Context . Automatically activated cameras (camera traps) and automated poison-delivery devices are increasingly being used to monitor and manage predators such as felids and canids. Maximising visitation rates to sentry positions enhances the efficacy of feral-predator management, especially for feral cats, which are typically less attracted to food-based lures than canids.

Aims . The influence of camera-trap placement and lures were investigated to determine optimal monitoring and control strategies for feral cats and other predators in two regions of semi-arid South Australia.

Methods . We compared autumn and winter capture rates, activity patterns and behaviours of cats, foxes and dingoes at different landscape elements and with different lures in three independent 6 km × 3 km grids of 18 camera-trap sites.

Key results . Neither visual, olfactory or audio lures increased recorded visitation rates by any predators, although an audio and a scent-based lure both elicited behavioural responses in predators. Cameras set on roads yielded an eight times greater capture rate for dingoes than did off-road cameras. Roads and resource points also yielded highest captures of cats and foxes. All predators were less nocturnal in winter than in autumn and fox detections at the Immarna site peaked in months when dingo and cat activity were lowest.

Conclusions . Monitoring and management programs for cats and other predators in arid Australia should focus on roads and resource points where predator activity is highest. Olfactory and auditory lures can elicit behavioural responses that render cats more susceptible to passive monitoring and control techniques. Dingo activity appeared to be inversely related to fox but not cat activity during our monitoring period.

Implications . Optimised management of feral cats in the Australian arid zone would benefit from site- and season-specific lure trials.

Context . Nest location is an important determinant of reproductive success in many seabirds. Better understanding of breeding ecology of threatened seabirds could help in their conservation.

Aims . We evaluated nest location and reproductive success in the globally Vulnerable, regionally endemic, Socotra cormorants on Siniya Island, United Arab Emirates, in relation to multiple habitat factors to assess the relative influence of each.

Methods . We measured hatching success, as an indication of reproductive success, on 14 study plots during the 2011–12 breeding season. We measured distances from each study plot to the nearest tree, road, predation area, sandy beach and lagoon. We used multiple logistic regression to determine the extent to which these explanatory factors influenced hatching success. We used an information theoretic approach to select the best model.

Key results . Hatching success was significantly related to tree cover, distance from beach and distance from heavily depredated areas (AIC_c weight = 0.613). Nests were significantly deeper (13.14 ± 0.35 cm) in unshaded areas compared with areas shaded by trees (10.8 ± 0.31 cm) (ANOVA: F_2,12 = 24.93, P < 0.001).

Conclusions . Thus, we conclude that shade provided by planted non-native trees is an important factor affecting nest location and hatching success. Deeper nests could aid incubation by lowering nest temperatures during peak incubation periods (August) when temperatures may exceed 48°C. Heavy predation pressure is affecting hatching success. Wind action could be preventing nesting near the sandy beach.

Implications . Planted non-native trees are advantageous to breeding Socotra cormorants, although planting trees is not advocated. High predation pressure from feral cats and red foxes is reducing hatching success of Socotra cormorants on the largest known colony in the United Arab Emirates. Feral cats should be eradicated whereas the red foxes could be managed as a precautionary measure to ensure the continued survival of this threatened seabird.

Context . Livestock depredation and scavenging of waste by the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) occurs widely across Ethiopia.

Aims . The aim of this study was to investigate the food base of the spotted hyena and livestock depredation across Ethiopia.

Methods . The diet of spotted hyenas was assessed in 17 randomly selected study sites across the country, including two national parks, by scat analysis. We conducted an extensive survey of livestock depredation and economic impact in 10 randomly selected subdistricts using semistructured interviews with 3080 randomly selected households.

Key results . We found that even spotted hyenas from national parks feed predominantly on anthropogenic waste. Households reported losses of 2230 domestic animals, 3.9% of their stock or an average annual financial loss of US$10.3 per household over the past five years. The diet of spotted hyenas showed only prey items of domestic origin except in Chebera Churchura National Park, where a few items of prey of wild species were found. Frequencies of prey remains of cattle, sheep, donkey and goat were highest in decreasing order.

Key conclusions . Survival of hyenas in Ethiopia is thus largely and widely dependent on management of livestock conflict and waste. Some hairs in scats originated from depredation, but most food intake is from waste dumps and slaughterhouses.

Implications . Waste management, spotted hyena persistence and environmental sanitation area are linked.

Context . Wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVC) are one of the major risk factors for the safety of drivers, as well as a great danger to wildlife that moves through the territory. In recent decades, given the growth of these accidents, some researches emerged to understand what are the main causes of this phenomenon and find the best solutions for implementation and try to solve this problem.

Aims . The aim of the present study was to analyse the road and traffic characteristics of road segments with a high occurrence of WVC in north-western Spain, specifically, the collisions with wild ungulates (roe deer and wild boar).

