Dr Jo Monks, Our People, Department of Zoology

Teaching

Research Interests

I'm a conservation biologist working on a range of applied ecological issues. My background is in herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians) and behavioural ecology, but I now work on a range of terrestrial fauna, including bats, birds and invertebrates.

My major projects at present involve:

Research to support conservation management in alpine ecosystems (birds, lizards and invertebrates)
Understanding the impacts of invasive predators, particularly mice and wasps, on native lizards and large-bodied invertebrates and how to sustainably suppress these predators to benefit terrestrial biodiversity
Understanding the impacts of climate change on native terrestrial fauna to inform conservation strategy
Developing and validating monitoring techniques for cryptic taxa

Current Students

Jake Benny, MSc: Movement patterns of feral cats in high-altitude dryland ecosystems
Scott Bourke, PhD: Predicting distribution of lizards in Tū Te Rakiwhānoa Drylands
Justin Clause, PhD: Understanding lizard responses to wildfire and drought in a climate change context
Clare Gunton, PhD: Ecology of alpine weka and interactions with translocated Sinbad skinks
Carey Knox, PhD: Developing and testing drones for surveying lizards in inaccessible terrain
Michaela Lambert, PhD: Improving mitigation outcomes for New Zealand lizards
Cassie Mealey, MSc: Using eDNA to detect cryptic skinks
Isabelle Potbury, MSc: Potential for exploitative competition between native geckos and introduced frogs in the alpine zone
Alexandra Rivera-Luzunaris, MSc: Competition between invasive frogs and native geckos in the alpine zone
Greer Sanger, PhD: Mātauranga and ecology of the pūrerehua (butterflies) kahukura and kahukōwhai
Cassidy Storey, MSc: Diet and habitat associations of introduced frogs at alpine tarns and lowland ponds
Oscar Thomas, MSc: Movement patterns and genetics of southern New Zealand dotterels
Maddy Whittaker, MSc: Habitat use of female kākāpō and their fledglings during the breeding season
Anna Zrinyi-Morgan, MSc: Distribution and microhabitat use of alpine lizards in Kahurangi National Park

Former Students

Brodie Abel, MSc: Impacts of vespulid wasps on forest ringlet butterflies
Pearl Barry, MSc: Ecology and translocation of green skinks
Aaron Bertoia, PhD: The influence of introduced mammalian predators on alpine invertebrate communities
Finn Brittenden, MSc: Impacts of invasive mice on native invertebrates
Lachlan Davidge, MSc: Evaluating the efficacy of drones as a survey tool for alpine lizards
Katie Gray, MSc: Ecology and movement patterns of banded dotterels and black-fronted terns in Tū Te Rakiwhānoa Drylands
Shar Mathias, MSc: Mouse impacts on alpine invertebrate communities
Manaia Pearmain-Fenton, MSc: Conservation ecology of kakaruai – the role of sanctuaries
Samuel Purdie, MSc: Understanding habitat use and optimising monitoring methods for alpine geckos in New Zealand
Harriet Wills, MSc: Ecology and habitat use of northern striped geckos

Publications

Dale, T. C., Smerdon, S. M., Germano, J. M., Rawlence, N. J., Monks, J. M., & Godfrey, S. S. (2026). Suitability of radio telemetry for Aotearoa | New Zealand's only extant semi-aquatic frog, Leiopelma hochstetteri. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 50(1), 3628. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.50.3628 Journal - Research Article

Bourke, S. D., Bennington, S. M., Turner, S., & Monks, J. M. (2026). Prioritizing efficient use of resources: Simple changes to monitoring combat inefficient capture-recapture of vulnerable skinks. Journal of Wildlife Management. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1002/jwmg.70160 Journal - Research Article

Gunton, C. H., Reardon, J. T., Carpenter, J. K., & Monks, J. M. (2025). Alpine skinks persist 12 months post-translocation with no initial evidence of weka predation. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 49(1), 3620. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.49.3620 Journal - Research Article

Smith, W., & Monks, J. M. (2025). Translanguaging in a bilingual context in Aotearoa New Zealand: A case study of a multi-level paper focused on writing skills in te reo Maori. In J. Cañero Bautista & J. Kim (Eds.), Global perspective on issues and trends in educational translanguaging. (pp. 313-342). Hershey, PA: IGI Global Scientific Publishing. doi: 10.4018/979-8-3373-0107-5.ch009 Chapter in Book - Research

Randall, J., Bertoia, A., & Monks, J. M. (2025). Habitat use of obligate alpine geckos from southern New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 49(1), 3588. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.49.3588 Journal - Research Article

2026

Journal - Research Article

2025

Chapter in Book - Research

Journal - Research Article

Randall, J., Bertoia, A., & Monks, J. M. (2025). Habitat use of obligate alpine geckos from southern New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 49(1), 3588. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.49.3588

Collie, F. N., Ward, J. M., Howie, D., Bertoia, A., & Hoare, J. M. (2025). Acoustic monitoring reveals widespread distribution of pekapeka across an isolated forest ecosanctuary, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 49(1), 3610. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.49.3610

Bourke, S. D., Bennington, S. M., Turner, S., & Monks, J. M. (2025). Ground-truthing of MaxEnt models reveals poor predictive accuracy for lizards in the Mackenzie Basin, New Zealand. Ecology & Evolution, 15, e72155. doi: 10.1002/ece3.72155

