the limit values—and, therefore, not a health risk—recommendations are given for the use of tracking devices and to limit the exposure to indoor devices. Abstract Every year, approximately 3% of cats and dogs are lost. In addition to passive methods for identifying pets, radiofrequency tracking devices (TDs) are available. These TDs can track a pet’s geographic position, which is transmitted by radio frequencies. The health risk to the animals from continuous exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) was reviewed. Fourteen out of twenty-one commercially available TDs use 2G, 3G, or 4G mobile networks, and the others work with public frequencies, WLAN, Bluetooth, etc. The exposure of pets to RF-EMFs was assessed, including ambient exposure (radios, TVs, and base stations of mobile networks), exposure from indoor devices (DECT, WLAN, Bluetooth, etc.), and the exposure from TDs. The exposure levels of the three areas were found to be distinctly below the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) reference levels, which assure far-reaching protection from adverse health effects. The highest uncertainty regarding the exposure of pets was related to that caused by indoor RF-emitting devices using WLAN and DECT. This exposure can be limited considerably through a reduction in the exposure time and an increase in the distance between the animal and the RF-emitting device. Even though the total RF-EMF exposure level experienced by pets was found to be below the reference limits, recommendations were derived to reduce potential risks from exposure to TDs and indoor devices.
Collapse
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kreplins T, Kennedy M, O'Leary R, Adams P, Dundas S, Fleming P. Fighting like cats and dogs? Dingoes do not constrain spatial and temporal movements of feral cats. FOOD WEBS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2020.e00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
14
|
Hacker RB, McDonald SE. Prospects for sustainable use of the pastoral areas of Australia’s southern rangelands: a synthesis. RANGELAND JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/rj21036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There is growing recognition of the need to achieve land use across the southern Australian rangelands that accommodates changing societal preferences and ensures the capacity of future generations to satisfy their own preferences. This paper considers the prospects for sustainable use of the pastoral lands based either on continued grazing or emerging, alternative land uses. After an overview of the southern rangelands environment, the status of the pastoral industry, its environmental impacts, and key issues for pastoral management, we propose four principles and 19 associated guidelines for sustainable pastoralism. Although some continued withdrawal of land from pastoralism is anticipated, we expect that pastoralism will continue throughout much of the region currently grazed, particularly in the higher rainfall environments in the east. Within these areas, sustainable pastoral land use should be achievable by the application of four broad management principles, as follows: (1) manage grazing within a risk management framework based on the concept of tactical grazing, (2) develop infrastructure to allow best management of both domestic and non-domestic grazing pressure, (3) incorporate management of invasive native scrub, where required, into overall, ongoing property management and (4) manage grazing to enhance biodiversity conservation at landscape scale. Application of these principles and guidelines will require the development of appropriate policy settings, particularly in relation to kangaroo management, climate change, and natural resource governance, together with innovative approaches to research, development and extension. Policy development will also be required if the new industry of carbon sequestration is to deliver socio-ecological benefits without perverse outcomes. Other emerging industries based on renewable energy or ecosystem services appear to have considerable potential, with little risk of adverse ecological consequences.
