1
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Bilby J, Moseby K. Review of hyperdispersal in wildlife translocations. Conserv Biol 2024; 38:e14083. [PMID: 36919937 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Species translocation is a common tool to reverse biodiversity loss, but it has a high failure rate. One factor that contributes to failure is postrelease hyperdispersal, which we define as the long-distance movement of individuals resulting in their failure to contribute to population establishment. We reviewed reported incidences of hyperdispersal and compared rates of hyperdispersal among taxa, population demographics, release cohorts, and success of mitigation techniques. Of 151 conservation translocations (reinforcements and reintroductions) in which animals were tracked, hyperdispersal was confirmed in 52.1% of programs. The prevalence of hyperdispersal (percentage of studies) was relatively consistent across taxa (42.9-60%), but hyperdispersal rates in birds were likely underestimated because 76.9% of bird translocations showed incidences in which birds could not be located after release, but hyperdispersal was unable to be confirmed. Eutherians exhibited a higher average incidence of hyperdispersal (percentage of hyperdispersing individuals in a cohort) of 20.2% than birds, reptiles, and marsupials (10.4%, 15.7%, and 10.3%, respectively). No significant trends were observed for sex, source population, or translocation type, but there were nonsignificant trends for males to hyperdisperse more than females and for higher incidences of hyperdispersal in reinforcements relative to reintroduction programs. Mitigation techniques included temporary confinement, supplementation of resources, and releasing animals in social groups, but only half of studies examining mitigation techniques found them useful. Hyperdispersal incidence was variable within taxa, and we advise against forming translocations strategies based on results from other species. Hyperdispersal is a significant welfare, economic, and conservation issue in translocations, and we suggest definitions, reporting, and experimental strategies to address it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Bilby
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine Moseby
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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2
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Nistelberger HM, Roycroft E, Macdonald AJ, McArthur S, White LC, Grady PGS, Pierson J, Sims C, Cowen S, Moseby K, Tuft K, Moritz C, Eldridge MDB, Byrne M, Ottewell K. Genetic mixing in conservation translocations increases diversity of a keystone threatened species, Bettongia lesueur. Mol Ecol 2023. [PMID: 37715549 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Translocation programmes are increasingly being informed by genetic data to monitor and enhance conservation outcomes for both natural and established populations. These data provide a window into contemporary patterns of genetic diversity, structure and relatedness that can guide managers in how to best source animals for their translocation programmes. The inclusion of historical samples, where possible, strengthens monitoring by allowing assessment of changes in genetic diversity over time and by providing a benchmark for future improvements in diversity via management practices. Here, we used reduced representation sequencing (ddRADseq) data to report on the current genetic health of three remnant and seven translocated boodie (Bettongia lesueur) populations, now extinct on the Australian mainland. In addition, we used exon capture data from seven historical mainland specimens and a subset of contemporary samples to compare pre-decline and current diversity. Both data sets showed the significant impact of population founder source (whether multiple or single) on the genetic diversity of translocated populations. Populations founded by animals from multiple sources showed significantly higher genetic diversity than the natural remnant and single-source translocation populations, and we show that by mixing the most divergent populations, exon capture heterozygosity was restored to levels close to that observed in pre-decline mainland samples. Relatedness estimates were surprisingly low across all contemporary populations and there was limited evidence of inbreeding. Our results show that a strategy of genetic mixing has led to successful conservation outcomes for the species in terms of increasing genetic diversity and provides strong rationale for mixing as a management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M Nistelberger
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emily Roycroft
- Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology, ANU College of Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Anna J Macdonald
- Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology, ANU College of Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Shelley McArthur
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lauren C White
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick G S Grady
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jennifer Pierson
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Colleen Sims
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Saul Cowen
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Katherine Moseby
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Craig Moritz
- Division of Ecology & Evolution, Research School of Biology, ANU College of Science, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Mark D B Eldridge
- Terrestrial Vertebrates, Australian Museum Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margaret Byrne
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kym Ottewell
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
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3
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Tulloch AIT, Jackson MV, Bayraktarov E, Carey AR, Correa-Gomez DF, Driessen M, Gynther IC, Hardie M, Moseby K, Joseph L, Preece H, Suarez-Castro AF, Stuart S, Woinarski JCZ, Possingham HP. Effects of different management strategies on long-term trends of Australian threatened and near-threatened mammals. Conserv Biol 2023; 37:e14032. [PMID: 36349543 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring is critical to assess management effectiveness, but broadscale systematic assessments of monitoring to evaluate and improve recovery efforts are lacking. We compiled 1808 time series from 71 threatened and near-threatened terrestrial and volant mammal species and subspecies in Australia (48% of all threatened mammal taxa) to compare relative trends of populations subject to different management strategies. We adapted the Living Planet Index to develop the Threatened Species Index for Australian Mammals and track aggregate trends for all sampled threatened mammal populations and for small (<35 g), medium (35-5500 g), and large mammals (>5500 g) from 2000 to 2017. Unmanaged populations (42 taxa) declined by 63% on average; unmanaged small mammals exhibited the greatest declines (96%). Populations of 17 taxa in havens (islands and fenced areas that excluded or eliminated introduced red foxes [Vulpes vulpes] and domestic cats [Felis catus]) increased by 680%. Outside havens, populations undergoing sustained predator baiting initially declined by 75% but subsequently increased to 47% of their abundance in 2000. At sites where predators were not excluded or baited but other actions (e.g., fire management, introduced herbivore control) occurred, populations of small and medium mammals declined faster, but large mammals declined more slowly, than unmanaged populations. Only 13% of taxa had data for both unmanaged and managed populations; index comparisons for this subset showed that taxa with populations increasing inside havens declined outside havens but taxa with populations subject to predator baiting outside havens declined more slowly than populations with no management and then increased, whereas unmanaged populations continued to decline. More comprehensive and improved monitoring (particularly encompassing poorly represented management actions and taxonomic groups like bats and small mammals) is required to understand whether and where management has worked. Improved implementation of management for threats other than predation is critical to recover Australia's threatened mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha I T Tulloch
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Micha V Jackson
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elisa Bayraktarov
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Research, Specialised and Data Foundations, Digital Solutions, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alexander R Carey
- Saving our Species Program, Department of the Environment, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Diego F Correa-Gomez
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Driessen
- Conservation Science Section, Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ian C Gynther
- Department of Environment and Science, Moggill, Queensland, Australia