Lettink, M., Cree, A., & Monks, J. M. (2025). Life in the slow and high lane: Ecology of an alpine gecko (Mokopirirakau \Cascades\) in the Southern Alps, Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, Aotearoa New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 49(1), 3594. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.49.3594

Feng, B., Borkin, K. M., O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Monks, J. M. (2025). Factors influencing emergence timing patterns of long-tailed bats in exotic and native forest in New Zealand. Ecology & Evolution, 15, e70531. doi: 10.1002/ece3.70531

Journal - Research Other

Bourke, S. D., Turner, S., & Monks, J. M. (2025). Commonly used funnel trap causes rostral damage in Lakes skink (Oligosoma aff. chloronoton 'West Otago'). New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 49(1), 3614. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.49.3614

2024

Journal - Research Article

Richardson, E. D., Cree, A., Monks, J. M., & Godfrey, S. S. (2024). Evaluating translocation success using hard and soft release methods for an arboreal gecko, 8–11 years after translocation. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 48(1), 3573. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.48.3573

Pearmain-Fenton, M., Schlesselmann, A.-K. V., & Monks, J. M. (2024). Capturing the imminent extinction of a kakaruai/South Island robin population. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 48(1), 3571. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.48.3571

Bertoia, A., Murray, T. J., Robertson, B. C., & Monks, J. M. (2024). Introduced mice influence the large-bodied alpine invertebrate community. Biological Invasions, 26, 3281-3297. doi: 10.1007/s10530-024-03370-x

Davidge, L. R., Knox, C. D., & Monks, J. M. (2024). Flying towards the future: Using drones to detect lizards in remote alpine terrain. Drones, 8, 79. doi: 10.3390/drones8030079

Journal - Research Other

Bourke, S. D., Schlesselmann, A.-K. V., Jarvie, S., & Monks, J. M. (2024). Potential impacts of climate change on terrestrial Aotearoa New Zealand's birds reveal high risk for endemic species: A reply to Weinhäupl & Devenish-Nelson. Biological Conservation, 300, 110873. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2024.110873

Bourke, S. D., Turner, S., & Monks, J. M. (2024). Effect of a scrub fire on a population of Southern Alps geckos in the Mackenzie Basin. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 48(1), 3570. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.48.3570

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Zrinyi-Morgan, A., & Monks, J. (2024). Distributions and ecology of alpine skinks and geckos in the Kahurangi National Park. Proceedings of the New Zealand Ecological Society (NZES) Conference. (pp. 115). Retrieved from https://confer.eventsair.com/nzes2024

Walters, S., Brook, E., Hitchmough, R., Morgan-Richards, M., McCulloch, G., King, T., Hoare, J. M., Robertson, B. C., & Dutoit, L. (2024). Genomics helps unravel the evolutionary history of the Southern Alps geckos. Proceedings of the New Zealand Ecological Society (NZES) Conference. (pp. 70). Retrieved from https://confer.eventsair.com/nzes2024

Monks, J., Lettink, M., Chatterton, J., Young, J., & Cree, A. (2024). Conservation implications of exceptional gestation length in Aotearoa’s alpine geckos. Proceedings of the New Zealand Ecological Society (NZES) Conference. (pp. 53). Retrieved from https://confer.eventsair.com/nzes2024

Bourke, S., Turner, S., & Monks, J. (2024). Trying to get bang for a buck: Efficiency of monitoring approaches for Lakes skink (Oligosoma chloronoton aff. “West Otago”). Proceedings of the New Zealand Ecological Society (NZES) Conference. (pp. 13). Retrieved from https://confer.eventsair.com/nzes2024

Mathias, S. T. A., Murray, T., & Monks, J. (2024). Searching on the smaller side: Mouse impacts on native alpine invertebrates. Proceedings of the 72nd Entomological Society of New Zealand (ESNZ) Conference. Retrieved from https://ento.org.nz/

2023

Journal - Research Article

Monks, J. M., Besson, A. A., & O'Donnell, C. F. J. (2023). Landscape scale control of selected mammalian predators fails to protect lizards. Biological Invasions, 26, 107-118. doi: 10.1007/s10530-023-03160-x

Bertoia, A., Murray, T., Robertson, B. C., & Monks, J. M. (2023). Pitfall trapping outperforms other methods for surveying ground-dwelling large-bodied alpine invertebrates [Review]. Journal of Insect Conservation, 27, 679-692. doi: 10.1007/s10841-023-00498-4

McAulay, J., & Monks, J. (2023). Interspecific variation in predation patterns of stoats and weasels in an alpine conservation programme. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 47(1), 3520. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.47.3520

Bertoia, A., Cree, A., & Monks, J. (2023). Trail cameras enhance understanding of lizard behaviour in a remote alpine environment. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 47(1), 3519. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.47.3519

Chukwuka, C. O., Monks, J. M., & Cree, A. (2023). Extreme tolerance for nocturnal emergence at low body temperatures in a high-latitude lizard: Implications for future climate warming. Conservation Physiology, 11(1), coac082. doi: 10.1093/conphys/coac082

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Monks, J., McAulay, J., Foster, N., Bertoia, A., & Sidaway, K. (2023). Evidence of predation by mammals on alpine lizards in Aotearoa New Zealand. In D. J. Wilson & J. M. Monks (Eds.), Recent developments in research on the herpetofauna of Aotearoa New Zealand: Proceedings of the 18th Biennial Conference of the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ) 2021: DOC Research and Development Series 369. 2.16. Retrieved from https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/series/doc-research-and-development-series

