Wetlands Ecology and Management,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
31(5), P. 715 - 732
Published: Aug. 14, 2023
Abstract
Invasive
plants
are
a
threat
to
natural
ecosystems
worldwide,
with
urban
wetlands
being
some
of
the
most
susceptible
and
highly
modified
environments
all.
The
tiger
snake
(
Notechis
scutatus
)
is
top
predator
that
persists
in
south-western
Australia,
many
which
have
been
degraded
by
introduced
kikuyu
grass
Cenchrus
clandestinus
).
To
evaluate
potential
impact
on
habitat
quality
for
snakes
we
quantified
structural
features
habitats
within
compared
them
native
vegetation.
We
also
examined
prey
availability,
assessed
predation
risk
juvenile
using
clay
models,
measured
thermal
Proliferation
has
reduced
heterogeneity
reducing
available
bare
ground
increasing
vegetation
density.
This
homogenisation
structure
had
little
effect
juveniles
or
properties
shelter
sites;
however,
one
key
species,
motorbike
frog,
significantly
lower
abundance
impacted
habitat.
Habitat
types
more
complexity
offered
stable
regimes
risk.
These
findings
indicate
current
extent
invasion
offers
overall
similar
may
contribute
their
persistence
wetlands;
both
anuran
benefit
from
increased
complexity.
Nature,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
635(8040), P. 898 - 905
Published: Nov. 13, 2024
With
large
wildfires
becoming
more
frequent1,2,
we
must
rapidly
learn
how
megafires
impact
biodiversity
to
prioritize
mitigation
and
improve
policy.
A
key
challenge
is
discover
interactions
among
fire-regime
components,
drought
land
tenure
shape
wildfire
impacts.
The
globally
unprecedented3,4
2019–2020
Australian
burnt
than
10
million
hectares5,
prompting
major
investment
in
monitoring.
Collated
data
include
responses
of
2,000
taxa,
providing
an
unparalleled
opportunity
quantify
affect
biodiversity.
We
reveal
that
the
largest
effects
on
plants
animals
were
areas
with
frequent
or
recent
past
fires
within
extensively
areas.
Areas
at
high
severity,
outside
protected
under
extreme
also
had
larger
effects.
included
declines
increases
after
fire,
rainforests
by
mammals.
Our
results
implicate
species
interactions,
dispersal
extent
situ
survival
as
mechanisms
underlying
fire
responses.
Building
resilience
into
these
ecosystems
depends
reducing
recurrence,
including
rapid
suppression
frequently
burnt.
Defending
wet
ecosystems,
expanding
considering
localized
could
contribute.
While
countermeasures
can
help
mitigate
impacts
megafires,
reversing
anthropogenic
climate
change
remains
urgent
broad-scale
solution.
Data
collected
from
taxa
provide
biodiversity,
revealing
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
121(18)
Published: April 22, 2024
Human
actions
are
causing
widespread
increases
in
fire
size,
frequency,
and
severity
diverse
ecosystems
globally.
This
alteration
of
regimes
is
considered
a
threat
to
numerous
animal
species,
but
empirical
evidence
how
shifting
within
both
threatened
species’
ranges
protected
areas
scarce,
particularly
at
large
spatial
temporal
scales.
We
used
big
data
approach
quantify
multidecadal
changes
southern
Australia
from
1980
2021,
spanning
415
reserves
(21.5
million
ha)
129
including
birds,
mammals,
reptiles,
invertebrates,
frogs.
Most
the
region
have
experienced
declines
unburnt
vegetation
(≥30
y
without
fire),
recently
burnt
(≤5
since
frequency.
The
mean
percentage
declined
61
36%
(1980
2021),
whereas
increased
20
35%,
frequency
by
32%,
with
latter
two
trends
primarily
driven
record-breaking
2019
2020
season.
strongest
occurred
for
high-elevation
high
elevation,
productivity,
strong
rainfall
decline,
southeast
continent.