- Biodiversity and Geosciences Program, Queensland Museum, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mel Hardie
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine Moseby
- Arid Recovery, Roxby Downs, South Australia, Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Liana Joseph
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Subiaco East, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Harriet Preece
- Department of Environment and Science, Dutton Park, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrés Felipe Suarez-Castro
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephanie Stuart
- Saving our Species Program, Department of the Environment, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John C Z Woinarski
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Hugh P Possingham
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- The Nature Conservancy, Arlington, Virginia, USA
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Moseby K, Van der Weyde L, Letnic M, Blumstein DT, West R, Bannister H. Addressing prey naivety in native mammals by accelerating selection for antipredator traits. Ecol Appl 2023; 33:e2780. [PMID: 36394506 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Harnessing natural selection to improve conservation outcomes is a recent concept in ecology and evolutionary biology and a potentially powerful tool in species conservation. One possible application is the use of natural selection to improve antipredator responses of mammal species that are threatened by predation from novel predators. We investigated whether long-term exposure of an evolutionary naïve prey species to a novel predator would lead to phenotypic changes in a suite of physical and behavioral traits. We exposed a founder population of 353 burrowing bettongs (Bettongia lesueur) to feral cats (Felis catus) over 5 years and compared the physical and behavioral traits of this population (including offspring) to a control (non-predator exposed) population. We used selection analysis to investigate whether changes in the traits of bettongs were likely due to phenotypic plasticity or natural selection. We also quantified selection in both populations before and during major population crashes caused by drought (control) and high predation pressure (predator-exposed). Results showed that predator-exposed bettongs had longer flight initiation distances, larger hind feet, and larger heads than control bettongs. Trait divergence began soon after exposure and continued to intensify over time for flight initiation distance and hind foot length relative to control bettongs. Selection analysis found indicators of selection for larger hind feet and longer head length in predator-exposed populations. Results of a common garden experiment showed that the progeny of predator-exposed bettongs had larger feet than control bettongs. Results suggest that long-term, low-level exposure of naïve prey to novel predators can drive phenotypic changes that may assist with future conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Moseby
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Arid Recovery, Roxby Downs, South Australia, Australia
| | - Leanne Van der Weyde
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mike Letnic
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel T Blumstein
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rebecca West
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hannah Bannister
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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5
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Southwell D, Skroblin A, Moseby K, Southgate R, Indigo N, Backhouse B, Bellchambers K, Brandle R, Brenton P, Copley P, Dziminski MA, Galindez-Silva C, Lynch C, Newman P, Pedler R, Rogers D, Roshier DA, Ryan-Colton E, Tuft K, Ward M, Zurell D, Legge S. Designing a large-scale track-based monitoring program to detect changes in species distributions in arid Australia. Ecol Appl 2023; 33:e2762. [PMID: 36218186 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring trends in animal populations in arid regions is challenging due to remoteness and low population densities. However, detecting species' tracks or signs is an effective survey technique for monitoring population trends across large spatial and temporal scales. In this study, we developed a simulation framework to evaluate the performance of alternative track-based monitoring designs at detecting change in species distributions in arid Australia. We collated presence-absence records from 550 2-ha track-based plots for 11 vertebrates over 13 years and fitted ensemble species distribution models to predict occupancy in 2018. We simulated plausible changes in species' distributions over the next 15 years and, with estimates of detectability, simulated monitoring to evaluate the statistical power of three alternative monitoring scenarios: (1) where surveys were restricted to existing 2-ha plots, (2) where surveys were optimized to target all species equally, and (3) where surveys were optimized to target two species of conservation concern. Across all monitoring designs and scenarios, we found that power was higher when detecting increasing occupancy trends compared to decreasing trends owing to the relatively low levels of initial occupancy. Our results suggest that surveying 200 of the existing plots annually (with a small subset resurveyed twice within a year) will have at least an 80% chance of detecting 30% declines in occupancy for four of the five invasive species modeled and one of the six native species. This increased to 10 of the 11 species assuming larger (50%) declines. When plots were positioned to target all species equally, power improved slightly for most compared to the existing survey network. When plots were positioned to target two species of conservation concern (crest-tailed mulgara and dusky hopping mouse), power to detect 30% declines increased by 29% and 31% for these species, respectively, at the cost of reduced power for the remaining species. The effect of varying survey frequency depended on its trade-off with the number of sites sampled and requires further consideration. Nonetheless, our research suggests that track-based surveying is an effective and logistically feasible approach to monitoring broad-scale occupancy trends in desert species with both widespread and restricted distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Southwell
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anja Skroblin
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine Moseby
- University of NSW School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard Southgate
- Envisage Environmental Services, Kingscote, South Australia, Australia
| | - Naomi Indigo
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Research, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brett Backhouse
- Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Robert Brandle
- Department for Environment and Water, South Australian Government, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australian Arid Lands Landscape Board, Port Augusta, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Brenton
- Atlas of Living Australia, CSIRO National Collections and Marine Infrastructure, Docklands, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Copley
- Department for Environment and Water, South Australian Government, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Martin A Dziminski
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Carolina Galindez-Silva
- Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Land Management, Alice Springs, Northwest Territories, Australia
| | - Catherine Lynch
- South Australian Arid Lands Landscape Board, Port Augusta, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peggy Newman
- Atlas of Living Australia, CSIRO National Collections and Marine Infrastructure, Docklands, Victoria, Australia
| | - Reece Pedler
- University of NSW School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel Rogers
- Department for Environment and Water, South Australian Government, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David A Roshier
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ellen Ryan-Colton
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Alice Springs, Northwest Territories, Australia
| | | | - Matt Ward
- Department for Environment and Water, South Australian Government, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Damaris Zurell
- Geography Department, Humboldt-University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Sarah Legge
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Research, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Alice Springs, Northwest Territories, Australia
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
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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. Aust Mammalogy 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/am20040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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.
