Context In many coastal shark species, habitat use shifts across life stages. Therefore, examining size-specific patterns of occurrence is essential for understanding their spatial and temporal ecology. Aims This study aimed to describe the seasonal occurrence patterns and size distribution of the sicklefin lemon shark (Negaprion acutidens) in a northern part of its distributional range. Methods Capture surveys were conducted in the coastal waters around Kuroshima Island, Yaeyama Islands, Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan from 2017 to 2020. To evaluate seasonal and spatial occurrence patterns, the catch per unit effort was estimated using zero-inflated negative binomial models. In addition, ages of individuals in the population were estimated using size-frequency analysis with a normal mixture distribution model. Key results In total, 199 sicklefin lemon sharks were measured, of which 157 were tagged and released. Their total lengths ranged from 61.2 cm to 135.0 cm, and the size distribution was strongly skewed toward smaller size classes. Sicklefin lemon shark occurrence exhibited clear seasonality, with a pronounced peak during the high-temperature period. The normal mixture distribution model identified three cohorts in the size structure around Kuroshima Island. Conclusions This study provides baseline ecological information on sicklefin lemon sharks at the northern edge of their distribution, and suggests that most recruited individuals may move to other areas within approximately 2 years. Implications This study suggests that broader regional investigations will be necessary to develop effective conservation plans for this species.
No matter how extensive bird conservation efforts may be, these often remain insufficient because the underlying humanistic connection between humans and nature is profoundly fractured. This paper examines how Bird Village, an imaginative world in Wild Wise Weird by Professor Vuong Quan Hoang, offers a pathway to address this deficit by nurturing deeper inner connections with the natural world. Specifically, it demonstrates how the imaginative world of Bird Village can cultivate ecological understanding, foster affective bonds, and expand moral conscience beyond anthropocentric boundaries. Furthermore, the paper explores how the Uncertainty–Absurdity Mutuality (UAM) proposition embedded in Bird Village can function as an epistemic tool to overcome order-induced blindness – shaped by ego, hubris, and entrenched belief systems, and more fundamentally rooted in an anthropocentric worldview – thereby enabling more harmonious coexistence with a natural world characterised by pervasive uncertainty. The analytical power of UAM in identifying, interpreting, and addressing paradoxes that permeate contemporary conservation practices, such as ‘loving’ birds through aviary keeping or ceremonial release, is also discussed.
An aerial observation of of pygmy blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) sub-surface feeding in the Wetar Straight of Timor-Leste. Based on current understanding of their foraging ecology, these whales were probably feeding opportunistically on krill-like zooplankton.
Context Globally, impacts of wildfire on fauna populations and our knowledge of these impacts, vary considerably. Information regarding wildfire effects on Aotearoa’s terrestrial fauna is meagre but interest in this topic is increasing alongside anthropogenic climate change. Aims We undertook the first ecological study of a sub-alpine green gecko population (the jewelled gecko; Naultinus gemmeus) in the Lammermoor Range. In November 2019, a large wildfire burnt through our study site, providing an opportunity to examine how N. gemmeus fares after wildfires. Methods Through field surveys (2015−2025) and a radio-telemetry study we examined how N. gemmeus used habitat in a sub-alpine environment. We also assessed the impacts of the fire on N. gemmeus. Key results Coastal populations of N. gemmeus are considered primarily arboreal; however, our study revealed that the Lammermoor Range population is terrestrial, occupying snow tussock (Chionochloa rigida) and associated plants. Population surveys during the weeks after the fire had a higher sightings rate than before the fire, likely reflecting increased detectability. Subsequent surveys indicated a sharp decline in N. gemmeus sightings, with none occurring during eight surveys between 2022 and 2024. Eventually, a surviving gecko was located in October 2025. Conclusions After the fire, the complexity of the habitat and the ability of the geckos to camouflage was significantly reduced, and this may have contributed to population decline. Implications Translocation of surviving green geckos to safer habitats after a fire may be an appropriate conservation action, as green geckos may struggle to evade introduced predators in a decimated landscape.
Reports of amphibians entangled in garden netting are rare, with scientific literature limited to a recent publication that reported 37 incidents occurring across 10 years. This note reports on a spot-legged tree frog (Polypedates megacephalus) found trapped by one of its rear limbs in garden netting in a rural area of Vietnam. Photograph by Matthew Mo.