Knox, C., & Monks, J. (2023). Survey, taxonomy and research on four newly discovered lizard taxa in Oteake Conservation Park, Otago: Progress and future directions. In D. J. Wilson & J. M. Monks (Eds.), Recent developments in research on the herpetofauna of Aotearoa New Zealand: Proceedings of the 18th Biennial Conference of the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ) 2021: DOC Research and Development Series 369. 2.11. Retrieved from https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/series/doc-research-and-development-series

Chukwuka, C., Monks, J., & Cree, A. (2023). Life on the edge: A cold-adapted lizard active at near-freezing temperatures. In D. J. Wilson & J. M. Monks (Eds.), Recent developments in research on the herpetofauna of Aotearoa New Zealand: Proceedings of the 18th Biennial Conference of the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ) 2021: DOC Research and Development Series 369. 2.6. Retrieved from https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/series/doc-research-and-development-series

Bertoia, A., Cree, A., & Monks, J. (2023). Surface activity of diurnal skinks (Oligosoma spp.) in a remote alpine habitat. In D. J. Wilson & J. M. Monks (Eds.), Recent developments in research on the herpetofauna of Aotearoa New Zealand: Proceedings of the 18th Biennial Conference of the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ) 2021: DOC Research and Development Series 369. 2.3. Retrieved from https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/series/doc-research-and-development-series

Conference Contribution - Edited volume of conference proceedings

Wilson, D. J., & Monks, J. M. (Eds.). (2023). Recent developments in research on the herpetofauna of Aotearoa New Zealand: Proceedings of the 18th Biennial Conference of the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ) 2021: DOC Research and Development Series 369. Wellington, New Zealand: Department of Conservation. 19p. Retrieved from https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/series/doc-research-and-development-series

Working Paper; Discussion Paper; Technical Report

Jarvie, S., Knox, C., Monks, J., Reardon, J., & Campbell, C. (2023). Conservation status of reptile species in Otago [Otago Threat Classification Series 1]. (pp. 1-24). Dunedin, New Zealand: Otago Regional Council. [Technical/Scientific Report].

2022

Journal - Research Article

Monks, J. M., Wills, H. P., & Knox, C. D. (2022). Testing drones as a tool for surveying lizards. Drones, 6, 199. doi: 10.3390/drones6080199

Yee, G. E., Monks, J. M., & Bell, T. (2022). Spatial patterns and habitat use of penned and hard-released arboreal geckos translocated to an offshore island free of introduced mammals. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 46(2), 3477. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.46.27

Lettink, M., Young, J., & Monks, J. M. (2022). Comparison of footprint tracking and pitfall trapping for detecting skinks. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 46(2), 3478.

Jarvie, S., Ingram, T., Chapple, D. G., Hitchmough, R. A., Nielsen, S. V., & Monks, J. M. (2022). Variable vulnerability to climate change in New Zealand lizards. Journal of Biogeography, 49, 431-442. doi: 10.1111/jbi.14314

2021

Journal - Research Article

Monks, J. M., O'Donnell, C. F. J., Greene, T. C., & Weston, K. A. (2021). Evaluation of counting methods for monitoring populations of a cryptic alpine passerine, the rock wren (Passeriformes, Acanthisittidae, Xenicus gilviventris). PLoS ONE, 16(3), e0247873. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247873

Grace, M. K., Akçakaya, H. R., Bennett, E. L., Brooks, T. M., Heath, A., Hedges, S., … Elangovan, V., … Godfrey, S. S., … Monks, J. M., … Virens, J., … Young, S. (2021). Testing a global standard for quantifying species recovery and assessing conservation impact. Conservation Biology, 35, e13756. doi: 10.1111/cobi.13756

McAulay, J., Monks, J. M., Wilson, D. J., & Seddon, P. J. (2021). Individual specialists within a generalist niche: Variable diet of stoats and implications for conservation. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 45(2), 3443. doi: 10.20420/nzjecol.45.29

Bertoia, A., Monks, J., Knox, C., & Cree, A. (2021). A nocturnally foraging gecko of the high-latitude alpine zone: Extreme tolerance of cold nights, with cryptic basking by day. Journal of Thermal Biology, 99, 102957. doi: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102957

Elangovan, V., Bovill, L., Cree, A., Monks, J. M., & Godfrey, S. S. (2021). Social networks and social stability in a translocated population of Otago skinks (Oligosoma otagense). New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 45(1), 3434. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.45.19

Chukwuka, C. O., Mello, R. S. R., Cree, A., & Monks, J. M. (2021). Thermal heterogeneity of selected retreats in cool-temperate viviparous lizards suggests a potential benefit of future climate warming. Journal of Thermal Biology, 97, 102869. doi: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102869

Journal - Research Other

Flynn-Plummer, T. P., & Monks, J. M. (2021). Penned release reduces area use by translocated barking geckos (Naultinus punctatus). New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 45(1), 3432. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.45.17

Macinnis-Ng, C., Mcintosh, A. R., Monks, J. M., Waipara, N., White, R. S. A., Boudjelas, S., … Dickinson, K. J. M., … Peltzer, D. A. (2021). Climate-change impacts exacerbate conservation threats in island systems: New Zealand as a case study. Frontiers in Ecology & the Environment, 19(4), 216-224. doi: 10.1002/fee.2285

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Richardson, E., Godfrey, S., Cree, A., & Monks, J. (2021, February). Long-term dispersal of soft- and hard-released jewelled geckos (Naultinus gemmeus) at Orokonui Ecosanctuary [5-minute presentation]. Verbal presentation at the 18th Biennial Conference of the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ), [Online].

