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 is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 31 March 2025

PC24086Overfished and under conserved: life-history, ecology and supply chain of the Endangered whitespotted whipray (Maculabatis gerrardi) and sharpnose whipray (Maculabatis macrura) from south-east Asia

N. Clark-Shen

, A. Chin

, C. Gan, K. Xu-Ting Ting, C. Terence, J. Ng Zheng Kai, D. Wee

and N. Hutchinson

Whitespotted whipray (Maculabatis gerrardi) and sharpnose whipray (Maculabatis macrura) are caught and traded in large volumes in south-east Asia. This study reveals late maturity (50% age-at-maturity of 5–6 years old), which makes them vulnerable to fisheries. A seafood trader who was interviewed perceives significant population declines.

PC24086 Abstract | PC24086 Full Text | PC24086PDF (1.7 MB) | PC24086Supplementary Material (894 KB) Open Access Article

Published online 27 March 2025

PC24105Local knowledge of Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) in north-central Flores Island (Indonesia) and implications for conservation of the species

Gregory Forth

The world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis continues to survive in parts of Flores Island. Anthropological fieldwork reveals local knowledge of the dragons that complements information on their distribution derived from zoological field studies. Focusing on a region in north-central Flores Island, the paper analyses detailed, credible local accounts of these rare lizards that could contribute to conservation of the species.

Published online 20 March 2025

PC24075Open data for biogeography research of the genus Metrosideros across the south-central Pacific region

Thomas R. Etherington

, Murray I. Dawson, Anne Sutherland and James K. McCarthy

Mapping the distribution of species from the genus Metrosideros is crucial for surveillance and management plans associated with species conservation. Such mapping requires accurate and accessible Metrosideros occurrence data and geographic information system data on island locations and extents. Here, we reviewed, compiled, and provided this data via an open science framework to support pan-Pacific conservation efforts.

PC24075 Abstract | PC24075 Full Text | PC24075PDF (1.1 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 18 March 2025

PC24102Spatial variability of water chemistry in the Ayeyarwady River Basin, Myanmar

An V. Vu

, John C. Conallin, Lauren J. Stoot, Gregory S. Doran, Lee J. Baumgartner, Katherine E. Doyle, Nathan Ning, Zau Lunn, Nyein Chan, Nyi Nyi Tun, Aye Myint Swe and Bronwyn M. Gillanders

Understanding the water chemistry of the Ayeyarwady River Basin in Myanmar is crucial for environmental and ecological studies such as fish migrations. This research reveals significant variations in trace elements along the river, highlighting the significant differences between freshwater and coastal environments. These findings shed light on future studies to track fish migrations in the basin.

PC24102 Abstract | PC24102 Full Text | PC24102PDF (5.6 MB) | PC24102Supplementary Material (1.4 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 11 March 2025

PC24055Recognising spatial distribution shifts in southern beech Nothofagus in the Island of New Guinea in response to climate change

Zahra Salsabila Rosmaitsa

, Teguh Husodo and Angga Yudaputra

According to modelled predictions, climate change will affect the distribution and existence of the genus Nothofagus in future. The objective of this study is to understand the impact of climate change on suitable distribution areas of Nothofagus in the Island of New Guinea. Recognising how future climate may influence the distribution patterns would be useful for employing a sound conservation strategy for the protection of these species in future.

Published online 28 February 2025

PC24068Rapid identification of shark species on mislabelled seafood products in Mexican markets

Alexis Alejandro Jiménez-Pérez

, Carolina Garciglia-Mercado, Sergio Francisco Flores-Ramírez, Rogelio Gónzalez-Armas, Felipe Galván-Magaña, Manuel Jesús Zetina-Rejón and César Salvador Cardona-Félix

Conservation of marine species is crucial for ensuring the health of marine ecosystems. Use of marine species, like sharks, must be properly regulated by management plans, including their trading. Shark trade should have accurate information concerning their correct identity using the most advanced and fast techiques, which will encourage to develop a sustainable trading.

