Ecological Considerations When Designing Mitigation Translocations: An Australian Reptile Case Study

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorBradley, H.S.
dc.contributor.authorCraig, M.D.
dc.contributor.authorTomlinson, S.
dc.contributor.authorCross, A.T.
dc.contributor.authorBamford, M.J.
dc.contributor.authorBateman, P.W.
dc.date.issued2023
dc.description.abstractTranslocation science has made considerable progress over the last two decades; however, reptile translocations still frequently fail around the world. Major knowledge gaps surround the basic ecology of reptile species, including basic factors such as habitat preference, which have a critical influence on translocation success. The western spiny-tailed skink (Egernia stokesii badia) is used here as a case study to exemplify how empirical research can directly inform on-ground management and future translocation planning. A combination of studies, including LiDAR scanning of microhabitat structures, camera trapping, plasticine replica model experiments and unbounded point count surveys to assess predation risk, and visual and DNA analysis of dietary requirements, were all used to better understand the ecological requirements of E. s. badia. We found that the skinks have specific log pile requirements, both native and non-native predator management requirements, and a largely herbivorous, broad diet, which all influence translocation site selection and management planning. The use of E. s. badia as an Australian case study provides a clear strategic framework for the targeted research of meaningful ecological factors that influence translocation decision-making. Similar approaches applied to other reptile species are likely to fundamentally increase the capacity for effective management, and the likelihood of future successful translocations.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityHolly S. Bradley, Michael D. Craig, Sean Tomlinson, Adam T. Cross, Michael J. Bamford, and Philip W. Bateman
dc.identifier.citationAnimals, 2023; 13(16):2594-1-2594-16
dc.identifier.doi10.3390/ani13162594
dc.identifier.issn2076-2615
dc.identifier.issn2076-2615
dc.identifier.orcidTomlinson, S. [0000-0003-0864-5391]
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/2440/139457
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherMDPI AG
dc.relation.granthttp://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/ICI150100041
dc.rights© 2023 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ 4.0/)
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162594
dc.subjectmitigation translocation
dc.subjectreptile
dc.subjectecology
dc.subjecthabitat
dc.titleEcological Considerations When Designing Mitigation Translocations: An Australian Reptile Case Study
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

Files

Collections

Ecology, Evolution and Landscape Science publications