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Full ReferenceDOI/WebsiteAim of the StudyKey ResultsManagement/Policy RecommendationType of StudyEcosystems & LocationsDate Reference Added
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Arida E. A. & Bull C. M. (2008) Optimising the design of artificial refuges for the Australian skink, Egernia stokesii. Applied Herpetology 5, 161-72.
https://doi.org/10.1163/157075408784648826To identify key features that would that would make artificial refuges more attractve to lizard species and improve survival rates.Artificial refuges with a single narrow entrance and were deeper were preferred. The tighter and deeper the refuge is for a lizard to retreat to, the safer it should be from predators. Lizards also showed a preference for refuges made of brick pavers over PVC pipe and plywood.The use of brick pavers may be a practical management tool to provide extra refuges and should be the first material to be trialled in the field.Laboratory experimentLaboratory, Australia1/5/2023
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Berthier, K., Leippert, F., Fumagalli, L. and Arlettaz, R., 2012. Massive nest-box supplementation boosts fecundity, survival and even immigration without altering mating and reproductive behaviour in a rapidly recovered bird population. PloS one, 7(4), p.e36028.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0036028To investigate if the provision of a large number of nest boxes boosts or negatively affects the breeding, survival, and immigration of a previously declining and isolated hoopoe (Upupa epops) population.The addition of nest boxes increased the population and breeding density of hoopoe in this region, but not to a point that negatively impacted genetic diversity. There was even evidence within the genetic sampling that suggested immigration and migration from other populations of hoopoe, thus reconnecting this once isolated population. The nest box program led to a strong local recovery in hoopoe numbers and enhanced genetic diversity within the population by reconnecting it with other previously inaccessible populations.NAManipulative experimentThe Rhône plain in Central Valais (46°20′N, 7°40′E), Southwestern Swiss Alps, Switzerland.18/10/22
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Bourke G., Matthews A. & Michael D. R. (2017) Can protective attributes of artificial refuges offset predation risk in lizards? Austral Ecology 42, 497-507.https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12469The effect of artificial refuges on the behaviour and survival of lizards. The authors also aimed to determine artificial refuges can offset increased predation risk associated with artificial refuges.This study showed that refuges can reduce predation risk, particularly when the refuges have protective attributes such as elevation, small entrances and location with high vegetation. Boulenger's Snake-eyed Skink preferred timber refuges over tile or iron refuges. The continual preference for timber refuges, even when predator-scent was added, suggests that the structural benefit of timber refuges outweighs the potential predation risk. Timber refuges were more complex and provided more protection through the presence of cracks and crevices. The authors sugest that artificial regues should be combined with an ecological understanding such as predator-prey dynamics. Long term monitoring is needed to identify and address negative impacts as these impacts are not immediately apparent.Manipulative experimentLaboratory, Australia13/04/2023
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Callan, M.N., Johnson, A., and Watson, D.M. (2023) Influence of nest box design on internal microclimate: Comparisons of plastic prototypes. Austral Ecology.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/aec.13272To test different designs of plastic artificial hollows and their ability to buffer extreme temperaturesDouble-walled plastic nest boxes with timber inserts provided a more stable internal microclimate than other simpler plastic nest box designs. The double-walled plastic nest boxes with timber inserts buffered high external temperatures and remained more stable in terms of temperature and humidity. The authors suggest that the next step is field testing where other environmental influences will be tested.The authors suggest that when scaling up the production of the nest boxes they found to be most successful, they should follow best practice procedures and test in field conditions and on target species, before use in conservation programs.Manipulative experimentSimulated temperature room, Bathurst, NSW, Australia08/02/2023