Methods . A nearest-neighbour analysis was used to analyse the spatial distribution of the WVC spots, and so as to identify these hotspots of accidents, we performed a hotspot analysis using the routine nearest-neighbour hierarchical cluster. Then, we calculated the WVC density of each road segment (KP). The existence of differences in the values of variables between high and low accident densities was analysed using a Mann–Whitney U-test for the continuous variables, and a χ²-test for the categorical ones. Then, multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify which variables could predict the existence of KPs with a high density of WVC.

Key results . Our results showed that the daily traffic volume, the width of the road, the number of lanes and speed limit affect whether a particular road marker has a high or low density of WVC.

Conclusions . We conclude that high WVC is frequently characterised by wider lanes and shoulders, as well as gentler slopes, whereas in the sections with narrower roads and a shorter curvature radius, there are some conditions (low visibility and speed reduction) that reduce the probability of having an accident with ungulates. However, the speed at which it is possible to drive on a given road section is closely related to the occurrence of WVC.

Implications . These findings emphasise the importance of including mitigation measures in the decision-making when planning and designing infrastructure.

Context. According to the current trend of biodiversity loss, information on population trends at large temporal and spatial scales is necessary. However, well documented animal population dynamics are generally based on intensive protocols requiring animal manipulation, which can be impossible to conduct in species for which conservation is a concern.

Aims. For many bat species, an alternative approach entails performing an appropriate analysis of counts in roost cavities. Because of managers’ perception of chaotic variations through time, relatively few count monitoring surveys are regularly analysed. Here, we present the analysis of a twenty-two-year survey of a large hibernaculum of pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) located in a railway tunnel in Paris, France.

Methods. We propose that using combinations of population-dynamics modelling using demographic parameters from the literature and statistical analyses helps with identifying the biological and methodological effects underlying the dynamics observed in census analyses.

Key results. We determined that some of the observed year-to-year variations of population size cannot be explained only by the intrinsic dynamics of the population. In particular, in 1993–94, the population size increased by >40%, which should have implied a massive immigration. This change coincided with the end of the operation of the railway line. After consideration of a drastic trend of population decline (7% year^–1), we were able to detect this event and several environmental effects. Specifically, the winter conditions and the temperature in July affected the colony size, presumably because of aggregative behaviour and reproduction success, respectively.

Conclusions. Emigration–immigration processes might have preponderant effects on population dynamics. In addition, our analysis demonstrated that (1) the study population suffered a large decline, (2) a combination of human disturbance and meteorological variation explains these dynamics and (3) emigration–immigration processes have preponderant effects on the population dynamics.

Implications. To conduct a meaningful analysis of non-standard time series and provide a source of data for implementing biodiversity indicators, it is necessary to include (1) the local knowledge of the people involved in the field surveys in these analyses (the existence of disturbances and site protections) and (2) meteorological information for the appropriate seasons of the year.

Context . One of the major drivers of the current worldwide amphibian decline and extinction crisis is the spread of the amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Captive assurance colonies may be the only lifeline for some species. Current antifungal chemotherapies can be effective for clearing infection but may have detrimental side effects. The only non-chemotherapeutic treatment that has been clinically tested is heat, which is impractical for cold-adapted species. The fungus does not survive desiccation, and therefore a plausible alternative non-chemotherapeutic treatment would be a low-humidity regimen.

Aims . We tested the efficacy of a low-humidity treatment regimen for treating Bd-infected animals of the critically endangered species Pseudophryne corroboree. This species has high tolerance of dry environments, and is thus an ideal candidate for this treatment trial.

Methods . Forty frogs were exposed to 1 × 10⁶ zoospores. At three weeks after exposure access to water was reduced to once daily for 10 days for 20 animals. Ten of these animals were also rinsed daily with the aim of removing zoospores.

Key results . The drying regimen neither increased survival nor decreased infection load, and treatment may have hastened mortality. All infected frogs died between 21 and 80 days after exposure, except one untreated frog.

Conclusions . Our results suggest that a drying regimen is not a viable treatment for chytridiomycosis. Infection may decrease the host’s ability to cope with water stress.

Implications . The failed drying treatment in P. corroboree suggests that drying is not an appropriate treatment for chytridiomycosis and treatment efforts should be focussed on chemotherapies for cold-adapted species. P. corroboree is a critically endangered species for which chytridiomycosis is the primary cause of decline, yet few experiments have been carried out on this species with regards to chytridiomycosis. All experimental information about this species and disease will benefit the management and protection of the species.

Context . Despite the regular use of pesticides to control locusts, there is a lack of information on the effects of locust-control treatments on reptiles worldwide. Exposure to pesticides poses a significant potential hazard to small reptiles, both from the direct effects of exposure, and indirectly because of their largely insectivorous diet and small home ranges.

Aims . Our study aimed to monitor the effects of two insecticides applied operationally for locust control in Australia. A phenyl pyrazole pesticide, fipronil, and a fungal biopesticide, Metarhizium acridium (Green Guard^®), were applied aerially in either a barrier or block treatment in the absence of dense locust populations, and effects on non-target arid-zone reptiles were measured.

