A5086930858- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock
- Fire effects on ecosystems
- Human-Animal Interaction Studies
- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
- Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
- Rangeland and Wildlife Management
- Ecology and biodiversity studies
- Yersinia bacterium, plague, ectoparasites research
- Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Studies
- Marine and fisheries research
- Genetic Mapping and Diversity in Plants and Animals
- Rabies epidemiology and control
- Forest Management and Policy
- Marine Bivalve and Aquaculture Studies
- Advanced Vision and Imaging
- Marine animal studies overview
- Avian ecology and behavior
- Parasitic Diseases Research and Treatment
Zoos Victoria
2016-2025
The University of Melbourne
2023
Species360
2014
Monash University
2007-2009
Abstract Mammals comprise the bulk of diet free‐ranging domestic cats Felis catus (defined as including outdoor pet cats, strays, and feral cats) in most parts their global range. In Australia, predation by introduced has been implicated extinction many mammal species, ongoing decline extant species. Here, we collate a wide range records (including on Australian mammals model traits extant, terrestrial, native species associated with relative likelihood cat predation. We explicitly seek to...
Abstract Aim Occurrence records for cryptic species are typically limited or highly uncertain, leaving their distributions poorly resolved and hampering conservation. This can apply to well‐studied species, increased survey effort and/or novel methods required improve distribution data. Here, we paired modelling (SDM) with decision tools direct surveys the critically endangered Leadbeater's possum ( Gymnobelideus leadbeateri ) outside its current restricted range. We also assessed areas...
Context Assisted colonisation has the potential to protect species from intractable threats within their historical ranges. The Australian mainland subspecies of eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) is extinct in wild, with surviving populations restricted small sites protected by predator–barrier fences. PVA modelling shows that a self-sustaining population would require an area free introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes) at least 2500ha. French Island outside historic range species, but...
Radio-tracking is a key technique for monitoring threatened species during ecological research and reintroduction programs. In the case of endangered eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii), it has not been possible to radio-track extended periods (≥3 months) due difficulties in reliably safely attaching radio-transmitters. this study we compared eight attachment methods. Transmitters weighing 1.2–28 g were either mounted with adhesive, attached collar or implanted into peritoneum....
Abstract Characterizing inbreeding depression in wildlife populations can be critical to their conservation. Coefficients of individual estimated from genome‐wide marker data. The degree which sensitivity coefficients population genetic substructure alters estimates wild is not well understood. Using generalized linear models, we tested the power two frequently used that are calculated SNP markers, F H and F^ III , predict four fitness traits over decades an isolated critically endangered...
Genetic rescue can reduce the extinction risk of inbred populations, but it has poorly understood ‘genetic swamping’—the replacement distinctive variation target population. We applied population viability analysis (PVA) to identify translocation rates into lowland Leadbeater’s possum from an outbred highland that would alleviate inbreeding depression and rapidly reach a size (N) while maximising retention locally unique neutral genetic variation. Using genomic kinship coefficients model in...
In January 2024, the Australian state of Victoria committed to ending native forest logging six years ahead schedule, a decision that has been advocated for by scientists and conservationists decades. However, direct benefits threatened species from this policy change not quantified. This study assesses spatial overlap between areas approved habitats nationally listed species, estimate potential impacts continued likely its cessation. We found 99% overlapped with species. On average, each...
Identifying sex-linked markers in genomic datasets is important because their presence supposedly neutral autosomal can result incorrect estimates of genetic diversity, population structure and parentage. However, detecting loci be challenging, available scripts neglect some categories variation. Here, we present new R functions to (1) identify separate ZW XY sex determination systems (2) infer the individuals based on these loci. We tested data for two bird one mammal species compared...
Abstract Since European colonization, Leadbeater’s possum ( Gymnobelideus leadbeateri ) has declined across its range to the point where it is now only patchily distributed within montane ash forests of Central Highlands Victoria. The loss large hollow‐bearing trees coupled with inadequate recruitment mature forest been predicted result in a reduction population size up 90% by 2020. Furthermore, bioclimatic analyses have suggested additional reductions species’ distribution under variety...
