University of Tasmania, Australia

Description

The insular nature of Tasmania provides an ideal environment to conduct studies relevant to Conservation Biology and Wildlife Management. Like many islands, Tasmania is characterised by a unique fauna with many special endemics in each of the major animal phyla. Notable examples include the Tasmanian Devil (largest marsupial carnivore) and Astacopsis gouldi (largest non-marine invertebrate). Our position to the south of Australia, and indeed, as one of a few temperate land masses in the Southern Hemisphere, also contributes to the uniqueness of Tasmanian habitats and biota. Tasmania is presently a refuge for many taxa that were previously present on mainland Australia, although our refuge status is continually challenged by the arrival of exotic species.

Research conducted in the School of Zoology addresses many topics relevant to the Conservation and Management of the Tasmanian fauna, and a particular focus at present is the impact of landscape management on native fauna, and the epidemiology and ecological impacts of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). Much of our research in these disciplines involves collaboration with a variety of stakeholders (e.g. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment; Forest Practices Authority; Inland Fisheries Service).

Potential honours projects (PDF 760 KB)

Contact Chris Burridge

Projects

• Biology and conservation ecology of selected saproxylic beetle species (in Tasmania's southern forests)

• Contribution of forest remnants to the persistence of micro bats in the landscape: local and landscape factors that affect their use

• Demographic effects of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD)

• Den use by threatened species

• Distribution and abundance of native and introduced carnivores in intact and fragmented landscapes

• Ecosystem Consequences of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD)

• Effects of DFTD on behaviours associated with transmission and on reproductive females

• Faecal glucocorticoid monitoring as a non-invasive measure of stress in captive, free-range and wild Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) (Honours)

• Genetic connectivity of local kelp species in relation to marine park design

• Habitat Use, Diet, Home Range and Population Structure of the Short-Beaked Echidna

• Identifying causes of decline of the eastern quoll

• Impacts of demographic, anthropogenic, and epidemic effects on phylogeography of the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) inferred from mtDNA, microsatellites and SNP data

• Key threats to eastern quolls

• Landscape ecology of the spotted tailed quoll

• Marsupials as Ecosystem Engineers

• Population and disease modelling in the Tasmanian Devil

• Predation impacts of feral cats in relation to fire and grazing regimes in the Kimberley

• Predator dynamics: the effect of top predator decline on mesopredators

• Reproductive biology of the Tasmanian echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus setosus)

• The effects of forest influence and successional stage on beetle diversity

• The impact of the superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) on Tasmanian forests ecosystems

• Use of culverts by quolls and Tasmanian devils

• Glucocorticoid response of ungulates to an apex predator

• The role of feral cats in the current dramatic small mammal declines in Northern Australia

• Wildlife distribution modelling