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West R, Moseby K, Read J, Pedler R. Release protocols to address hyperdispersal in a novel translocation of a carnivorous marsupial. Aust Mammalogy 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/am22018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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9
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Read J, Guerin J, Duval D, Moseby K. Charred and chewed chalkies: Effects of fire and herbivory on the reintroduction of an endangered wattle. Ecol Manag Restor 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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10
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Pedler R, Read J, Moseby K, Kingsford R, West R. Proactive management of kangaroos for conservation and ecosystem restoration – Wild Deserts, Sturt National Park, NSW. Ecol Manag Restor 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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11
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Moseby K, Hodgens P, Bannister H, Mooney P, Brandle R, Lynch C, Young C, Jansen J, Jensen M. The ecological costs and benefits of a feral cat poison‐baiting programme for protection of reintroduced populations of the western quoll and brushtail possum. AUSTRAL ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Moseby
- Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales High Street Kensington Sydney 2052 Australia
- Ecological Horizons Kimba South Australia Australia
| | | | - Hannah Bannister
- Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales High Street Kensington Sydney 2052 Australia
- The University of Adelaide, North Terrace Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Patricia Mooney
- Department for Environment and Water Mackay St Port Augusta South Australia Australia
| | - Robert Brandle
- Department for Environment and Water Mackay St Port Augusta South Australia Australia
| | - Catherine Lynch
- Department for Environment and Water Mackay St Port Augusta South Australia Australia
| | | | | | - Melissa Jensen
- The University of Adelaide, North Terrace Adelaide South Australia Australia
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Phelan R, Baumgartner B, Brand S, Brister E, Burgiel SW, Charo RA, Coche I, Cofrancesco A, Delborne JA, Edwards O, Fisher JP, Gaywood M, Gordon DR, Howald G, Hunter ME, Kareiva P, Mankad A, Marvier M, Moseby K, Newhouse AE, Novak BJ, Ohrstrom G, Olson S, Palmer MJ, Palumbi S, Patterson N, Pedrono M, Pelegri F, Rohwer Y, Ryder OA, Saah JR, Scheller RM, Seddon PJ, Shaffer HB, Shapiro B, Sweeney M, Tercek MR, Thizy D, Tilt W, Weber M, Wegrzyn RD, Whitelaw B, Winkler M, Wodak J, Zimring M, Robbins P. Intended consequences statement. Conservat Sci and Prac 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Evelyn Brister
- Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester New York USA
| | | | - R. Alta Charo
- University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison Wisconsin USA
| | | | - Al Cofrancesco
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center Vicksburg Mississippi USA
| | - Jason A. Delborne
- Genetic Engineering and Society Center North Carolina State University Raleigh North Carolina USA
| | - Owain Edwards
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Floreat Western Australia Australia
| | | | | | - Doria R. Gordon
- Environmental Defense Fund Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Gregg Howald
- Advanced Conservation Strategies Williamsburg Virginia USA
| | - Margaret E. Hunter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center Gainesville Florida USA
| | | | - Aditi Mankad
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Floreat Western Australia Australia
| | - Michelle Marvier
- Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences Santa Clara University Santa Clara California USA
| | | | - Andrew E. Newhouse
- State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse New York USA
| | | | | | - Steven Olson
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums Silver Spring Maryland USA
| | | | - Stephen Palumbi
- Hopkins Marine Station Stanford University Pacific Grove California USA
| | - Neil Patterson
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Center for Native Peoples & the Environment Syracuse New York USA
| | - Miguel Pedrono
- French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD, UMR ASTRE) Montpellier France
| | - Francisco Pelegri
- Laboratory of Genetics University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison Wisconsin USA
| | - Yasha Rohwer
- Oregon Institute of Technology Klamath Falls Oregon USA
| | | | | | - Robert M. Scheller
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh North Carolina USA
| | | | - H. Bradley Shaffer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and La Kretz Center for California Conservation Science, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability University of California Los Angeles California USA
| | - Beth Shapiro
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute University of California Santa Cruz California USA
| | - Mike Sweeney
- The Nature Conservancy San Francisco California USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bruce Whitelaw
- The Roslin Institute University of Edinburgh Midlothian UK
| | | | - Josh Wodak
- Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University Parramatta New South Wales Australia
| | - Mark Zimring
- The Nature Conservancy San Francisco California USA
| | - Paul Robbins
- Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison Wisconsin USA
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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McGregor H, Read J, Johnson CN, Legge S, Hill B, Moseby K. Edge effects created by fenced conservation reserves benefit an invasive mesopredator. Wildl Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/wr19181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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.