Working Paper; Discussion Paper; Technical Report

Hitchmough, R., Barr, B., Knox, C., Lettink, M., Monks, J. M., Patterson, G. B., … Michel, P. (2021). Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles [New Zealand Threat Classification Series 35]. (pp. 1-23). Wellington, New Zealand: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Retrieved from https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/science-and-technical/nztcs35entire.pdf

2020

Journal - Research Article

O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Monks, J. M. (2020). Distribution, long term population trends and conservation status of banded dotterels (Charadrius bicinctus bicinctus) on braided rivers in New Zealand. Notornis, 67, 733-753. Retrieved from https://www.birdsnz.org.nz

Chukwuka, C. O., Monks, J. M., & Cree, A. (2020). Heat and water loss vs shelter: A dilemma in thermoregulatory decision making for a retreat-dwelling nocturnal gecko. Journal of Experimental Biology, 223, jeb231241. doi: 10.1242/jeb.231241

McAulay, J., Seddon, P. J., Wilson, D. J., & Monks, J. M. (2020). Stable isotope analysis reveals variable diets of stoats (Mustela erminea) in the alpine zone of New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 44(2), 3409. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.44.16

Schlesselmann, A.-K. V., Dussex, N., Cooper, J., Monks, J. M., O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Robertson, B. C. (2020). Contrasting patterns of population structure at large and fine geographical scales in a migratory avian disturbance specialist of braided river ecosystems. Diversity & Distributions, 26, 16-33. doi: 10.1111/ddi.12994

Journal - Research Other

Elangovan, V., Cree, A., Monks, J. M., & Godfrey, S. (2020). Oligosoma otagense (Otago skink): Aggression and cannibalism [Natural History Note]. Herpetological Review, 51(1), 129.

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Monks, J., Wilson, Q., & Adams, L. (2020). Conservation progress for critically endangered lizard taxa in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Proceedings of the 9th World Congress of Herpetology (WCH). Retrieved from http://www.wchnz.com/wch2020

Germano, J., Adams, L., & Monks, J. (2020). Lizard mitigation in New Zealand. Proceedings of the 9th World Congress of Herpetology (WCH). Retrieved from http://www.wchnz.com/wch2020

Adams, L., Hitchmough, R., Moran, L., & Monks, J. (2020). The challenges of conservation management for the Nationally Critical Chesterfield skink. Proceedings of the 9th World Congress of Herpetology (WCH). Retrieved from http://www.wchnz.com/wch2020

Chukwuka, C., Monks, J., & Cree, A. (2020). What determines choice of retreat site in temperate viviparous geckos: Microhabitat structure or thermal profile? Proceedings of the 9th World Congress of Herpetology (WCH). Retrieved from http://www.wchnz.com/wch2020

Jacks, P., Monks, J., de Sá Rocha Mello, R., & Godfrey, S. (2020). Contrasting sociality in two sympatric skink species: Oligosoma otagense and O. grande. Proceedings of the 9th World Congress of Herpetology (WCH). Retrieved from http://www.wchnz.com/wch2020

Elangovan, V., Cree, A., Monks, J., & Godfrey, S. (2020). Social networking of the Otago skink (Oligosoma otagense) at Ōrokonui Ecosanctuary. Proceedings of the 9th World Congress of Herpetology (WCH). Retrieved from http://www.wchnz.com/wch2020

Chukwuka, C., Monks, J., & Cree, A. (2020). Upper voluntary thermal limit and water loss in a temperate viviparous gecko: An interactive effect. Proceedings of the 9th World Congress of Herpetology (WCH). Retrieved from http://www.wchnz.com/wch2020

2019

Journal - Research Article

Monks, J. M., Nelson, N. J., Daugherty, C. H., Brunton, D. H., & Shine, R. (2019). Does evolution in isolation from mammalian predators have behavioural and chemosensory consequences for New Zealand lizards? New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 43(1), 3359. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.43.10

Lettink, M., & Monks, J. M. (2019). Ecology of scree skinks (Oligosoma waimatense) in O Tu Wharekai Wetland, mid-Canterbury high country, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 43(1), 3354. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.43.6

Knox, C. D., Jewell, T. R., & Monks, J. M. (2019). Ecology of orange-spotted geckos (Mokopirirakau “Roys Peak”) in Central Otago and Queenstown-Lakes districts. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 43(2), 3365. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.43.14

Nelson, N. J., Briskie, J. V., Constantine, R., Monks, J., Wallis, G. P., Watts, C., & Wotton, D. M. (2019). The winners: Species that have benefited from 30 years of conservation action. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 49(3), 281-300. doi: 10.1080/03036758.2018.1518249

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Schlesselmann, A.-K., Dussex, N., Cooper, J., Monks, J., O'Donnell, C. F., & Robertson, B. (2019). Genetic and morphometric patterns indicate black-fronted terns are a habitat-tracking metapopulation. Proceedings of the New Zealand Ecological Society (NZES) Conference. Retrieved from https://confer.eventsair.com/nzes2019

Bertoia, A., Monks, J., & Cree, A. (2019). Monitoring emergence behaviour of lizards in a remote alpine environment. Proceedings of the New Zealand Ecological Society (NZES) Conference. Retrieved from https://confer.eventsair.com/nzes2019