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Cowan, M.A., Callan, M.N., Watson, M.J., Watson, D.M., Doherty, T.S., Michael, D.R., Dunlop, J.A., Turner, J.M., Moore, H.A., Watchorn, D.J. and Nimmo, D.G. (2021), Artificial refuges for wildlife conservation: what is the state of the science?. Biol Rev, 96: 2735-2754. https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.12776https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.12776To review the artificial refuge literature for studies seeking to conserve wildlife in situ.The study identified 224 studies which were mostly targeted at arboreal species, primarily birds and bats. Few studies examined artificial refuges for terrestrial species as well as specifically for Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered species. The thermal properties of artificial refuges (18%), predator activity (17%), or food availability (3%) were also rarely measured. Over half of the studies measured if the target species were breeding within artificial refuges (54%), but fewer studies measured breeding productivity (34%). Further, only 39% of studies compared artificial refuges to a control, and only 10% of studies used a before-after-control-impact (BACI) experimental design.The authors define a nine step process which outlines a potential ‘best-practice’ framework to guide artificial refuge implementation. They suggest that practitioners follow these steps when creating and implementing artificial refuges for wildlife conservation.ReviewComputer-based, Victoria Australia18/10/22
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Cowan, MA, Dunlop, JA, Turner, JM, Moore, HA, Nimmo, DG. Artificial refuges to combat habitat loss for an endangered marsupial predator: How do they measure up? Conservation Science and Practice. 2020; 2:e204.https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.204To identify the thermal, physical, and biotic attributes of northern quoll natal dens in the Pilbara, by comparing occupied dens to nearby unoccupied (but superficially similar) crevices, and to assess whether artificially created dens accurately replicate the thermal, physical, and biotic properties of occupied densNorthern quolls occupied dens which were cooler and deeper than other available crevices. Artificial refuges had similar internal temperatures to occupied natural refuges, but had decreased vegetation cover, lower mammal prey availability, and high visitations by feral cats - a predator of northern quolls. Quolls did not use artificial refuges to a similar extent to occupied natural refuges.The authors sugest that artificial dens built for northern quolls provide climatic and structural properties similar to those at occupied dens, but lack other vital habitat characteristics. Deeper dens would provide further protection from extreme temperature, predation, and fire, and surrounding habitat complexity must be increased to mimic natural conditions, particularly due to increased visitation of feral cats at artificial refuges which predate on northern quolls.Manipulative experimentSemi-arid Pilbara region, Western Australia, Australia.18/10/22
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De La Cruz, J. L., Ward, R. L. & Schroder, E. S. 2018. Landscape Characteristics Related to Use of Artificial Roosts by Northern Long-Eared Bats in North-Central West Virginia. Northeastern Naturalist, 25, 487–501.https://www.jstor.org/stable/26577809To evaluate the overall use of 3 artificial roosting structure types–a rocket box, nursery box, and artificial bark–by bats. Then, relating this use to local landscape characteristicsNursery boxes were larger than the other 2 types and were used the most. Landscape characteristics also influenced occupancy, with
increasing slope, elevation, and distance from streams and large forests leading to higher occupancy, and increasing solar radiation leading to decreased occupancy.		Managers should install artificial refuges for Northern Long-eared Bats at higher elevations, with moderate-to-high slope and moderate solar radiation, and not close to streams or large forests.ExperimentalHardwood forest, Appalachian region, USA1/5/2023
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Ebrahimi M., Fenner A. L. & Bull C. M. (2012) Lizard behaviour suggests a new design for artificial burrows. Wildlife Research 39, 295-300.