Collapse
|
15
|
Smith D, Waddell K, Allen BL. Expansion of Vertebrate Pest Exclusion Fencing and Its Potential Benefits for Threatened Fauna Recovery in Australia. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091550. [PMID: 32883031 PMCID: PMC7552171 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The global effort to conserve threatened species relies heavily on our ability to separate these species from the processes that threaten them, and a common tool used for this purpose is exclusion fencing. In Australia, pest animal exclusion fencing has been repeatedly used on conservation land on a small scale to successfully exclude introduced predators and competitors from threatened native fauna populations. However, in recent years, "cluster fencing" on agricultural land has re-emerged on a large scale and is used by livestock producers seeking to reduce predation losses by dingoes (Canis familiaris) and manage total grazing pressure from native and introduced herbivores, including red kangaroos (Osphranter rufus). Given that the primary threats to at-risk native fauna are also predation and overgrazing, there may be potential for cluster fencing on livestock land to achieve additional fauna conservation benefits. Understanding the amount, location and potential conservation value of cluster fenced livestock land is critical for determining how these areas might contribute to broader threatened fauna recovery goals. Drawing from publicly available databases maintained by the Australian Government, we assessed the spatial overlap of threatened species' distributions with 105 cluster fences erected in Queensland since 2013, which cover 65,901 km2 of land. These cluster fenced areas represent 18 biogeographic subregions and may contain 28 extant threatened mammals, birds and reptiles including 18 vulnerable species, 7 endangered species and 3 critically endangered species. An average of nine threatened species or their habitats were identified per cluster, and over three quarters (78.6%) of these species face at least one threat that is being mitigated within clusters. The true status of threatened and pest species within clusters is largely unknown or unrecorded in most cases, but some examples of pest eradication and threatened species recovery are already emerging. Given the vast size of the cluster fenced estate, the many different biomes and species that it represents and the nature of the threats being removed within these fenced areas, we contend that agricultural cluster fencing may offer an unprecedented opportunity to advance threatened fauna conservation goals for some species at scales previously thought impossible and should be a research priority for threatened species managers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deane Smith
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +614-1915-8064
| | - Kristy Waddell
- School of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, 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
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
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
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Heiniger J, Davies HF, Gillespie GR. Status of mammals on Groote Eylandt: Safe haven or slow burn? AUSTRAL ECOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Heiniger
- Flora and Fauna Division; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Northern Territory Government; Berrimah Northern Territory 0828 Australia
| | - Hugh F Davies
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub; Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods; Charles Darwin University; Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
| | - Graeme R. Gillespie
- Flora and Fauna Division; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Northern Territory Government; Berrimah Northern Territory 0828 Australia
- School of Biosciences; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Roy P, Jain S, Maama M. Assessing the viability of tri-trophic food chain model in designing a conservation plan: The case of dwindling Quokka population. ECOLOGICAL COMPLEXITY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecocom.2020.100811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
19
|
McGregor H, Read J, Johnson CN, Legge S, Hill B, Moseby K. Edge effects created by fenced conservation reserves benefit an invasive mesopredator. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/wr19181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextFenced reserves from which invasive predators are removed are increasingly used as a conservation management tool, because they provide safe havens for susceptible threatened species, and create dense populations of native wildlife that could act as a source population for recolonising the surrounding landscape. However, the latter effect might also act as a food source, and promote high densities of invasive predators on the edges of such reserves.
AimsOur study aimed to determine whether activity of the feral cat is greater around the edges of a fenced conservation reserve, Arid Recovery, in northern South Australia. This reserve has abundant native rodents that move through the fence into the surrounding landscape.
MethodsWe investigated (1) whether feral cats were increasingly likely to be detected on track transects closer to the fence over time as populations of native rodents increased inside the reserve, (2) whether native rodents were more likely to be found in the stomachs of cats caught close to the reserve edge, and (3) whether individual cats selectively hunted on the reserve fence compared with two other similar fences, on the basis of GPS movement data.
Key resultsWe found that (1) detection rates of feral cats on the edges of a fenced reserve increased through time as populations of native rodents increased inside the reserve, (2) native rodents were far more likely to be found in the stomach of cats collected at the reserve edge than in the stomachs of cats far from the reserve edge, and (3) GPS tracking of cat movements showed a selection for the reserve fence edge, but not for similar fences away from the reserve.
ConclusionsInvasive predators such as feral cats are able to focus their movements and activity to where prey availability is greatest, including the edges of fenced conservation reserves. This limits the capacity of reserves to function as source areas from which animals can recolonise the surrounding landscape, and increases predation pressure on populations of other species living on the reserve edge.
ImplicationsManagers of fenced conservation reserves should be aware that increased predator control may be critical for offsetting the elevated impacts of feral cats attracted to the reserve fence.
Collapse
|
20
|
Stobo-Wilson AM, Brandle R, Johnson CN, Jones ME. Management of invasive mesopredators in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia: effectiveness and implications. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/wr19237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextSignificant resources have been devoted to the control of introduced mesopredators in Australia. However, the control or removal of one pest species, such as, for example, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), may inadvertently benefit other invasive species, namely feral cats (Felis catus) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), potentially jeopardising native-species recovery.