Our
results
provide
widely
held
poorly
tested
assumption
that
species
experiencing
habitat
underscores
imperative
developing
management
strategies
conserve
fire-threatened
an
increasingly
fiery
future.
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
380(1924)
Published: April 1, 2025
Novel
fire
regimes
are
emerging
worldwide
and
pose
substantial
challenges
to
biodiversity
conservation.
Addressing
these
mitigating
their
impacts
on
will
require
developing
a
wide
range
of
management
practices.
In
this
paper,
we
leverage
research
across
taxa,
ecosystems
continents
highlight
strategies
for
applying
knowledge
in
First,
define
novel
outline
different
practices
contemporary
landscapes
from
parts
the
world.
Next,
synthesize
recent
use
biodiversity,
provide
decision-making
framework
conservation
under
regimes.
We
recommend
that
preserving
should
consider
both
social
ecological
factors,
iterative
learning
informed
by
effective
monitoring,
testing
new
actions.
An
integrated
approach
about
help
navigate
complexities
preserve
rapidly
changing
This
article
is
part
theme
issue
‘Novel
climate
changes
human
influences:
impacts,
ecosystem
responses
feedbacks’.
Wildlife Research,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
51(5)
Published: Jan. 1, 2024
Context
The
decline
of
the
greater
bilby
(Macrotis
lagotis),
or
Ngarlgumirdi
(Yawuru),
like
other
critical-weight
range
Australian
mammals,
is
believed
to
be
primarily
due
synergetic
impacts
predation
by
feral
cats
and
foxes,
habitat
disturbance
caused
large
introduced
herbivores,
increases
in
frequency
intensity
wildfires.
Although
it
has
been
demonstrated
that
low-intensity
prescribed
burning
mosaics
some
habitats
have
potential
benefit
including
Ngarlgumirdi,
creating
with
sufficient
vegetation
cover,
contributions
specific
fire-mosaic
attributes
persistence
remain
unclear.Aims
To
elucidate
on
occupancy
Dampier
Peninsula.Methods
We
used
2-ha
sign-plot
data
collected
four
Indigenous
Ranger
groups,
combination
20years
satellite-derived
fire-history
information
investigate
multiscale
fire
(Felis
catus)
Peninsula
West
Kimberley
region,
a
large,
unfenced
landscape
most
fire-prone
section
Ngarlgumirdi's
current
range.Key
results
found
was
more
common
areas
had
higher
proportion
not
burnt
for
at
least
3years,
whereas
were
less
prevalent
these
areas.
Similarly,
likely
occur
landscapes
affected
frequent
fires,
there.Conclusions
Our
findings
highlighted
importance
decreasing
increasing
extent
long-unburnt
(>3years)
preserving
mitigating
ecological
damage
inflicted
cats.
Findings
consistent
across
spatial
scales
(1-,
3-,
5-
10-km
radius
from
each
monitoring
site).Implications
These
management
increase
native
species
resilience
absence
direct
cat
control
methods.
Further,
they
support
recent
cross-tenure
initiative
led
Traditional
Owners
implement
aims
reduce
high-severity
wildfires
Peninsula.
Molecular Ecology,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
31(21), P. 5468 - 5486
Published: Sept. 3, 2022
Mammal
declines
across
northern
Australia
are
one
of
the
major
biodiversity
loss
events
occurring
globally.
There
has
been
no
regional
assessment
implications
these
species
for
genomic
diversity.
To
address
this,
we
conducted
a
species-wide
diversity
in
quoll
(Dasyurus
hallucatus),
an
Endangered
marsupial
carnivore.
We
used
next
generation
sequencing
methods
to
genotype
10,191
single
nucleotide
polymorphisms
(SNPs)
352
individuals
from
3220-km
length
continent,
investigating
patterns
population
structure
and
diversity,
identifying
loci
showing
signals
putative
selection.
found
strong
heterogeneity
distribution
characterized
by
(i)
biogeographical
barriers
driving
hierarchical
through
long-term
isolation,
(ii)
severe
reductions
resulting
declines,
exacerbated
spread
introduced
toxic
cane
toads
(Rhinella
marina).