Context A staggering 22,760 species are considered Data Deficient (DD) by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with more than half predicted to be threatened by extinction. Unfortunately, DD taxa are often neglected from conservation action due to their uncertain status, being perceived as risky to prioritise, especially as there is generally no legislative requirement to do so. Thus, understanding their true extinction risk is a research priority. Aims We aimed to determine the conservation status of the DD Bungle Bungle robust slider (Lerista bunglebungle), a skink with two known occurrence points within Western Australia’s Purnululu National Park. Method Targeted fieldwork was conducted across the Bungle Bungle Range to enhance knowledge of its distribution and ecology. We also undertook spatial analyses of its threats, preserved specimen analysis, and inferred life-history traits from ecologically similar species. Key results Lerista bunglebungle was detected 21 times across the southern and eastern Bungle Bungle Range, and fit the IUCN Red List criteria for Endangered (B1ab[i,ii,iii,v], B2ab[i,ii,iii,v]) based on the following attributes: maximum estimated Extent of Occurrence and Area of Occupancy of 280 km2, maximum occurrence at five locations defined by the threat of changing fire regimes, and an inferred continuing decline in its distribution, habitat, and population size. Conclusions The species should be reclassified as Endangered under the IUCN Red List and listed on Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Implications Like recent studies on other DD taxa, our study reiterates that many are likely threatened with extinction, and that such taxa should be an increased research priority.
Context Plastic pollution poses a serious, increasing hazard to many species and habitats. In the tropical marine environment, the Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna pacifica) has been the focus of numerous studies that have provided valuable insights into geographic and temporal variation in plastics exposure. Aims We document the ingestion of macroplastics (>1 mm) in Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (known as koroliko in Vanuatu) in collaboration with the Traditional Custodians of the colony using a sample of birds taken during a traditional harvest on the remote island of Laika, Vanuatu. Methods The harvest provided a random sample of 70 known-provenance birds and necropsies were conducted using standardised methodology for assessing plastic ingestion in seabirds. Key results We found very low levels of plastic exposure in birds sampled during 2024 (frequency of occurrence: chicks 0%, fledglings 2.6%). Measurements of these birds indicated that they were in excellent condition, with mean fledgling body mass of 487.6 ± 37.0 g. Conclusions These results indicate that this population of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters is healthy and currently at low risk of plastic-associated impacts. Implications This result highlights the value of seabirds as indicator species and the importance of sampling biomonitors across a broad area and over many years.
Direct records of hunting behaviour in hammerhead sharks are limited, particularly for the Critically Endangered winghead shark (Eusphyra blochii). We report on an opportunistic drone-based observation of a winghead shark pursuing and consuming a teleost fish at Magnetic Island, Queensland, Australia. During the interaction, the shark alternated between rapid turning manoeuvres and directed pursuit while repeatedly re-establishing proximity to its prey following attempted escapes. As the encounter progressed, the shark maintained a close-range pursuit, including repeated dorsoventral adjustments of the cephalofoil in response to vertical prey movements, and rapid, sharp turns before ultimately capturing and consuming the fish. These observations are consistent with hypotheses that the expanded cephalofoil of winghead sharks enhances manoeuvrability and facilitates pursuit of agile teleost prey.
Context Southern greater gliders (Petauroides volans) are obligate hollow users. Few studies have reported on nest box use by greater gliders, resulting in designs that often lack robust experimental testing, and concerns remain about thermal suitability. Aims This study evaluated the effectiveness of nest boxes as supplementary habitat for southern greater gliders. Methods Nest boxes were installed in areas with varying abundance of greater gliders and monitored over 2 years. Greater glider activity patterns and nest box thermal properties were compared with 16 tree hollows. Key results Of the 34 nest boxes installed, 11 (31%) were used by southern greater gliders. Nest boxes placed in areas with a lower abundance of southern greater gliders and with fewer natural tree hollows, had a higher likelihood of use by southern greater gliders. European honeybees (Apis mellifera) were observed to impact nest box use by greater gliders. Nest boxes provided less thermal insulation than tree hollows, although both den types experienced internal temperatures above 30°C while occupied by southern greater gliders. None of the environmental co-variates tested had a significant influence on whether a southern greater glider would leave a nest box and not return. Conclusions This study found that nest boxes can provide supplementary habitat for greater gliders, particularly in areas lacking natural tree hollows. There was no difference in activity patterns and use between nest boxes and tree hollows. Implications Strategic placement of nest boxes may support short-term conservation management of southern greater gliders by improving habitat availability.