AimsTo (1) investigate the impact of a large-scale, long-term fox-baiting program on the abundance of foxes, feral cats and introduced and native prey species in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia, and (2) determine the effectiveness of a short time period of cat removal in immediately reducing feral cat abundance where foxes are absent.
MethodsWe conducted an initial camera-trap survey in fox-baited and unbaited sites in the Flinders Ranges, to quantify the impact of fox baiting on the relative abundance of foxes, feral cats and their prey. We then conducted a secondary survey in sites where foxes were absent, following an intensive, but short, time period of cat removal, in which 40 cats were shot and killed.
Key resultsNo foxes were detected within baited sites, but were frequently detected in unbaited sites. We found a corresponding and significant increase in several native prey species in fox-baited sites where foxes were absent. Feral cats and rabbits were also more frequently detected within baited sites, but fox baiting did not singularly predict the abundance of either species. Rather, feral cats were less abundant in open habitat where foxes were present (unbaited), and rabbits were more abundant within one predominantly open-habitat site, where foxes were absent (fox-baited). We found no effect of short-term cat removal in reducing the local abundance of feral cats. In both camera-trap surveys, feral cat detections were positively associated with rabbits.
ConclusionsLong-term fox baiting was effective in fox removal and was associated with a greater abundance of native and introduced prey species in the Flinders Ranges. To continue to recover and conserve regional biodiversity, effective cat control is required.
ImplicationsOur study showed fox removal has likely resulted in the local release of rabbits and an associated increase in cats. Because feral cat abundance seemingly fluctuated with rabbits, we suggest rabbit control may provide an alternative and more effective means to reduce local feral cat populations than short-term removal programs.
Collapse
|
21
|
The short-term response of feral cats to rabbit population decline: Are alternative native prey more at risk? Biol Invasions 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-019-02131-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
22
|
Fancourt BA, Cremasco P, Wilson C, Gentle MN. Do introduced apex predators suppress introduced mesopredators? A multiscale spatiotemporal study of dingoes and feral cats in Australia suggests not. J Appl Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn A. Fancourt
- Pest Animal Research Centre Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Biosecurity Queensland Toowoomba Qld Australia
- School of Environmental and Rural Science University of New England Armidale NSW Australia
| | - Peter Cremasco
- Pest Animal Research Centre Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Biosecurity Queensland Toowoomba Qld Australia
| | - Cameron Wilson
- Pest Animal Research Centre Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Biosecurity Queensland Toowoomba Qld Australia
| | - Matthew N. Gentle
- Pest Animal Research Centre Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Biosecurity Queensland Toowoomba Qld Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Forsyth DM, Ramsey DSL, Woodford LP. Estimating abundances, densities, and interspecific associations in a carnivore community. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David M. Forsyth
- Vertebrate Pest Research UnitNSW Department of Primary Industries1447 Forest Road Orange New South Wales 2800 Australia
| | - David S. L. Ramsey
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental ResearchDepartment of Environment, Land, Water and Planning123 Brown Street Heidelberg Victoria 3084 Australia
| | - Luke P. Woodford
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental ResearchDepartment of Environment, Land, Water and Planning123 Brown Street Heidelberg Victoria 3084 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
McHugh D, Goldingay RL, Link J, Letnic M. Habitat and introduced predators influence the occupancy of small threatened macropods in subtropical Australia. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:6300-6317. [PMID: 31236222 PMCID: PMC6580277 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Australia has had the highest rate of mammal extinctions in the past two centuries when compared to other continents. Frequently cited threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, changed fire regimes and the impact of introduced predators, namely the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the feral cat (Felis catus). Recent studies suggest that Australia's top predator, the dingo (Canis dingo), may have a suppressive effect on fox populations but not on cat populations. The landscape of fear hypothesis proposes that habitat used by prey species comprises high to low risk patches for foraging as determined by the presence and ubiquity of predators within the ecosystem. This results in a landscape of risky versus safe areas for prey species. We investigated the influence of habitat and its interaction with predatory mammals on the occupancy of medium-sized mammals with a focus on threatened macropodid marsupials (the long-nosed potoroo [Potorous tridactylous] and red-legged pademelon [Thylogale stigmatica]). We assumed that differential use of habitats would reflect trade-offs between food and safety. We predicted that medium-sized mammals would