- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances research
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Turtle Biology and Conservation
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Toxic Organic Pollutants Impact
- Mercury impact and mitigation studies
- Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology
- Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation
- Bird parasitology and diseases
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Vector-borne infectious diseases
- Land Use and Ecosystem Services
- Zoonotic diseases and public health
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Yersinia bacterium, plague, ectoparasites research
- Heavy metals in environment
- Heavy Metal Exposure and Toxicity
- Adipose Tissue and Metabolism
- Dermatological diseases and infestations
- Air Quality and Health Impacts
Curtin University
2019-2025
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
2023-2025
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
2024
Ecosystem Sciences
2023
Bentley University
2021
The University of Sydney
2013-2017
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose a threat to organisms ecosystems due their persistent nature. Ecotoxicology endpoints used in regulatory guidelines may not reflect multiple, low-level but stressors. This study examines the biological effects of PFAS on Eastern short-necked turtles Queensland, Australia. In this study, blood samples were collected analysed for PFAS, hormone levels, functional omics endpoints. High levels found at impacted site, with PFOS being dominant...
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate, may have toxic effects. This study used non-native cane toads (Rhinella marina) to examine PFAS metal accumulation impacts large terrestrial amphibians from urban peri-urban areas. We quantified 38 compounds 36 environmental legacy metal(loid)s 52 adult toad livers collected six locations around Southeast Queensland, Australia, along a known gradient. Associations among PFAS,...
PFAS contamination of urban waters is widespread but understanding the biological impact its accumulation limited to humans and common ecotoxicological model organisms. Here, we combine exposure bioaccumulation patterns with whole organism responses omics-based ecosurveillance methods investigate potential impacts on a top predator wetlands, tiger snake (Notechis scutatus). Tiger snakes (18 male 17 female) were collected from four wetlands varying chemical profiles concentrations in Perth,...
Abstract Urbanisation changes landscapes, often simplifying and homogenising natural ecosystems while introducing novel environments. Although this transformation adversely impacts native wildlife, generalist species that exhibit broad dietary habitat requirements can persist take advantage of urban To understand which life history traits most influence the occurrence a diverse snake assemblage in an environment, we leveraged dataset 5102 detection records for 12 tropical city Darwin,...
One of the most devastating impacts an invasive species is introduction novel parasites or diseases to native fauna. Invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) in Australia contain several types parasites, raising concern that may increase rates parasitism local anuran species. We sampled and sympatric frogs (Limnodynastes peronii, Litoria latopalmata, nasuta) at southern invasion front north-eastern New South Wales (NSW). dissected swabbed these anurans score presence abundance nematodes...
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants known to pose significant risks human wildlife health. Freshwater turtles (Emydura macquarii macquarii), as long-lived species inhabiting aquatic ecosystems, particularly vulnerable PFAS bioaccumulation. This study investigated the multifaceted impact of contamination on these turtles, focusing metabolic disruptions, reproductive success, hatchling health, population impacts. Comprehensive analyses,...
Tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) in wetlands of South-West Western Australia (SW WA) are commonly parasitised by the nematode Ophidascaris pyrrhus. Host-parasite interactions complex and can potentially be impacted factors such as urbanisation or climate. We assessed whether urbanisation, distance to wetland sites, climatic have influenced parasitism tiger from specimens collected over last century. dissected 91 museum across SW WA counted gastrointestinal nematodes. Binomial generalised...
Pesticide contamination poses a significant threat to non-target wildlife, including amphibians, many of which are already highly threatened. This study aims assess the extent pesticide exposure in dead frogs collected during mass mortality event across eastern New South Wales, Australia between July 2021 and March 2022. Liver tissue from 77 individual six species were analysed for >600 legacy contemporary pesticides, rodenticides. More than third (36 %) liver samples contained at least one...