https://doi.org/10.1071/WR11155To determine whether the normal beahaviour of the pygmy bluetongue lizards differed as they enter artificial vs natural burrows. To also determine the optimal design for artiticial burrows.Different behaviours were observed when using natural and artificial burrows. In natural burrows, lizards would enter head first, turn around in an enlarged basal chamber, to sit their heads uppermost at the entrance. At artificial burrows, lizards would enter head first, reverse tail-first out and then reserve tail-first back into the burrow (enter backwards.)The authors recommend a re-design of articial burrows for pygmy bluetongue lizards to incorporate a basal chamber to allow lizards to turn around.ExperimentalArtificial burrows: Monarto Zoo, m south-east of Adelaide (35060 S, 139�090 E)
Natural burrows: Burra, South Australia (33°42′S, 138°56′E), in semi-arid native grassland		1/5/2023
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Fauvelot C., Bertozzi F., Costantini F., Airoldi L. & Abbiati M. (2009) Lower genetic diversity in the limpet Patella caerulea on urban coastal structures compared to natural rocky habitats. Marine Biology 156, 2313-23.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-009-1259-1To compare the genetic diversity of limpets in urban artificial habitats versus natural rocky habitats, to understand the impact of urbanisation in genetic diversity This study identified that genetic diversity at artificial habitats was lower than at natural rocky habitats. They also found evidence of genetic differentiation between the two populations suggesting reduced gene flow between them.The authors suggest that conservation efforts should be made to protect natural habitats and maintain genetic flow to preserve the genetic diversity of the limpets.ExperimentalArdiatic Coast, Souther Euraope. Sandy flat coastal system.1/5/2023
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Firth, L.B., Airoldi, L., Bulleri, F., Challinor, S., Chee, S.-Y., Evans, A.J., Hanley, M.E., Knights, A.M., O'Shaughnessy, K., Thompson, R.C., and Hawkins, S.J. (2020) Greening of grey infrastructure should not be used as a Trojan horse to facilitate coastal development. Journal of Applied Ecology 57(9), 1762-1768.https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.13683Discuss the applicatiton of integrated greening of grey infrastructure (IGGI) and its potential to be misued for greenwashing purposes.The integrated greening of grey infrastructure is being embraced globally, despite many knowledge gaps and limitations. It is a management tool designed to compensate anthropogenic impacts as part of the Mitigation Hierarchy, but there is considerable scope for misuse and ‘greenwashing’ by making new developments appear more acceptable.The authors encourage researchers to exercise caution when reporting on small-scale ex-
perimental trials, advocate that greater attention is paid to when experiments ‘fail’ or yield unintended outcomes, and advise revisiting, repeating and expanding on experiments to test responses over broader spatio-temporal scales to improve the evidence base.		CommentaryGlobal. Marine.09/02/2023
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Fischer J. & Lindenmayer D. B. (2007) Landscape modification and habitat fragmentation: a synthesis. Global ecology and biogeography 16, 265-80.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1466-8238.2007.00287.xTo provide a comprehensixve overview of the effects of habitat modification and fragmentation and identify our gaps in understanding of this topic.Landscape modification and fragmentation have significant negative impacts. Habitat is a species-specific concept and threats to a species arises from negative changes to the habitat and disrupts its biology, behaviour and interactions. The effects of are often cumulative with multiple stressors to have a more significant impact.
The authors suggest that more research is needed on the long-term effects as well as potential management to mitigvate impacts. Greater collaboration between researchers, stakeholders, and policy makers to adress the issues and develop effective solutions. ReviewLiterature based review, Canberra, Australia1/5/2023
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Green, C. (2005). Using artificial refuges to translocate and establish Auckland tree weta Hemideina thoracica on Korapuki Island, New Zealand. Conservation Evidence, 2(0), 94-95.https://conservationevidencejournal.com/individual-study/2174Re-establish the Auckland tree weta on Korapuki Island (via translocation) using artificial refuges.Two hundred wooden refuges were provided for the Auckland tree weta (Hemideina thoracica). Within six months over half were used, 52 weta were transferred to Korapuki Island by plugging then translocating these refuges. After five years, there were over 500 individual tree wetas present on Korapuki. During the first week after translocation 75% of the weta remained in the artificial refuges with some moving to new neighbouring refuges. Most of the 25% that left did so on the first night. By spring in November 1997, six months after the transfer, 68% of the founder adults remained within the artificial refuge network.NAConservation actionModified terrestrial ecosystem, Korapuki Island, New Zealand2/5/23
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Griffiths S. R., Lentini P. E., Semmens K., Watson S. J., Lumsden L. F. & Robert K. A. (2018) Chainsaw-carved cavities better mimic the thermal properties of natural tree hollows than nest boxes and log hollows. Forests 9, 235.