prefer habitats for foraging that reduce the risk of predation but that predators would have a positive relationship with medium-sized mammals. We variously used data from 298 camera trap sites across nine conservation reserves in subtropical Australia. Both dingoes and feral cats were broadly distributed, whilst the red fox was rare. Long-nosed potoroos had a strong positive association with dense ground cover, consistent with using habitat complexity to escape predation. Red-legged pademelons showed a preference for open ground cover, consistent with a reliance on rapid bounding to escape predation. Dingoes preferred areas of open ground cover whereas feral cats showed no specific habitat preference. Dingoes were positively associated with long-nosed potoroos whilst feral cats were positively associated with red-legged pademelons. Our study highlights the importance of habitat structure to these threatened mammals and also the need for more detailed study of their interactions with their predators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darren McHugh
- School of Environment, Science and EngineeringSouthern Cross UniversityLismoreNew South WalesAustralia
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife ServiceIlukaNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ross L. Goldingay
- School of Environment, Science and EngineeringSouthern Cross UniversityLismoreNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jeremy Link
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife ServiceIlukaNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Mike Letnic
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Nano CEM, Randall DJ, Stewart AJ, Pavey CR, McDonald PJ. Spatio-temporal gradients in food supply help explain the short-term colonisation dynamics of the critically endangered central rock-rat ( Zyzomys pedunculatus
). AUSTRAL ECOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E. M. Nano
- Flora and Fauna Division; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Northern Territory Government; Alice Springs Northern Territory 0870 Australia
| | - Debbie J. Randall
- Flora and Fauna Division; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Northern Territory Government; Alice Springs Northern Territory 0870 Australia
| | - Alistair J. Stewart
- Flora and Fauna Division; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Northern Territory Government; Alice Springs Northern Territory 0870 Australia
| | - Chris R. Pavey
- Land & Water; CSIRO; Winnellie Northern Territory Australia
| | - Peter J. McDonald
- Flora and Fauna Division; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Northern Territory Government; Alice Springs Northern Territory 0870 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
|
27
|
Wysong ML, Tulloch AIT, Valentine LE, Hobbs RJ, Morris K, Ritchie EG. The truth about cats and dogs: assessment of apex- and mesopredator diets improves with reduced observer uncertainty. J Mammal 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Wysong
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ayesha I T Tulloch
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions, Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Leonie E Valentine
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Richard J Hobbs
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Keith Morris
- Science and Conservation Division, Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Woodvale, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Euan G Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
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.
Collapse
|
29
|
Waters CM, McDonald SE, Reseigh J, Grant R, Burnside DG. Insights on the relationship between total grazing pressure management and sustainable land management: key indicators to verify impacts. RANGELAND JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/rj19078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Demonstrating sustainable land management (SLM) requires an understanding of the linkages between grazing management and environmental stewardship. Grazing management practices that incorporate strategic periods of rest are promoted internationally as best practice. However, spatial and temporal trends in unmanaged feral (goat) and native (kangaroo) populations in the southern Australian rangelands can result land managers having, at times, control over less than half the grazing pressure, precluding the ability to rest pastures. Few empirical studies have examined the impacts of total grazing pressure (TGP) on biodiversity and resource condition, while the inability to manage grazing intensity at critical times may result in negative impacts on ground cover, changes in pasture species composition, increased rates of soil loss and reduce the ability for soils to store carbon. The widespread adoption of TGP control through exclusion fencing in the southern Australian rangelands has created unprecedented opportunities to manage total grazing pressure, although there is little direct evidence that this infrastructure leads to more sustainable land management. Here we identify several key indicators that are either outcome- or activity-based that could serve as a basis for verification of the impacts of TGP management. Since TGP is the basic determinant of the impact of herbivory on vegetation it follows that the ability for rangeland pastoral management to demonstrate SLM and environmental stewardship will rely on using evidence-based indicators to support environmental social licence to operate.