Published online 24 February 2025

PC25004Aboriginal-constructed lizard traps on Western Australia’s south coast create reptile habitat and teach principles of granite outcrop conservation

Susie Cramp

, Lynette Knapp, Harriet Paterson, Peter Speldewinde, Alison Lullfitz and Stephen D. Hopper

Lizard traps are culturally and ecologically important Aboriginal-constructed rock formations found on granite outcrops. Directed by Merningar Elder Lynette Knapp, this paper provides the first robust evidence of reptiles using lizard traps as habitat. They teach that granite conservation requires minimising disturbance, deep knowledge of the landscape, and multi-generational thinking.

This article belongs to the collection: The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia.

PC25004 Abstract | PC25004 Full Text | PC25004PDF (7.6 MB) | PC25004Supplementary Material (160 KB) Open Access Article

Published online 20 February 2025

PC24061Recovery of the Southern Greater Glider (Petauroides volans) following the extreme drought, heatwaves, and mega-fires of 2019–2020 in the southern Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia

Peter Smith

and Judy Smith

The iconic Southern Greater Glider (Petauroides volans) is threatened by increasing frequency and severity of wildfires under climate change. Since the Australian ‘Black Summer‘ fires of 2019–2020, it has recovered well under wet conditions in lightly burnt and moderately burnt sites but not in severely burnt sites. Reducing fire severity and protecting prime habitat are critical for its conservation.

Published online 10 February 2025

PC24056Using the prey captured by breeding Crested Terns to assess the availability of forage fish for other coastal meso-predators

J. Nic Dunlop, Erin Clitheroe

and Donna Chapman

Prey species carried to Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) breeding colonies on Penguin Island, Western Australia were photographed using digital telephoto cameras to monitor tern diet and fish availability for a declining population of Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor) sharing the same breeding island and foraging area.

PC24056 Abstract | PC24056 Full Text | PC24056PDF (1.8 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 10 February 2025

PC24051Can epigeic invertebrates escape fire?

Christopher Swinstead, Paul Nevill and Philip W. Bateman

Fire escape and survival is a key component of a species’ fire response and future recovery. The immediate fire escape potential of ground dwelling invertebrates is, however, poorly known, despite their importance to ecosystem services. We investigated this, and found that there is limited escape potential among this group except for a handful of taxonomic groups.

PC24051 Abstract | PC24051 Full Text | PC24051PDF (725 KB) Open Access Article

Published online 10 February 2025

PC24085Fungal consumption by marsupials in southern Tasmania

Kelsey Elliott, Michael M. Driessen, Karl Vernes and Todd F. Elliott

This study investigates fungal taxa consumed by five native marsupial species at two sites in southern Tasmania. Many of the fungi consumed and dispersed are mycorrhizal symbionts with the associated plant communities. This study highlights the conservation and ecological importance of these mammals in functional ecosystems in Tasmania and beyond.

PC24085 Abstract | PC24085 Full Text | PC24085PDF (710 KB) Open Access Article

Published online 06 February 2025

PC24041Short-term sustainable collection of eggs and nestlings of the endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo (Zanda latirostris)

Karen Meagher, Roberta Bencini and Peter R. Mawson

Assigning a currency value to wildlife has been advocated as a conservation action for some threatened species and taxonomic groups for several decades. This paper describes the results of a 3-year program targeting eggs and nestlings of the endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo (Zanda latirostris). Although fledgling production was not adversely affected, commercial value was reduced by 38% after 3 years, and by 61% after 22 years. This program shows that an endangered cockatoo species can be successfully collected from the wild.

PC24041 Abstract | PC24041 Full Text | PC24041PDF (321 KB) Open Access Article

Published online 06 February 2025

PC24103From rediscovery towards recovery: a recent history of Australia’s most critically endangered marsupial, Gilbert’s potoroo (Potorous gilbertii)

J. Anthony Friend, Elizabeth A. Sinclair

and Jacqueline M. Courtenay

Gilbert’s potoroo (Potorous gilbertii) is the world’s rarest marsupial. It inhabits Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve in Western Australia. Little was known about this species before it was presumed extinct at the beginning of the 20th century, so we share ecological and genetic knowledge learned over the past 30 years since its rediscovery.

This article belongs to the collection: The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia.

