Our postgraduates carry out interesting and often vital research into all manner of subjects across all research areas. Some are interested in politics, others in law, epidemiology, seagrasses or information and communications technology.
To promote their efforts, and to encourage others who are inspired to make their own mark on the world, we present the work of our current and past postgraduate students here.
Contact
Phone: (+61 8) 6488 1483
Supervisors
- Dr Nicola Mitchell
- Dr Renee Firman
- Dr Adrian Wayne
Start date
Aug 2018
Submission date
Aug 2021
Sian Thorn
Thesis
The population and spatial ecology of the numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) in the Upper Warren
Summary
My research will focus on the conservation and management of a unique and Endangered species endemic to Australia, the numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus). It is estimated that there are less than 1000 numbats left in the wild, with only two natural populations remaining in Dryandra State Forest and the Upper Warren region. The Upper Warren population is thought to be the largest and yet little is known about its population dynamics and spatial ecology. My project will investigate the fine scale movements and habitat preferences of this population as well as factors influencing their population growth and survivorship.
Why my research is important
Having once inhabited arid and semi-arid areas of Australia spanning from western NSW to WA the numbat has suffered a huge decline in population size over the last 200 years. Their distribution is now restricted to small translocated populations in WA, NSW and SA and two natural populations in WA. Despite recovery efforts, population numbers continue to decrease, leading to a listing of Endangered on the IUCN red list and under State and Federal legislation.
Understanding the key requirements for a species and the factors influencing population growth are important when developing management strategies to prevent further decline. While these elements have been studied extensively in some populations, there is relatively little know about the Upper Warren population. My research aims to investigate the location specific ecology of this population to inform management strategies and provide tangible conservation outcomes.
Funding
- The University of Western Australia
- World Wildlife Fund
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
- Project Numbat
- State Natural Resource Management Community Action Grant
- Blackwood Basin Group