Collapse
|
30
|
Leo V, Reading RP, Gordon C, Letnic M. Apex predator suppression is linked to restructuring of ecosystems via multiple ecological pathways. OIKOS 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.05546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Viyanna Leo
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of New South Wales Sydney 2052 NSW Australiaq
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy, North Head Manly 2095 Australia
| | - Richard P. Reading
- Dept of Biological Sciences and Graduate School of Social Work, Univ. of Denver Denver CO USA
| | - Christopher Gordon
- Centre for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires, Univ. of Wollongong Australia
| | - Mike Letnic
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of New South Wales Sydney 2052 NSW Australiaq
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Doherty TS, Davis NE, Dickman CR, Forsyth DM, Letnic M, Nimmo DG, Palmer R, Ritchie EG, Benshemesh J, Edwards G, Lawrence J, Lumsden L, Pascoe C, Sharp A, Stokeld D, Myers C, Story G, Story P, Triggs B, Venosta M, Wysong M, Newsome TM. Continental patterns in the diet of a top predator: Australia's dingo. Mamm Rev 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tim S. Doherty
- Deakin University; Geelong; Australia and School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; 221 Burwood Highway Burwood VIC 3125 Australia
| | - Naomi E. Davis
- School of BioSciences; The University of Melbourne; Victoria Australia
| | - Chris R. Dickman
- Desert Ecology Research Group; School of Life and Environmental Sciences; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - David M. Forsyth
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research; Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning; Heidelberg VIC Australia
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit; New South Wales Department of Primary Industries; Orange NSW Australia
| | - Mike Letnic
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences; University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Environmental Science; Institute for Land, Water and Society; Charles Sturt University; Albury NSW Australia
| | - Russell Palmer
- Science and Conservation Division; Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; Bentley WA Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- Deakin University; Geelong; Australia and School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; 221 Burwood Highway Burwood VIC 3125 Australia
| | - Joe Benshemesh
- Department of Ecology; Environment and Evolution; La Trobe University; Bundoora VIC Australia
| | - Glenn Edwards
- Flora and Fauna Division; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Alice Springs NT Australia
| | | | - Lindy Lumsden
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research; Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning; Heidelberg VIC Australia
| | | | - Andy Sharp
- Natural Resources Northern and Yorke; Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources; Clare SA Australia
| | - Danielle Stokeld
- Northern Territory Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Palmerston NT Australia
| | - Cecilia Myers
- Dunkeld Pastoral Company Pty Ltd; Dunkeld VIC Australia
| | | | - Paul Story
- Australian Plague Locust Commission; Canberra ACT Australia
| | | | | | - Mike Wysong
- School of Plant Biology; University of Western Australia; Crawley WA Australia
| | - Thomas M. Newsome
- Deakin University; Geelong; Australia and School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Centre for Integrative Ecology; 221 Burwood Highway Burwood VIC 3125 Australia
- Desert Ecology Research Group; School of Life and Environmental Sciences; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society; Oregon State University; Corvallis Oregon USA
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences; University of Washington; Seattle Washington USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
McDonald PJ, Brim-Box J, Nano CEM, Macdonald DW, Dickman CR. Diet of dingoes and cats in central Australia: does trophic competition underpin a rare mammal refuge? J Mammal 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyy083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J McDonald
- Flora and Fauna Division, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Jayne Brim-Box
- Flora and Fauna Division, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Catherine E M Nano
- Flora and Fauna Division, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - David W Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Chris R Dickman
- Desert Ecology Research Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Cairns KM, Shannon LM, Koler-Matznick J, Ballard JWO, Boyko AR. Elucidating biogeographical patterns in Australian native canids using genome wide SNPs. