Abstract Deer (Cervidae) are key components of many ecosystems and estimating deer abundance or density is important to understanding these roles. Many field methods have been used estimate density, but the factors determining where, when, why a method was used, its usefulness, not investigated. We systematically reviewed journal articles published during 2004–2018 evaluate spatio‐temporal trends in study objectives, methodologies, estimates, determine how they varied with biophysical...

Context The ability to monitor changes in population abundance is critical the success of pest animal management and research programs. Feral cats (Felis catus) are an important animal, but current monitoring techniques have limited sensitivity or use particular circumstances habitats. Recent advances camera-trapping methods provide potential identify individual feral cats, this information estimate abundances using capture–mark–recapture (CMR) methods. Aims Here, we a manipulative study...

Abstract Globally, wild or feral pigs S us scrofa are a widespread and important pest. Mitigation of their impacts requires sound understanding those the benefits limitations different management approaches. Here, we review published unpublished studies to provide synopsis contemporary pig in A ustralia, identify shortcomings. Wild can have on biodiversity values, ecosystem functioning agricultural production. However, many these remain poorly described, therefore, difficult manage...

Abstract An understanding of the factors that drive inter‐population variability in home‐range size is essential for managing impacts invasive species with broad global distributions, such as feral domestic cat ( F elis catus ). The assumption sizes scale negatively landscape productivity fundamental to many spatial behaviour models, and inter‐site variation has often been invoked explain vast differences among different regions. However, validity this explanation not tested or described. We...

Context Helicopter-based shooting has been widely used to harvest deer or control overabundant populations in Australasia, but the effectiveness and cost of this method as a tool seldom evaluated. Aims We evaluated costs helicopter-based fallow (Dama dama) chital (Axis axis) eastern Australia by quantifying (1) reductions density, (2) relationship between numbers killed per hour density (i.e. functional response), (3) (4) effort–outcome cost–outcome relationships. Methods 12 aerial...

Abstract The lack of variance estimates constrain the utility abundance indices calculated from camera‐trap data. We adapted a General Index model, which allows estimation, to analyze observations feral pigs ( Sus scrofa ) for population monitoring in tropical rainforest. tested whether index would respond manipulation, and found that it decreased by 57% following removal 24 remained low period. Our method is useful other large animals difficult landscapes, model can be used enhance value...

Context Effective feral-cat (Felis silvestris catus) management requires a sound understanding of the ways cats use their environment. Key characteristics landscape by vary widely among different regions and conditions. Aims The present study aimed to describe most important feral on large, human-populated island, this information guide development programs. Methods We used GPS tracking collars record movements 13 at two sites Kangaroo Island, South Australia, for between 20 106 days....

Context Automatically activated cameras (camera traps) and automated poison-delivery devices are increasingly being used to monitor manage predators such as felids canids. Maximising visitation rates sentry positions enhances the efficacy of feral-predator management, especially for feral cats, which typically less attracted food-based lures than Aims The influence camera-trap placement were investigated determine optimal monitoring control strategies cats other in two regions semi-arid...

The roles of the 37 species in family Canidae (the dog family), are great current interest. Gray Wolf is largest canid and their food webs much researched, as those Domestic Dogs, Coyotes Red Foxes. Much less known about other ecological roles. Here we describe general web theory potential application network to it; summarise possible predators webs; document occurrence, diet presumed functions that canids play throughout world; give case studies four threatened top, middle basal trophic...

ABSTRACT Non‐native deer populations are increasing in many parts of the world. Recreational hunting has commonly been advocated as a method for reducing population densities on private land, but there have few robust evaluations its effectiveness. We quantified impacts recreational non‐native fallow ( Dama dama ) conservation reserve Tasmania, Australia. used grid 64 motion‐sensitive cameras to estimate seasonal density three consecutive years. hunters recorded their effort (date and...

Feral pigs threaten biodiversity in 54 countries worldwide and cause an estimated $120 billion of damage annually the United States America (USA). imperil over 600 native species have directly driven 14 into extinction. Moreover, feral pig populations pose a significant zoonotic disease threat to humans such as Japanese encephalitis, act reservoir for endemic pathogens Brucella leptospirosis. Efforts understand control spread by rely on models social dynamics, how animals interact with one...

Abstract Context Helicopter-based shooting has been widely used to kill deer in Australasia, but the animal welfare outcomes of this technique have not evaluated. Aim To assess helicopter-based Australia by quantifying fates seen and shot at, duration procedures number location bullet wounds deer. Methods Three control operations were assessed. These targeted: (1) chital (Axis axis) Queensland, (2) fallow (Dama dama) Australian Capital Territory (3) New South Wales. For each operation, an...

Globally, many wild deer populations are actively studied or managed for conservation, hunting, damage mitigation purposes. These studies require reliable estimates of population state parameters, such as density abundance, with a level precision that is fit purpose. Such can be difficult to attain occur in situations poorly suited common survey methods. We evaluated the utility combining camera trap data, which small proportion sample individually recognizable using natural markings,...

Context Introduced sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) are increasing in south-eastern Australia, and both volunteer contract ground-based shooters being used by management agencies to control their undesirable impacts. However, little is known about the effectiveness costs of for controlling populations Australia. Aims We evaluated impacts a 5-year program conducted around alpine peatlands Alpine National Park, Victoria. Methods Ground-based shooting operations were organised two blocks. Within...

In response to the health threats posed by toxic lead humans, scavenging wildlife and environment, there is currently a focus on transitioning from lead-based lead-free bullets for shooting of wild animals. We compared efficiency metrics terminal ballistic performance (non-lead) aerial pigs (Sus scrofa) in eastern Australia. Ballistic testing revealed that achieved similar precision muzzle kinetic energy (E0) levels (3337.2 J 3345.7 J, respectively). An trial was conducted with shot one type...

Context Feral cats (Felis catus) impact the health and welfare of wildlife, livestock humans worldwide. They are particularly damaging where they have been introduced into island countries such as Australia New Zealand, native prey species evolved without feline predators. Kangaroo Island, in South Australia, is Australia’s third largest supports several threatened endemic species. Cat densities on Island thought to be greater than those adjacent Australian mainland, based one cat density...

Abstract Natural resource management agencies in many countries take advantage of recreational hunting to manage the impacts or abundance mammal populations that damage biodiversity environmental, economic, social values. In Australia, public lands are increasingly being made available for hunters pursue introduced mammals can cause substantial important resources. There is fervent debate over role might play controlling and scant evidence build strategies upon. this review, we combine...