Evaluating the utility of environmental DNA for detecting a large Critically Endangered lizard in tropical northern Australia

Pacific Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 31(1)

Published: Jan. 16, 2025

It can be challenging to reliably detect rare or cryptic species. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an emerging tool for detecting species and increasingly being used reptiles in terrestrial environments that are costly difficult survey monitor using traditional methods. Here, we trialled eDNA metabarcoding one of Australia’s most threatened least known reptile species, the Arnhem rock skink (Bellatorias obiri). At only site where they were persist, sampled soil from 12 crevices, including four with high levels activity target as well water three adjacent pools. We unable identify B. obiri any samples, suggesting multiple false-negative errors, despite our successful amplification incidental scat sample. able 15 non-target vertebrate taxa samples. Given samples taken a was present, technique here does not appear effective method this Whilst powerful ecology conservation, pilot study highlights challenges remain its application reptiles.

Language: Английский

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Troubled waters in the land down under: Pervasive threats and high extinction risks demand urgent conservation actions to protect Australia's native freshwater fishes

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 300, P. 110843 - 110843

Published: Nov. 9, 2024

Language: Английский

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A community‐driven captive‐breeding and reintroduction program maintains genetic diversity in a threatened freshwater fish

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 6(1)

Published: Dec. 7, 2023

Abstract Collaborative approaches to conservation management are critical respond the ongoing biodiversity crisis. However, local community involvement in many actions is lacking, especially within translocation and reintroduction programs. Similarly, rapid integration of genetic information into collaborative programs with communities rarely conducted. Here, we describe a community‐based program for threatened Australian freshwater fish, southern pygmy perch ( Nannoperca australis ). We integrate on‐the‐ground efforts by volunteers from communities, captive breeding private aquarium business, analyses done research institution provide holistic framework perch. evaluated diversity, population structure, relatedness, inbreeding across duration using data neutral adaptive genomic markers. This allowed us assess ability such minimize retain variation, promote potential reintroduced population. While variation source populations was very low, found no decrease diversity or increase program. These findings support made will further inform future reintroductions as part framework. expand on our empirical case study describing theoretical integrating genomics community‐led identifying benefits collaboration. Our highlights importance multifaceted integrated effectively protect manage species.

Language: Английский

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Acoustic surveys improve landscape-scale detection of a critically endangered Australian bird, the plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus)

Wildlife Research, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 51(1)

Published: May 17, 2023

Context Monitoring the population dynamics of threatened species requires a landscape-scale understanding their distribution over time. However, detectability is inherently low for rare, widely dispersed, and cryptic species. For animals that vocalise, passive acoustic recorders allow efficient repeated surveys large geographic area, increasing inference in relation to occupancy. Aims Our aim was determine how well surveys, combined with automated detection, identified presence critically endangered plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) relative traditional method nocturnal spotlighting at sites across Northern Plains Victoria, Australia. Methods Using Hidden Markov Models, we created 17 different call recognisers by varying input parameters assessed performance on same training testing audio dataset. We then applied our best-performing recogniser field dataset estimate compared plains-wanderers paired surveys. Key results Recognisers varied overall detecting individual calls but were equally effective determining whether any detected site within datasets. Although survey effort not standardised methods, found spotlight successful establishing site-level occupancy; however, provide potential more given time period. Conclusions suggest can be an means document occupancy landscape scale, facilitating prioritisation assess demographic including abundance breeding status. Implications Acoustic complementary establish cryptic, vocally active, recommendations ways develop monitoring program workflow, from data collection analysis, used user groups.

Language: Английский

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Few havens for threatened Australian animal taxa that are highly susceptible to introduced and problematic native species

Biodiversity and Conservation, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 33(1), P. 305 - 331

Published: Dec. 14, 2023

Language: Английский

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A critically co-endangered feather louse Forficuloecus pezopori n. sp. (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) detected through conservation intervention for the western ground parrot Pezoporus flaviventris (Psittaculidae)

International Journal for Parasitology Parasites and Wildlife, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 24, P. 100931 - 100931

Published: April 1, 2024

Martin, Keatley & Ash n. sp. from the western ground parrot

Language: Английский

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Nestbox use indicates declining arboreal mammals in an Australian savanna may be limited by tree hollow availability

Forest Ecology and Management, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 561, P. 121915 - 121915

Published: April 23, 2024

In the tropical savannas of northern Australia, many native mammal species are experiencing rapid and ongoing declines due to multiple interacting threats. These mostly arboreal semi-arboreal mammals reliant on tree hollows for shelter, which may be contributing their decline. We monitored 198 nestboxes over three years across a 100-km transect Cobourg Peninsula, where diverse community still occurs. Most (67%) were used by at least one five species, all declining four threatened. Hollow density (proxied eucalypt stand density) varied sites, with number eucalypts (>20 cm DBH) ranging between 20 140 per hectare averaging 74 ± 28 (SD) hectare. Correspondingly, likelihood frequency nestbox use increased local hollow density, indicating that critical limiting resource scale in this region. Frequent, disturbances e.g., fire introduced contribute threatening processes. Therefore, reversing decline Australia's requires management interventions, including conserving hollow-bearing trees as ecosystem assets.