PC24103 Abstract | PC24103 Full Text | PC24103PDF (8.9 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 30 January 2025

PC24067Traditional Ecological Knowledge and practices associated with the Vanate (Raggiana Bird of Paradise, Paradisaea raggiana) along the Kokoda Track in Central Province, Papua New Guinea

Challis Pulotu

, Eric Katovai

and Patrick Pikacha

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is lost rapidly on a global scale. We investigated the Koiari Indigenous People’s TEK of the Vanate (Paradisaea raggiana), which is the national bird of Papua New Guinea (PNG), along the Kokoda Track in PNG. High linguistic variation in bird names was found with Koiari Indigenous People needing to conserve this bird.

PC24067 Abstract | PC24067 Full Text | PC24067PDF (1.6 MB) | PC24067Supplementary Material (318 KB) Open Access Article

Published online 23 January 2025

PC24078The aquatic plant communities of the Pilbara region of Western Australia: a region of arid zone wetland diversity

Michael N. Lyons

, David A. Mickle and Michelle T. Casanova

The Pilbara region of Western Australia has a diverse array of wetlands. Wetlands and rivers in the region were surveyed for vascular and non-vascular aquatic plants. The region has a rich aquatic flora particularly for charophytes. Floristic composition was strongly related to wetland type and water permanence with permanent sites showing higher richness. Wetland plant communities are a significant element of the region’s biodiversity and need careful management in the context of extensive mining and pastoral land uses.

PC24078 Abstract | PC24078 Full Text | PC24078PDF (1.4 MB) Open Access Article

More content

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.

PC24090, Accepted 26 March 2025

Age and growth of the silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis (Muller & Henle, 1839) in the Ecuadorian Pacific

Christopher Mera

, Diego Mejía, Smith Vera-Mera, Steven Tamayo-Vega, Felipe Galván-Magaña, Michael Veléz-Soledispa and Jesus Briones-Mendoza

PC24090Abstract

PC25021, Accepted 18 March 2025

Booderitj/western bristlebird and Dading/western whipbird: ecology and management of two of the lesser-known threatened species at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Allan Burbidge

, Alan Danks

, Sarah Comer

and Graham Smith

PC25021Abstract

PC24086, Accepted 18 March 2025

Overfished and under conserved: life-history, ecology and supply chain of the Endangered whitespotted whipray (Maculabatis gerrardi) and sharpnose whipray (Maculabatis macrura) from Southeast Asia

Naomi Clark-Shen

, Andrew Chin

, Chester Gan, Kathy Xu-Ting Ting, Celestine Terence, Darren Wee

, Justin Ng Zheng Kai and Neil Hutchinson

PC24086Abstract

PC25003, Accepted 18 March 2025

The absurdity of nature love through aviary bird-keeping

Minh-Hoang Nguyen

and Quan-Hoang Vuong

PC25003Abstract

PC25017, Accepted 13 March 2025

The role of conservation translocations in the recovery of the endangered Djimaalap/noisy scrub-bird (Atrichornis clamosus): from Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve and back

Sarah Comer

, Alan Danks

, Abby Berryman, Saul Cowen

, Allan Burbidge

and Graham Smith

PC25017Abstract

PC25014, Accepted 09 March 2025

A review of 60 years of fire management for threatened fauna and flora at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia

MEGAN DILLY, Sarah Barrett

, Sarah Comer

, Allan Burbidge, Alan Danks

, Judith Harvey, Angas Hopkins and Graham Smith

PC25014Abstract

PC24082, Accepted 02 March 2025

The Pacific foodfish list: A standardised list of over 1000 species of marine fishes consumed by Pacific people

Neil Andrew

, Latu Aisea, Nuwan Arachchi

, Nicolas Bailly, Ian Bertram, Pauline Bosserelle, Léa Carron, Kendall Clements

, Michael Duenas, Viliami Fatongiatau, Sean Felise, Saul Gonzalez Murcia, Baptiste Jaugeon, Lucy Joy, Lotokufaki Kaitu, Uschi Kaly, Julie-Anne Kerandel, Zachary Koehn, Jeffrey Kinch, Shivam Jalam, Angela Kwapena, Owen Li, Steven Lindfield, Franck Magron, Bradley Moore, Robert Myers, Bruno Ned, Beia Nikiari, Domingo Ochavillo, Jan van der Ploeg

, Koroa Raumea, Matthew Roscher, Marlowe Sabater, Abel Sami, George Shedrawi, Neville Smith, Dirk Steenbergen

, Meshach Sukulu, Feleti Tulafono, Sapeti Tiitii, Tarisi Toroca, Paul Tua, Lavinia Vaipuna, Colette C. C. Wabnitz, Jean Wencelius, Melba White and Being Yeeting

PC24082Abstract

Can citizen science fill knowledge gaps for the world’s most speciose and poorly-known insular amphibian fauna?

