Introduced mammalian predators can have devastating impacts on recipient ecosystems and disrupt native predator–prey relationships. Feral cats (Felis catus) have been implicated in the decline and extinction of many Australian native species and developing effective and affordable methods to control them is a national priority. While there has been considerable progress in the lethal control of feral cats, effective management at landscape scales has proved challenging. Justification of the allocation of resources to feral cat control programs requires demonstration of the conservation benefit baiting provides to native species susceptible to cat predation. Here, we examined the effectiveness of a landscape-scale Eradicat® baiting program to protect threatened northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus) from feral cat predation in a heterogeneous rocky landscape in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. We used camera traps and GPS collars fitted to feral cats to monitor changes in activity patterns of feral cats and northern quolls at a baited treatment site and unbaited reference site over four years. Feral cat populations appeared to be naturally sparse in our study area, and camera trap monitoring showed no significant effect of baiting on cat detections. However, mortality rates of collared feral cats ranged from 18–33% after baiting, indicating that the program was reducing cat numbers. Our study demonstrated that feral cat baiting had a positive effect on northern quoll populations, with evidence of range expansion at the treatment site. We suggest that the rugged rocky habitat preferred by northern quolls in the Pilbara buffered them to some extent from feral cat predation, and baiting was sufficient to demonstrate a positive effect in this relatively short-term project. A more strategic approach to feral cat management is likely to be required in the longer-term to maximise the efficacy of control programs and thereby improve the conservation outlook for susceptible threatened fauna.

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Environmental offsets are applied in Western Australia (WA) as a management tool to compensate for residual significant impacts of clearing and development of habitat for the endangered Carnaby’s cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris). In the past 20 years many offsets have been established for the species. This research investigated whether environmental offsets were effective for conserving Carnaby’s cockatoo habitat. The research was conducted as a case study describing offset implementation in WA based on 45 state-approved development proposals (2011–16) and 20 federally approved development proposals (2013–15). Land acquisition offsets were the most common type used for both WA- and federally approved developments. Only one offset that contributed to the 25364ha acquired has been vested as conservation estate. Land acquisition offsets allow development to occur without significant time delays, as developers have been able to use the transfer of funds for land purchase to fulfil most, or all, of their offset obligation(s). Those lands purchased by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (and its predecessors) in fulfilment of offset conditions have been strategically acquired to either extend existing conservation estate, or to create a significant contiguous corridor of habitat suitable for Carnaby’s cockatoos. Other offset types such as research and education were rarely used to fulfil offset obligations. There was free and easy access to online primary documentation associated with the granting of offsets, but secondary documentation was mostly unavailable and prevented in-depth investigation. Overall, mitigation of impacts on Carnaby’s cockatoos from development of key habitat through environmental offsets shows promise, but thus far has resulted in a net loss of habitat for Carnaby’s cockatoo.

Rothschild’s rock-wallaby (Petrogale rothschildi) is endemic to the Pilbara and Ashburton regions of Western Australia. This large species of rock-wallaby is currently not recognised as threatened but is poorly known. Feral cats are a serious threat to many mainland Australian mammals, including some species of rock-wallaby, however their impact on P. rothschildi is largely unknown. Here we provide the first account of feral cat predation on Rothschild’s rock-wallaby, which was confirmed via genetic analysis. Common rock rats were abundant at the time and are the primary prey for cats, suggesting this was an incidental predation event by this highly opportunistic predator.

Subjects within the realm of a woman’s reproductive health have been greatly debated for decades and the controversy that surrounds them does not appear to be dissipating any time soon. Thousands of articles are published annually on the topics of abortion, female sterilization, their associated ethical dilemmas, and the disparities that women face in the healthcare system. Although we have made great strides in creating an equitable healthcare system, there are still changes to be made. I would argue that women face a disproportional degree of stigmatization, bias, and unethical policy when it comes to their reproductive healthcare, and my aim is to highlight some realistic examples of what this may look like. Broadcasting these issues and encouraging others to think about them allows disparities to be more greatly recognized and thus better able to be dismantled.