Context . Prescribed burning is widely adopted as a conservation-management tool, with priorities largely being the protection of fire-sensitive plant communities, threatened fauna habitat and minimising the risk and impacts of broad-scale wildfire. However, an improved understanding of the ecological mechanisms that underpin species responses to fire will assist the development and refinement of prescribed-burning practice.

Aims . To examine the effect of fire on burrow-system occupancy and breeding success at different spatial and temporal scales for a threatened skink, Liopholis kintorei.

Methods . Experimental burns simulating different fire types (clean burn, patchy burn and no burn) were conducted at 30 L. kintorei burrow systems that were selected from within a 75-ha focal study area. Burrow-system occupancy was monitored daily for 1 month, then monthly for an additional 3 months. Breeding success was assessed once at all 30 burrow systems. Eight additional 1-km² sites within L. kintorei habitat that had experienced some degree of fire 2 years earlier were selected from across Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary. Burrow-system occupancy and breeding success of L. kintorei at these sites was assessed once.

Key results . There was no significant effect of fire on burrow-system occupancy 1 month after experimental burns; however, burrow-system occupancy was significantly higher at unburnt sites 4 months after experimental burns and 2 years post-fire. Breeding success was significantly higher at unburnt sites than at clean-burnt and patchy-burnt sites.

Conclusions . Fire adversely affects L. kintorei, as demonstrated by a higher proportion of unoccupied burrow systems and fewer successful breeding events post-fire, particularly when all ground cover is lost.

Implications . Because fire is an inevitable and natural process within arid-zone spinifex grasslands, the primary habitat for L. kintorei, we recommend prescribed-burning practices that aim to maximise ground cover by reducing the frequency, intensity and size of fires. More specifically, we recommend fire exclusion from key sites within distinct localities where L. kintorei is known to be locally abundant. Depending on the size of these key sites, there may also be a need to construct strategic fire breaks within sites to ensure that any unwanted ignitions do not result in the loss of all vegetation cover.

Context . Free-ranging mammals contribute to faecal pollution in United States water bodies. However, research into wildlife impact on water quality is dependent upon unreliable data (e.g. data uncertainty, unknown importance of parameters).

Aims . Our goal was to determine the potential impacts of common free-ranging mammal species and their management on Escherichia coli in the study floodplain. Our objectives for this research were to construct a model from study area- and literature-derived data, determine important species for E. coli deposition, and conduct sensitivity analyses on model parameters to focus future research efforts.

Methods . We constructed a model that incorporated parameters for four wildlife species known to contribute E. coli in central Texas: raccoons (Procyon lotor), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), and wild pigs (Sus scrofa). These parameters were (1) population density estimates, (2) defaecation rates, (3) defaecation areas, (4) E. coli concentration in faecal material estimates, and (5) E. coli survival. We conducted sensitivity analyses on the model parameters to determine relative importance of each parameter and areas for additional study.

Key results . We found that adjustment of raccoon and Virginia opossum population densities had higher impacts on E. coli in the floodplain than similar changes in other species across all spatial and seasonal variations. We also found that the changes in E. coli survival, E. coli concentration in raccoon faecal material, and defaecation rates had the highest impacts on E. coli in the floodplain.

Conclusions . Our sensitivity analyses indicated that the largest impacts to projected E. coli loads were from changes in defaecation rates followed by E. coli concentration in faecal material and E. coli survival. Watershed planners, ranchers, and regulators must be cautioned that faecal deposition patterns are location specific and could significantly impact which species are considered the most important contributors.

Implications . Although all parameters require more research, we recommend that researchers determine defaecation rates for contributing species due to their relatively large impacts on E. coli in comparison to the other parameters. We also suggest additional research in free-ranging wildlife faecal morphology (form and structure) and area of deposition. Finally, species-specific E. coli survival studies for free-ranging wildlife should be conducted.

Context . Feral cats (Felis catus) pose a significant threat to biodiversity in Australia, and are implicated in current declines of small mammals in the savannas of northern Australia. Basic information on population density and ranging behaviour is essential to understand and manage threats from feral cats.

Aims . In this study, we provide robust estimates of density and home range of feral cats in the central Kimberley region of north-western Australia, and we test whether population density is affected by livestock grazing, small mammal abundance and other environmental factors.

Methods . Densities were measured at six transects sampled between 2011 and 2013 using arrays of infrared cameras. Cats were individually identified, and densities estimated using spatially explicit capture–recapture analysis. Home range was measured from GPS tracking of 32 cats.

Key results . Densities were similar across all transects and deployments, with a mean of 0.18 cats km^–2 (range = 0.09–0.34 km^–2). We found no evidence that population density was related to livestock grazing or abundance of small mammals. Home ranges of males were, on average, 855 ha (±156 ha (95% CI), n = 25), and those of females were half the size at 397 ha (±275 ha (95% CI), n = 7). There was little overlap in ranges of cats of the same sex.