https://doi.org/10.3390/f9050235To compare the thermal properties of 2 artificial habitat types (nest boxes and chainsaw carved cavities) to natural tree and log hollows to assess the value of chainsaw-varved cavities for nesting birds.Chainsaw-varved cavities closely mimicked the thermal properties of natural tree hollows compared to nest boxes and log hollows. Carved cavities retained heat better than other types and suggest that they would be as a conservation tool. Nest boxes did not closely mimic natural tree hollows and did not retain heat as well, and may not be effective at providing suitable habitat for nestlings.The authors recommend the use of chainsaw-carved cavities as artificial roosting sites where natural hollows are scarce. The authors also recommend future research to asses the effectiveness of chainsaw-carved cavities for different species and in different environmental conditionsExperimentalLa Trobe University Zoology Reserve (LTUZR; -37.715949, 145.049104) and the adjacent La Trobe University Wildlife Sanctuary (LTUWS; -37.716604, 145.054991), Bundoora, Melbourne, southeastern Australia (3083)1/5/2023
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Harley, D. K. (2006). A role for nest boxes in the conservation of Leadbeater’s possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri). Wildlife Research, 33(5), 385-395.https://doi.org/10.1071/WR04038Examine and compare the efficacy of nest box use for the conservation of Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri)Nest box use by Leadbeater's possum in lowland swamp forest demonstrate that high rates of occupancy can be achieved by targeting established colonies at sites where the vegetation structure is suitable for box installation.The author discusses that nest boxes currently provide the most feasible in situ means of reducing reducing the rate of decline (due to the impact of logging and bushfire) for Leadbeater's possum, in the face of these current threatening processes. As complementary conservation measures rather than a substitute, nest boxes address the short-term threat (hollow-bearing tree loss) to a single threatened species. ReviewWet forests, Victoria, Australia1/5/2023
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Hart, L. A., Gane, J., Olivier, I., Downs, C. T., & Brown, M. (2016). A helping hand: artificial nest site provisioning increases breeding success of a tropical seabird. African Journal of Marine Science, 38(2), 233-239.https://doi.org/10.2989/1814232X.2016.1186114Critically assess whether common white tern (Gygis alba) nesting success differed between artificial and natural nest sites.Nesting success differed significantly between artificial nests and natural nests, with the success of artificial nests nearly double that of natural nests. Hatching success was similar for artificial and natural nests (65% and 52% respectively), suggesting coconut husks do not reduce egg losses, but rather provide secure perches for young chicks.The authors suggest that the results of this study support the use of artificial nest sites to improve nesting success for the common white tern.ExperimentalCousine Island, Seychelle archipelago 01/05/2023
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Haslem, A., Avitabile, S. C., Taylor, R. S., Kelly, L. T., Watson, S., Nimmo, D. G., Kenny, S. A., Callister, K. E., Spence-Bailey, L. M., Bennett, A. F. & Clarke, M. F. 2012. Time-since-fire and inter-fire interval influence hollow availability for fauna in a fire-prone system. Biological Conservation, 152, 212–221.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320712001899To determine the influence of vegetation type on hollow availability and development, and to investigate the influence of time-since-fire on the occurrence of hollows in live and dead stems.The proportional occurence of hollows differed between tree species. Live stems were not predicted to contain either hollows before ~40 years post-fire, while the probability of hollows in dead stems increased following fire, and peaked at ~50-60 years.Managing fire to maintain habitat resources for hollow-dependent mallee fauna requires long intervals with no fire.ExperimentalMurray Mallee, south east Australia1/5/2023
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Knaepkens, G., Bruyndoncx, L., Coeck, J. & Eens, M. 2004. Spawning habitat enhancement in the European bullhead (Cottus gobio), an endangered freshwater fish in degraded lowland rivers. Biodiversity & Conservation, 13, 2443-2452.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/B:BIOC.0000048448.17230.40To evaluate the use of ceramic tiles as artificial spawning substrates (tiles) in canalised and (remaining) meandering parts of anthropogenically perturbated lowland rivers for the endangered European bullhead (Cottus gobio)Tiles were successfully used by the bullhead as spawning substrates. In the meandering parts of the river, the number of egg deposits was significantly positively correlated with water depth, while in canalised river parts, water depth and velocity were of no importance for tile usage.The authors suggest that the supplementation of rivers with artificial substrates like tiles may be a promising, inexpensive and easy-to-use enhancement technique for degraded bullhead spawning habitat.ExperimentalLowland rivers in Flanders, Belgium2/5/2023