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198754. [PMID: 29889854 PMCID: PMC5995383 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dingoes play a strong role in Australia's ecological framework as the apex predator but are under threat from hybridization and agricultural control programs. Government legislation lists the conservation of the dingo as an important aim, yet little is known about the biogeography of this enigmatic canine, making conservation difficult. Mitochondrial and Y chromosome DNA studies show evidence of population structure within the dingo. Here, we present the data from Illumina HD canine chip genotyping for 23 dingoes from five regional populations, and five New Guinea Singing Dogs to further explore patterns of biogeography using genome-wide data. Whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data supported the presence of three distinct dingo populations (or ESUs) subject to geographical subdivision: southeastern (SE), Fraser Island (FI) and northwestern (NW). These ESUs should be managed discretely. The FI dingoes are a known reservoir of pure, genetically distinct dingoes. Elevated inbreeding coefficients identified here suggest this population may be genetically compromised and in need of rescue; current lethal management strategies that do not consider genetic information should be suspended until further data can be gathered. D statistics identify evidence of historical admixture or ancestry sharing between southeastern dingoes and South East Asian village dogs. Conservation efforts on mainland Australia should focus on the SE dingo population that is under pressure from domestic dog hybridization and high levels of lethal control. Further data concerning the genetic health, demographics and prevalence of hybridization in the SE and FI dingo populations is urgently needed to develop evidence based conservation and management strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kylie M. Cairns
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Laura M. Shannon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Janice Koler-Matznick
- The New Guinea Singing Dog Conservation Society, Central Point, Oregon, United States of America
| | - J. William O. Ballard
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam R. Boyko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Carthey AJR, Banks PB. Naïve, bold, or just hungry? An invasive exotic prey species recognises but does not respond to its predators. Biol Invasions 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-018-1782-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
|
35
|
Ecological Role of an Apex Predator Revealed by a Reintroduction Experiment and Bayesian Statistics. Ecosystems 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-018-0269-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
|
36
|
Forsyth DM, Caley P, Davis NE, Latham ADM, Woolnough AP, Woodford LP, Stamation KA, Moloney PD, Pascoe C. Functional responses of an apex predator and a mesopredator to an invading ungulate: Dingoes, red foxes and sambar deer in south-east Australia. AUSTRAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David M. Forsyth
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit; NSW Department of Primary Industries; 1447 Forest Road Orange New South Wales 2800 Australia
- School of BioSciences; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Peter Caley
- CSIRO; Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Naomi E. Davis
- School of BioSciences; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | | | - Andrew P. Woolnough
- Biosecurity Branch, Department of Economic Development; Jobs,Transport and Resources; Attwood Victoria Australia
| | - Luke P. Woodford
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning; Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research; Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Kasey A. Stamation
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning; Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research; Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Paul D. Moloney
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning; Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research; Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Banks PB, Daly A, Bytheway JP. Predator odours attract other predators, creating an olfactory web of information. Biol Lett 2017; 12:rsbl.2015.1053. [PMID: 27194283 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2015.1053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have reported the aversive reactions of prey towards a predator's odour signals (e.g. urine marks), a behaviour widely thought to reduce the risk of predation by the predator. However, because odour signals persist in the environment, they are vulnerable to exploitation and eavesdropping by predators, prey and conspecifics. As such, scent patches created by one species might attract other species interested in information about their enemies. We studied this phenomenon by examining red fox investigation of odours from conspecifics and competing species in order to understand what prey are responding to when avoiding the odours of a predator. Surprisingly, foxes showed limited interest in conspecific odours but were highly interested in the odours of their competitors (wild dogs and feral cats), suggesting that odours are likely to play an important role in mediating competitive interactions. Importantly, our results identify that simple, dyadic interpretations of prey responses to a predator odour (i.e. cat odour = risk of cat encounter = fear of cats) can no longer be assumed in ecological or psychology research. Instead, interactions mediated by olfactory cues are more complex than previously thought and are likely to form a complicated olfactory web of interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter B Banks
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Andrew Daly
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jenna P Bytheway
