PhD research with DEEP

The feasibility of the translocation of two endangered species of possum, Leadbeater’s Possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) and the Mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus), from mainland Australia to Tasmania.

​

Leadbeater’s possum and the Mountain pygmy possum are both listed as critically endangered on the IUCN (The International Union for Conservation of Nature) red list. Both of these species were considered extinct until wild individuals were found in Victoria in the 1960’s. Their populations are still extremely low and are at risk from future human induced land use change both directly (i.e. logging) and indirectly (i.e. climate change). The loss of the Mountain pygmy possum would be particularly unfortunate due to its uniqueness as it is the only alpine Australian marsupial, and the only Australian marsupial which hibernates.

​

The main aim of this research is to analyse the feasibility, from a purely scientific point of view, of introducing these at risk possum species into suitable areas of Tasmania. By a purely scientific point of view I mean a view unclouded by the bureaucratic and political issues that surround such a translocation. The outcome of this study would be an objective perspective of the advantages and disadvantages of this translocation that could inform policy in the future. I will make use of mechanistic Species Distribution Modelling to identify the most suitable habitat sites for each species and valid these by ground truthing.

​

A study of the impact of non-conservation minded translocations on Tasmanian ecosystems.

​

Since European settlement of Australia, a number of mainland Australian species have been brought to Tasmania. This research will focus on three mainland species which were brought to Tasmania from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century for non-conservation purposes. These three species are the superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae), the laughing kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae), and the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps). Two of these species (laughing kookaburra and sugar glider) have become widespread and damaging to native species. The lyrebird has not become widespread yet and could have potential benefits to the Tasmanian habitats it inhabits via fire suppression. This research will involve a combination of ecological modelling and fieldwork with an aim to help inform future plans to mitigate the negative effects of these Australian invasive species.

​

An investigation into the restoration of the previous mainland Australian ranges of three Tasmanian animal species by translocation.

​

The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus), and the Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardierii) are currently only found in Tasmania. Yet all of these species were previously present on mainland Australia but have disappeared due to the introduction of foreign predators by humans (an intentional non-conservation minded human assisted range change). The Tasmanian devil and the now extinct Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus) are thought to have disappeared from the mainland after the introduction of the dingo (Canis lupus dingo) to Australia approximately 3,500 years ago. After the arrival of the dingo these species disappeared from the fossil record but persisted in Tasmania (due to the fact dingoes couldn’t expand their range due to the Bass Strait). It has been proposed that the mainland extinctions were caused by a synergistic effect between dingoes and Aboriginal cultural changes such as innovations in hunting technology and more intensive resource use. With the intensification of the ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation) also playing a part. The Tasmanian pademelon and the eastern quoll are much more recent mainland extinction occurring about 100 and 50 years ago, respectively. Both were believed to have gone extinct on the mainland due to foxes.

​

​