Habitat disturbance is one of the major threats to our wildlife. Clearing of native vegetation, invasive animals, and loss of habitat quality all pose immediate and long term issues for animals.
- State Centre of Excellence in Climate Change and Woodland and Tree Health researchers are examining the effects of habitat loss upon wildlife across a variety of habitats (e.g. tuart and wandoo woodlands):
- Centre for Phytophthora Science and Management researchers have been looking at the effects of the plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi upon vegetation structure and composition, and therefore indirect effects upon fauna (e.g. mardo and honeypossum).
- ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration at Curtin University (CMSR)
- Quokkas are present on the mainland where they are vulnerable to habitat loss and introduced predators. Shannon Dundas has been examining the ecology of these marsupials, to determine factors that may influence their population status and health.
- We are also working with quokkas on Rottnest Island to determine diet as well as behavioural responses to the presence of ecotourism (i.e. bicycle-mounted and camera-toting tourists).
- Stuart Dawson is examining the role of clearing and fire on habitat use by bilbies.
- Sophie Cross is examining the effect of landscape clearing on behaviour and diet of top-order reptile predators (goannas).
- Poster (Tortoises and roads Poster) at Cairns Behaviour 2015 conference on influence of sand roads on gopher tortoise behaviour
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