Researcher biography
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science (Honours I): Ecology and Conservation Biology, University of Queensland
Bachelor of Environmental Science: Environmental Management and Ecology, Griffith University
Bachelor of Accounting: Taxation, Auditing, Financial and Management Accounting, University of Stellenbosch
Project title:
Using Eastern Barn Owls to locate cryptic endangered species in Queensland's Channel Country
Project description:
In Queensland’s Channel Country, traditional wildlife monitoring is challenging due to vast landscapes, harsh climate, and cryptic species. My research aims to locate cryptic and threatened prey species, such as the Kowari and Dusky Hopping Mouse, by combining GPS tracking and pellet analysis of the predator, the Eastern Barn Owl, on Bush Heritage Australia properties. This project will evaluate the method's effectiveness, understand the spatial ecology of barn owls, and examine the distribution of targeted cryptic and threatened species related to fire history and habitat use, aiding conservation strategies for on-ground application.
Funding:
Bush Heritage Australia
Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment, Ecological Society of Australia
Advisors/supervisors:
Professor James Watson, Associate Professor Diana Fisher, Dr Nick Leseberg, Dr James Smith