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15
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Hayward MW, Callen A, Allen BL, Ballard G, Broekhuis F, Bugir C, Clarke RH, Clulow J, Clulow S, Daltry JC, Davies-Mostert HT, Fleming PJS, Griffin AS, Howell LG, Kerley GIH, Klop-Toker K, Legge S, Major T, Meyer N, Montgomery RA, Moseby K, Parker DM, Périquet S, Read J, Scanlon RJ, Seeto R, Shuttleworth C, Somers MJ, Tamessar CT, Tuft K, Upton R, Valenzuela-Molina M, Wayne A, Witt RR, Wüster W. Deconstructing compassionate conservation. Conserv Biol 2019; 33:760-768. [PMID: 31206825 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Compassionate conservation focuses on 4 tenets: first, do no harm; individuals matter; inclusivity of individual animals; and peaceful coexistence between humans and animals. Recently, compassionate conservation has been promoted as an alternative to conventional conservation philosophy. We believe examples presented by compassionate conservationists are deliberately or arbitrarily chosen to focus on mammals; inherently not compassionate; and offer ineffective conservation solutions. Compassionate conservation arbitrarily focuses on charismatic species, notably large predators and megaherbivores. The philosophy is not compassionate when it leaves invasive predators in the environment to cause harm to vastly more individuals of native species or uses the fear of harm by apex predators to terrorize mesopredators. Hindering the control of exotic species (megafauna, predators) in situ will not improve the conservation condition of the majority of biodiversity. The positions taken by so-called compassionate conservationists on particular species and on conservation actions could be extended to hinder other forms of conservation, including translocations, conservation fencing, and fertility control. Animal welfare is incredibly important to conservation, but ironically compassionate conservation does not offer the best welfare outcomes to animals and is often ineffective in achieving conservation goals. Consequently, compassionate conservation may threaten public and governmental support for conservation because of the limited understanding of conservation problems by the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt W Hayward
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela University, University Way, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, 6019, South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Lynwood Road, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Alex Callen
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Benjamin L Allen
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350, Australia
| | - Guy Ballard
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Northern Ring Road, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Department of Primary Industries, New South Wales Government, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia
| | - Femke Broekhuis
- WildCRU, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abington Road, Oxford, OX135QL, U.K
| | - Cassandra Bugir
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Rohan H Clarke
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - John Clulow
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Simon Clulow
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Balclava Road, Sydney, NSWs, 2019, Australia
| | - Jennifer C Daltry
- Fauna & Flora International, The David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB23QZ, U.K
| | - Harriet T Davies-Mostert
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Lynwood Road, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa
- Endangered Wildlife Trust, Pinelands Office Park, Building K2, Ardeer Road, Modderfontein 1609, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Peter J S Fleming
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Northern Ring Road, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Department of Primary Industries, New South Wales Government, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia
| | - Andrea S Griffin
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Lachlan G Howell
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Graham I H Kerley
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology, Nelson Mandela University, University Way, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, 6019, South Africa
| | - Kaya Klop-Toker
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Sarah Legge
- Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Science, University of Queensland, University Drive, Saint Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Linnaeus Way, Acton, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Tom Major
- College of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, College Road, Gwynedd, LL572DG, U.K
| | - Ninon Meyer
- Fondation Yaguara Panama, Ciudad del Saber, calle Luis Bonilla, Panama City, 0843-03081, Panama
| | - Robert A Montgomery
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, 220 Trowbridge Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, U.S.A
| | - Katherine Moseby
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, ANZAC Parade, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Arid Recovery, Roxby Downs, SA, 5725, Australia
| | - Daniel M Parker
- Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Drosty Road, Grahamstown, 6139, South Africa
- School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, D725 Roads, Mbombela, 1200, South Africa
| | | | - John Read
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, Kintore Avenue, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Robert J Scanlon
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Rebecca Seeto
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Craig Shuttleworth
- College of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, College Road, Gwynedd, LL572DG, U.K
| | - Michael J Somers
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Lynwood Road, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa
- Centre for Invasion Biology, University of Pretoria, Lynwood Road, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Cottrell T Tamessar
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | | | - Rose Upton
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Marcia Valenzuela-Molina
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional s/n Col. Playa Palo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096, La Paz, B.C.S., México
| | - Adrian Wayne
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Brain Street, Manjimup, WA, 6258, Australia
| | - Ryan R Witt
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Wüster
- College of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, College Road, Gwynedd, LL572DG, U.K
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Roy-Dufresne E, Lurgi M, Brown SC, Wells K, Cooke B, Mutze G, Peacock D, Cassey P, Berman D, Brook BW, Campbell S, Cox T, Daly J, Dunk I, Elsworth P, Fletcher D, Forsyth DM, Hocking G, Kovaliski J, Leane M, Low B, Kennedy M, Matthews J, McPhee S, Mellin C, Mooney T, Moseby K, Read J, Richardson BJ, Schneider K, Schwarz E, Sinclair R, Strive T, Triulcio F, West P, Saltré F, Fordham DA. The Australian National Rabbit Database: 50 yr of population monitoring of an invasive species. Ecology 2019; 100:e02750. [PMID: 31034589 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