Pacific Conservation Biology 31 (1)

Paul M. Oliver , Anthony Davie-Rieck, Muhammad Imam Ramdani, Jono Dashper, Kukuh Indra Kusuma, Chien C. Lee, Eric Rittmeyer, Matthew J. Clancy, Amir Hamidy, Joseph C. Thompson, Antoine Fouquet, Flavien Ferreira, Stephen J. Richards
Traditional Ecological Knowledge and practices associated with the Vanate (Raggiana Bird of Paradise, Paradisaea raggiana) along the Kokoda Track in Central Province, Papua New Guinea

Pacific Conservation Biology 31 (1)

Challis Pulotu , Eric Katovai , Patrick Pikacha
Aboriginal-constructed lizard traps on Western Australia’s south coast create reptile habitat and teach principles of granite outcrop conservation

Pacific Conservation Biology 31 (2)

Susie Cramp , Lynette Knapp, Harriet Paterson, Peter Speldewinde, Alison Lullfitz, Stephen D. Hopper
From rediscovery towards recovery: a recent history of Australia’s most critically endangered marsupial, Gilbert’s potoroo (Potorous gilbertii)

Pacific Conservation Biology 31 (2)

J. Anthony Friend, Elizabeth A. Sinclair , Jacqueline M. Courtenay
Drought in south-west Australia links to urban immigration across multiple avian taxa

Pacific Conservation Biology 30 (6)

Harry A. Moore , Anna K. Cresswell
The aquatic plant communities of the Pilbara region of Western Australia: a region of arid zone wetland diversity

Pacific Conservation Biology 31 (1)

Michael N. Lyons , David A. Mickle, Michelle T. Casanova
Barriers to volunteering and other challenges facing community-based conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand

Pacific Conservation Biology 30 (6)

Charlotte P. Sextus , Karen F. Hytten, Paul Perry
Evaluating the utility of environmental DNA for detecting a large Critically Endangered lizard in tropical northern Australia

Pacific Conservation Biology 31 (1)

Emily P. Hoffmann , Chris J. Jolly, Kathryn L. Dawkins, Kelly M. Dixon, Luke D. Einoder, Graeme R. Gillespie, Brett P. Murphy, Brenton von Takach
A challenging future for Carnaby’s Cockatoo (Zanda latirostris) under a changing climate

Pacific Conservation Biology 30 (6)

Denis A. Saunders , Peter R. Mawson , Rick Dawson, Geoffrey Pickup
Decision-science navigates trade-offs between environmental and socio-economic objectives for marine debris mitigation

Pacific Conservation Biology 31 (1)

Jutta Beher , Brendan Wintle, Eric Treml
Sharks and rays of the Samoan archipelago: a review of their biological diversity, social and cultural values, and conservation status

Pacific Conservation Biology 30 (4)

Tori Nunis , Michael I. Grant , Andrew Chin
A Merningar Bardok family’s Noongar oral history of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve and surrounds

Pacific Conservation Biology 30 (3)

Lynette Knapp, Dion Cummings, Shandell Cummings, Peggy L. Fiedler, Stephen D. Hopper
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) as a potential invasive predator in a Critically Endangered sawfish nursery

Pacific Conservation Biology 31 (1)

David L. Morgan , Karissa O. Lear, Jack Ingelbrecht, Travis Fazeldean, Patricia A. Fleming
Reintroduction to the edge of its range: quenda (Isoodon fusciventer) to Wadderin Sanctuary in the eastern wheatbelt of Western Australia

Pacific Conservation Biology 30 (4)

Jeff Short
Hostile environments, terminal habitat, and tomb trees: the impact of systemic failures to survey for mature-forest dependent species in the State forests of New South Wales

Pacific Conservation Biology 31 (1)

