Context . Studies assessing welfare issues and efficiency of animal capture methods are important, as capture can pose a significant welfare risk and methods can be time consuming to develop. It is imperative to choose methods that minimise injuries, maximise capture rates and minimise time spent on capture.

Aims . To test methods of crane capture and tagging (transmitter, colour and metal band fitting), and to compare and develop safe and time efficient methods for capturing brolgas (Antigone rubicunda).

Methods . We tested three types of noose traps, cannon nets, clap-nets, spotlighting at night roosts and active pursuit of pre-fledged chicks. We also tested two band sizes and two transmitter attachment methods. We compared the success and capture efficiency of these methods and considered welfare issues by comparing the number of injuries and mortalities resulting from these methods.

Key results . We successfully captured brolgas with noose traps and a cannon net, and by using active pursuit of pre-fledged chicks. Noose traps became more efficient when deployed with call playback and taxidermy decoys. Australian noose traps and active pursuit of pre-fledged chicks were the safest methods with fewest injuries.

Conclusions . For maximum capture success with minimum injuries to target and non-target species, we recommend noose traps with call playback and taxidermy decoys for capturing adult and juvenile brolgas at feeding areas, and active pursuit for pre-fledged chicks at breeding sites. Noose lines should have elastic at both pegged ends, to avoid injuries. To minimise injuries from tagging, we recommend leg-band-fitted transmitters in preference to harness-fitted transmitters, Australian size 35 bands and colour bands with an internal diameter of 22 mm.

Implications . The use of Australian noose traps with call playback and taxidermy decoys is a safe and time efficient method for capturing brolgas, and is also likely to work for other crane species. Our recommendations can help reduce capture-related mortalities and injuries to brolgas (and potentially other cranes), which is crucial, given the brolga is a threatened species.

Context . The processes regulating ungulate populations have been the focus of numerous studies. For the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer Sparrman) population inhabiting the Mara–Serengeti ecosystem, rinderpest was the primary regulatory factor up to the mid-1960s. Following reduction of rinderpest and buffalo population increase, interspecific competition for food, notably with cattle and wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus Burchell), was thought to be the primary regulatory factor in the ecosystem.

Aims . We analysed buffalo population trends and the relationship between buffalo population growth and rainfall and density dependence in the Mara–Serengeti ecosystem and discuss the findings in the context of the key ecosystem processes governing buffalo population dynamics in African savannas, namely, food limitation, competition, predation, disease and land use changes.

Methods . We analysed buffalo population dynamics in the Mara–Serengeti ecosystem in relation to rainfall and density dependence feedback between 1984 and 2010.

Key results . Buffalo population growth was both significantly density-dependent and positively correlated with the dry season rainfall after, but not before, a severe drought in 1993. Buffalo numbers crashed by 48.6% in 1984–85 and by 76.1% in 1993–94 during severe droughts when food availability was lowest and competition with the more numerous cattle and wildebeest was highest.

Conclusions . Recovery of buffalo numbers to pre-drought levels took 8–9 years after the 1984–85 drought but was much slower, with buffaloes numbering merely 36% of their 1993 population (12 895 animals) 18 years after the 1993–94 drought despite intermittent periods of high rainfall, probably due to demographic and/or reproductive factors, heightened competition with livestock, land use changes in the adjoining pastoral ranches, lion predation and recurrent severe droughts.

Implications . Our findings demonstrate how food limitation caused by droughts associated with the hemispheric El Niño–Southern Oscillation can cause severe declines in and threaten the persistence of large ungulate populations. The findings also portray how density-dependent food limitation, competition, predation, land use changes and other factors can accentuate the effect of droughts and greatly prolong population recovery.

Context . Accurate density estimation is crucial for conservation and management of elusive species. Camera-trapping may provide an efficient method for density estimation, particularly when analysed with recently developed spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) models. Although camera-traps are employed extensively to estimate large carnivore density, their use for smaller carnivores has been limited. Moreover, while camera-trapping studies are typically conducted at local scales, the utility of analysing larger-scale patterns by combining multiple camera studies remains poorly known.

Aims . The goal of the present study was to develop a better understanding of the utility of SECR models and camera-trapping for the estimation of density of small carnivores at local and regional scales.

Methods . Based on data collected from camera-traps, we used SECR to examine density of bobcats (Lynx rufus) at four study sites in north-central Texas. We then combined our density estimates with previous estimates (from multiple methodologies) across the bobcat’s geographic range, and used linear regression to examine drivers of range-wide density patterns.