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Cooke BD, Soriguer RC. Do dingoes protect Australia's small mammal fauna from introduced mesopredators? Time to consider history and recent events. FOOD WEBS 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
39
|
Meadows AJ, Crowder DW, Snyder WE. Are wolves just wasps with teeth? What invertebrates can teach us about mammal top predators. FOOD WEBS 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
40
|
|
41
|
Behrendorff L, Belonje G, Allen BL. Intraspecific killing behaviour of canids: how dingoes kill dingoes. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2017.1316522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Behrendorff
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
- Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Fraser Island, Queensland 4581, Australia
| | - Grant Belonje
- Fraser Coast Veterinary Services, Maryborough, Queensland 4650, Australia
| | - Benjamin L. Allen
- Institute for Agriculture and the Environment, The University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Addison J, Pavey CR. Alignment between values of dryland pastoralists and conservation needs for small mammals. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2017; 31:331-342. [PMID: 27507664 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Policies for conservation outside protected areas, such as those designed to address the decline in Australian mammals, will not result in net improvements unless they address barriers to proenvironmental behavior. We used a mixed-methods approach to explore potential value-action gaps (disconnects between values and subsequent action) for small mammal conservation behaviors among pastoralists in dryland Australia. Using semistructured surveys and open-ended interviews (n = 43), we explored values toward small mammals; uptake of a range of current and intended actions that may provide benefit to small mammals; and potential perceived barriers to their uptake. Pastoralists assigned great conservation value to small mammals; over 80% (n = 36) agreed to strongly agreed that small mammals on their property were important. These values did not translate into stated willingness to engage in voluntary cessation of wild-dog control (r2 = 0.187, p = 0.142, n = 43). However, assigning great conservation value to small mammals was strongly related to stated voluntary willingness to engage in the proenvironmental behavior most likely to result in benefits to small mammals: cat and fox control (r2 = 0.558, p = 0.000, n = 43). There was no significant difference between stated voluntarily and incentivized willingness to engage in cat and fox control (p = 0.862, n = 43). The high levels of willingness to engage in voluntary cat and fox control highlight a potential entry point for addressing Australia's mammal declines because the engagement of pastoralists in conservation programs targeting cat and fox control is unlikely to be prevented by attitudinal constraints. Qualitative data suggest there is likely a subpopulation of pastoralists who value small mammals but do not wish to engage in formal conservation programs due to relational barriers with potential implementers. A long-term commitment to engagement with pastoralists by implementers will thus be necessary for conservation success. On-property cat and fox control programs that build and leverage trust, shared goals, collaboration, and shared learning experiences between stakeholders and that explicitly recognize the complexity of small mammal dynamics and the property-level ecological knowledge of pastoralists are more likely to gain traction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane Addison
- CSIRO Land and Water, P.O. Box 2111, Alice Springs, NT, 0870, Australia
| | - Chris R Pavey
- CSIRO Land and Water, P.O. Box 2111, Alice Springs, NT, 0870, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Kinnear JE, Pentland C, Moore N, Krebs CJ. Fox control and 1080 baiting conundrums: time to prepare for a CRISPR solution. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/am16020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
For many years, managing rock-wallaby colonies (Petrogale lateralis lateralis) in the Western Australian Wheatbelt seemed to be a matter of routinely exposing foxes (Vulpes vulpes) to toxic baits (sodium fluoroacetate, 1080®) laid around their rocky outcrops. Recent research has revealed that 1080 baitings are no longer a viable management option. Baiting is flawed over the long term because it does not erase the wallabies’ pervasive fear of being depredated by foxes, which can still make their menacing presence felt before succumbing to poison bait. Accordingly, a ‘landscape of fear’ exists on all rock-wallaby sites, creating a ‘virtual boundary’ beyond which they fear to forage. Severe overgrazing occurs, ultimately causing population crashes, leaving behind devastated outcrops greatly diminished in carrying capacity. The fallout from this scenario produces a management conundrum. Rock-wallaby populations are unstable in the absence of fox control, and conversely, they are also unstable under long-term fox control. Management is now left with few options, and the future of the colonies remains open. Other conundrums involving bait interference and mesopredator release are described. An alternative to 1080 baiting is clearly needed. Recent developments in gene engineering (CRISPR technology) offer a solution in the foreseeable future.