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Kunnasranta, M., Niemi, M., & Auttila, M. (2022). Developing artificial nest boxes for a large aquatic mammal. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 32(8), 1365-1371.https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3851Determine the efficacy of artificial floating nest boxes for improving resting, birthing and nursing sites of the endangered Saimaa ringed seals (Pusa hispida saimensis).Free-ranging ringed seals accept nest boxes as sites for resting, birthing and nursing. Thirtyfour boxes in total were offered during six successive breeding seasons. Almost half (47%) of the available boxes were used by seals, and two pups were born and reared in the boxes during the 6-year study.The authors highlight that whilst nest boxes maywork on a relatively local scale they would be impossible to install in some areas, e.g., the remote icefields for ringed seals in the Arctic. However, they may have applications in the conservation of some other rare pinnipeds that occasionally breed in relatively predictable sites on the shoreline.ExperimentalLake Saimaa
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Latham, D. & Knowles, M. 2008. Assessing the use of artificial hibernacula by great crested newts Triturus cristatus and other amphibians for habitat enhancement. Conservation Evidence, 5, 74–79.https://www.conservationevidence.com/individual-study/2284To determine the use of purpose-built hibernacula by great crested newts Triturus cristatus and other amphibians as part of an offset project.No great crested newts were recorded in close proximity to the hibernacula in Autumn, although other common amphibians were. During spring, great crested newts and other amphibians were recorded in close proximity to the hibernacula, suggesting that newts were using the hibernacula for overwintering.The authors suggest that the design is suitable for the offset conditionsExperimentalDisturbed wetland, Northumberland, England1/5/2023
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Lindenmayer, D., Crane, M., Evans, M., Maron, M., Gibbons, P., Bekessy, S., and Blanchard, W. (2017) The anatomy of a failed offset. Biological Conservation 210, 286–292.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000632071730349XTo examine whether nest boxes an effective offset for the clearing of hollow-bearing trees for three threatened species, the squirrel glider, brown treecreeper, and superb parrot. The authors monitored 324 nest boxes across six sample periods between 2010 and 2013, yielding 2485 individual checks of nest boxes. For the three target species, the authors found: (1) no records of nest box use by the superb parrot, (2) two records of the brown treecreeper (0–0.76% of accessible nest boxes used per survey period), and (3) seven records of use of nest boxes by the squirrel glider (0–2.1% of accessible nest boxes used per survey period). Rates of nest box use by the superb parrot and squirrel glider were markedly lower than rates of use of hollow-bearing trees observed in other investigations. Low levels of use by target species coupled with the extent of nest box attrition suggest the offset program will not have counterbalanced the loss of the hollow-bearing trees (N=587).The authors recommend: (1) proponents to be required to demonstrate offset effectiveness; (2) clear lines of responsibility to be established for offset delivery, monitoring, evaluation and maintenance over the long term; and (3) timely and transparent reporting to the public of offset compliance and effectiveness.Manipulative experimentTemperate woodland, southern NSW, Australia.09/02/2023
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Macreadie, P. I., Fowler, A. M. & Booth, D. J. 2011. Rigs-to-reefs: will the deep sea benefit from artificial habitat? Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 9, 455-461.https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1890/100112?casa_token=LuOd3Eqj8Y8AAAAA%3AfuZlbG8kgdsLoW0JbH7t7a1LlIAxriw7B1IsVBFBt_DnmZwTRHgir4GRg5phf09TGSFXhctO7ScYxSdjTo discuss key areas for future research and investigate the suitability of as decomissioned deep sea rigs (e.g., oil rigs) to act as artificial reefs for conservation.More than 6500 offshore rigs due for decommissioning by the 2025 create an opportunity for large scale artificial reef projects. However, evidence of production on rigs is limited and there must be care taken to avoid potential environmental costs, including: disturbance of existing communities, contaminant release, and facilitating the establishment and spread of invasive species which are common on rigs.To undertake longer term trials and investigations including determining potential negative effects of this method. The authors recommend support for independent research and monitoring programs to evaluate the effectiveness of rigs to act as artificial reefs in the deep sea.ReviewDeep sea, globally1/5/2023