Language: Английский

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Troubled Waters in the Land Down Under: Pervasive Threats and High Extinction Risks Demand Urgent Conservation Actions to Protect Australia's Freshwater Fishes

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

We conducted the first comprehensive assessment of extinction risk Australia's freshwater fishes. Using International Union for Conservation Nature (IUCN) criteria, 37% (88 species) 241 assessed species were threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable), with one as being Extinct. Lepidogalaxiidae and Neoceratodontidae had highest level threat (100%, both single families), followed by Galaxiidae (78% 40 species), Percichthyidae (62% 22 Melanotaeniidae (53% 19 species). Northern Australia supported greater richness, while a concentration occurred in more human-populated areas across southern eastern drainage divisions, including South West Coast (55% threatened), Tasmania (54%) East Victoria (45%). Most fishes qualified listing based on their restricted geographic ranges (Criterion B: 70% all assessments; Criterion D2: 7%) although population size reduction A) was identified 21% assessments. Key threats to included invasive other problematic native species, genes diseases (92% threatened, Near Threatened Data Deficient natural system modifications (82%), climate change severe weather (54%). Despite high risk, implemented conservation measures are presently very limited. This study highlights imperiled nature Australian emphasises that targeted urgently needed avoid imminent extinctions.

Language: Английский

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Decline in semi-arid reptile occurrence following habitat loss and fragmentation

Wildlife Research, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 51(1)

Published: July 24, 2023

Context Habitat loss and fragmentation are leading causes of biodiversity decline worldwide. In Australia, woodland habitat has been extensively cleared fragmented yet there limited research on the effects semi-arid reptiles, impeding conservation planning recovery efforts. Aims We aimed to investigate factors influencing distribution occurrence specialist generalist reptile species a large agricultural holding in south-eastern Australia that experienced fragmentation. Methods Reptiles were surveyed using pitfall funnel traps active searches across 20 sites stratified by land use vegetation type. Twelve established remnant patches embedded within an matrix eight private reserve same property. Generalised linear models used explore relationships between predictor variables describing site, landscape variables. Key results Of 31 detected, modelled. The revealed four species, eastern mallee dragon (Ctenophorus spinodomus), nobbi (Diporiphora nobbi), barred wedge-snouted ctenotus (Ctenotus schomburgkii) shrubland pale-flecked morethia (Morethia obscura), closely associated with reserve, southern spinifex atlas) had strong association (Triodia scariosa) dominated community. Conclusions Reptile specialists particularly sensitive at higher risk local extinction compared generalists. was reduced patches, but also supported suite Implications A susceptible localised extinction. However, presence generalists remnants highlights value retaining representative landscapes. Conservation reptiles will depend retention tracts protected broad range soil types maintain heterogeneity diversity.

Language: Английский

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Australia's biodiversity crisis and the need for the Biodiversity Council

Ecological Management & Restoration, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 24(2-3), P. 69 - 74