These
results
warn
large
ongoing
associated
adaptive
capacity
as
mammals
decline
Australia.
Encouragingly,
populations
established
on
toad-free
islands
translocations
appear
have
maintained
most
initial
after
16
years.
By
mapping
within
among
populations,
context
can
provide
conservation
managers
with
data
critical
informed
decision-making.
This
includes
identification
that
candidates
genetic
management,
importance
remnant
island
insurance/translocated
characterization
evolutionarily
significant
units.
Heredity,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
130(5), P. 278 - 288
Published: March 10, 2023
Genomic
diversity
is
a
fundamental
component
of
Earth's
total
biodiversity,
and
requires
explicit
consideration
in
efforts
to
conserve
biodiversity.
To
genomic
diversity,
it
necessary
measure
its
spatial
distribution,
quantify
the
contribution
that
any
intraspecific
evolutionary
lineages
make
overall
diversity.
Here,
we
describe
range-wide
population
structure
threatened
Australian
rodent,
black-footed
tree-rat
(Mesembriomys
gouldii),
aiming
provide
insight
into
timing
extent
declines
across
large
region
with
dearth
long-term
monitoring
data.
By
estimating
recent
trajectories
effective
sizes
at
four
localities,
confirm
widespread
decline
species'
range,
but
find
peri-urban
area
Darwin
has
been
more
stable.
Based
on
current
sampling,
Melville
Island
made
greatest
allelic
richness
species,
prioritisation
analysis
suggested
conservation
Cobourg
Peninsula
populations
would
be
most
cost-effective
scenario
retain
than
90%
all
alleles.
Our
results
broadly
sub-specific
taxonomy,
crucial
data
distribution
help
prioritise
limited
resources.
Along
additional
sampling
from
far
eastern
western
edges
suggest
range
research
priorities
could
improve
fine
scales,
including
retention
expansion
structurally
complex
habitat
patches.
Biological Conservation,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
291, P. 110467 - 110467
Published: Feb. 6, 2024
In
our
present
age
of
extinction,
conservation
managers
must
use
limited
resources
efficiently
to
conserve
species
and
the
genetic
diversity
within
them.
To
intraspecific
variation,
we
understand
geographic
distribution
variation
plan
management
actions
that
will
cost-effectively
maximise
its
retention.
Here,
a
genome-wide
single-nucleotide
polymorphism
(SNP)
dataset
consisting
12,962
loci
384
individuals
inform
Endangered
northern
quoll
(Dasyurus
hallucatus),
carnivorous
marsupial
distributed
patchily
across
Australia.
Many
populations
have
declined
or
are
currently
declining,
driven
by
range-expanding
cane
toad
(Rhinella
marina).
We
(1)
confirm
population
genomic
structure,
(2)
investigate
contribution
each
overall
diversity,
(3)
conduct
prioritisation
analyses
at
several
spatial
hierarchical
scales
using
popular
planning
algorithms,
(4)
patterns
inbreeding.
find
single
population,
even
populations,
not
prevent
loss
substantial
amounts
adaptive
capacity.
Rather,
least
eight
from
is
necessary
retain
90
%
SNP
alleles.
also
show
more
geographically
isolated
such
as
those
on
islands,
very
small
contributions
relatively
high
levels
inbreeding
compared
mainland
populations.
Our
study
highlights
importance
conserving
multiple
genetically
distinct
effectively
in
undergoing
widespread
declines,
demonstrates
criteria
prioritise
management.
Biological Conservation,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
291, P. 110501 - 110501
Published: Feb. 23, 2024
The
interacting
threats
of
invasive
predators
and
fire
are
key
conservation
issues
for
many
species
globally,
yet
few
options
available
to
mitigate
these
threats.