Grant W. Wardell-Johnson , Todd P. Robinson
Catch, bycatch, and mitigation options for endangered sharks in data poor fisheries: a case study on pelagic thresher sharks (Alopias pelagicus) in the eastern Indian Ocean

Pacific Conservation Biology 30 (6)

Muhammad Ichsan , Shoimatul Ula, Hollie Booth, ,
‘It’s dangerous to put a number on them’. Media coverage of koalas during the 2019–2020 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires in Australia

Pacific Conservation Biology 30 (6)

Eleanor Stalenberg, Daniel Lunney , Chris Moon
Movements of adult and fledgling Carnaby’s Cockatoos (Zanda latirostris Carnaby, 1948) from eleven breeding areas throughout their range

Pacific Conservation Biology 30 (6)

Denis A. Saunders , Peter R. Mawson , Rick Dawson, Heather Beswick, Geoffrey Pickup, Kayley Usher
Fungal consumption by marsupials in southern Tasmania

Pacific Conservation Biology 31 (2)

Kelsey Elliott, Michael M. Driessen, Karl Vernes, Todd F. Elliott
Can epigeic invertebrates escape fire?

Pacific Conservation Biology 31 (2)

Christopher Swinstead, Paul Nevill, Philip W. Bateman

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve is one of the most important nature conservation areas along the south coast of Western Australia. This Collection of Pacific Conservation Biology papers about the natural history of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, provides past and current knowledge of this significant nature reserve.

Collection Editors
A. J. M. Hopkins, G. T. Smith and D. A. Saunders

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2025

Publishing Science 101: advice on submitting and promoting your research paper

This Collection offers an overview of the publishing process from start to finish, and is designed to provide information and support to researchers looking to publish academic articles. Topics include common mistakes authors make in presentation or in misunderstanding what happens in production, the importance of accurate referencing and proofing, navigating problems with authorship, making decisions about Open Access, and promoting work once it is accepted.

Collection Editor
Mike Calver (Editor-in-Chief, Pacific Conservation Biology)

Last Updated: 12 Dec 2024

Marine Mammals in the Pacific

This collection of Pacific Conservation Biology papers will enable a synthesis of the challenges which face marine mammal populations and research in the Pacific and the actions and agreements to address some of the challenges, facilitate the publication of important knowledge from research poor areas, and highlight the importance of crowd-sourced data across geographically complex regions.

Collection Editors
Rochelle Constantine (University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau)
Claire Garrigue (Institute for Research and Development)

Last Updated: 07 Oct 2024

Conservation Highlights in the Americas

This Collection focuses on contributions from researchers studying conservation problems and solutions along the eastern Pacific coast and Hawaii. The papers from the eastern Pacific coast include island and mainland examples, confirming that both are considered within the journal’s scope. They illustrate the range and quality of the work published by Pacific Conservation Biology, as well as the journal’s service to the scientific communities of the eastern Pacific coast.

Last Updated: 22 Mar 2024

Coral Reefs in the Pacific: Values, Threats and Solutions

The challenges for conservation in the Pacific are sharpest in managing coral reefs. The effects of anthropogenic climate change are already evident, as well as unregulated exploitation, land clearing or agricultural production on adjoining lands. In 2018, Pacific Conservation Biology celebrated 25 years of publication. It was also International Year of the Reef. In this Collection, we have collated key papers to aid the understanding of the value of, and threats to, coral reefs and their ecosystems, with hope that this research will contribute to a brighter future for our reefs.

Collection Editors
Mike Van Keulen and Mike Calver

Last Updated: 18 May 2018

Pacific Biodiversity: Values, Threats and Solutions

Pacific Conservation Biology is dedicated to conservation in the Pacific region, which is defined broadly as the western Pacific (East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania), the north Pacific (including Russia), and the islands of the central Pacific across to countries on the North American and South American continents bordering on the eastern Pacific. In this Collection, Pacific Conservation Biology addresses the ‘big questions’ in conservation, providing a forum for conservation scientists, natural resource managers and science communicators to explore the answers in a Pacific context.

Last Updated: 27 Jun 2017

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Expressions of interest are invited for an Editor-in-Chief or joint Editors-in-Chief, commencing July 2025.

Ivor Beatty Award

Kit Prendergast has been awarded the Ivor Beatty Award for 2023.

Pacific Conservation Biology

Latest

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

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