Improving the reintroduction success of mammals. Improving the reintroduction success of mammals. This project intends to improve the anti-predator traits of mammals and reduce the population density of introduced predators, using a novel two-pronged approach to combat predation by introduced predators. Predation by cats and foxes is the chief cause of reintroduction failure in Australian mammals. This project will look to improve the reintroduction success of burrowing bettongs outside predator ....Improving the reintroduction success of mammals. Improving the reintroduction success of mammals. This project intends to improve the anti-predator traits of mammals and reduce the population density of introduced predators, using a novel two-pronged approach to combat predation by introduced predators. Predation by cats and foxes is the chief cause of reintroduction failure in Australian mammals. This project will look to improve the reintroduction success of burrowing bettongs outside predator-free sanctuaries by exposing individuals to predators before release and by harnessing the suppressive effects of dingoes on introduced predators. Anticipated outcomes are improved re-introduction protocols for threatened mammals and re-established populations of endangered wildlife outside predator-free-sanctuaries.Read moreRead less
Seascape genetics for shark management: an innovation in sustainable fisheries modelling. This project will use novel genetic, chemical and spatial modelling techniques to assess the long-term viability of bronze whaler and dusky shark fisheries in southern Australia. Results will be used to implement sustainable management of the fisheries to ensure persistence of these threatened sharks.
Designing successful genetic-rescue approaches for threatened species. This project aims to determine how threatened populations of inbred native species can be 'genetically rescued' by introducing genetically healthy individuals. This is significant because Australia is a global hotspot of extinctions and threatened species, so tools that can be used to offset extinction risk will benefit entire ecosystems at risk. We will focus on two inbred populations of koalas in South Australia to (1) meas ....Designing successful genetic-rescue approaches for threatened species. This project aims to determine how threatened populations of inbred native species can be 'genetically rescued' by introducing genetically healthy individuals. This is significant because Australia is a global hotspot of extinctions and threatened species, so tools that can be used to offset extinction risk will benefit entire ecosystems at risk. We will focus on two inbred populations of koalas in South Australia to (1) measure and map patterns of genetic diversity, (2) map densities and track individuals to measure demography, (3) develop advanced spatial models that combine population demography and genetic processes to predict the effectiveness of genetic rescue, and (4) source and rear healthy individuals to test our predictions.Read moreRead less
Are kangaroos jeopardizing conservation outcomes? There is concern that grazing by over-abundant kangaroos is jeopardising the goals of arid conservation reserves, but there is little evidence about the extent of their impacts. The goal of this proposal is to quantify kangaroos' grazing effects on biodiversity within arid conservation reserves. The results will provide a whole ecosystem understanding of how overgrazing by kangaroos influences the biodiversity conservation value of the vast lands ....Are kangaroos jeopardizing conservation outcomes? There is concern that grazing by over-abundant kangaroos is jeopardising the goals of arid conservation reserves, but there is little evidence about the extent of their impacts. The goal of this proposal is to quantify kangaroos' grazing effects on biodiversity within arid conservation reserves. The results will provide a whole ecosystem understanding of how overgrazing by kangaroos influences the biodiversity conservation value of the vast landscapes of arid Australia. Managers of many conservation reserves, including our project partners, and policy-makers need the information that our experiments will provide to inform the development of strategies to optimise biodiversity conservation and manage the impacts of kangaroos.Read moreRead less
Improving the effectiveness of electronic deterrents to prevent shark bites. Existing commercial electronic shark deterrents, which attempt to deter sharks by emitting strong electric pulses into the water, are either ineffective, have limited deterrent range, or have only been tested with great white sharks. Moreover, uncertainty regarding the way in which pulsed electric fields deter sharks, and whether they may even attract sharks, hampers the development of improved deterrents. This project ....Improving the effectiveness of electronic deterrents to prevent shark bites. Existing commercial electronic shark deterrents, which attempt to deter sharks by emitting strong electric pulses into the water, are either ineffective, have limited deterrent range, or have only been tested with great white sharks. Moreover, uncertainty regarding the way in which pulsed electric fields deter sharks, and whether they may even attract sharks, hampers the development of improved deterrents. This project aims to investigate the effects of pulsed electric fields on shark physiology and behaviour, develop novel electronic pulse waveforms that maximise the deterrent effect on a range of shark species, and deliver innovative improvements in electronic shark deterrent technology that will save the lives of humans and sharks.Read moreRead less
New methods for improving active adaptive management in biological systems. Understanding population dynamics is critical in many areas of national importance to Australia, such as protection of biodiversity, management of invasive species and prediction of the possible effects of climate change. This project will develop a collection of state-of-the-art methods enabling optimal ecological management.