Methods . We monitored reptile-abundance and community-composition responses to treatments using a large field-based pitfall-trapping experiment, with replicated control and spraying treatments, which approximated the scale of aerial-based locust-control operations in Australia.

Key results . Neither reptile abundance nor community composition was significantly affected by locust-control treatments. However, both abundance and community composition as detected by pitfall trapping changed over time, in both control and treatment plots, possibly as a result of a decrease in annual rainfall.

Conclusions . The absence of any significant short-term pesticide treatment effects in our study suggests that the two locust-control application methods studied present a relatively insignificant hazard to reptiles at our site, based on a single application. Similar to other areas of Australia, climate and other factors are likely to be stronger drivers of reptile abundance and community structure.

Implications . Monitoring over an area that approximates the scale of the current locust-control operations is an important step in understanding the possible effects of current pesticide exposure on reptile populations and will inform insecticide risk assessments in Australia. However, important information on the immediate response of individuals to insecticide application and long-term effects of exposure are missing. The preliminary research reported in the present paper should be complemented by future investigations on long-term and sublethal impacts of pesticide exposure on Australian native reptiles and the possible benefits provided to reptiles by the resource pulses represented in untreated high-density locust populations.

Context . Invasive species management is often a source of contention; therefore, understanding human dimensions is viewed increasingly as critical for management success.

Aims . Using invasive Javan rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) in the Royal National Park (RNP), Sydney, as a case study, we sought to identify key dimensions of local public attitudes towards deer and associated management interventions, to identify the most divisive issues, and to assess the influence of experiences on attitudes.

Methods . We used a mixed-methods approach, using a questionnaire targeted at residents closest to the border of the RNP (n = 406, 30% response rate). The potential for conflict index (PCI₂) was used to analyse 32 framing statements, generated through in-depth interviews with 18 key stakeholders from a range of stakeholder groups (e.g. conservation, hunting, animal welfare). We also tested for significant differences in attitudes between those who had or had not experienced deer impacts or received information on deer management. We conducted qualitative analysis of open comments to identify emergent themes and develop an attitudes framework.

Key results . We identified three overarching dimensions to local attitudes, namely, stakeholder, wildlife and management dimensions, each consisting of key themes and issues, forming the attitudes framework. The most divisive issues based on PCI₂ analysis related to deer remaining in the park (PCI₂ = 0.626), the heritage value of deer (PCI₂ = 0.626), the need to remove deer (PCI₂ = 0.531) and the need to kill non-natives in national parks (PCI₂ = 0.535). Experience of deer–vehicle collisions and property damage were associated with significantly more negative attitudes towards deer and non-native species and more trust in ecological evidence (P < 0.001), whereas positive experience of deer had the opposite effect (P < 0.001). These experiences were also associated with attitudes towards aerial shooting (P < 0.05) but not hunting. Receiving information improved trust in ecological evidence and decreased belief in heritage value of deer (P < 0.05).

Conclusions . Attitudes of the local public were varied and complex; however, a mixed-methods bottom-up approach allowed us to identify specific key issues of divisiveness and make management recommendations.

Implications . The framework and analysis have the potential to facilitate conflict mitigation and develop invasive species management strategies that are inclusive of the local community.

Context . Determining reliable estimates of carnivore population size and distributions are paramount for developing informed conservation and management plans. Traditionally, invasive sampling has been employed to monitor carnivores, but non-invasive sampling has the advantage of not needing to capture the animal and is generally less expensive. Faeces sampling is a common non-invasive sampling technique and future use is forecasted to increase due to the low costs and logistical ease of sampling, and more advanced techniques in landscape and conservation genetics. For many species, faeces sampling often occurs on or alongside roads. Despite the commonality of road-based faeces sampling, detectability issues are often not addressed.

Aim . We sought to test whether faeces detection probabilities varied by species – coyote (Canis latrans) versus kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) – and to test whether road characteristics influenced faeces detection probabilities.

Methods . We placed coyote and kit fox faeces along roads, quantified road characteristics, and then subsequently conducted ‘blind’ road-based faeces detection surveys in Utah during 2012 and 2013. Technicians that surveyed the faeces deposition transects had no knowledge of the locations of the placed faeces.

Key results . Faeces detection probabilities for kit foxes and coyotes were 45% and 74%, respectively; larger faeces originated from coyotes and were more readily detected. Misidentification of placed faeces was rare and did not differ by species. The width of survey roads and the composition of a road’s surface influenced detection probabilities.

Conclusion . We identified factors that can influence faeces detection probabilities. Not accounting for variable detection probabilities of different species or not accounting for or reducing road-based variables influencing faeces detection probabilities could hamper reliable counts of mammalian faeces, and could potentially reduce precision of population estimates derived from road-based faeces deposition surveys.

Implications . We recommend that wildlife researchers acknowledge and account for imperfect faeces detection probabilities during faecal sampling. Steps can be taken during study design to improve detection probabilities, and during the analysis phase to account for variable detection probabilities.