Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210101440
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,015.00
Summary
Using big data to untangle ecological cascades in tropical forests. This project aims to develop a suite of innovative analysis techniques to study wildlife communities with remarkable resolution. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the fields of ecology and conservation biology by leveraging the unprecedented quantity and quality of data captured through a large network of camera traps in Australian and Southeast Asian forests. Expected outcomes include developing novel approaches ....Using big data to untangle ecological cascades in tropical forests. This project aims to develop a suite of innovative analysis techniques to study wildlife communities with remarkable resolution. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the fields of ecology and conservation biology by leveraging the unprecedented quantity and quality of data captured through a large network of camera traps in Australian and Southeast Asian forests. Expected outcomes include developing novel approaches to analysing wildlife data (meta-structural equation modelling) and delivering management guidance to Australian land-owning agencies that may vastly cut costs by identifying efficient interventions and improve conservation outcomes. Read moreRead less
Keystone effects of Australia's top predators: dingoes, devils and biodiversity. This project will study the interactions of Australia's two largest predators, the dingo and Tasmanian devil, with other species. The project will help develop an understanding of the value of these predators in maintaining ecosystem processes and diversity, and guide their management in the future.
Arresting declines of arboreal mammals in the tropical savannas. This project aims to evaluate the hypothesis that arboreal species are limited by the abundance of tree hollows, and that historical increases in the frequency of intense fires may be reducing hollow abundance. Northern Australia’s mammals are in severe decline, and arboreal species are among those that have fared worst. There is abundant anecdotal evidence that a decline in hollow abundance is the cause. Working with the Western A ....Arresting declines of arboreal mammals in the tropical savannas. This project aims to evaluate the hypothesis that arboreal species are limited by the abundance of tree hollows, and that historical increases in the frequency of intense fires may be reducing hollow abundance. Northern Australia’s mammals are in severe decline, and arboreal species are among those that have fared worst. There is abundant anecdotal evidence that a decline in hollow abundance is the cause. Working with the Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife in the Kimberley, the last region on the Australian mainland with an intact mammal fauna, the project aims to explore management options for increasing the availability of hollow denning sites for arboreal mammals (e.g. fire management, artificial nest boxes), and evaluate the likely impact of such actions on mammal populations across northern Australia.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE130100434
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,114.00
Summary
What fire regimes can maintain biodiversity in northern Australia's savannah landscapes, and how do we implement them? Inappropriate fire regimes (the frequency, intensity and size of bushfires) are causing ongoing declines in Australia's biodiversity, yet we have little understanding of the fire regimes that should be implemented. Focussing on Kakadu National Park in northern Australia, this project will develop optimal fire management strategies for conserving biodiversity.
Revealing how top predators maintain healthy balanced ecosystems. Large predators play a pivotal role in maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems. This project will reveal how Australia's largest predator, the dingo, provides ecosystem services and benefits biodiversity.