Density regulation as a major determinant of population persistence: advancing empirical and theoretical approaches to conserve biodiversity. Without efficient application of limited conservation resources, more species will go extinct and invasive species will continue to proliferate. With a better understanding of extinction processes, a higher benefit:cost ratio will ensure better outcomes for biodiversity. We will directly address (1) the sustainable use of Australia's biodiversity by provid ....Density regulation as a major determinant of population persistence: advancing empirical and theoretical approaches to conserve biodiversity. Without efficient application of limited conservation resources, more species will go extinct and invasive species will continue to proliferate. With a better understanding of extinction processes, a higher benefit:cost ratio will ensure better outcomes for biodiversity. We will directly address (1) the sustainable use of Australia's biodiversity by providing evidence-based support for minimum viable population size targets to avoid extinction; (2) responding to climate change by determining the species- and environmentally specific contexts leading to elevated risks of extinction; and (3) protecting Australia from invasive diseases and pests by determining density targets that maximise eradication success.Read moreRead less
Competition between regulatory processes in Amphibians: Testing the effects of physical and physiological factors on thermoregulation and hydroregulation. Regulation of body temperature is important for many animals, and it influences processes such as growth and reproduction. However, it is not clear to what extent wet-skinned animals can control body temperature because of evaporation. Understanding this about frogs is crucial to understanding their habitat requirements and the effects of clim ....Competition between regulatory processes in Amphibians: Testing the effects of physical and physiological factors on thermoregulation and hydroregulation. Regulation of body temperature is important for many animals, and it influences processes such as growth and reproduction. However, it is not clear to what extent wet-skinned animals can control body temperature because of evaporation. Understanding this about frogs is crucial to understanding their habitat requirements and the effects of climate change, habitat modification, and the invasion of cane toads on their populations. Amphibians are in decline worldwide, and research into the basic ways that these animals interact with the physical environment is needed before effective management plans can be produced. The unique physiological characteristics of Australian frogs make this is the best place in the world to do this research.Read moreRead less
How does habitat complexity drive motor ageing and fitness in wild mammals? This project aims to demonstrate how habitat complexity shapes motor ageing in wild dasyurid marsupials, and to improve these animals’ motor function, slow its decline and increase reproductive output via behavioural and physiological changes. Motor decline should dramatically impact an animal growth, survival and reproduction by affecting how it moves through habitats when foraging, seeking mates, or escaping from preda ....How does habitat complexity drive motor ageing and fitness in wild mammals? This project aims to demonstrate how habitat complexity shapes motor ageing in wild dasyurid marsupials, and to improve these animals’ motor function, slow its decline and increase reproductive output via behavioural and physiological changes. Motor decline should dramatically impact an animal growth, survival and reproduction by affecting how it moves through habitats when foraging, seeking mates, or escaping from predators. However, little is known about the environmental drivers of motor ageing in wild animals. Our project addresses an important gap in the field of evolutionary ecology. Since decline in muscle function affects the quality of Australian's life, our work could lead to important economic and health implications.Read moreRead less
Do frogs hydroregulate? Regulation versus tolerance of thermal and hydric states. Amphibians are in decline in Australia and worldwide. Frogs are a middle link in terrestrial and aquatic food chains (as predators and prey) so are important for the sustainability of Australia's biodiversity and as indicators of environmental problems. Basic research about the ways Australian frogs interact with the physical environment to balance body water and temperature is crucial to predicting the effects of ....Do frogs hydroregulate? Regulation versus tolerance of thermal and hydric states. Amphibians are in decline in Australia and worldwide. Frogs are a middle link in terrestrial and aquatic food chains (as predators and prey) so are important for the sustainability of Australia's biodiversity and as indicators of environmental problems. Basic research about the ways Australian frogs interact with the physical environment to balance body water and temperature is crucial to predicting the effects of climate change or habitat modification on frogs. This basic information is needed to produce effective conservation plans for native frogs and management plans for invasive cane toads. We will train students in techniques and concepts in ecology, conservation biology, and animal physiology.Read moreRead less
Australian savannah landscapes: past, present and future. Australian savannahs are productive and culturally and biologically significant landscapes but are vulnerable to climate change. The project will determine savannah function (carbon and water balance) for the present and assess how sensitive they have been to past climate variability. The project will then address how they may respond to future climate change.