With ongoing introductions into Australia since the 1700s, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has become one of the most widely distributed and abundant vertebrate pests, adversely impacting Australia's biodiversity and agroeconomy. To understand the population and range dynamics of the species and its impacts better, occurrence and abundance data have been collected by researchers and citizens from sites covering a broad spectrum of climatic and environmental conditions in Australia. The lack of a common and accessible repository for these data has, however, limited their use in determining important spatiotemporal drivers of the structure and dynamics of the geographical range of rabbits in Australia. To meet this need, we created the Australian National Rabbit Database, which combines more than 50 yr of historical and contemporary survey data collected from throughout the range of the species in Australia. The survey data, obtained from a suite of complementary monitoring methods, were combined with high-resolution weather, climate, and environmental information, and an assessment of data quality. The database provides records of rabbit occurrence (689,265 records) and abundance (51,241 records, >120 distinct sites) suitable for identifying the spatiotemporal drivers of the rabbit's distribution and for determining spatial patterns of variation in its key life-history traits, including maximum rates of population growth. Because all data are georeferenced and date stamped, they can be coupled with information from other databases and spatial layers to explore the potential effects of rabbit occurrence and abundance on Australia's native wildlife and agricultural production. The Australian National Rabbit Database is an important tool for understanding and managing the European rabbit in its invasive range and its effects on native biodiversity and agricultural production. It also provides a valuable resource for addressing questions related to the biology, success, and impacts of invasive species more generally. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set other than citation of this Data Paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Roy-Dufresne
- The School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Miguel Lurgi
- The School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.,Centre for Biodiversity Theory and Modelling, Theoretical and Experimental Ecology Station, CNRS-Paul Sabatier University, 09200, Moulis, France
| | - Stuart C Brown
- The School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Konstans Wells
- The School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.,Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Brian Cooke
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, 2617, Australia
| | - Greg Mutze
- Biosecurity SA, Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - David Peacock
- Biosecurity SA, Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia, South Australia, 5064, Australia.,School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Phill Cassey
- The School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Dave Berman
- University of Southern Queensland, Queensland, 4350, Australia
| | - Barry W Brook
- The School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.,School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Susan Campbell
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Washington, 6330, Australia
| | - Tarnya Cox
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, New South Wales, 2800, Australia
| | - Joanne Daly
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Australian Capital Territory, 2601, Australia
| | - Iain Dunk
- Department of Environment, Water, and Natural Resources, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Peter Elsworth
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Biosecurity Queensland, Queensland, 4350, Australia
| | - Don Fletcher
- Department of Environment and Planning Directorate, Australian Capital Territory, 2602, Australia
| | - David M Forsyth
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, New South Wales, 2800, Australia.,Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Victoria, 3084, Australia
| | - Greg Hocking
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania, 7001, Australia.,Agricultural Technical Services P/L, South Australia, 5576, Australia
| | - John Kovaliski
- Biosecurity SA, Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - Michael Leane
- Riverina Local Land Service, New South Wales, 2722, Australia
| | - Bill Low
- Low Ecological Services, Northern Territory, 0871, Australia
| | - Malcolm Kennedy
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Washington, 6151, Australia
| | - John Matthews
- Agricultural Services and Biosecurity Operations Division, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Training and Resources, Victoria, 3300, Australia
| | - Steve McPhee
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Victoria, 3084, Australia
| | - Camille Mellin
- The School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.,Australian Institute of Marine Science, Queensland, 4810, Australia
| | - Trish Mooney
- Department of Environment, Water, and Natural Resources, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Katherine Moseby
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - John Read
- The School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | | | | | - Eric Schwarz
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Ronald Sinclair
- Biosecurity SA, Department of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia, South Australia, 5064, Australia
| | - Tanja Strive
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian Capital Territory, 2601, Australia
| | - Frank Triulcio
- Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Peter West
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, New South Wales, 2800, Australia
| | - Frederik Saltré
- The School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.,Global Ecology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University,, GPO Box 2100, South Australia, 5001, Australia
| | - Damien A Fordham
- The School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
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17
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Sato CF, Westgate MJ, Barton PS, Foster CN, O'Loughlin LS, Pierson JC, Balmer J, Chapman J, Catt G, Detto T, Hawcroft A, Kavanagh RP, Marshall D, McKay M, Moseby K, Perry M, Robinson D, Schroder M, Tuft K, Lindenmayer DB. The use and utility of surrogates in biodiversity monitoring programmes. J Appl Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chloe F. Sato
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - Martin J. Westgate
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - Philip S. Barton
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - Claire N. Foster
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - Luke S. O'Loughlin
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - Jennifer C. Pierson
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - Jayne Balmer
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Hobart Tas. Australia
| | - Jane Chapman
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Kensington WA Australia
| | | | - Tanya Detto
- Christmas Island National Park Christmas Island Australia
| | - Amy Hawcroft
- Department of Conservation Christchurch New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | - Mike Perry
- Department of Conservation Christchurch New Zealand
| | | | | | | | - David B. Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and SocietyThe Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- John L. Read
- School of Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSA 5000Australia
| | - Tayla Bowden
- Natural Resources Eyre PeninsulaStreaky BaySA 5680Australia
| | | | - Marco Hess
- Applidyne AustraliaBromptonSA 5007Australia
| | - Hugh McGregor
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTas 7001Australia
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19
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Ringma J, Legge S, Woinarski JC, Radford JQ, Wintle B, Bentley J, Burbidge AA, Copley P, Dexter N, Dickman CR, Gillespie GR, Hill B, Johnson CN, Kanowski J, Letnic M, Manning A, Menkhorst P, Mitchell N, Morris K, Moseby K, Page M, Palmer R, Bode M. Systematic planning can rapidly close the protection gap in Australian mammal havens. Conserv Lett 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Ringma
- School of Global, Urban and Social Sciences RMIT Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia Crawley WA 6009 Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland St Lucia Qld 4072 Australia
| | - Sarah Legge
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland St Lucia Qld 4072 Australia
- Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory 0909 Australia
| | - John C.Z. Woinarski
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory 0909 Australia
| | - James Q. Radford
- Bush Heritage Australia Melbourne Victoria 8009 Australia
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria 3086 Australia
| | - Brendan Wintle
- The University of Melbourne, School of Biosciences University of Melbourne Parkville VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Joss Bentley
- Ecosystems and Threatened Species NSW Office of Environment and Heritage joss
| | | | - Peter Copley
- Conservation and Land Management Branch Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
| | | | - Chris R. Dickman