Context Mesic-adapted species are disproportionately vulnerable to climate change due to their dependence on cool, stable microclimates generated by topographically complex habitats that are often limited in extent and connectivity in arid regions. Effective conservation of these species requires a comprehensive understanding of their ecological and physiological characteristics, and distribution-limiting factors. Aims To address knowledge gaps for the poorly known gecko Underwoodisaurus seorsus (Pilbara barking gecko), previously assessed as of Least Concern by the IUCN in 2017. Methods We combined field surveys with ecological niche modelling and analyses of microclimate and microhabitat use across elevational gradients. The resulting data were used to evaluate the species’ distribution, habitat preferences, vulnerability to climate, and overall conservation status against IUCN Red List criteria. Key results Based on existing and new records compiled in this study, the species’ extent of occurrence (EOO) is 16,631 km2, with fine-scale habitat mapping estimating an area of occupancy (AOO) of 3418 km2 within this range. Ecological niche models predicted severe contraction in suitable habitat driven by climate change, with near-complete loss of the species’ current macroclimatic niche by 2060 under all emission scenarios. Conclusions Based on these findings, U. seorsus qualifies for listing as Endangered under IUCN Criteria A3c and E, with climate change representing the principal threat, compounded by impacts from mining expansion, feral cat predation, and likely illegal collection. Implications We provide the first evidence-based conservation assessment of U. seorsus and more broadly underscore the value of targeted ecological studies to diagnose the status of poorly known species, even those initially regarded as of Least Concern.
Context Conservation translocations are an increasingly important tool in threatened species recovery programs. To maximise the conservation benefit of these interventions, it is important to ensure sustainability of harvests from wild populations. Aims We revisit sites from which wild mallee emu-wrens (Stipiturus mallee) – an Endangered passerine with fragmented range – were removed for translocation in 2018. Methods We report on the relative probability of mallee emu-wren occurrence prior to harvest, and 1 year, 3 years and 5 years post-removal at harvest and control sites in Murray Sunset National Park and Nowingi State Forest in Victoria, Australia. Key results Relative probability of mallee emu-wren occurrence was significantly lower at 1 year and 3 years post-translocation, compared with pre-translocation, but this was consistent at both harvest and control sites. Relative probability of mallee emu-wren occurrence recovered in Nowingi State Forest 5 years post-translocation but did not recover in Murray Sunset National Park during the same time period. Conclusions Declines in occurrence across all sites coincided with a period of drought, while recovery at Nowingi State Forest followed above-average rainfall in 2022–2023. Implications We demonstrate that mallee emu-wren populations have capacity to recover from the harvest of ~20 birds/200 ha within 5 years. Recovery potential is likely influenced by local habitat quality, population density and recent climatic conditions.
Context Forest fragmentation can have multiple effects on forest birds including nestling provisioning and parental behavior. Giant Nuthatch (Sitta magna) is globally endangered and inhabits border forests of Myanmar, China and Thailand that are highly threatened by habitat fragmentation. Aims We conducted a comparison of nest provisioning and nest behavior of Giant Nuthatch in terms of provisioning rates, amount of prey delivered, and nest vigilance between forest interior and forest edge nests in northern Thailand. Methods We collected data on (a) nest provisioning rates, (b) amount of prey delivered, and (c) adult nest vigilance at 10 nests during the 2023 breeding season. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine variables influencing provisioning and parental behavior. Key results Provisioning rates were ~42% higher at interior vs edge nests and the relative amount of prey delivered was ~61% higher at interior nests. There was no clear trend for vigilance between edge and interior nests. Conclusions Although we consider the observed patterns to be preliminary due to our small sample size, we observed edge effects that may negatively impact parental foraging effort and provisioning of the Giant Nuthatch. While vigilance patterns were not clear, we hypothesize that vigilance rates are correlated with nest predation rates. Implications Edge effects may negatively affect food delivery to Giant Nuthatch nestlings. Similar effects may occur in other forest-dependent insectivorous birds. Larger studies with direct measures of prey availability and predator abundances are needed to clarify mechanisms and inform conservation strategies.