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Moore, C. L. (2019). Movements and Behaviors of Resident and Translocated Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica) in the Upper Niagara River with Artificial Basking/Nesting Platforms as a Management Strategy.https://digitalcommons.buffalostate.edu/biology_theses/38/ Do the resident and translocated turtles use the basking/nesting platforms?A subset of the basking/nesting platforms deployed were used extensively by Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica) for basking, but no nesting occurred. A total of five species of aquatic turtles were observed basking on the platform including the Northern Map Turtle, Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Painted Turtle (Chrysemas picta), Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera), and Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) The author recommends that in conjunction with the creation of artificial nesting sites, fencing and monitoring would increase the chances of reproductive success by reducing the threat of predators and other disturbances.ExperimentalFreshwater rivers and lakes in north-eastern USA. 01/05/2023
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Parker, D., Roudavski, S., Jones, T. M., Bradsworth, N., Isaac, B., Lockett, M. T. & Soanes, K. (2022). A framework for computer-aided design and manufacturing of habitat structures for cavity-dependent animals. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 13, 826– 841. https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.13806https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.13806To develop a computer-based artificial refuge approach that combines engineering, technology, and science, to manufacture artificial refuges that are similar to natural refuges. The aim is to demonstrate this approach through a case-study of the powerful owl (Ninox strenua)The approach taken by the authors allowed them to create artificial refuges which replicated the geometry of succesful, natural nests. Microclimates were less variable than nest boxes, but more variable than carved natural logs. Materials were able to be sourced more easily than natural carved logs and easier to install than both natural carved logs and nest boxes. There was some use by prey species of the powerful owl in the early stages of monitoring, but no evidence of use by the target species.The authors suggest that the framework followed and described in the text can be followed by practitioners looking to create their own artificial refuges, and suggest that the use of computational designs will make advanced artificial structures simple to create in the future.Proof-of-conceptLab-based, Melbourne, Australia18/10/22
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Roy, C., Eadie, J.M., Schauber, E.M., Odell, N.S., Berg, E.C., and Moore, T. (2009) Public information and conspecific nest parasitism in wood ducks: does nest density influence quality of information? Animal Behaviour 77(6), 1367-1373.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347209001158The goal of this study was to test whether wood ducks obtain information about nest site quality from the success of conspecifics and whether they use this information in selecting nest sites. The authors also examined whether nest density influenced the quality of information.The authors found that nest success was negatively related to density. Nest-box use was higher for previously used boxes and at high-density sites. Clutch size, which we used as an index of parasitism, was higher in previously unsuccessful nests and was positively related to nest-box density. Thus, at high nest-box densities, nests that were abandoned, perhaps in response to parasitism, were also parasitized the following year and had mixed success. Likewise, successful nest sites were not necessarily successful the following year. The high density of nest-boxes likely concentrated females and increased parasitism and nest failure.NAManipulative experimentCalifornia, USA.09/02/2023
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Saunders, D. A., Dawson, R. & Mawson, P. R. 2022. Artificial nesting hollows for the conservation of Carnaby’s cockatoo Calyptorhynchus latirostris: definitely not a case of erect and forget. Pacific Conservation Biology, 29, 199-129.https://www.publish.csiro.au/pc/pc21061To monitor the long-term use, maintenance, decay, and cost of artificial hollows for Carnaby's cockatoos in Coomallo Creek, Western Australia.Artificial hollows required repairs on average every 3–4 years. The average time after hollows were repaired to their first use by any bird species was 0.4 ± 0.6 years. The toal cost to install 50 artificial hollows was $786 AUD per hollow, while mainenance was predicted to cost $79 AUD per hollow.The authors recommend that nesting hollows should be monitored at least every 2 years to ensure that hollows remain serviceable and available for as long as possible, with maintenance key.ExperimentalEucalyptus woodland, Coomallo Creek, Western Australia.1/5/2023
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Simpson, M., Coleman, R. A., Morris, R. L., and Harasti, D. 2020. Seahorse Hotels: Use of artificial habitats to support populations of the endangered White’s seahorse Hippocampus whitei. Marine Environmental Research 157