- Desert Ecology Research Group School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Graeme R. Gillespie
- Flora and Fauna Division Department of Environment and Natural Resources Northern Territory 0828 Australia
| | - Brydie Hill
- Flora and Fauna Division Department of Environment and Natural Resources Northern Territory 0828 Australia
| | - Chris N. Johnson
- School of Natural Sciences & Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania 7005 Australia
| | - John Kanowski
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy Subiaco East WA 6008 Australia
| | - Mike Letnic
- Centre for Ecosystem Science University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Adrian Manning
- Fenner School of Environment and Society Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Peter Menkhorst
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Department of Environment Land Water and Planning Heidelberg Victoria 3084 Australia
| | - Nicola Mitchell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia Crawley WA 6009 Australia
| | - Keith Morris
- Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983 Australia
| | - Katherine Moseby
- Arid Recovery Roxby Downs 5725 Australia
- University of NSW Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Manda Page
- Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983 Australia
| | - Russell Palmer
- Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions Woodvale WA 6026 Australia
| | - Michael Bode
- School of Mathematical Sciences Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia
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Short J, Copley P, Ruykys L, Morris K, Read J, Moseby K. Review of translocations of the greater stick-nest rat (Leporillus conditor): lessons learnt to facilitate ongoing recovery. Wildl Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/wr19021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Greater stick-nest rats were widely distributed across southern Australia in pre-European times, but only survived as a single population on the Franklin Islands in South Australia. Conservation efforts since 1983 have included survey of the remaining population, establishment of a captive colony and subsequent translocations to both island and mainland sites. Translocations have met with mixed success, with four of 10 (three islands and one mainland site) successful and extant for 19–28 years, five unsuccessful (one island and four mainland sites) and one as yet indeterminate. Overall, the increase in number of populations, area of occupancy and extent of occurrence has been positive, and has resulted in a down-listing of conservation status. There are numerous plausible explanations for the lack of success at some sites, but few data to differentiate among them. These plausible explanations include: the release of stick-nest rats to habitats of poor quality; high levels of predation (perhaps hyperpredation) by native predators (chiefly monitors and predatory birds) in combination, at some sites, with predation by feral cats or foxes; and ineffective release protocols. Most extant populations have undergone substantial fluctuations over time, and some show apparent long-term declines in abundance, likely increasing their probability of local extinction over time. There is a need for regular ongoing monitoring – of stick-nest rats themselves, their habitat and their suite of potential predators – to aid interpretation of outcomes. A more experimental approach to future releases is required to adjudicate among competing explanations for such declines.
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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22
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Saxon-Mills EC, Moseby K, Blumstein DT, Letnic M. Prey naïveté and the anti-predator responses of a vulnerable marsupial prey to known and novel predators. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-018-2568-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Radford JQ, Woinarski JCZ, Legge S, Baseler M, Bentley J, Burbidge AA, Bode M, Copley P, Dexter N, Dickman CR, Gillespie G, Hill B, Johnson CN, Kanowski J, Latch P, Letnic M, Manning A, Menkhorst P, Mitchell N, Morris K, Moseby K, Page M, Ringma J. Degrees of population-level susceptibility of Australian terrestrial non-volant mammal species to predation by the introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cat (Felis catus). Wildl Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/wr18008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Over the last 230 years, the Australian terrestrial mammal fauna has suffered a very high rate of decline and extinction relative to other continents. Predation by the introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cat (Felis catus) is implicated in many of these extinctions, and in the ongoing decline of many extant species.
Aims
To assess the degree to which Australian terrestrial non-volant mammal species are susceptible at the population level to predation by the red fox and feral cat, and to allocate each species to a category of predator susceptibility.
Methods
We collated the available evidence and complemented this with expert opinion to categorise each Australian terrestrial non-volant mammal species (extinct and extant) into one of four classes of population-level susceptibility to introduced predators (i.e. ‘extreme’, ‘high’, ‘low’ or ‘not susceptible’). We then compared predator susceptibility with conservation status, body size and extent of arboreality; and assessed changes in the occurrence of species in different predator-susceptibility categories between 1788 and 2017.
Key results
Of 246 Australian terrestrial non-volant mammal species (including extinct species), we conclude that 37 species are (or were) extremely predator-susceptible; 52 species are highly predator-susceptible; 112 species are of low susceptibility; and 42 species are not susceptible to predators. Confidence in assigning species to predator-susceptibility categories was strongest for extant threatened mammal species and for extremely predator-susceptible species. Extinct and threatened mammal species are more likely to be predator-susceptible than Least Concern species; arboreal species are less predator-susceptible than ground-dwelling species; and medium-sized species (35 g–3.5kg) are more predator-susceptible than smaller or larger species.
Conclusions
The effective control of foxes and cats over large areas is likely to assist the population-level recovery of ~63 species – the number of extant species with extreme or high predator susceptibility – which represents ~29% of the extant Australian terrestrial non-volant mammal fauna.
Implications
Categorisation of predator susceptibility is an important tool for conservation management, because the persistence of species with extreme susceptibility will require intensive management (e.g. predator-proof exclosures or predator-free islands), whereas species of lower predator susceptibility can be managed through effective landscape-level suppression of introduced predators.
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Bannister H, Brandle R, Moseby K. Antipredator behaviour of a native marsupial is relaxed when mammalian predators are excluded. Wildl Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/wr18060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Context
Predator-controlled environments can lead to prey species losing costly antipredator behaviours as they exploit their low-risk environment, creating a ‘predator-naïve’ population. If individuals lacking suitable antipredator behaviours are used as source populations for reintroductions to environments where predators are present, their behaviour could result in high post-release predation. In contrast, animals sourced from environments with predators (‘predator-exposed’) may show effective antipredator behaviours and thus higher survival post-release.
Aims
The aim was to compare the antipredator behaviour of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) at predator-exposed and predator-naïve source populations, and then compare post-release survival after their reintroduction to a low predator environment.
Methods
Data were collected from possums at two sites, one with and one without mammalian predators. The behavioural responses of possums to a spotlighter, their willingness to use supplementary feeders at ‘safe’ and ‘risky’ heights, whether they avoided predator odour at traps and their general willingness to enter traps were recorded.
