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Pacific Conservation Biology Pacific Conservation Biology Society
A journal dedicated to conservation and wildlife management in the Pacific region.

Pacific Conservation Biology

Pacific Conservation Biology

Pacific Conservation Biology provides a forum for discussion about regional conservation problems; debate about priorities and mechanisms for conservation oriented biological research; and dissemination of the results of relevant research. Read more about the journalMore

Editor-in-Chief: Mike Calver

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Pacific Conservation Biology has moved to a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Recent mapping of the activities of two European exploration parties in south-eastern Australia in the mid-19th century has provided greater detail about the collection localities of some important fauna specimens. Using Mitchell’s Hopping Mouse as a case study, this refined information about the breadth of the historical niche was compared with the current distribution and habitat (contemporary niche). The results suggest a greater range of conservation sites and actions for the species in south-eastern Australia.

Published online 07 March 2024

PC24004History and establishment of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve

G. R. Chatfield and Denis A. Saunders 0000-0001-5959-573X
 

We describe the events leading to establishment of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. The area was long known to Noongar peoples. Mapping by Europeans in 1791 was followed by sealing and whaling in the 19th century, and after World War II plans were prepared for a townsite. After the discovery of the noisy scrub-bird (Atrichornis clamosus), hitherto believed extinct for 100 years, plans for the town were cancelled and the Reserve was established in 1967.

This article belongs to the Collection The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay National Park, Western Australia.

Published online 05 March 2024

PC23036Temporal changes in habitat use by dugongs in a spatially restricted coral reef environment

Christophe Cleguer 0000-0002-9026-336X, Claire Garrigue 0000-0002-8117-3370, Mariana M. P. B. Fuentes, Mark Hamann, Claude Payri and Helene Marsh
 

The dugong’s (Dugong dugon) habitat use in small coral reef lagoon systems, constrained by tides, is poorly understood, hindering adaptive management. Through aerial surveys, we examined seasonal and tidal variations in dugong utilisation in a high conservation value coral reef lagoon. This study reveals significant temporal variations in dugong habitat use, influenced by tides and seasons. It underscores the importance of outer reef habitats devoid of seagrass for the species. Additionally, it contributes evidence of behavioural thermoregulation in dugongs.

This article belongs to the Collection Marine Mammals in the Pacific.

Published online 26 February 2024

PC23031Conserving the Pilbara leaf-nosed bat: directions for future research and management

Holly S. Bradley 0000-0002-7937-857X, Kyle N. Armstrong, Robert D. Bullen, Ryan Ellis, Chris G. Knuckey, Kym Ottewell, Scott Reiffer, Ruchira Somaweera, Linette Umbrello and Stephen van Leeuwen
 

Collaborative effort is required to prevent the decline of the threatened Pilbara leaf-nosed bat. A combination of stakeholders came together in 2013, and then again in 2022, to determine key actions required for the conservation of the species. Analysis of studies from the past decade indicates that many of the 2013 targets were largely unaddressed, meaning that higher accountability and changes such as in regulatory procedure will be required to ensure the 2022 targets are met.

Published online 11 January 2024

PC23027Long-term strategies for studying rare species: results and lessons from a multi-species study of odontocetes around the main Hawaiian Islands

Robin W. Baird 0000-0002-9419-6336, Sabre D. Mahaffy 0000-0001-8255-192X, Brittany Hancock-Hanser, Tori Cullins, Kristi L. West, Michaela A. Kratofil, Daniel M. Barrios, Annette E. Harnish and Paul C. Johnson
 

Rarely-encountered species of odontocetes often get little research attention or funding to study them. We describe an approach to maximise information from these species while undertaking studies of more common ones, and illustrate this approach with information on pygmy killer whales, a poorly-known and rarely-encountered delphinid in Hawai‘i.

This article belongs to the Collection Marine Mammals in the Pacific.

Separation between humans and nature leads to an eco-deficit culture. We argue that the kingfisher can bridge the connection between humans and nature. In science, the kingfisher is an indicator species to evaluate alterations in wetlands. In indigenous knowledge systems, it is a predictor of environmental variability and is a valued resource for developing community science. Thus, as a symbol, the kingfisher can restore the lost bond between humans and the natural environment, and transform human value systems from eco-deficit to eco-surplus mindsets.

Published online 19 December 2023

PC23023Who lives in the open sea? Distribution and densities of surfacing marine megafauna in three subregions of the South Pacific (New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, and French Polynesia)

Sophie Laran 0000-0002-9047-524X, Olivier Van Canneyt 0009-0002-0415-1503, Ghislain Dorémus 0000-0001-5873-2851, Claire Garrigue 0000-0002-8117-3370, Tristan Berr 0000-0002-4443-3727, Hugo Bourgogne, Mathieu Genu 0009-0005-0314-1866, Jérôme Spitz 0000-0003-2729-2413 and Vincent Ridoux 0000-0002-9779-9319
 

This study simultaneously describes the spatial distribution and densities of 22 distinct taxonomic groups of marine mammals, sea turtles, elasmobranchs and seabirds over three large oceanic subregions of the western and central South Pacific Ocean. It demonstrates the value of multi-taxa monitoring applied to aerial surveys of offshore marine megafauna, and provides a baseline for future conservation measures.

This article belongs to the Collection Marine Mammals in the Pacific.

Jenny Davis was among the first small, but significant tranche of female field biologists in the Pacific Region. Jenny is one of the few women to be promoted to the academic rank of Professor in Australian sciences. Her current research involves answering two questions: (1) how much water does the environment need; and (2) how important are isolated aquatic waterbodies for the conservation of Australia’s freshwater biota? This paper is a brief biography of Jenny.

Published online 07 December 2023

PC23016Marine mammal strandings recorded in New Caledonia, South West Pacific Ocean, 1877 to 2022

Claire Garrigue 0000-0002-8117-3370, Solène Derville 0000-0002-0380-7921, Claire Bonneville, Maële Brisset, Paco Bustamante 0000-0003-3877-9390, Christophe Cleguer 0000-0002-9026-336X, Eric E. G. Clua, Willy Dabin, Sylvie Fiat 0000-0002-7999-5906, Jean-Lou Justine 0000-0002-7155-4540, Pauline Machful 0009-0006-1926-8594, Tepoerau Mai, Patrice Plichon, Annie Portal, Christine Sidobre, Debbie Steel, Jean-Christophe Vivier and Elodie Vourey
 

Map of strandings in New Caledonia; people gathered around a stranded whale; four commonly stranded species.

Conservation of marine mammals in Oceania is limited by a lack of understanding of these relatively rare, yet emblematic species. Here, we report on significant biological and ecological data acquired from several decades of monitoring strandings in New Caledonia. This increased knowledge may help guide management measures locally and regionally. Photograph by Marine Mammal Stranding Center.

This article belongs to the Collection Marine Mammals in the Pacific.

Published online 07 December 2023

PC23021Diversity and distribution of cetaceans in the Republic of Palau

Olive Andrews 0000-0002-1053-2161, Tiare Holm, Daniel Burns, Cory Ann Hom-Weaver, Carlos Olavarria, David Orrukem, Rechelluul Percy and Rob Williams
 

The first investigation into the diversity and distribution of cetaceans in the Republic of Palau was conducted. It resulted in a cetacean species inventory confirming the presence of 15 species and identifying seven as either probable or likely present. The study contributes to the management of cetaceans in Palau National Marine Sanctuary and Protected Area Network.

This article belongs to the Collection Marine Mammals in the Pacific.

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

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Committee on Publication Ethics

Ivor Beatty Award

R. Russell & M. Paterson have been awarded the Ivor Beatty Award for 2022.

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