What is the spatial and environmental distribution of phylogenetic diversity in the Australian biota? Almost nothing is known about the geographic distribution of phylogenetic relationships across Australia at fine resolutions of the order of tens of kilometres. The aim of this research is to map the spatial patterns of phylogenetic diversity in the Australian biota and identify possible environmental controls over them. We will analyse five disparate groups at a spatial resolution that is ord ....What is the spatial and environmental distribution of phylogenetic diversity in the Australian biota? Almost nothing is known about the geographic distribution of phylogenetic relationships across Australia at fine resolutions of the order of tens of kilometres. The aim of this research is to map the spatial patterns of phylogenetic diversity in the Australian biota and identify possible environmental controls over them. We will analyse five disparate groups at a spatial resolution that is orders of magnitude finer than previous research, analysing their relationship with possible environmental controls using advanced spatial analysis methods. The knowledge we will generate about the spatial distribution of these relationships is essential to understand and conserve Australia's unique biodiversity.Read moreRead less
Vision and remote sensing: using nature's technology to examine the health of The Great Barrier Reef and Moreton Bay. We aim to use what is known and what we will discover about animals visual systems to examine environmental health on The Great Barrier Reef and Moreton Bay. Technology and knowledge from 8 university departments, 4 industry partners, and 7 international collaborators will be combined to both learn and provide information. The innovative aspect of our approach is to examine the w ....Vision and remote sensing: using nature's technology to examine the health of The Great Barrier Reef and Moreton Bay. We aim to use what is known and what we will discover about animals visual systems to examine environmental health on The Great Barrier Reef and Moreton Bay. Technology and knowledge from 8 university departments, 4 industry partners, and 7 international collaborators will be combined to both learn and provide information. The innovative aspect of our approach is to examine the world with the eyes of birds, fish and invertebrates. Tricks animals employ to solve visual tasks will be implemented at scales of instrumentation from hand-held to remote sensing and used to address problems such as coral reef bleaching.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0560940
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$229,326.00
Summary
Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry Facility. This application for a Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer Facility provides a focus for research collaboration and training in northern Australia. The Facility will enhance strong collaboration between organisations committed to increasing understanding of unique northern environments, and will include the Arafura Timor Research Facility, a Major National Research Facility. The Facility will contribute to studies of conservation biology, nat ....Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry Facility. This application for a Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer Facility provides a focus for research collaboration and training in northern Australia. The Facility will enhance strong collaboration between organisations committed to increasing understanding of unique northern environments, and will include the Arafura Timor Research Facility, a Major National Research Facility. The Facility will contribute to studies of conservation biology, natural resource management, environmental and marine science and resource development in the tropical north. It will help develop knowledge bases, innovative approaches to environmental management and sustainable development and high levels of research and research training for regional development.Read moreRead less
Environmental Toxicology of Marine Turtles in the South Pacific Region. We propose to study pollutants such as pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and metals in sea turtles. Drs Whittier (UQ) and Henry Olszowy (Queensland Health Scientific Services) will supervise a Ph.D. student in the research. We will identify significant pollutants in Queensland, the Solomon Islands and Malaysia at sea turtle nesting and feeding grounds. We will follow the fate of chemicals in female turtles and t ....Environmental Toxicology of Marine Turtles in the South Pacific Region. We propose to study pollutants such as pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and metals in sea turtles. Drs Whittier (UQ) and Henry Olszowy (Queensland Health Scientific Services) will supervise a Ph.D. student in the research. We will identify significant pollutants in Queensland, the Solomon Islands and Malaysia at sea turtle nesting and feeding grounds. We will follow the fate of chemicals in female turtles and the effects of contamination on the development of eggs and hatchlings. This information will be used to help manage sea turtle populations and to contribute to sustainable use of the animals for a growing ecotourism industry.Read moreRead less
Reconstructing landscapes for biodiversity: From predictive modelling to future scenarios. Many landscapes around the world have been effectively denuded of natural vegetation, causing precipitous declines in native biodiversity. Mitigation of such effects in the near/medium-term future requires substantial ecological advice. We will employ our skills developed in modelling distributions of species across landscapes based on terrain, soils and climate to assess alternative landscape-reconstructi ....Reconstructing landscapes for biodiversity: From predictive modelling to future scenarios. Many landscapes around the world have been effectively denuded of natural vegetation, causing precipitous declines in native biodiversity. Mitigation of such effects in the near/medium-term future requires substantial ecological advice. We will employ our skills developed in modelling distributions of species across landscapes based on terrain, soils and climate to assess alternative landscape-reconstruction scenarios. This links use of existing data sets for initial modelling, a validation phase for testing model reliability and for refining models, and a subsequent GIS-based modelling phase in which alternative options for reconstructing landscapes are evaluated for their effectiveness in sustaining landscape-scale native biodiversity.Read moreRead less