Urbanisation alters landscapes, introduces wildlife to novel stressors, and fragments habitats into remnant ‘islands’. Within these islands, isolated populations can experience genetic drift subsequently suffer from inbreeding depression reduced adaptive potential. The Western tiger snake ( Notechis scutatus occidentalis ) is a predator of wetlands in the Swan Coastal Plain, unique bioregion that has suffered substantial degradation through development city Perth, Australia. urban matrix,...
There is growing recognition of the threat posed to wildlife by pollutants. Waterbirds are robust bioindicators ecosystem health, and metal toxicity a these species in waterways worldwide. Urban waterbirds likely be at highest risk heavy exposure, but this issue has not been widely explored Australia. Our aim was estimate contemporary exposure sedentary urban waterbird population: black swans (Cygnus atratus) inhabiting an inner-city wetland one Australia's largest cities, Melbourne. To...
Environmental contamination of aquatic systems by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has generated significant health concerns. Remediation contaminated sites such as the fire-fighting emergency training grounds that use aqueous film-forming foams is a high priority. Phytoremediation may help play part in removing PFAS from waters. We investigated potential water fern Azolla filiculoides, which used for phytoremediation wide range contaminants, to uptake seven common...
Many invasive species exploit anthropogenically disturbed habitats, but most of those taxa evolved long before humans. Presumably, then, an ability to use natural (non-anthropogenic) disturbances pre-adapted invaders a world later degraded by people. Studies on in naturally habitats thus can clarify the ancestral niche invaders. In Australian tropics, metallic starlings Aplonis metallica nest communally emergent rainforest trees during wet-season, and cane toads Rhinella marina join other...
Abstract Invasive plants are a threat to natural ecosystems worldwide, with urban wetlands being some of the most susceptible and highly modified environments all. The tiger snake ( Notechis scutatus ) is top predator that persists in south-western Australia, many which have been degraded by introduced kikuyu grass Cenchrus clandestinus ). To evaluate potential impact on habitat quality for snakes we quantified structural features habitats within compared them native vegetation. We also...
Urban planning which enhances native biodiversity in and around cities is needed to address the impacts of urbanisation conserve urban biodiversity. The “Biodiversity Sensitive Design” (BSUD) framework incorporates ecological knowledge into achieve positive outcomes through improved design infrastructure development. BSUD includes principles direct strategic placement connected wildlife habitat. However, effective implementation requires defining quantifying landscape-scale habitat...
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Urban wildlife often suffer poorer health than their counterparts living in more pristine environments due to exposure anthropogenic stressors such as habitat degradation and environmental contamination. As a result, the of urban versus nonurban snakes might be assessed by differences plasma biochemistries. We compared profiles western tiger (Notechis scutatus occidentalis) from heavily urbanized wetland natural, nonurbanized wetland. Despite having lower body mass index, we found no...
ABSTRACT Dystocia in reptiles is the retention of ova or foetuses within female due to failure complete parturition oviposition. This disorder commonly observed captive reptiles, but has rarely been reported wild reptiles. We a large internal obstruction an adult Tiger Snake captured as part ongoing population study. failed palpate out object field, so we took snake veterinary practice for professional assistance. All non-lethal methods extracting were unsuccessful euthanised specimen and...
ABSTRACT Despite being a hotspot for reptile diversity, there is chronic knowledge gap surrounding the ecology of Australian reptiles. Understanding complex interactions between species, such as predator-prey relationships, can be key to informed and effective management, particularly rare threatened species. The Spotted Mulga Snake (Pseudechis butleri) example an understudied endemic reptile, limited Mid West region Western Australia. Here, we present first recorded observation consuming...
The tiger snake ( Notechis scutatus ) population on Carnac Island has been well-studied by ecologists, but the origin of this is still subject debate. Many published studies make reference to being artificially established a showman in early 20th century. Here, we provide an alternative perspective, backed up with new genetic evidence, and propose that more likely remnant from natural isolation island may have supplemented any such translocation event.