Feral cats have been identified as a major threat to Australian wildlife; however, their impacts on the critically endangered Leadbeater’s possum (Gymobelideus leadbeateri) are unknown. Here, we describe camera trap observations of feral cat hunting at nest boxes occupied by possum. Seven were subsequently captured within surrounding area: two had remains in stomachs. The prevalence predation this species, particularly boxes, and how can be mitigated warrants further investigation.
A combination of fires and logging mean that more than 80% the montane ash forests inhabited by Leadbeater’s possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) in Victorian Central Highlands consist ecologically young stands possessing few trees with hollows. As a consequence, there have been predictions substantial decline populations over next 40 years. If this is to be averted, or reduced extent, then an immediate means increasing den site availability for species required. The results recent...
Abstract Denning groups (colonies) of Leadbeater's possum Gymnobelideus leadbeateri inhabiting nest boxes in lowland swamp forest were characterized by the presence only a single breeding pair. The percentage adult females and males population that held position ‘resident individual’ within their colony was 66±12 62±13%, respectively. remaining animals mainly younger adults yet to acquire positions established colonies. Male female possums attain status usually reproduced for more than 3...
Abstract Artificial hollows are commonly used to mitigate the scarcity of den and nest sites that threatens fauna species globally, but there is a risk these do not provide suitable microclimates for populations they intended support. We monitored temperature, humidity occupancy in artificial dens (nest boxes chainsaw‐carved cavities) provided critically endangered Leadbeater’s possum ( Gymnobelideus leadbeateri ) south‐eastern Australian forests. Monitoring occurred over both winter summer...
Lowland Leadbeater’s possums are on a trajectory to extinction, with fewer than 40 individuals surviving in the wild. Quantification of vegetation characteristics their occupied habitat is urgently needed inform strategies conserve this genetically distinct population. We surveyed canopy and midstorey at all remaining (nine) territories eleven abandoned lowland swamp forest Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve. For each territory we quantified stem density, basal area (total live) condition...
An optimization model is developed to identify timing and placement strategies for the installation of nest boxes harvesting timber meet joint timber–wildlife objectives. Optimal management regimes are determined on basis their impacts local abundance a threatened species net present value (NPV) identified range NPV levels production possibility frontiers NPV. We apply case study focusing an area commercially productive mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell.) forest in Central Highlands...
The conservation status of Leadbeater’s possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) was upgraded to ‘Critically Endangered’ in 2015 following major impacts on populations and habitat arising from the ‘Black Saturday’ bushfires 2009. This listing subsequently reviewed retained 2019. Despite this recognition significant extinction risk, gaps exist strategy being applied, including absence a current recovery plan or meaningful targets. cumulative legacies forest condition hollow-bearing tree abundance...
The common names of species serve an important role in scientific and everyday communication, so well-constructed should be easy to remember convey information about a species. discovery new species, or the revision splitting existing may lead changed names. We review given Australian mammal described, recognised, since year 2000. reference principles adopted by Mammal Society 1980, formulated guide selection Of 31 25 had that referenced their morphology, geographic location ecosystem, one...
An optimization model is developed to identify timing and placement strategies for the installation of nest boxes harvesting timber meet joint timberwildlife objectives. Optimal management regimes are determined on basis their impacts local abundance a threatened species net present value (NPV) identified range NPV levels production possibility frontiers NPV. We apply case study focusing an area commercially productive mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell.) forest in Central Highlands...
Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) is a nocturnal arboreal marsupial with restricted range centered on the Victorian Central Highlands, south-eastern Australia. Most populations inhabit wet montane ash forest and subalpine woodland, one notable exception - small, outlying genetically-distinct lowland population inhabiting swamp at Yellingbo, Victoria. The species has been listed as critically endangered since 2015. Translocations are mainstay of critical genetic rescue this...