Collapse
|
44
|
Groom RJ, Lannas K, Jackson CR. The impact of lions on the demography and ecology of endangered African wild dogs. Anim Conserv 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. J. Groom
- Department of Zoology; University of Johannesburg; Johannesburg South Africa
- African Wildlife Conservation Fund; Chishakwe Ranch; Savé Valley Conservancy Bikita Zimbabwe
| | - K. Lannas
- African Wildlife Conservation Fund; Chishakwe Ranch; Savé Valley Conservancy Bikita Zimbabwe
| | - C. R. Jackson
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA); Trondheim Norway
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gordon CE, Eldridge DJ, Ripple WJ, Crowther MS, Moore BD, Letnic M. Shrub encroachment is linked to extirpation of an apex predator. J Anim Ecol 2016; 86:147-157. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher E. Gordon
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment Western Sydney University Penrith NSW 2751 Australia
- Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- Centre for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires University of Wollongong Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia
| | - David J. Eldridge
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - William J. Ripple
- Global Trophic Cascades Program Forest Ecosystems and Society Oregon State University Corvallis OR 97331 USA
| | - Mathew S. Crowther
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Ben D. Moore
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment Western Sydney University Penrith NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Mike Letnic
- Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Cairns KM, Wilton AN. New insights on the history of canids in Oceania based on mitochondrial and nuclear data. Genetica 2016; 144:553-565. [PMID: 27640201 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-016-9924-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
How and when dingoes arrived in Oceania poses a fascinating question for scientists with interest in the historical movements of humans and dogs. The dingo holds a unique position as top terrestrial predator of Australia and exists in a wild state. In the first geographical survey of genetic diversity in the dingo using whole mitochondrial genomes, we analysed 16,428 bp in 25 individuals from five separate populations. We also investigated 13 nuclear loci to compare with the mitochondrial population history patterns. Phylogenetic analyses based upon mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA support the hypothesis that there are at least two distinct populations of dingo, one of which occurs in the northwest and the other in the southeast of the continent. Conservative molecular dating based upon mitochondrial DNA suggest that the lineages split approximately 8300 years before present, likely outside Australia but within Oceania. The close relationship between dingoes and New Guinea Singing Dogs suggests that plausibly dingoes spread into Australia via the land bridge between Papua New Guinea and Australia although seafaring introductions cannot be rejected. The geographical distribution of these divergent lineages suggests there were multiple independent dingo immigrations. Importantly, the observation of multiple dingo populations suggests the need for revision of existing conservation and management programs that treat dingoes as a single homogeneous population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kylie M Cairns
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.
| | - Alan N Wilton
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Morrant DS, Johnson CN, Butler JRA, Congdon BC. Biodiversity friend or foe: land use by a top predator, the dingo in contested landscapes of the Australian Wet Tropics. AUSTRAL ECOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Damian S. Morrant
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science (TESS) and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences James Cook University Cairns Queensland 4870 Australia
| | | | - James R. A. Butler
- Adaptive Social and Economic Systems Program CSIRO Land and Water Flagship Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Bradley C. Congdon
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science (TESS) and College of Marine and Environmental Sciences James Cook University Cairns Queensland 4870 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bannister HL, Lynch CE, Moseby KE. Predator swamping and supplementary feeding do not improve reintroduction success for a threatened Australian mammal, Bettongia lesueur. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1071/am15020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Broad-scale Australian mammal declines following European settlement have resulted in many species becoming regionally or globally extinct. Attempts to reintroduce native mammals are often unsuccessful due to a suboptimal number of founders being used, high rates of predation and a lack of knowledge of the reintroduction biology for the species concerned. We trialled predator swamping and supplementary feeding in an attempt to offset predation and improve reintroduction success for the burrowing bettong (Bettongia lesueur) in arid South Australia. We compared population longevity of a large release group (1266 animals) with five releases of smaller groups (~50 animals at each). We compared release sites with (n = 5) and without (n = 1) supplementary food to determine whether site fidelity, body condition and reproduction were affected, and whether these traits aided population establishment. Predator swamping did not facilitate reintroduction success, with no bettongs detected more than 122 days after release. While supplementary food increased site fidelity and persistence at release sites, bettongs failed to establish successfully at any site. Neither predator swamping nor supplementary feeding enhanced reintroduction success at our sites but results suggested that supplementary feeding should be explored as an aid to reintroduction success for Australian mammals.
Collapse
|
49
|
McGregor HW, Legge SM, Jones ME, Johnson CN. GPS collars are more efficient when collecting high-frequency data. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1071/am15034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Selecting an appropriate fix schedule has a pivotal role when using GPS collars. On the basis of deployments of GPS collars on 35 cats, we report on an often overlooked consideration: that GPS units are more efficient collecting data at high frequencies (15 min between fixes in this study) than low frequencies (>2 h between fixes).
Collapse
|
50
|
Interference competition: odours of an apex predator and conspecifics influence resource acquisition by red foxes. Oecologia 2015; 179:1033-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-015-3423-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|