Conservation Biology of Butterflies in South Australia. This project will investigate the apparent significant recent decline in the diversity and abundance of butterflies in South Australia. The project will develop a protocol for deriving quantitative estimates of the diversity and abundance of butterflies in South Australia, so that the effects of current and future environmental changes on the biodiversity of butterflies can be rigorously assessed. The project will also incorporate a detaile ....Conservation Biology of Butterflies in South Australia. This project will investigate the apparent significant recent decline in the diversity and abundance of butterflies in South Australia. The project will develop a protocol for deriving quantitative estimates of the diversity and abundance of butterflies in South Australia, so that the effects of current and future environmental changes on the biodiversity of butterflies can be rigorously assessed. The project will also incorporate a detailed case study of the conservation biology of a vulnerable species of butterfly.Read moreRead less
The importance of phenotypic plasticity in maintaining and introducing variation. This research is a synthesis of behaviour, natural and sexual selection, physiology, and natural and breeding ecology-important interactions that are rarely considered simultaneously in biology. It will contribute to our understanding of life-history decisions, and a long-neglected source of the variation that is the raw material for adaptation and for economically-important breeding programs . These results will h ....The importance of phenotypic plasticity in maintaining and introducing variation. This research is a synthesis of behaviour, natural and sexual selection, physiology, and natural and breeding ecology-important interactions that are rarely considered simultaneously in biology. It will contribute to our understanding of life-history decisions, and a long-neglected source of the variation that is the raw material for adaptation and for economically-important breeding programs . These results will have far-reaching implications for economically-important improvements to medicine, conservation, and crop and livestock production. This work will strengthen Australia's strong research profile in evolutionary genetics, physiology and ecology.Read moreRead less
Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development - Grant ID: DI0775819
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$109,701.00
Summary
Investigating the source of arsenic contamination in the Bogong Moth and the impacts on the ecology of the Australian alps. Much of Australias alpine region is National Park and as such, is managed for the conservation of its unique fauna and flora. The recent discovery of Arsenic in the Bogong Moth and one of its key predators, the endangered Pygmy Possum, raises questions about how to manage this threat to this unique ecosystem. Two main concerns are the preservation of the Bogong Moth, as an ....Investigating the source of arsenic contamination in the Bogong Moth and the impacts on the ecology of the Australian alps. Much of Australias alpine region is National Park and as such, is managed for the conservation of its unique fauna and flora. The recent discovery of Arsenic in the Bogong Moth and one of its key predators, the endangered Pygmy Possum, raises questions about how to manage this threat to this unique ecosystem. Two main concerns are the preservation of the Bogong Moth, as an Indigenous Icon, and the conservation of the Pygmy Possum. In order to manage this threat we need to identify how, when and where the Bogong Moth is exposed to Arsenic. This information will aid in conserving the unique alpine species, including the Mountain Pygmy Possum, and protecting the Indigenous value of the Moth.
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Biological phosphorous removal for wastewater treatment. The aim is to provide a scientific basis for understanding how phosphorous can be removed in wastewater treatment plants, using environmentally safe biological methods rather than by using chemicals. This is expected to lead to improved performance in wastewater treatment plants, which will be of economic and environmental benefit, particularly to regional communities in inland Australia.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882682
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,000.00
Summary
The Australasian Pollen and Spore Atlas. The results generated in this project will enhance Australian research capabilities across multiple disciplines by providing access to key knowledge of pollen and spores in our region. A unified approach to the archiving, presentation and accessibility to existing and evolving databases will provide a considerably improved context for identification and knowledge pooling of any given pollen or spore type. This will create a nexus for novel interactions be ....The Australasian Pollen and Spore Atlas. The results generated in this project will enhance Australian research capabilities across multiple disciplines by providing access to key knowledge of pollen and spores in our region. A unified approach to the archiving, presentation and accessibility to existing and evolving databases will provide a considerably improved context for identification and knowledge pooling of any given pollen or spore type. This will create a nexus for novel interactions between researchers and end users of these data from within and beyond Australia's borders.Read moreRead less