Context Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly recognised as a promising governance approach for protected area management, yet scientific evidence on their effectiveness, design, and sustainability particularly in marine protected area (MPA) tourism contexts remains limited. Aims This study examines the collaborative PPP between the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi (SoTM) at Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, New Zealand, analysing its development, governance dynamics, success factors, and challenges over more than 30 years. Methods A qualitative single case study design was employed, using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 12 key stakeholders including founders, current and past board members, DOC staff, academic researchers, and volunteers. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis framework. Key results The partnership has achieved significant successes in community engagement, ecological restoration, tourism development, and scientific research. Key success factors include a compelling shared vision, strong volunteerism, diversified financing, science-led management, and transparent governance. Persistent challenges include power imbalances, governmental bureaucracy, high DOC staff turnover, ambiguous roles and responsibilities, and insufficient engagement of indigenous Māori iwi. Conclusions Effective PPPs in protected areas require adaptive, inclusive, and well-resourced governance structures. A conceptual framework is proposed identifying the primary drivers, mechanisms of change, and sustainability outcomes underpinning the partnership model. Implications The findings offer transferable lessons for MPA governance, recommending co-produced strategic planning, formal institutional memory mechanisms within DOC, and a dedicated, resourced strategy for meaningful iwi engagement in conservation partnerships.
Background Management decisions often rely on expert data via discrete input scenarios as guidance when empirical data are lacking. Eliciting a continuous functional response to an input variable (a ‘response curve’) can be more valuable in some contexts such as fire ecology and invasive species management. Direct elicitation of response curves has only been attempted manually, slowing and limiting the number of addressed scenarios. Aim We developed the EO Curve (Expert Opinion Curve), a web-hosted application, to remotely elicit experts’ response curves and uncertainty metrics. Methods Response curves were elicited by applying a ‘connect-the-dots’ approach that populates a table requesting uncertainty values. We tested the EO Curve using simulated responses of wildlife populations to fire as a case study. Data were aggregated outside the app using measures useful to inform decision-making. Key results The EO Curve supports efficient elicitation of large quantities of data in a shorter timeframe than discrete scenario-based and manual curve-based approaches. The application enables experts to identify where non-linearities and points of inflection occur in the functional response. Conclusions Our question format for expert elicitation is expected to be robust for capturing measures of central tendency but may underestimate the full range of plausible outcomes. Implications The EO Curve could be used in conjunction with other expert elicitation tools to enable expert discussion and review of inputs, thereby reducing the risk of underestimating the range of outcomes.
Adverse fire regimes threaten biodiversity, potentially leading to population declines and increased extinction risk. Understanding how varying fire regimes affect threatened species is essential for effective ecosystem management, including in Western Australia where diverse ecosystems are exposed to wildfires, Indigenous burning, and prescribed fire. We compiled and synthesised data on the threat of adverse fire regimes to threatened animal taxa in Western Australia. Using a threat classification scheme, we ranked adverse fire regimes as having either no, low, medium, high, or unknown impact on each taxon. A total of 212 taxa were reviewed, 153 (72%) of which are considered fire-threatened: 29 high, 67 medium, 43 low, and 14 unknown impact. This includes 100% of threatened amphibians (3 taxa), 91% of threatened mammals (29), 71% of threatened invertebrates (85), 67% of threatened fish (6), 63% of threatened reptiles (10) and 61% of threatened birds (20). Only some bird (6), mammal (5), and invertebrate (18) taxa received a ranking of ‘high’. Across all fire-threatened taxa, we synthesised 330 fire response cases from 169 studies. Most taxa (75%) are considered fire-threatened due to small ranges and limited dispersal (primarily invertebrates and island taxa), with much smaller numbers reliant on long-unburnt vegetation (>10–40 years; 7%) or habitat features that take decades to form (e.g. tree hollows; 7%). Many taxa should be considered putatively fire-threatened until further information on their fire responses and the nature of fire regimes within their ranges is collected. We identify key research priorities to inform fire management and threatened species conservation.
This field note documents the first confirmed case of road mortality in the endangered Monaro grassland earless dragon (Tympanocryptis osbornei), overturning the prevailing assumption that sealed roads function solely as movement barriers for this species. The observation demonstrates that roads can pose a direct mortality threat and highlights the need to explicitly consider vehicle strike in impact assessments, road planning, and mitigation for grassland earless dragons.
Context Wildlife tracking is often expensive and manufacturer delivery times sometimes delay critical research opportunities. Movement and activity data provide fundamental ecological information for developing conservation methods and management strategies. However, the aforementioned limitations of commercial animal tracking systems can prevent important research.Aims To build an affordable and effective system for monitoring the movement and activity of captive and wild animals with a particular focus on mammals (weighing 3 kg and over) such as the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata, hereafter 'BTRW').Methods A prototype hub-based animal tracking system was built for BTRW research. Data was uploaded from a collar to hub when an animal was within upload range via a wireless local area network and transmitted via a Message Queuing Telemetry Transport broker. This data package was subsequently uploaded via cellular networks to a cloud-based database and dashboard.Key results The On-Animal Tracking System (OATS) prototype system was successfully tested in the field with nine BTRW for a period of up to 60 days and provided researchers with movement data for further analysis.Conclusions OATS provides an affordable wildlife tracking system option with the design being publicly and freely available thereby, providing a tracking solution specifically designed for research.Implications This system has set the foundation for other researchers to use and adapt the design to suit their research needs thereby, providing both a customisable and cost-effective method for carrying out movement and activity research. OATS has been deployed with BTRW (described in this manuscript) along with both wild canids and livestock.
