Publications by category
Journal articles
Auster RE, Barr SW, Brazier RE (2022). Beavers and flood alleviation: Human perspectives from downstream communities. Journal of Flood Risk Management, 15(2).
Auster RE, Barr SW, Brazier RE (2022). Renewed coexistence: learning from steering group stakeholders on a beaver reintroduction project in England.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH,
68(1).
Author URL.
Collier S, Auster R (2022). ‘Tail-dipping’ to drink from an open water source in Cebus imitator (Primates: Cebidae) in a protected area of Costa Rica.
Mammalogy Notes,
8(1), 319-319.
Abstract:
‘Tail-dipping’ to drink from an open water source in Cebus imitator (Primates: Cebidae) in a protected area of Costa Rica
Primate species demonstrate high levels of intelligence, innovation, and social learning. These characteristics give rise to a high likelihood of new behaviours occurring and being socially transmitted to other individuals within a group. Capuchin monkeys are group-living and are commonly considered to be among the most intelligent non-ape primates. They exhibit a large repertoire of complex behaviours and have been shown to be capable of innovating to problem solve. However, observations of new behaviours in wild populations are rare in comparison to captive populations. Here we describe Panamanian white-faced capuchins (Cebus imitator) carrying out a behaviour which has not been previously documented in capuchin species and may be related to predator avoidance. This behaviour was video-recorded and to our knowledge is the first record of a capuchin species using tail-dipping behaviour to access an open water source in the wild.
Abstract.
Auster RE, Barr S, Brazier R (2020). Alternative perspectives of the angling community on Eurasian beaver (<i>Castor fiber</i>) reintroduction in the River Otter Beaver Trial. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 64(7), 1252-1270.
Brazier RE, Puttock A, Graham HA, Auster RE, Davies KH, Brown CML (2020). Beaver: Nature's ecosystem engineers. WIREs Water, 8(1).
Auster RE, Barr SW, Brazier RE (2020). Improving engagement in managing reintroduction conflicts: learning from beaver reintroduction. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 64(10), 1713-1734.
Auster RE, Barr SW, Brazier RE (2020). Wildlife tourism in reintroduction projects: Exploring social and economic benefits of beaver in local settings. Journal for Nature Conservation, 58, 125920-125920.
Auster R, Puttock A, Brazier R (2019). Unravelling perceptions of Eurasian beaver reintroduction in Great Britain. AREA
Reports
Brazier RE, Elliott M, Andison E, Auster RE, Bridgewater S, Burgess P, Chant J, Graham H, Knott E, Puttock AK, et al (2020).
River Otter Beaver Trial: Science & Evidence Report. Devon, River Otter Beaver Trial.
Author URL.
Publications by year
2022
Auster RE, Barr SW, Brazier RE (2022). Beavers and flood alleviation: Human perspectives from downstream communities. Journal of Flood Risk Management, 15(2).
Auster RE, Barr SW, Brazier RE (2022). Renewed coexistence: learning from steering group stakeholders on a beaver reintroduction project in England.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH,
68(1).
Author URL.
Collier S, Auster R (2022). ‘Tail-dipping’ to drink from an open water source in Cebus imitator (Primates: Cebidae) in a protected area of Costa Rica.
Mammalogy Notes,
8(1), 319-319.
Abstract:
‘Tail-dipping’ to drink from an open water source in Cebus imitator (Primates: Cebidae) in a protected area of Costa Rica
Primate species demonstrate high levels of intelligence, innovation, and social learning. These characteristics give rise to a high likelihood of new behaviours occurring and being socially transmitted to other individuals within a group. Capuchin monkeys are group-living and are commonly considered to be among the most intelligent non-ape primates. They exhibit a large repertoire of complex behaviours and have been shown to be capable of innovating to problem solve. However, observations of new behaviours in wild populations are rare in comparison to captive populations. Here we describe Panamanian white-faced capuchins (Cebus imitator) carrying out a behaviour which has not been previously documented in capuchin species and may be related to predator avoidance. This behaviour was video-recorded and to our knowledge is the first record of a capuchin species using tail-dipping behaviour to access an open water source in the wild.
Abstract.
2021
Auster R (2021). Renewed Coexistence: Human dimensions of reintroducing the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) into England.
Abstract:
Renewed Coexistence: Human dimensions of reintroducing the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) into England
Coexistence is the adaptive but sustainable behaviour of humans and animals living together, which can be beneficial for humans. Conflicts can occur between humans and wildlife or among humans about wildlife which require effective and socially acceptable management solutions to achieve coexistence. Wildlife reintroduction is where species are returned to landscapes where they previously existed but are no longer present. A knowledge of how to anticipate and address conflicts in reintroduction scenarios would aid the development of sustainable solutions in this unique coexistence context, as would an understanding of how social benefits occur and can be maximised post-reintroduction. Further, understanding how reintroduction governance compares to the governance of coexistence with species that are already present would help aid the integration of reintroduced species into anthropogenic landscapes. In this thesis, these questions are addressed with a pragmatic, mixed-methods approach to investigating the human dimensions of Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) reintroduction in England. Informed by a foundational nationwide attitudinal survey, the research consists of a series of studies: two of potential conflicts, two of social benefits, and one exploring the experiences of stakeholders involved in a reintroduction project. The thesis finds: 1) potential conflicts can be anticipated and addressed with early and appropriate engagement, and by seeking to understand social attitudes towards potential management solutions beyond just reintroduction itself; 2) social benefits occur naturally to some extent, but are greatest where there is active investment in the opportunities; 3) lessons from existing literature can be applied to governance of coexistence with reintroduced species, but key differences arise from the ‘future-thinking’ needed in reintroduction. The thesis concludes reintroduction is both an ecological and social science, and defines ‘Renewed Coexistence’ as coexistence between a species which was formerly resident and humans in the locality today to whom the species is a ‘new’ presence.
Abstract.
2020
Auster RE, Barr S, Brazier R (2020). Alternative perspectives of the angling community on Eurasian beaver (<i>Castor fiber</i>) reintroduction in the River Otter Beaver Trial. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 64(7), 1252-1270.
Brazier RE, Puttock A, Graham HA, Auster RE, Davies KH, Brown CML (2020). Beaver: Nature's ecosystem engineers. WIREs Water, 8(1).
Auster RE, Barr SW, Brazier RE (2020). Improving engagement in managing reintroduction conflicts: learning from beaver reintroduction. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 64(10), 1713-1734.
Brazier RE, Elliott M, Andison E, Auster RE, Bridgewater S, Burgess P, Chant J, Graham H, Knott E, Puttock AK, et al (2020).
River Otter Beaver Trial: Science & Evidence Report. Devon, River Otter Beaver Trial.
Author URL.
Auster RE, Barr SW, Brazier RE (2020). Wildlife tourism in reintroduction projects: Exploring social and economic benefits of beaver in local settings. Journal for Nature Conservation, 58, 125920-125920.
2019
Auster R, Puttock A, Brazier R (2019). Unravelling perceptions of Eurasian beaver reintroduction in Great Britain. AREA