Key results . Bobcat densities averaged 13.2 per 100 km² across all four study sites, and were lowest at the site in the most heavily modified landscape. Bobcat capture probability was positively related to forest cover around camera-trap sites. At the range-wide scale, 53% of the variation in density was explained by just two factors: temperature and longitude.

Conclusions . Our results demonstrate the utility of camera-traps, combined with SECR, to generate precise density estimates for mesocarnivores, and reveal the negative effects of landscape disturbance on bobcat populations. The associations revealed in our range-wide analysis, despite variability in techniques used to estimate density, demonstrate how a combination of multiple density estimates for a species can be used for large-scale inference. However, improvement in our understanding of biogeographic density patterns for mesocarnivores could be obtained from a greater number of camera-based density estimates across the range of a species, combined with meta-analytic techniques.

Implications . Camera-trapping and SECR should be more widely applied to generate local density estimates for many small and medium-sized carnivores, where at least a portion of the individuals are identifiable. If such estimates are more widely obtained, meta-analytic techniques could be used to test biogeographic predictions or for large-scale monitoring efforts.

Context . The global reduction of amphibian biodiversity as a result of the disease chytridiomycosis (caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis; Bd) has highlighted the need to accurately detect local population declines in association with Bd presence. Although Bd has spread globally, some remote regions such as the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (1.40 million ha; TWWHA) in Australia, remain largely, but not entirely, disease free. The Tasmanian tree frog (Litoria burrowsae) resides primarily within TWWHA boundaries, and is believed to be susceptible to chytridiomycosis.

Aims . In the absence of historical abundance data, we used a single-season multi-state site-occupancy model to investigate the impact of Bd on L. burrowsae populations, on factors affecting species detection and to inform ongoing surveillance and conservation.

Methods . We recorded frog detection and ranked call intensity (estimation of population size) from repeated independent surveys within a season to estimate the role of covariates, such as presence of Bd and environmental variables, on species occupancy and detection probability.

Key results . Modelling revealed large frog populations are more likely to be present at naturally formed than human-formed ponds, strong winds negatively affect detection of populations, and time after sunset affects detection of large populations. Large frog populations were more likely to be Bd-negative; however, models including Bd presence were not well supported, in part a result of the small number of Bd-positive sites recorded.

Conclusions and Implications . The utility of site-occupancy modelling in understanding the impact of disease on populations is little known, but has the potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of many conservation programs.

Context . Biodiversity studies often require wildlife researchers to survey multiple species across taxonomic classes. To detect terrestrial squamate and mammal species, often multiple labour-intensive survey techniques are required. Camera traps appear to be more effective and cost-efficient than labour-intensive methods for detecting some mammal species. Recent developments have seen camera traps used for detecting terrestrial squamates. However, the performance of camera traps to survey terrestrial squamate and mammal species simultaneously has not been evaluated.

Aim . We compared the effectiveness and financial cost of a camera trapping method capable of detecting small squamates and mammals with a set of labour-intensive complementary methods, which have been used in a long-term monitoring program.

Methods . We compared two survey protocols: one employed labour-intensive complementary methods consisting of cage traps, Elliott traps and artificial refuges; the second utilised camera traps. Comparisons were made of the total number of species detected, species detectability, and cost of executing each type of survey.

Key results . Camera traps detected significantly more target species per transect than the complementary methods used. Although camera traps detected more species of reptile per transect, the difference was not significant. For the initial survey, camera traps were more expensive than the complementary methods employed, but for realistic cost scenarios camera traps were less expensive in the long term.

Conclusions . Camera traps are more effective and less expensive than the complementary methods used for acquiring incidence data on terrestrial squamate and mammal species.

Implications . The camera trapping method presented does not require customised equipment; thus, wildlife managers can use existing camera trapping equipment to detect cryptic mammal and squamate species simultaneously.

Context . As invasive grey squirrels continue to spread, red only areas are becoming rarer. It has been reported that red squirrels can outcompete greys only in pure coniferous woodland. In areas of sympatry with grey squirrels, there are concerns about red squirrels’ dependence on certain coniferous tree species in light of recent tree diseases.

Aims . This study aimed to investigate tree selection by red squirrels in an area vulnerable to the spread of the grey squirrel, but currently free of this species.

Methods . During 2013–14, squirrels were trapped and monitored on a 315-ha managed island, with a woodland characterised by a mixture of deciduous and coniferous species. Radio-tracking revealed that squirrels clustered their activity along a network of yew trees, a preference they showed throughout the year. Trap success was also higher in traps placed on yew trees. Yew and beech were selected most commonly, but squirrels were also observed foraging on other items, such as sycamore flowers and lichen. Squirrels spent 35% of their time foraging, utilising the greatest number of tree species in June (n = 13). In spring, squirrels foraged to a greater extent on the ground than in the trees, and exploited a lower number of tree species.