Key results
Predator-naïve possums showed weaker antipredator responses, were often found at ground level, engaged with novel objects, did not avoid predator scents and utilised different habitats regardless of associated predation risk. In contrast, predator-exposed possums had higher antipredator responses, chose connected trees, were rarely found at ground level and were generally difficult to capture. Post-translocation survival was high for both source populations. Predator-naïve-sourced female possums began to avoid predator urine (feral cat; Felis catus) 12 months after translocation.
Conclusions
Our research demonstrates that environmental predation risk can predict prey naïvety in brushtail possums. Some aspects of prey naïvety behaviour appear to be able to change in response to altered predation risk.
Implications
With many threatened species now existing only in feral predator-free areas, these results have implications for future reintroductions into unbounded areas where feral predators are present, and for the management of fenced reserves. The addition of a small number of predators to fenced reserves may aid in retaining antipredator behaviours in fenced prey populations.
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Legge S, Woinarski JCZ, Burbidge AA, Palmer R, Ringma J, Radford JQ, Mitchell N, Bode M, Wintle B, Baseler M, Bentley J, Copley P, Dexter N, Dickman CR, Gillespie GR, Hill B, Johnson CN, Latch P, Letnic M, Manning A, McCreless EE, Menkhorst P, Morris K, Moseby K, Page M, Pannell D, Tuft K. Havens for threatened Australian mammals: the contributions of fenced areas and offshore islands to the protection of mammal species susceptible to introduced predators. Wildl Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/wr17172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context Many Australian mammal species are highly susceptible to predation by introduced domestic cats (Felis catus) and European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). These predators have caused many extinctions and have driven large distributional and population declines for many more species. The serendipitous occurrence of, and deliberate translocations of mammals to, ‘havens’ (cat- and fox-free offshore islands, and mainland fenced exclosures capable of excluding cats and foxes) has helped avoid further extinction. Aims The aim of this study was to conduct a stocktake of current island and fenced havens in Australia and assess the extent of their protection for threatened mammal taxa that are most susceptible to cat and fox predation. Methods Information was collated from diverse sources to document (1) the locations of havens and (2) the occurrence of populations of predator-susceptible threatened mammals (naturally occurring or translocated) in those havens. The list of predator-susceptible taxa (67 taxa, 52 species) was based on consensus opinion from >25 mammal experts. Key results Seventeen fenced and 101 island havens contain 188 populations of 38 predator-susceptible threatened mammal taxa (32 species). Island havens cover a larger cumulative area than fenced havens (2152km2 versus 346km2), and reach larger sizes (largest island 325km2, with another island of 628km2 becoming available from 2018; largest fence: 123km2). Islands and fenced havens contain similar numbers of taxa (27 each), because fenced havens usually contain more taxa per haven. Populations within fences are mostly translocated (43 of 49; 88%). Islands contain translocated populations (30 of 139; 22%); but also protect in situ (109) threatened mammal populations. Conclusions Havens are used increasingly to safeguard threatened predator-susceptible mammals. However, 15 such taxa occur in only one or two havens, and 29 such taxa (43%) are not represented in any havens. The taxon at greatest risk of extinction from predation, and in greatest need of a haven, is the central rock-rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus). Implications Future investment in havens should focus on locations that favour taxa with no (or low) existing haven representation. Although havens can be critical for avoiding extinctions in the short term, they cover a minute proportion of species’ former ranges. Improved options for controlling the impacts of cats and foxes at landscape scales must be developed and implemented.
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Crisp H, Pedler R, Moseby K. The use of hair tubes in detecting irruptive arid-zone rodents. Aust Mammalogy 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/am15025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Populations of many arid-zone rodents are known to fluctuate dramatically in response to the boom–bust cycles of the dynamic landscapes in which they occur. This constrains their study, particularly efforts to determine the location and functioning of important refuge areas. The nationally vulnerable plains mouse (Pseudomys australis) undergoes dramatic population changes in response to rainfall and associated resource abundance. At low population density during resource shortages, the species can be present yet undetectable by conventional trapping methods. We piloted the use of hair tubes as an alternative to trapping, trialling designs effective in detecting P. australis. Baited 25-mm- or 32-mm-diameter × 200-mm-long tubes with double-sided cloth tape in the entrance were effective in collecting P. australis hair. Each of the 21 detections of the species’ presence through hair tubes was confirmed using other methods. Hair tubes effectively detected the species, including during times when Elliott trapping yielded low capture rates and observational techniques failed to detect them. Hair tubes may present a time- and cost-efficient tool for determining the presence of P. australis and other cryptic small mammals in remote arid landscapes.
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27
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McLean AL, Cooper SJB, Lancaster ML, Gaikhorst G, Lambert C, Moseby K, Read J, Ward M, Carthew SM. Small marsupial, big dispersal? Broad- and fine-scale genetic structure of an endangered marsupial from the Australian arid zone. AUST J ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/zo18054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The irregular nature of rainfall in the Australian arid and semiarid zones results in a heterogeneous distribution of resources in both time and space. The mammal species that reside in these regions are uniquely adapted to these climatic conditions, often occurring in naturally low densities and increasing significantly in numbers following major rainfall events. We investigated how these adaptations may influence genetic diversity and gene flow across the landscape in an endangered semiarid/arid-zone marsupial, the sandhill dunnart (Sminthopsis psammophila), from three known populations in southern Australia. Analyses of mitochondrial control region (CR) sequences and microsatellite loci revealed that S. psammophila had maintained similar levels of genetic diversity to other sympatric Sminthopsis species despite its endangered status. There was no evidence for significant phylogeographic structure within the species, but each population was genetically differentiated, based on the frequency of microsatellite alleles and CR haplotypes, suggesting that they should be considered as distinct Management Units for conservation. At a fine spatial scale, no significant genetic structure or sex-biased dispersal was detected within a study site of 240km2. These findings suggest that both sexes are highly mobile, which allows individuals to locate localised resource patches when they become available. We detected evidence of a genetic bottleneck within the population, possibly caused by a recent drought. Our study highlights the importance of maintaining connectivity across the landscape for semiarid- and arid-zone species to enable them to track resource pulses and maintain genetic diversity.
