Project Details
Description
Year 1 Grant - 2025
Australia has one of the highest mammal extinction rates globally, driven by habitat loss and introduced species [1 & 9]. Despite the pressing need for action, effective conservation is hindered by gaps in threatened species’ ecology. This research assesses habitat use and population connectivity of the threatened Large-eared pied bat and Eastern cave bat to inform conservation strategies and biodiversity impact assessments. By identifying critical habitat requirements, the findings will help reduce unnecessary surveys, saving time and costs, while supporting conservation management.
This Industry PhD, linked to the NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme (NSW BOS), comprises four chapters: (1) habitat use via ultrasonic recorder grids, (2) roost selection via radio-tracking, (3) diet via DNA metabarcoding of faeces samples, and (4) genetic connectivity via Next-Gen sequencing of tissue samples. This funding application primarily supports Chapter 4, funding DNA extraction and sequencing of wing-tissue samples from NSW and QLD. A small portion of the funding will also support the purchase of replacement AudioMoth sound recorders for Chapter 1, used to create heatmaps of calling activity to visualise habitat use.
In the funded year, I will complete DNA sequencing of two full plates (96 wing-tissue samples each) and conduct population structure and connectivity analyses. The results will inform on the vulnerability of distinct populations to isolation and inbreeding, and identify barriers to gene flow by superimposing GIS layers. Additionally, I will finalise and publish Chapter 1, providing insights into habitat use in human modified landscapes.
This project bridges research and practice, producing real world outcomes that extend beyond academia. It will generate peer-reviewed publications, strengthen land management strategies, and equip ecological consultants with actionable insights—delivering economic benefits to developers while simultaneously supporting broader efforts to halt biodiversity loss in Australia.
Australia has one of the highest mammal extinction rates globally, driven by habitat loss and introduced species [1 & 9]. Despite the pressing need for action, effective conservation is hindered by gaps in threatened species’ ecology. This research assesses habitat use and population connectivity of the threatened Large-eared pied bat and Eastern cave bat to inform conservation strategies and biodiversity impact assessments. By identifying critical habitat requirements, the findings will help reduce unnecessary surveys, saving time and costs, while supporting conservation management.
This Industry PhD, linked to the NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme (NSW BOS), comprises four chapters: (1) habitat use via ultrasonic recorder grids, (2) roost selection via radio-tracking, (3) diet via DNA metabarcoding of faeces samples, and (4) genetic connectivity via Next-Gen sequencing of tissue samples. This funding application primarily supports Chapter 4, funding DNA extraction and sequencing of wing-tissue samples from NSW and QLD. A small portion of the funding will also support the purchase of replacement AudioMoth sound recorders for Chapter 1, used to create heatmaps of calling activity to visualise habitat use.
In the funded year, I will complete DNA sequencing of two full plates (96 wing-tissue samples each) and conduct population structure and connectivity analyses. The results will inform on the vulnerability of distinct populations to isolation and inbreeding, and identify barriers to gene flow by superimposing GIS layers. Additionally, I will finalise and publish Chapter 1, providing insights into habitat use in human modified landscapes.
This project bridges research and practice, producing real world outcomes that extend beyond academia. It will generate peer-reviewed publications, strengthen land management strategies, and equip ecological consultants with actionable insights—delivering economic benefits to developers while simultaneously supporting broader efforts to halt biodiversity loss in Australia.
| Status | Active |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 19/09/25 → 18/09/26 |