Conclusions . Compared with elsewhere in Australia outside of semiarid regions, feral cats occur at low density and have large home ranges in the central Kimberley. However, other evidence shows that despite this low density, cats are contributing to declines of small mammal populations across northern Australia.

Implications . It will be very difficult to reduce these already-sparse populations by direct control. Instead, land-management practices that reduce the impacts of cats on prey should be investigated.

Context . A generation of new animal repellents is based on the premise that threat stimuli are best interpreted through multiple sensory pathways. Ring-billed gulls (RBG; Larus delawarensis) offer a unique opportunity to assess the efficacy of multimodal repellents over time. This pest species is repelled by both auditory and optical cues and persists in stable populations, often remaining in the same colony for life. This distinctive attribute makes it possible to assess colonies independently over time and space.

Aims . We assessed the unimodal (single-cue treatment) and multimodal (paired-cue) response by RBG to auditory (conspecific distress call) and optical (green or red laser) cues, along with a double-negative control (flashlight aimed at ground, background noise).

Methods . All stimuli were investigated separately and together within a 3 × 2 factorial design randomised by treatment and site. We predicted that paired stimuli would generate more pronounced (number of gulls fleeing from a roost) and faster (flight initiation time) responses than stimuli presented alone with a control.

Key results . The distress call was more effective than either visual signal and almost nullified our ability to detect a multimodal response. However, the multimodal influence was detected on two levels. Gulls were more likely to flee from either paired treatment (optical   auditory) than from unimodal stimuli (laser light only; P < 0.001) and gulls fled more quickly from multiple cues (P < 0.001). A more subtle, but important, benefit was observed in that – over time – gulls were more likely to flee from either paired treatment (optical or auditory), but not from unimodal treatments (P < 0.005). The latter response may have been due to a fear-conditioned generalisation.

Conclusions . We provide evidence and a causal mechanism to address why multimodal stimuli may be more efficacious as deterrents than single-mode treatments. This species may be more effectively managed, over longer periods of time, through the use of multimodal repellents.

Implications . A better understanding of how multimodal repellents function may help frame novel approaches to animal conservation and to assay better tools and repellents for wildlife management. Even modest multimodal benefits may justify their use, if they delay habituation over time.

Context . Wildlife crossing structures are installed to mitigate the impacts of roads on animal populations, yet little is known about some aspects of their success. Many studies have monitored the use of structures by wildlife, but studies that also incorporate individual identification methods can offer additional insights into their effectiveness.

Aims . We monitored the use of wildlife crossing structures by arboreal marsupials along the Hume Freeway in south-eastern Australia to (1) determine the species using these structures and their frequency of crossing, (2) determine the number and demographic characteristics of individuals crossing, and (3) use the rate of crossing by individuals to infer the types of movement that occurred.

Methods . We used motion-triggered cameras to monitor five canopy bridges and 15 glider pole arrays installed at 13 sites along the Hume Freeway. The five canopy bridges were also monitored with passive integrated transponder (PIT)-tag readers to identify the rate of use by individuals.

Key results . Five species of arboreal marsupial were detected using canopy bridges and glider poles at 11 sites. Our analysis suggested that increasing the number and the distance between poles in a glider pole array reduced the rate of use by squirrel gliders. The PIT tag and camera footage revealed that the structures were used by adult males, adult females and juveniles, suggesting that all demographic groups are capable of using canopy bridges and glider poles. At two canopy bridges, multiple squirrel gliders and common brushtail possums crossed more than once per night.

Conclusions . Given that previous studies have shown that the freeway is a barrier to movement, and that many of the species detected crossing are subject to road mortality, we conclude that canopy bridges and glider poles benefit arboreal marsupials by providing safe access to resources that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Implications . Although the factors influencing crossing rate require further study, our analysis suggests that glider pole arrays with fewer poles placed closer together are likely to be more successful for squirrel gliders. The individual identification methods applied here offer insights that are not possible from measuring the rate of use alone and should be adopted in future monitoring studies.

Context . Cats can have substantial negative impacts on native wildlife. To harness the collective conservation impact of owners keeping cats inside, advocacy campaigns need to be based on empirical evidence regarding potential drivers to change cat-owner behaviour.

Aims . We assessed the degree to which different socio-psychological factors (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control), past cat owner behaviour, demographics and group membership explained intentions of zoo visitors to bring cats inside.

Methods . A self-report questionnaire was distributed to zoo visitors based on the theory of planned behaviour. Visitors rated 24 belief statements and four behavioural-intention questions on a scale of one to seven. We adopted an information-theoretic approach to make inferences about the drivers of intention to bring cats inside.