2018

Journal - Research Article

Schlesselmann, A.-K. V., O'Donnell, C. F. J., Monks, J. M., & Robertson, B. C. (2018). Clearing islands as refugia for black-fronted tern (Chlidonias albostriatus) breeding colonies in braided rivers. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 42(2), 137-148. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.42.23

Journal - Research Other

Weston, K. A., O'Donnell, C. F. J., van Dam-Bates, P., & Monks, J. M. (2018). Control of invasive predators improves breeding success of an endangered alpine passerine. Ibis, 160, 892-899. doi: 10.1111/ibi.12617

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Monks, J. M., O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Weston, K. A. (2018). Restoring predator-sensitive fauna in New Zealand's alpine zone. Proceedings of the Society for Conservation Biology 5th Oceania Congress: Conservation in a Changing World. (pp. 67). Retrieved from http://wellington2018.scboceania.org

Knox, C. D., Jarvie, S., Easton, L., & Monks, J. M. (2018). Soft-release, but not cool winter temperatures, reduces post-translocation dispersal of jewelled geckos. In J. M. Monks & S. Penniket (Eds.), Recent developments in New Zealand herpetofauna research: Proceedings of the 17th Biennial Conference of the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ) 2017: DOC Research Development Series 353. (pp. 9-10). Wellington, New Zealand: Department of Conservation. Retrieved from https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/series/doc-research-and-development-series

Conference Contribution - Edited volume of conference proceedings

Monks, J. M., & Penniket, S. (Eds.). (2018). Recent developments in New Zealand herpetofauna research: Proceedings of the 17th Biennial Conference of the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ) 2017: DOC Research Development Series 353. Wellington, New Zealand: Department of Conservation. 13p. Retrieved from https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/series/doc-research-and-development-series

Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)

Elangovan, V., Cree, A., Monks, J., & Godfrey, S. (2018, December). Social networking of the Otago skink (Oligosoma otagense). Poster session presented at the Combined Meeting of the Australian Society of Herpetologists (ASH) and the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ), Brisbane, Australia.

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Chukwuka, C., Monks, J., & Cree, A. (2018, December). Voluntary thermal tolerance in different life-history stages of a retreat-dwelling gecko (Woodworthia "Otago /Southland"). Verbal presentation at the Combined Meeting of the Australian Society of Herpetologists (ASH) and the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ), Brisbane, Australia.

Monks, J., Cree, A., Lettink, M., & Knox, C. (2018, December). New Zealand's alpine geckos: Ecology, ecophysiology and conservation. Verbal presentation at the Combined Meeting of the Australian Society of Herpetologists (ASH) and the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ), Brisbane, Australia.

2017

Journal - Research Article

Monks, J. M., & O'Donnell, C. F. J. (2017). Social implications of a colony collapse in a highly structured vertebrate species (long-tailed bat, Chalinolobus tuberculatus). Animal Conservation, 20, 360-369. doi: 10.1111/acv.12324

Knox, C. D., Jarvie, S., Easton, L. J., & Monks, J. M. (2017). Soft-release, but not cool winter temperatures, reduces post-translocation dispersal of jewelled geckos. Journal of Herpetology, 51(4), 490-496. doi: 10.1670/16-078

Journal - Research Other

Watts, C., Stringer, I., Innes, J., & Monks, J. M. (2017). Evaluating tree wētā (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae: Hemideina species) as bioindicators for New Zealand national biodiversity monitoring. Journal of Insect Conservation, 21, 583-598. doi: 10.1007/s10841-017-9997-8

O'Donnell, C. F. J., Weston, K. A., & Monks, J. M. (2017). Impacts of introduced mammalian predators on New Zealand’s alpine fauna. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 41(1), 1-22. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.41.18

Working Paper; Discussion Paper; Technical Report

Monks, J., Knox, C., & Sidaway, K. (2017). Best practice techniques for the translocation of green geckos (Naultinus spp.). (pp. 1-8). Christchurch, New Zealand: Department of Conservation. Retrieved from https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/run-a-project/translocation/best-practice/

2016

Chapter in Book - Research

Nelson, N. J., Romijn, R. L., Dumont, T., Reardon, J. T., Monks, J. M., Hitchmough, R. A., … Briskie, J. V. (2016). Lizard conservation in mainland sanctuaries. In D. G. Chapple (Ed.), New Zealand lizards. (pp. 321-339). Switzerland: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-41674-8_12

Journal - Research Article

Weir, S. M., Yu, S., Knox, A., Talent, L. G., Monks, J. M., & Salice, C. J. (2016). Acute toxicity and risk to lizards of rodenticides and herbicides commonly used in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 40(3), 342-350. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.40.43

Carpenter, J. K., Monks, J. M., & O'Donnell, C. F. J. (2016). Developing indices of relative abundance for monitoring cave and ground wētā (Orthoptera) in southern beech forest, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 43(2), 149-162. doi: 10.1080/03014223.2015.1117500

Carpenter, J. K., Monks, J. M., & Nelson, N. (2016). The effect of two glyphosate formulations on a small, diurnal lizard (Oligosoma polychroma). Ecotoxicology, 25, 548-554. doi: 10.1007/s10646-016-1613-2