Context Long-term studies are extraordinarily valuable yet are scarce. They provide important insights into changes in the status of species and communities, and responses to land use and environmental change.Aims (1) To document long-term observations on the birds of Birrarung Park, Melbourne, Australia, from 1985 to 2024; (2) to describe changes in the bird community over 40 years; and (3) to identify factors associated with changes through time.Methods Bird surveys (n = 805) were carried out opportunistically to record species and numbers observed. We collated records for species over time and examined long-term changes in species richness and community composition.Key results In total, 153 species were recorded, many of which (35%) were detected in <1% of surveys. Species richness of native terrestrial birds first increased (similar to 1985-2000), associated with revegetation of the Park, and then declined. Small birds (<55 g) showed a marked decline in richness from 2004, coinciding with establishment of the Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala. Wetland-associated species displayed fluctuations through time, linked to patterns of rainfall, flooding and wetland persistence. Richness of introduced species showed a long-term decline.Conclusions The avifauna of Birrarung Park is dynamic with changes driven by multiple factors. Scarce and vagrant species comprise a large part of the long-term avifauna, reflecting the mobility of birds and the potential for such areas to serve as refuges in the wider urban landscape.Implications Larger urban parks, especially those connected along river systems, have high conservation value. Long-term studies provide critical insight into ongoing changes that otherwise may not be appreciated.
When you visit Kangaroo Island and the Mount Lofty Ranges outside of Adelaide, South Australia (SA), some conservation projects that you encounter have been influenced by Penelope (Penny) Ann Paton. Penny is one of SA's most effective conservationists. She combined her academic training in history and environmental interests in her Honours project on the history of conservation from 1880 to 1930, and was one of the first Australians to graduate in Environmental Science. After graduation, Penny conducted field work in SA, following her interests in threatened species recovery and native vegetation management and restoration on Kangaroo Island and the Mount Lofty Ranges. Initially, her efforts focused on restoration of remnant vegetation in parks and private properties and later, at the family property on Kangaroo Island. In the early 2000s, Penny's husband David Paton and a few others formed Bio (R) (www.bior.org.au; accessed 1 July 2025) to expand conservation efforts on cleared land in southern SA. After David's retirement, David, Penny, and their daughter Fiona increased the capacity of Bio (R). Throughout her career, Penny's focus was on restoring bird habitat that had been lost through land clearing. She shared her expertise by serving on numerous national, regional and local boards, and advisory and expert committees for 30+ years. In 2008, she became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her contributions to the environment. While her husband David was the primary 'breadwinner', Penny parented their children at home and is now helping to raise her grandchildren. Penny's life illustrates the diverse ways women contribute to conservation.
Context. Toxic invasive prey poses a threat to consumers by causing physiological disorders and death. Some consumers use toxic prey as food and sequester toxins for chemical defense. However, studies on the predation potential of toxic invasive prey by those consumers are limited. Aims. We assessed the predation potential of the Taiwan keelback snake (Rhabdophis formosanus), a species that sequesters toxins from native toads, on an invasive cane toad (Rhinella marina). Methods. We conducted prey preference tests based on odor and visual cues, and a toxin tolerance test. Key results. Rhabdophis formosanus showed the strongest preference for its typical toxin source, Central Formosa toad (Bufo bankorensis), based on odor cues, but for the invasive Rhinella marina, based on visual cues. In the toxin tolerance test, juvenile Rhabdophis formosanus exhibited a marked decline in locomotor performance and died when administered a dose equivalent to one quarter of the quantity of toxin contained in the largest toad it could consume; adults survived without substantial impairment of physiological functions. When administered a higher dose equivalent to half the toxin present in the largest toad that they could consume, all Rhabdophis formosanus experienced severe impairment in locomotor performance and eventually died. Conclusions. Rhabdophis formosanus may prey on Rhinella marina when encountered and small toads can be consumed; however, large toads may cause poisonous death. Implications. To conserve Rhabdophis snakes and other native consumers, assessing their predation potential when sympatric with Rhinella marina, and evaluating the potential impacts of this invasive toad are essential.