Conclusions . There has been little previous data on the use of yew trees by red squirrels, but they have previously been listed as a species that is preferred by red squirrels rather than greys. This study has further emphasised the importance of this tree species to red squirrels.

Implications . The continued spread of the grey squirrel may lead to red squirrels becoming restricted to areas of intense management such as parks and, accordingly, optimum tree planting is required from the onset for the long-term maintenance of red squirrels. With recent concern about the disease vulnerability of other coniferous species, this study emphasises the relative importance of yew and other tree species in the distribution of red squirrels.

Context . Despite the diversity of available home range estimators, no single method performs equally well in all circumstances. It is therefore important to understand how different estimators perform for data collected under diverse conditions. Kernel density estimation is a popular approach for home range estimation. While many studies have evaluated different kernel bandwidth selectors, few studies have compared different formulations of the bandwidth matrix using wildlife telemetry data. Additionally, few studies have compared the performance of kernel bandwidth selectors using VHF radio-telemetry data from small-bodied taxa.

Aims . In this study, we used eight different combinations of bandwidth selectors and matrices to evaluate their ability to meet several criteria that could be potentially used to select a home range estimator.

Methods . We used handheld VHF telemetry data from two species of snake displaying non-migratory and migratory movement patterns. We used subsampling to estimate each estimator’s sensitivity to sampling duration and fix rate and compared home range size, the number of disjunct volume contours and the proportion of telemetry fixes not included in those contours among estimators.

Key Results . We found marked differences among bandwidth selectors with regards to our criteria but comparatively little difference among bandwidth matrices for a given bandwidth selector. Least-squares cross-validation bandwidths exhibited near-universal convergence failure whereas likelihood cross-validation bandwidths showed high sensitivity to sampling duration and fix rate. The reference, plug-in and smoothed cross-validation bandwidths were more robust to variation in sampling intensity, with the former consistently producing the largest estimates of home range size.

Conclusions . Our study illustrates the performance of multiple kernel bandwidth estimators for estimating home ranges with datasets typical of many small-bodied taxa. The reference and plug-in bandwidths with an unconstrained bandwidth matrix generally had the best performance. However, our study concurs with earlier studies indicating that no single home range estimator performs equally well in all circumstances.

Implications . Although we did not find strong differences between bandwidth matrices, we encourage the use of unconstrained matrices because of their greater flexibility in smoothing data not parallel to the coordinate axes. We also encourage researchers to select an estimator suited to their study objectives and the life history of their study organism.

Context . The band-tailed pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata) is a migratory species occurring in western North America with low recruitment potential and populations that have declined an average of 2.4% per year since the 1960s. Investigations into band-tailed pigeon demographic rates date back to the early 1900s, and existing annual survival rate estimates were derived in the 1970s using band return data.

Aims . The primary purpose of the paper was to demonstrate that the apparent paradox between band-tailed pigeon population dynamics (long-term steady decline) and breeding season survival rates (very high) can be explained by changes in survival probability during the remainder of the year.

Methods . We trapped Pacific coast band-tailed pigeons during two separate periods: we equipped pigeons with very high frequency (VHF) radio-transmitters in 1999–2000 (1999 = 20; 2000 = 34); and outfitted pigeons with solar powered platform transmitting terminal (PTT) transmitters in 2006–08 (n = 20). We used known fate models to estimate annual survival rates and seasonal survival variation among four periods based on an annual behavioural cycle based on phenological events (nesting, autumn migration, winter and spring migrations). We used model averaged parameter estimates to account for model selection uncertainty.

Key results . Neither body condition nor sex were associated with variation in band-tailed pigeon survival rates. Weekly survival during the nesting season did not differ significantly between VHF-marked (0.996; CI = 0.984–0.999) and PTT-marked pigeons (0.998; CI = 0.990–1.00). Model averaged annual survival of PTT-marked pigeons was 0.682 (95% CI = 0.426–0.861) and was similar to annual survival estimated in previous studies using band return data. Survival probability was lowest during both migration periods and highest during the nesting period.

Conclusions . Our survival estimates are consistent with those of prior studies and suggest that mortality risk is greatest during migration. Weekly survival probability during winter was nearly the same as during the nesting season; however, winter was the longest period and survival throughout winter was lower than other seasons.

Implications . We present the first inter-seasonal analysis of survival probability of the Pacific coast race of band-tailed pigeons and illustrate important temporal patterns that may influence future species management including harvest strategies and disease monitoring.