O'Donnell, C. F. J., Richter, S., Dool, S., Monks, J. M., & Kerth, G. (2016). Genetic diversity is maintained in the endangered New Zealand long-tailed bat (Chalinolobus tuberculatus) despite a closed social structure and regular population crashes. Conservation Genetics, 17, 91-102. doi: 10.1007/s10592-015-0763-8

Monks, A., Monks, J. M., & Tanentzap, A. J. (2016). Resource limitation underlying multiple masting models makes mast seeding sensitive to future climate change. New Phytologist, 210, 419-430. doi: 10.1111/nph.13817

Dool, S. E., O'Donnell, C. F. J., Monks, J. M., Puechmaille, S. J., & Kerth, G. (2016). Phylogeographic-based conservation implications for the New Zealand long-tailed bat, (Chalinolobus tuberculatus): Identification of a single ESU and a candidate population for genetic rescue. Conservation Genetics, 17, 1067-1079. doi: 10.1007/s10592-016-0844-3

Lettink, M., & Monks, J. M. (2016). Survey and monitoring methods for New Zealand lizards. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 46(1), 16-28. doi: 10.1080/03036758.2015.1108343

Hitchmough, R. A., Adams, L. K., Reardon, J. T., & Monks, J. M. (2016). Current challenges and future directions in lizard conservation in New Zealand. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 46(1), 29-39. doi: 10.1080/03036758.2015.1108923

Journal - Research Other

Bogisch, M., Cree, A., & Monks, J. M. (2016). Short-term success of a translocation of Otago skinks (Oligosoma otagense) to Orokonui Ecosanctuary [Short communication]. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 43(2), 211-220. doi: 10.1080/03014223.2015.1122638

Working Paper; Discussion Paper; Technical Report

Hitchmough, R., Barr, B., Lettink, M., Monks, J., Reardon, J., Tocher, M., … Rolfe, J. (2016). Conservation status of NZ reptiles, 2015 [New Zealand Threat Classification Series 17]. (pp. 1-14). Wellington, New Zealand: Department of Conservation. Retrieved from https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/series/new-zealand-threat-classification-series/

2015

Chapter in Book - Research

Nelson, N. J., Hitchmough, R., & Monks, J. M. (2015). New Zealand reptiles and their conservation. In A. Stow, N. McLean & G. I. Holwell (Eds.), Austral ark: The state of wildlife in Australia and New Zealand. (pp. 382-404). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/CBO9781139519960.020

Journal - Research Article

Batson, W. G., O'Donnell, C. F. J., Nelson, N. J., & Monks, J. M. (2015). Placement period of artificial retreats affects the number and demographic composition but not the body condition of skinks. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 39(2), 273-279. Retrieved from https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3216

Journal - Research Other

O'Donnell, C. F. J., Clapperton, B. K., & Monks, J. M. (2015). Impacts of introduced mammalian predators on indigenous birds of freshwater wetlands in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 39(1), 19-33. [Review].

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Dumont, T., Briskie, J., & Monks, J. M. (2015). Slithering away: A decade of mammalian predator trapping has not resulted in recovery of native skink populations. In N. J. Nelson & S. N. Keall (Eds.), Recent developments in New Zealand herpetofauna research: Proceedings of the 15th and 16th biennial conferences of the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ): DOC Research and Development Series 347. (pp. 14). Wellington, New Zealand: Department of Conservation. Retrieved from https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/series/doc-research-and-development-series

Monks, J. M., & Jarvie, S. (2015). Evaluating footprint tracking tunnels as a detection and monitoring tool for New Zealand lizards. In N. J. Nelson & S. N. Keall (Eds.), Recent developments in New Zealand herpetofauna research: Proceedings of the 15th and 16th biennial conferences of the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ): DOC Research and Development Series 347. (pp. 9-10). Wellington, New Zealand: Department of Conservation. Retrieved from https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/series/doc-research-and-development-series

Knox, C. D., & Monks, J. M. (2015). Comparing the dispersal of jewelled geckos (Naultinus gemmeus) from 'hard-release' and 'soft-release' translocations. In N. J. Nelson & S. N. Keall (Eds.), Recent developments in New Zealand herpetofauna research: Proceedings of the 15th and 16th biennial conferences of the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ): DOC Research and Development Series 347. (pp. 7-8). Wellington, New Zealand: Department of Conservation. Retrieved from https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/science-publications/series/doc-research-and-development-series

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Monks, J. (2015, November). Factors influencing survival of rock wrens in the alpine zone. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand Ecological Society (NZES) Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand.

2014

Journal - Research Article

Bennett, J. R., Elliott, G., Mellish, B., Joseph, L. N., Tulloch, A. I. T., Probert, W. J. M., … Monks, J. M., … Maloney, R. (2014). Balancing phylogenetic diversity and species numbers in conservation prioritization, using a case study of threatened species in New Zealand. Biological Conservation, 174, 47-54. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2014.03.013

Monks, J. M., Monks, A., & Towns, D. R. (2014). Correlated recovery of five lizard populations following eradication of invasive mammals. Biological Invasions, 16, 167-175. doi: 10.1007/s10530-013-0511-2

Romijn, R. L., Nelson, N. J., & Monks, J. M. (2014). Forest geckos (Mokopirirakau 'Southern North Island') display diurno-nocturnal activity and are not reliant on retreats. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 41(2), 103-113. doi: 10.1080/03014223.2013.860041

Grayson, K. L., Mitchell, N. J., Monks, J. M., Keall, S. N., Wilson, J. N., & Nelson, N. J. (2014). Sex ratio bias and extinction risk in an isolated population of tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). PLoS ONE, 9(4), e94214. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094214