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Moseby K, Read J, McLean A, Ward M, Rogers DJ. How high is your hummock? The importance of T
riodia
height as a habitat predictor for an endangered marsupial in a fire-prone environment. AUSTRAL ECOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Moseby
- The University of Adelaide; North Terrace Adelaide Australia 5005
- Ecological Horizons Pty. Ltd.; P.O. Box 207 Kimba South Australia 5641 Australia
| | - John Read
- The University of Adelaide; North Terrace Adelaide Australia 5005
- Ecological Horizons Pty. Ltd.; P.O. Box 207 Kimba South Australia 5641 Australia
| | - Amanda McLean
- The University of Adelaide; North Terrace Adelaide Australia 5005
| | - Matthew Ward
- South Australian Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources; Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Daniel J. Rogers
- South Australian Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources; Adelaide South Australia Australia
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Bengsen AJ, Algar D, Ballard G, Buckmaster T, Comer S, Fleming PJS, Friend JA, Johnston M, McGregor H, Moseby K, Zewe F. Feral cat home-range size varies predictably with landscape productivity and population density. J Zool (1987) 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. J. Bengsen
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Biosecurity NSW; NSW Department of Primary Industries; Orange NSW Australia
| | - D. Algar
- Science and Conservation Division; Department of Parks and Wildlife; Woodvale WA Australia
| | - G. Ballard
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Biosecurity NSW; NSW Department of Primary Industries; Armidale NSW Australia
- School of Environmental and Rural Sciences; University of New England; Armidale NSW Australia
| | - T. Buckmaster
- Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre and Institute for Applied Ecology; University of Canberra; Canberra ACT Australia
| | - S. Comer
- South Coast Region; Department of Parks and Wildlife; Albany WA Australia
| | - P. J. S. Fleming
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Biosecurity NSW; NSW Department of Primary Industries; Orange NSW Australia
- School of Environmental and Rural Sciences; University of New England; Armidale NSW Australia
| | - J. A. Friend
- Science and Conservation Division; Department of Parks and Wildlife; Albany WA Australia
| | - M. Johnston
- Science and Conservation Division; Department of Parks and Wildlife; Woodvale WA Australia
| | - H. McGregor
- Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary; Australian Wildlife Conservancy; Derby WA Australia
| | - K. Moseby
- Ecology and Environmental Science; University of Adelaide; Adelaide SA Australia
| | - F. Zewe
- School of Environmental and Rural Sciences; University of New England; Armidale NSW Australia
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Matthews A, Ruykys L, Ellis B, FitzGibbon S, Lunney D, Crowther MS, Glen AS, Purcell B, Moseby K, Stott J, Fletcher D, Wimpenny C, Allen BL, Van Bommel L, Roberts M, Davies N, Green K, Newsome T, Ballard G, Fleming P, Dickman CR, Eberhart A, Troy S, McMahon C, Wiggins N. The success of GPS collar deployments on mammals in Australia. Aust Mammalogy 2013. [DOI: 10.1071/am12021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Global Positioning System (GPS) wildlife telemetry collars are being used increasingly to understand the movement patterns of wild mammals. However, there are few published studies on which to gauge their general utility and success. This paper highlights issues faced by some of the first researchers to use GPS technology for terrestrial mammal tracking in Australia. Our collated data cover 24 studies where GPS collars were used in 280 deployments on 13 species, including dingoes or other wild dogs (Canis lupus dingo and hybrids), cats (Felis catus), foxes (Vulpes vulpes), kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus), livestock guardian dogs (C. l. familiaris), pademelons (Thylogale billardierii), possums (Trichosurus cunninghami), quolls (Dasyurus geoffroii and D. maculatus), wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus and Petrogale lateralis), and wombats (Vombatus ursinus). Common problems encountered were associated with collar design, the GPS, VHF and timed-release components, and unforseen costs in retrieving and refurbishing collars. We discuss the implications of collar failures for research programs and animal welfare, and suggest how these could be avoided or improved. Our intention is to provide constructive advice so that researchers and manufacturers can make informed decisions about using this technology, and maximise the many benefits of GPS while reducing the risks.
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Crisp H, Moseby K. One-way gates: Initial trial of a potential tool for preventing overpopulation within fenced reserves. Ecological Management & Restoration 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-8903.2010.00532.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Bice J, Moseby K. Diets of the re-introduced greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) and burrowing bettong (Bettongia lesueur) in the Arid Recovery Reserve, Northern South Australia. Aust Mammalogy 2008. [DOI: 10.1071/am08001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The diets of re-introduced populations of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) and burrowing bettong (Bettongia lesueur) were compared in arid South Australia. Scats were collected during five sampling periods over 15 months and dietary items were usually identified to species or genus level using macro and micro-histological techniques. Both species consumed a wide variety of food items but M. lagotis exhibited a greater use of invertebrate material and B. lesueur consumed more roots and perennial vegetation. Both species consumed a variety of seeds. There was high seasonal variation in the diets of both species and they appeared to be opportunistic dietary generalists, a condition beneficial for survival in the unpredictable arid zone climate. Although both species consumed items from the same broad dietary categories there was little dietary overlap of specific food items. Where overlap existed it was either temporally separated or comprised less than 19% of the total dietary volume suggesting a degree of resource partitioning between the two species. Whilst M. lagotis appears to have adapted to arid conditions by moving to follow ephemeral growth, B. lesueur is more sedentary and relies more on perennial vegetation. Within re-introduced confined populations where species movement is limited, M. lagotis may be more susceptible to population decline when conditions are dry, whereas B. lesueur may cause significant damage to perennial vegetation before experiencing population decline.
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