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Simple Summary: Efforts are underway to restore the largest island in Western Australia to an ecological state similar to how it was when Europeans first visited the island in 1616. This has entailed the reintroduction of many species of animals, presumed to have been driven to extinction on the island due to non-native fauna species, which have now been removed. Such a large and complex project required considerable pre-planning and innovative thinking. We used a variety of techniques to assist with decision making and the implementation of this project. Conservation translocations have become increasingly popular for 'rewilding' areas that have lost their native fauna. These multispecies translocations are complex and need to consider the requirements of each individual species as well as the influence of likely interactions among them. The Dirk Hartog Island National Park Ecological Restoration Project, Return to 1616, aspires to restore ecological function to Western Australia's largest island. Since 2012, pest animals have been eradicated, and conservation translocations of seven fauna species have been undertaken, with a further six planned. Here, we present a synthesis of the innovative approaches undertaken in restoring the former faunal assemblage of Dirk Hartog Island and the key learnings gathered as the project has progressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collars are an attachment method commonly used to mount data collection devices on wildlife. Removal of collars at the completion of a data collection period is a high priority for the purpose of animal welfare, but retrieval of collars can often be difficult. Weak links or other drop-off devices are used by researchers with the intention of improving collar retrieval rates, and for mitigation of animal welfare risks associated with collar entanglement. However, the design and effectiveness of such devices is not regularly reported in detail in the literature. We surveyed wildlife researchers to collate and communicate their experiences with weak links, and assess their attitudes towards collaring Australian mammals in the 35–5500 g weight range. Forty-five researchers responded to the survey, of whom 25 had used weak links in at least one study. There was very little consistency between the performances of weak links, with researchers finding them effective in less than half of the scenarios reported upon. Outcomes varied depending on the type of material used for the link, the species being collared, and the environmental conditions under which the collars were being deployed. We recommend (1) researchers test weak links prior to deployment; (2) users to not rely upon weak links as the primary method of collar retrieval; and (3) continued communication of design and outcomes of all radio-collars deployed including those with weak links. Radio-collars are often used for research purposes on wildlife, but their removal can be difficult. Weak links are used by researchers as insurance against irretrievable collars and entanglement. We surveyed Australian mammalogists to collate their experiences using radio-collars and weak links, and found that overall the efficacy of these additions is unreliable. We recommend that weak links should not be used as the primary method of collar removal, and that testing should be done in a controlled environment prior to deployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mammal reintroductions, effective post-release monitoring often relies on the use of radio-transmitters. Collars are a popular attachment technique but are not necessarily appropriate for all taxa. However, other attachment methods may result in substantially reduced monitoring durations. We assessed several transmitter types for the Shark Bay bandicoot (Perameles bougainville), aiming to optimise animal welfare and attachment duration. Collars (fitted under general anaesthetic) were considered the optimal method and 12 bandicoots were collared and monitored as part of a reintroduction program. We found that our collars permitted monitoring for up to seven weeks, while causing minimal harm to the animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]