Knox, C. D., & Monks, J. M. (2014). Penning prior to release decreases post-translocation dispersal of jewelled geckos. Animal Conservation, 17(Suppl. 1), 18-26. doi: 10.1111/acv.12149

Jarvie, S., & Monks, J. M. (2014). Step on it: Can footprints from tracking tunnels be used to identify lizard species? New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 41(3), 210-217. doi: 10.1080/03014223.2014.911753

Journal - Research Other

Buckley, H. L., Sciligo, A. R., Adair, K. L., Case, B. S., & Monks, J. M. (2014). Is there gender bias in reviewer selection and publication success rates for the New Zealand Journal of Ecology? [Short communication]. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 38(2), 335-339.

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Monks, J. M., Knox, C. D., Jarvie, S., & Easton, L. (2014). Evaluating translocation strategies for New Zealand's green geckos. Proceedings of the New Zealand Ecological Society (NZES) Annual Conference. (pp. 66). Retrieved from http://newzealandecology.org/node/40

2013

Journal - Research Article

Hoare, J. M., Melgren, P., & Chavel, E. E. (2013). Habitat use by southern forest geckos (Mokopirirakau ‘Southern Forest’) in the Catlins, Southland. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 40(2), 129-136. doi: 10.1080/03014223.2012.707663

Hoare, J. M., Monks, A., & O'Donnell, C. F. J. (2013). Do population indicators work? Investigating correlated responses of bird populations in relation to predator management. Ecological Indicators, 25, 23-34. doi: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2012.09.007

Powlesland, R. G., Bell, M., Tuanui, E. A., Tuanui, B. M., & Monks, J. M. (2013). Translocation of juvenile Chatham Islands tomtits (Petroica macrocephala chathamensis) from Rangatira and Pitt Islands to Chatham Island. Notornis, 60, 41-48. Retrieved from https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/

Journal - Research Other

Curran, T. J., Cieraad, E., & Monks, J. M. (2013). Fostering the next generation of reviewers in New Zealand ecology. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 37(2), 161. [Editorial].

Monks, J. M. (2013). Prediction based on data derived from expert elicitation may hinder understanding of extinction risk: Reply to Tingley et al. Biological Conservation, 168, 222-223. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2013.09.025

Monks, J. M., O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Spurr, E. B. (2013). Population trends in black-fronted terns (Chlidonias albostriatus) on the Ashley River, North Canterbury [Short note]. Notornis, 60, 171-172.

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Monks, J., O'Donnell, C., & Palmer, D. (2013). Predator impacts and potential monitoring techniques for New Zealand's alpine birds. Proceedings of EcoTas13: The 5th Joint Conference of New Zealand Ecological Society (NZES) and Ecological Society of Australia (ESA). (pp. 144-145). Retrieved from https://newzealandecology.org/node/40

Monks, A., Tanentzap, A. J., & Monks, J. M. (2013). Cue-less correlation: Differential-temperature model fits simulated mast seeding without being a flowering cue. Proceedings of EcoTas13: The 5th Joint Conference of New Zealand Ecological Society (NZES) and Ecological Society of Australia (ESA). (pp. 144). Retrieved from https://newzealandecology.org/node/40

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Romijn, R. L., Nelson, N. J., & Monks, J. M. (2013, January). Habitat use and movement patterns of southern North Island forest gecko (Mokopirirakau "Southern North Island") at Otari-Wilton's Bush, Wellington. Verbal presentation at the 15th Biennial Conference of the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ), Wellington, New Zealand.

Working Paper; Discussion Paper; Technical Report

Monks, J. M., O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Wright, E. F. (2013). Selection of potential indicator species for measuring and reporting on trends in widespread native taxa in New Zealand [DOC Research and Development Series 338]. (pp. 1-18). Wellington, New Zealand: Department of Conservation. Retrieved from https://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/science-and-technical/drds338entire.pdf

2012

Journal - Research Article

Hoare, J. M., Monks, A., & O'Donnell, C. F. J. (2012). Can correlated population trends among forest bird species be predicted by similarity in traits? Wildlife Research, 39, 469-477. doi: 10.1071/WR11087

O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Hoare, J. M. (2012). Monitoring trends in skink sightings from artificial retreats: Influences of retreat design, placement period, and predator abundance. Herpetological Conservation & Biology, 7(1), 58-66. Retrieved from http://herpconbio.org/Volume_7/Issue_1/ODonnell_Hoare_2012.pdf

O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Hoare, J. M. (2012). Quantifying the benefits of long-term integrated pest control for forest bird populations in a New Zealand temperate rainforest. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 36(2), 131-140. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/24060838

Journal - Research Other

Chavel, E. E., Hoare, J. M., Batson, W. G., & O'Donnell, C. F. J. (2012). The effect of microhabitat on skink sightings beneath artificial retreats [Short communication]. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 39(1), 71-75. doi: 10.1080/03014223.2011.617375

2011

Journal - Research Article

Lettink, M., O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Hoare, J. M. (2011). Accuracy and precision of skink counts from artificial retreats. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 35(3), 236-246.

O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Hoare, J. M. (2011). Meta-analysis of status and trends in breeding populations of black-fronted terns (Chlidonias albostriatus) 1962-2008. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 35(1), 30-43.