Published: May 1, 2023

Australia is a mega-biodiverse region. Millions of years geographical isolation have resulted in high species diversity and endemism. So far, >21 000 plants, 8000 vertebrates, 110 insects other invertebrates been described (Chapman 2009). An exceptionally percentage are endemic; 93% flowering >80% invertebrates, 87% mammals, reptiles, 94% frogs, 74% freshwater fishes >50% temperate marine found nowhere else (Lintermans 2013; Cresswell & Murphy 2017). Since European colonisation, Australia's rich biodiversity has rapid decline. This decline driven by habitat destruction fragmentation due to land clearing for agriculture urbanisation; the introduction invasive animals, diseases; disruption First Peoples practices caring Country, including fire management; extraction water modification regulation ecosystems. These pressures now being exacerbated climate change. One hundred Australian formally recognised as extinct 34 mammal species, representing 10% endemic mammals at time arrival. Twenty-two fish risk extinction within next 20 et al. 2020). thousand, nine ninety-five taxa nationally listed threatened with (Australian Government 2023) hundreds more State Territory levels. Many once widespread that important ecosystem engineers, such digging persist only small fragments former natural ranges. The situation likely far worse than reported, unresolved taxonomy (new discovered already extinct), lack systematic rigorous monitoring most ecosystems, under-reporting extinction. Declines not abating. Population sizes birds declined half (47%), plants almost one quarter (73%) their populations, on average, since 1995 (Threatened Species Index 2022). Three vertebrate declared last fifteen years: Christmas Island PIPISTRELLE (Pipistrellus murrayi), FOREST SKINK (Emoia nativitatis) Bramble Cay melomys (MELOMYS rubicola). There > 50% likelihood further 16 taxa, which there no recent verified records, extinct, four certainly (Garnett Mass mortality events increasing. include an estimated 3 billion animals 60 invertebrate were killed or displaced Black Summer fires; mass coral bleaching Great Barrier Reef past seven years; multiple major kills Murray-Darling Basin; extensive heat-related flying foxes cockatoos forest pollinators seed dispersers (Legge 2023). Feral free-roaming cats kill 2.6 every year, vast majority native (Stobo-Wilson Most ecosystems 17 showing signs collapse (Bergstrom 2021), mangroves critical spawning Gulf Carpentaria, tall wet forests Victoria store carbon any planet (Keith giant kelp Endangered 2012, declines continued less 5% this ecosystem, was coastal waters southeastern Australia, remains. Ninety-five per cent shellfish reefs (Gillies 2018) our total seagrass area destroyed. Ecosystem processes eroded rapidly, pollination soil turnover through digging, filtration, sequestration all much depleted 2021). Extreme climatic (2011 2017) led abrupt key habitat-forming organisms—corals, kelps, seagrasses, mangroves—along over 45% coastline (Babcock 2019). Climate change combined threatens human lives livelihoods. Biodiversity underpins aspects lives. In addition aesthetic, spiritual, cultural values, pollinate 90% crops; 70% medicines derived from plants; remain viable large-scale sink; clean air break down wastes. Roughly Gross Domestic Product (49% $896 billion) moderate very direct dependence nature (ACF World Economic Forum (2023) identified loss fastest accelerating risks global economy among top 10 decade. Food webs collapsing will accelerate extinctions coming decades. For example, corals food they support imperil reef-dependent organisms. increasingly potentially irreversible. They far-reaching consequences economy, health well-being, systems culture, diminishing itself. also pose existential who represent oldest living cultures Earth—and whose founded reciprocal relationships Ninety-seven Australians want action conserve biodiversity, consider ‘every person Australia’ responsibility act, levels government. Eighty-five percent moderately highly concerned about threats (Borg response crisis grossly inadequate failure recognise, respect management approaches (Goolmeer van Leeuwen Legislation, policies planning enabled ongoing losses (Hughes 7.7 million hectares destroyed 2000; regulated under national environmental law (Ward Policy legislation must contain strong standards limit ministerial discretion harm biodiversity. Our laws be resourced, implemented enforced. As wealthy nation, moral argument should making evidence-based decisions investing protection restoration Yet performs poorly international standards, ranking second-worst spending recover out 109 countries (Waldron funding fraction what required halt reverse losses. cost conserving $2 year (Wintle 2019), yet Federal, governments spent just $122 recovery 2018–2019 financial year. A 30 needed restore 13 degraded (Mappin Nature conservation dwarfed policy areas, it receives 0.5% amount 2022–23. despite demonstrated importance physical mental well-being (Irvine Alarmed effective crisis, group leading experts (including Indigenous knowledge holders) united form Council. Council's purpose trusted expert voice its conservation, people decision-makers, motivating enables Country prosper. council's vision valued globally priceless heritage, foundation life defining feature country, future recovered secured. While current trajectory appears bleak, inevitable. possible appropriate protection, effort expenditure United States (Suckling 2016). had some success stories, (e.g. Garnett 2018). Major shifts occurred where pressure public able step up add voices debate. Public precipitated end whaling drove Franklin River, stopped logging Wet Tropics rainforests, massively reduced land-clearing Queensland mid-2000s, hastened Western Victoria. examples show can achieved when advocacy demand lead political change, greater government organisational leadership, legal well-resourced efforts. (74%) understand