We
tested
how
small
vertebrates
in
post-fire
environments
responded
the
provision
artificial
refuges
designed
provide
protection
from
two
globally
significant
predators—the
feral
cat
European
red
fox.
undertook
control-impact
camera
trapping
experiments
three
Australian
ecoregions
(Temperate,
Arid,
Mediterranean),
after
both
prescribed
burns
wildfires.
fitted
GLMMs
test
following
predictions:
(1)
mammals
birds
that
nest
forage
structurally
dense
vegetation
will
exhibit
higher
activity
inside
refuges;
(2)
reptiles
not
be
due
sheltering
thermoregulatory
preferences;
(3)
as
recovers
predation
risk
decreases
through
time,
vertebrate
outside
increase
while
decline.
found
were
used
by
a
range
post-fire,
with
56
species/groups
recorded
refuges.
As
predicted,
several
ground-dwelling
was
Contrary
our
second
third
predictions,
reptile
generally
typically
increased
time
This
approach
may
have
potential
management
tool;
however,
further
research
should
include
testing
effect
on
population
persistence
under
different
environmental
conditions,
(e.g.,
severity,
patterns
drought)
before
widespread
implementation
is
considered.
Urban Ecosystems,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
26(2), P. 433 - 445
Published: Jan. 17, 2023
Abstract
Urbanisation
changes
landscapes,
often
simplifying
and
homogenising
natural
ecosystems
while
introducing
novel
environments.
Although
this
transformation
adversely
impacts
native
wildlife,
generalist
species
that
exhibit
broad
dietary
habitat
requirements
can
persist
take
advantage
of
urban
To
understand
which
life
history
traits
most
influence
the
occurrence
a
diverse
snake
assemblage
in
an
environment,
we
leveraged
dataset
5102
detection
records
for
12
tropical
city
Darwin,
Australia.
By
building
ecological
niche
models,
calculating
hypervolume,
compiling
data,
analysed
diversity
environments
occupied
by
each
determined
landscape
components
were
associated
with
data.
In
keeping
our
hypothesis
would
be
more
successful,
found
broader
preferences,
as
well
penchant
arboreality,
larger
hypervolumes
frequent
human–snake
interactions.
Additionally,
colubrid
snakes
had
significantly
than
elapid
species.
These
findings
contribute
to
understanding
how
aid
wildlife
persistence
in,
adaptation
to,
ecosystems,
have
implications
design
conservation
management.
Australian Mammalogy,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
47(1)
Published: Jan. 1, 2025
There
is
growing
evidence
that
persistence
of
mammal
fauna
under
climate
change
reliant
on
refuges
protected
from
disturbances
such
as
extreme
drought
and
fire.
During
the
'millennium
drought'
(1996–2010),
swamp
antechinus
(Antechinus
minimus
maritimus)
declined
precipitously
in
eastern
Otways,
resulting
restriction
to
coastal
dune
refuges.
Here,
we
evaluated
species'
distribution
across
extended
Otway
landscape
identify
localities
characteristics
Targeted
surveys
(cameras,
live-trapping)
were
conducted
at
sites
previous
healthy
populations
putative
habitat
(2018–2023).
Eleven
micro-refuges
(<500
ha),
located
Coastal
Dune
Scrub,
identified
but
are
subject
destruction
due
sea
level
rise.
Three
mid-connected
(500–1000
providing
connection
features
(e.g.
gullies),
three
macro-refuges
(>1000
ha)
unfragmented,
complex
vegetation
identified.
The
remains
absent
previously
inhabited
heathy
woodland
although
it
was
initially
(2021)
trapped
with
high
success
woodlands
Carlisle
Heath,
not
captured
subsequently,
possibly
related
incompatible
fire,
introduced
predators
Phytophthora
dieback.
Management
ensure
future
will
require
effective
control
infestation
predators,
protection
inappropriate