Predator exposure enhances the escape behaviour of a small marsupial, the burrowing bettong
Animals protected in fenced reserves can quickly lose behaviours that allow them to avoid predation. This study looked at how prior exposure to cats influenced escape behaviour in Burrowing Bettongs. When exposed to a threatening stimulus, cat-exposed bettongs reacted more quickly and fled at greater speeds than naïve bettongs. This demonstrates that coexistence with low densities of introduced predators encourages the development of behaviours that may reduce predation risk. Full Article here

Effectiveness of thermal cameras compared to spotlights for counts of arid zone mammals across a range of ambient temperatures
Effective monitoring of mammal species is essential for their management. This study compared the use of emerging thermal technology with traditional methods of spotlight surveying. Surveys conducted using thermal cameras detected up to 30% more mammals, potentially allowing for more accurate estimates of population densities. Full Article here

Individual traits influence survival of a reintroduced marsupial only at low predator densities
Australia's mammal species are susceptible to predation by cats due to a lack of shared evolutionary history. This study looked at physical characteristics and survival of bettongs that have coexisted with cats for at least 3 years, compared to predator- naïve bettongs. Bettongs from predator exposed populations were found to have larger feet, indicating cat exposure induces selection for physical traits. Full Article here

Sex determination of non-model organisms in the absence of field records using Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) data
Accurate sex determination is an important factor when studying species demography, dispersal, and population structure. For DNA samples where individual sex was not recorded or unable to be determined in the field, laboratory sex analysis can be costly and time consuming. This study found that DArT genomic data can be used to accurately determine sex even in species without complete reference genomes, such as the Greater Stick-Nest Rat. Full Article here

Genetic Management of Captive and Reintroduced Bilby Populations
Conservation of genetic diversity is a critical factor for long-term population survival. This study looked at genetic diversity of Greater Bilby populations across many captive-bred and reintroduced populations. It was found that some populations within fenced reserves had lost diversity over time, due to being genetically isolated for long periods. This highlights the importance of maintaining genetic connectivity through ongoing translocations of individuals between different populations, reducing the negative effects of inbreeding and genetic drift. Full Article here