having impact however, around aware extent 60% believe state environment ‘good’ ‘very good’ Scientific censorship science Driscoll 2021) media attention contributed situation. community make meaningful contributions protecting need tools. Beyond providing information problem, council recognises empowering communities protect nature. involves equipping them how creating opportunities effectively supporting celebrating those committed day. Council drive transformational policy, investment corporate development timely, robust compelling evidence solutions. debate demonstrates, cut-through adopting range different communicate segments society (Nerlich 2010). Thus, creates grounded evidence, alongside communicates. includes wide variety social sciences knowledge. specialists science, Indigenous-led use Traditional Knowledge, law, economics, quantitative tools, behaviour communications, terrestrial, birds, fish, fire, genetics, impacts adaptation, integrated landscape management, threat interactions, nature-based solutions, urban ecology design; regions alpine, deserts, floodplains, rivers, wetlands, reefs, mangroves, tropical savannas forests. Effective inclusion People's expertise perspectives fundamental Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Peoples' rights interests mass. Custodians parts deep connections, valuable obligations care culturally-important places (United Nations (General Assembly) 2007). It's governments, conservationists researchers alike, recognise enduring tangible intangible value Estate (Gore-Birch To ensure included priorities work Council, People decision-making 2023), two representatives Board, Co-chief Councillor, third supported deliver plan. 37 Councillors number expected increase regional areas strengthened. representation, strives gender balance. founding composed mid- later-career but plans bring early career members. come university, non-government organisations, independent. wealth relevant ecological held practitioners agencies, appointed staff speak freely issues, critiquing policies. executive team development, stakeholder engagement innovation. currently hosted University Melbourne additional oversight advisory board. It philanthropists. interacts ministers, advisers makers makes submissions. politically neutral works cross-partisan way promote solutions help nationwide loss. Initial policy-related scrutiny recommendations regarding reform laws, culturally-significant fulfil connection with, for, 2022); holding accountable internationally agreed commitments Convention Biological Diversity's Global Framework; reducing inappropriate resource developments, clearing, degradation change; drawing inadequacy solve crisis. seeks inform motivate take steps loss, own advocacy, daily decision-making, pet waste consumption, local initiatives contributing resources. world-class restoration, evidenced journal. amplify maximise expertise, research translation work, whether Any something say back draw resources networks story. Deploying assessing interventions, indeed encouraging investigation intensive controversial accelerated culturally-led application Knowledge construction functional land, encourages. Staying silent achieve changes desperately needs now, essential underpin quality generations. speaking aims equip many individuals groups become champions. activities collating best available so confidence training experts. We welcome insights ecologists topics require profile politics. find contact details sign newsletter https://biodiversitycouncil.org.au/ follow us see analysis, contribute. Melbourne, Monash University, Deakin National Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney, Macquarie Queensland, New South Wales, Ian Potter Foundation, Ross Trust, Trawalla Rendere Isaacson Davis Coniston Charitable Trust Angela Whitbread. authors declare conflicts interest. Jaana Dielenberg communication manager, (Parkville, VIC, Australia) School Agriculture, Sciences, Australia); Fellow Research Institute Environment Livelihoods, Charles Darwin (Darwin, NT 0810, Australia; Email: [email protected]). Sarah Bekessy Professor Sustainability Urban Planning, ICON Science Group, Global, Social Studies, RMIT (Melbourne, Graeme S. Cumming Premier's Fellow, Oceans Institute, (Fairway, Crawley 6009, WA, J. Dean Lecturer, Centre Conservation Science, (St Lucia, QLD, Environment, Agriculture Sustainability, James Fitzsimons Senior Advisor, Protection Strategies, Conservancy (Suite 2-01, Leicester Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Adjunct Professor, Life Environmental (221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, 3125, Law, Tasmania (Hobart, TAS 7001, Stephen T. Sustainable Teagan Goolmeer Molecular Curtin (Perth, Lesley Hughes Emerita, Department (North Ryde, NSW, Richard Kingsford Biological, Earth Sciences (BEES), Wales Sydney (Sydney, 2052, Legge Wildlife Ecology, Fenner Society, (Canberra, ACT, David B. Lindenmayer Ecology Biology, Catherine E. Lovelock QLD 4072, Rachel Lowry Chief Officer, Wide Fund - (3.01/45 Clarence St, NSW 2000, Martine Maron Management, Jessica Marsh Harry Butler Murdoch (Murdoch, WA 6150, Museum, North Terrace (Adelaide, SA 5000, Invertebrates (Osborne Park, 6017, Jan McDonald Faculty (Private Bag 89, Hobart, Nicola Mitchell Associate (Crawley, Deputy Director, Bradley Moggridge Water Applied Canberra (Bruce, ACT 2617, Morgain Political Patrick O'Connor Economics, Economics Policy, Adelaide SA, Jack Pascoe (Cape Otway, Gretta Pecl Marine Socioecology, TAS, Antarctic Hugh P. Possingham Mathematics Euan G. Ritchie Conservation, Liam D. Smith BehaviourWorks Development Rebecca Spindler Executive Manager Bush Heritage Biology Technology (Gardens Point Campus, 2 George Brisbane, 4000, M. Thompson Trezise Kate Umbers Lecturer Zoology, (Penrith, 2751, Managing Director founder John Woinarski Brendan A. Wintle

Language: Английский

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