Key results . Attitude and normative beliefs were strong predictors of intention. Specifically, attitudinal beliefs focussed on the benefits to the cat of being inside or the positive impact on the owner were correlated with intention. Bringing cats inside for the benefit of native species was weakly correlated with intention. We found an interaction between normative beliefs (injunctive and descriptive) and past behaviour. For respondents who were intermittently bringing their cat inside, veterinarians were a key injunctive normative influence. In contrast, respondents who kept their cat outside exclusively rated descriptive norms as influential on their own behaviour.

Conclusions . Our results indicated a way forward for future advocacy campaigns. To increase the frequency of visitors bringing cats inside, future research should look at campaigns using veterinarians to advocate messages that emphasise the benefits to the cat of being inside or the positive impact on the owner. To target visitors who keep their cat outside exclusively, a normative campaign highlighting the actions of others bringing their cats inside at night may prove successful.

Implications . Given the impacts cats have on wildlife, conservation campaigns need to properly design communication campaigns to have the best chance at altering cat-owner behaviour. Our results can help guide this process.

Context . Traffic network construction is an essential method for enhancing the effectiveness of economic activities, but it can have various negative impacts on rare wildlife. In China, the rate of road construction has increased by over 300% during the past decade; however, the resulting fragmentation of rare habitats at a national scale remains uncertain.

Aims . This study mainly aimed to evaluate the impacts of road and railway networks on the fragmentation of habitats of endangered species in China. Another aim is to identify the key areas and road sections where improvements to habitat connectivity and integrity are urgently required.

Methods . We documented habitat information for 21 indicator species on the basis of two comprehensive datasets and over 120 previous studies. We combined this information to simulate the habitats of all these species by integrating a conceptual model and expert knowledge. We calculated the rates of change on the basis of three geometric habitat patterns for each species in traffic-clearing scenarios and road- and railway-overlay scenarios. An optimal algorithm, the core-area zonation cell-removal rule, was used to identify rare habitats affected by severe traffic stress.

Key results . According to our analysis, we ranked the road density in the habitats of all species as a straightforward evaluation of transportation stress. Among the different species considered, snow leopard (Panthera uncia), Cabot’s tragopan (Tragopan caboti) and Przewalski’s gazelle (Procapra przewalskii) appeared to be affected most severely by road-induced fragmentation. In addition, we classified five patterns of habitat fragmentation among species to facilitate wildlife management. On the basis of the trade-off between road density and conservation value per unit, we identified 17 unit sets as key traffic-affected areas, including 40 highways, 62 national roads and 51 railway sections.

Conclusions . Our results suggested that assessing the distributions of several key species can be effective in evaluating the impacts of roads on rare-wildlife habitats in China. Our results also indicated that the habitats of narrowly distributed species, such as Chinese alligator and Sichuan partridge, have high traffic densities, but core habitat degradation is even more serious for the habitats of species with higher intrinsic mobility or greater area requirements. Finally, we suggest that future conservation programs and restoration efforts should concentrate on roads or railway sections in the key areas that we identified.

Implications . In the present study, we obtained spatially explicit findings related to the maintenance of rare wildlife in a region where wildlife-protection information is lacking. Our site-selection results can be used to allocate highly limited conservation resources in a more efficient and effective manner, to facilitate wildlife protection in this region.

Context . Hunting transactions can be considered a composite good that includes various attributes or characteristics. Obtaining information regarding the utility derived from the different characteristics of the hunter’s bag might help elucidate the purchasing behaviour of hunters. This behaviour is, in turn, an important aspect to be considered by land managers in adaptive hunting management.

Aims . The present study attempts to identify the values given by hunters to species, landscape and management in the pricing of the hunter’s bag. Our analysis is focused on the hunting bag characteristics and adds to previous research the joint consideration of the amount and quality (sex, age classes and trophy) of various species in the hunter’s bag.

Methods . We use a dataset of 740 forest hunting estates at Andalucía (1 162 405 ha in the south of Spain) with an important mixed-species bag composition and where 225 game-hunting marketed transactions were declared by the hunting managers, including 13 541 hunting journeys. Hedonic-price analysis and mixed-effect models are used.

Key results . Our results showed that the composition of the harvested species (quantity and trophy of different species, sex and age classes), the activities related to harvesting and organisation of hunting events and landscape in hunting areas are relevant attributes in big-game market transactions. In small-game market transactions, species and landscape are the primary significant variables found. The latter variable plays a more important role in small game than in big game.

Conclusions . These findings indicated that hunting market values include, in addition to hunters’ recreational experience, ecological and management aspects with a broader social scope.

Implications . A further discussion regarding the possible conflict among hunter preferences, long-term game-management decisions and ecological goals is also provided.