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104861Determine whether “Seahorse Hotels” could provide habitat for an endangered seahorse species in areas where they have had decreases in abundance as a result of habitat loss. The authors also compared the effectiveness of three different hotel designs.There was a localised increase in seahorse population density at the seahorse hotels, and there were no significant differences in seahorse abundance, mobile epifauna or epibiotic growth among the three different hotel designs. It was uncertain, however, whether the hotels were actually helping increase the population size of seahorses at a site, or whether they are simply aggregating existing animals away from nearby natural habitat.The authors suggest that temporary structures such as Seahorse Hotels may be a valuable tool in supporting seahorse populations through infrastructure maintenance or habitat modification.Manipulative experimentNelson Bay, NSW, Australia10/02/2023
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Skwarska J. A., Kaliński A., Wawrzyniak J. & Bańbura J. (2009) Brief report Opportunity makes a predator: Great Spotted Woodpecker predation on Tit broods depends on nest box design. Ornis Fennica 86, 109-12.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284718083_Opportunity_makes_a_predator_Great_Spotted_Woodpecker_predation_on_Tit_broods_depends_on_nest_box_designTo investigate how nest box design affects predaton rates of Great Spotted Woodpecker predation of Tit broods.Nest box design played a significant role in determining the likelihood of predation by woodpeckers. Nest box design with a gap between the front and side walls detected 12 predation events where woodpeckers would drilled an opening by enlarging the gaps on the sides. Nest box design with no gap had zero predation events.Careful consideration is needed when designing nest boxes to provide better protection. The authors also suggest monitoring and managing predator populations to reduce the impact on nesting birds.ExperimentalMixed deciduous forest, Łódż, central Polad.01/05/2023
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Souter N. J., Bull C. M. & Hutchinson M. N. (2004) Adding burrows to enhance a population of the endangered pygmy blue tongue lizard, Tiliqua adelaidensis. Biological Conservation 116, 403-8.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3207(03)00232-5The use of artificial borrows to increase pygmy blue tongue lizard populationsThere was a significant increase in lizard numbers (adults and new recruits after clutches). The local increase in population due to the supplementation of burrows.The authors suggest that adding artificial burrows could enhance population density and recruitment success and be a valuable conservation management tool. They also recommend the continued monitoring of the response to supplementation and any adverse effects.ExperimentalMain Site in native grassland close to Burra, South Australia (33�420S; 138�560E).01/05/2023
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Watchorn, D.J., Cowan, M.A., Driscoll, D.A., Nimmo, D.G., Ashman, K.R., Garkaklis, M.J., Wilson, B.A., and Doherty, T.S. (2022) Artificial habitat structures for animal conservation: design and implementation, risks and opportunities. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 20(5), 301–309. https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.2470The review artificial habitat structures used for wildlife conservation and synthesise important considerations for their effective use Artificial habitat structures are defined as purposefully designed habitats meant as human-made substitutes for (or supplements to) natural habitat structures, and are usually deployed in degraded, disturbed, or modified environments. The primary goal of artificial habitat structures is to maintain or improve the state of individuals or populations, including their survival, growth, reproduction, and abundance. There are ecological risks associated with the use of artificial habitat structures, and cross-disciplinary collaborations will facilitate the development of sophisticated and effective structures to assist animal conservation in this era of rapid global change.Authors highlight that the design of artificial habitat structures should be well informed by the drivers of natural habitat selection, and their use should be part of an experimental framework to enable evaluation and refinement.ReviewGlobal. Marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.09/02/2023
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Westhoff, J. T., Watts, A. V., & Mattingly, H. T. (2013). Efficacy of artificial refuge to enhance survival of young Barrens topminnows exposed to western mosquitofish. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 23(1), 65-76.https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.2265Test an artificial refuge design in the laboratory and in situ to determine if it could increase survival, growth, or recruitment of juvenile, threatened Barrens topminnow (Fundulus julisia) exposed to invasive western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis).Field trial results showed no statistical differences in the number of juvenile topminnows captured at sites with refuges and those without, except during July sampling. In both trials, juvenile topminnows were observed to use the refuges.No evidence exists that would indicate refuges are a feasible management tool for promoting the coexistence of topminnows with mosquitofishExperimentalFreshwater creeks, USA2/5/2023
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