Little is known about the effects of temperature extremes on natural systems. This increasing concern now that climate models predict dramatic increases in intensity, duration and frequency such extremes. Here we examine behaviour demography vulnerable wild flying-foxes ( Pteropus spp.). On 12 January 2002 New South Wales, Australia, temperatures exceeding 42°C killed over 3500 individuals nine mixed-species colonies. In one colony, recorded a predictable sequence thermoregulatory behaviours...

Coevolutionary arms races between brood parasites and hosts involve genetic adaptations counter-adaptations. However, sometimes acquire defenses too rapidly to reflect change. Our field experiments show that observation of cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) mobbing by neighbors on adjacent territories induced reed warblers (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) increase the cuckoos but not parrots (a harmless control) their own territory. In contrast, had no effect warblers' responses either or parrots. These...

The interactions between avian obligate interspecific brood parasites and their hosts provide tractable systems for studying coevolutionary processes in nature. This review highlights recent advances understanding coevolution these systems. First, we discuss the evolution phylogenetic history of parasitism. Next, examine coevolved adaptations counteradaptations at all stages host nesting cycle: those that precede laying parasitic egg egg, chick, fledgling stages. We then consider factors...

Identifying refugia is a critical component of effective conservation biodiversity under anthropogenic climate change. However, despite surge in conceptual and practical interest, identifying remains significant challenge across diverse continental landscapes. We provide an overview the key properties that promote species' persistence change, including their capacity to (i) buffer species from change; (ii) sustain long-term population viability evolutionary processes; (iii) minimize...

Abstract Extreme heat events pose increasing challenges to biodiversity conservation worldwide, yet our ability predict the time, place and magnitude of their impacts on wildlife is limited. in Australia are known kill thousands flying‐foxes ( Pteropus spp.), such die‐offs expected become more frequent widespread future under anthropogenic climate change. There a growing need for predicting when where heat‐related would occur, facilitate short‐term management actions. In this study, we used...

Wind energy production is growing rapidly worldwide in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, wind not environmentally neutral. Negative impacts on volant animals, such as bats, include fatalities at turbines and habitat loss due land-use change displacement. Siting away from ecologically sensitive areas implementing measures are critical protecting bat populations. Restricting turbine operations during periods of high activity the most effective form mitigation currently...

The similarity between many Old World parasitic cuckoos (Cuculinae) and Accipiter hawks, in size, shape plumage, has been noted since ancient times. In particular, hawk-like underpart barring is more prevalent than non-parasitic cuckoos. Cuckoo–hawk resemblance may reflect convergent evolution of cryptic plumage that reduces detection by hosts prey, or evolved mimicry hawks cuckoos, either for protection against hawk attacks to facilitate brood parasitism influencing host behaviour. Here, we...

The reciprocal interactions between brood parasites and their hosts provide models for studying coevolution. For example, where have evolved egg or chick discrimination, mimicry of host eggs chicks. Here, we suggest that there is another form by cuckoos. A previous study has shown naive small birds, with no evolutionary history parasitism, are as afraid adult common cuckoos Cuculus canorus sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus because physical resemblance. However, it yet to be whether species regard...

Abstract Mimicry is a canonical example of adaptive signal design. In principle, what constitutes mimicry independent the taxonomic identity mimic, ecological context in which it operates, and sensory modality through expressed. However, practice study inconsistent across research fields, with theoretical empirical advances often failing to cross divides. We propose novel conceptual framework whereby evolves if receiver perceives similarity between mimic model as result confers selective...

Mimicry is a classical example of adaptive signal design. Here, we review the current state research into vocal mimicry in birds. Avian conspicuous and often spectacular form animal communication, occurring many distantly related species. However, proximate ultimate causes are poorly understood. In first part this review, argue that progress has been impeded by conceptual confusion over what constitutes mimicry. We propose modified version Vane-Wright's (1980) widely used definition...

Abstract Background Effective conservation management of highly mobile species depends upon detailed knowledge movements individuals across their range; yet, data are rarely available at appropriate spatiotemporal scales. Flying-foxes ( Pteropus spp.) large bats that forage by night on floral resources and rest day in arboreal roosts may contain colonies many thousands individuals. They the largest mammals capable powered flight, mobile, which makes them key seed pollen dispersers forest...

To assess a species' vulnerability to climate change, we commonly use mapped environmental data that are coarsely resolved in time and space. Coarsely temperature typically inaccurate at predicting temperatures microhabitats used by an organism may also exhibit spatial bias topographically complex areas. One consequence of these inaccuracies is layers predict thermal regimes site exceed known limits. In this study, statistical downscaling account for factors develop high-resolution estimates...

Abstract Accurate and precise monitoring of species abundance is essential for determining population trends responses to environmental change. However, traditional survey methods can be unreliable labour‐intensive, which complicates the effective conservation management many threatened species. We developed a method using drone‐acquired thermal orthomosaics monitor grey‐headed flying‐foxes ( Pteropus poliocephalus ) within tree roosts, an IUCN Red Listed bat. assessed accuracy precision...

Accurate and precise monitoring of species abundance is essential for determining population trends responses to environmental change. Species, such as bats, that have slow life histories, characterized by extended lifespans low reproductive rates, are particularly vulnerable changes, stochastic events, human activities. An accurate assessment productivity can improve parameters modelling provide insights into species’ capacity recover from perturbations, yet data on output often lacking....

The ability to navigate is crucial the survival of many flying animals. Though relatively much less known about navigational abilities bats versus birds, recent progress has been made in understanding cave roosting bats, but little those arboreal flying-foxes, despite their extreme mobility. We use extremely high spatiotemporal resolution GPS tracking examine flight behaviour 11 grey-headed flying-foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) displaced 16.8 km from roost. examined metrics resulting...

Context Monitoring is crucial for understanding population trends of threatened species and assessing the effectiveness conservation efforts. However, monitoring subject to detection probabilities that can vary across factors such as time, type vegetation cover, weather conditions observer. Aims In this study, we investigated impact environmental (e.g. wind rain), spatiotemporal time night geographical location) observer variability, on probability Pteropus natalis (Christmas Island...

Some of the most striking vocalizations in birds are made by males that incorporate vocal mimicry their sexual displays. Mimetic vocalization females is largely undescribed, but it unclear whether this because a lack selection for females, or phenomenon has simply been overlooked. These issues thrown into sharp relief superb lyrebird, Menura novaehollandiae, basal oscine passerine with lek-like mating system and female uniparental care. The spectacular mimetic song display produced courting...