Journal - Research Other

O'Donnell, C. F. J., Edmonds, H., & Hoare, J. M. (2011). Survival of PIT-tagged lesser short-tailed bats (Mystacina tuberculata) through a pest control operation using the toxin pindone in bait stations. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 35(3), 291-295. [Short Communication].

O'Donnell, C. F. J., Reardon, J. T., & Hoare, J. M. (2011). Nectar feeding by rock wren (Xenicus gilviventris) [Short note]. Notornis, 58, 46-47.

2010

Journal - Research Article

Hitchmough, R. A., Hoare, J. M., Jamieson, H., Newman, D., Tocher, M. D., Anderson, P. J., Lettink, M., & Whitaker, A. H. (2010). Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2009. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 37(3), 203-224. doi: 10.1080/03014223.2010.496487

Journal - Research Other

Hoare, J. M., O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Wright, E. F. (2010). Selection of indicator species for State of the Environment reporting: A case study from New Zealand [Forum Essay]. Pacific Conservation Biology, 16(2), 76-82. doi: 10.1071/PC100076

Hoare, J. M. (2010). [Review of the book Effective ecological monitoring]. Pacific Conservation Biology, 16(3), 224-226. doi: 10.1071/PC100224

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Hoare, J. M., Hodapp, D., Westbrooke, I., & O'Donnell, C. F. J. (2010). Variability in detection of skinks under artificial retreats. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 37(1), (pp. 83-84). doi: 10.1080/03014221003602208

Hoare, J. M., Picket, A., & Jamieson, H. (2010). Research priorities for North Island skinks. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 37(1), (pp. 84). doi: 10.1080/03014221003602208

2009

Journal - Research Article

Hodapp, D., Westbrooke, I., Lettink, M., Hoare, J., & O'Donnell, C. (2009). Optimising the sampling of skinks using artificial retreats based on weather conditions and time of day. Applied Herpetology, 6(4), 379-390. doi: 10.1163/157075309X12531848432985

Journal - Research Other

O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Hoare, J. M. (2009). Predation of lizards by black-fronted terns (Sterna albostriata) [Short note]. Notornis, 56, 167-168.

2007

Journal - Research Article

Hoare, J. M., Pledger, S., Nelson, N. J., & Daugherty, C. H. (2007). Avoiding aliens: Behavioural plasticity in habitat use enables large, nocturnal geckos to survive Pacific rat invasions. Biological Conservation, 136, 510-519. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2006.12.022

Moore, J. A., Hoare, J. M., Daugherty, C. H., & Nelson, N. J. (2007). Waiting reveals waning weight: Monitoring over 54 years shows a decline in body condition of a long-lived reptile (tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus). Biological Conservation, 135, 181-188. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2006.10.029

Hoare, J. M., Pledger, S., & Nelson, N. J. (2007). Chemical discrimination of food, conspecifics and predators by apparently visually-oriented diurnal geckos, Naultinus manukanus. Herpetologica, 63(2), 184-192. doi: 10.1655/0018-0831(2007)63[184:CDOFCA]2.0.CO;2

Hoare, J. M., Adams, L. K., Bull, L. S., & Towns, D. R. (2007). Attempting to manage complex predator-prey interactions fails to avert imminent extinction of a threatened New Zealand skink population. Journal of Wildlife Management, 71(5), 1576-1584. doi: 10.2193/2006-488

Hare, K. M., Hoare, J. M., & Hitchmough, R. A. (2007). Investigating natural population dynamics of Naultinus manukanus to inform conservation management of New Zealand's cryptic diurnal geckos. Journal of Herpetology, 41(1), 81-93. doi: 10.1670/0022-1511(2007)41[81:INPDON]2.0.CO;2

2006

Journal - Research Article

Hoare, J. M., Pledger, S., Keall, S. N., Nelson, N. J., Mitchell, N. J., & Daugherty, C. H. (2006). Conservation implications of a long-term decline in body condition of the Brothers Island tuatara (Sphenodon guntheri). Animal Conservation, 9, 456-462. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2006.00061.x

Journal - Research Other

Hoare, J. M., & Hare, K. M. (2006). The impact of brodifacoum on non-target wildlife: Gaps in knowledge. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 30(2), 157-167. [Review].

Hoare, J. M., & Nelson, N. J. (2006). Hoplodactylus maculatus (Common gecko). Social assistance [Natural History Note]. Herpetological Review, 37(2), 222-223.

Hoare, J. M., & Hare, K. M. (2006). Hoplodactylus maculatus (Common gecko). Toxin consumption [Natural History Note]. Herpetological Review, 37(1), 86-87.

Awarded Doctoral Degree

Hoare, J. M. (2006). Novel predators and naïve prey: How introduced mammals shape behaviours and populations of New Zealand lizards (PhD). Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10063/157

2005

Journal - Research Other

Hoare, J. (2005). [Review of the book Flight of the huia: Ecology and conservation of New Zealand's frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals]. Pacific Conservation Biology, 11(2), 147-148. doi: 10.1071/PC050147

Hoare, J. M., Stephens, C. L., Daugherty, C. H., & Phillpot, P. M. S. (2005). Oligosoma Lineoocellatum (Spotted skink). Longevity, site fidelity [Natural History Note]. Herpetological Review, 36(2), 181.

Hare, K. M., & Hoare, J. M. (2005). Hoplodactylus maculatus (Common gecko). Aggregations [Natural History Note]. Herpetological Review, 36(2), 179.