Research theme: Environment
Research discipline: Biogeoscience
Research program: Ecosystems
Research area
- Molecular Systematics of Australian and New Guinea Melomys: Much confusion surrounds the taxonomy of Melomys, a genus of rodents that is important to Australia for conservation and pest management reasons. A detailed molecular systematic assessment including Australian and New Guinean Melomys has not previously been undertaken and will provide a clearer understanding of the intra- and inter-specific relationships within this genus.
- Conservation genetics of Australian native olives (Notelaea): The number of species in Notelaea is uncertain, possibly due to hybridisation between species. Of the 14 currently described species, three are threatened, and one has a total wild population of 19 individuals. A molecular systematic assessment will clarify the taxonomic relationships among Notelaea species and will aid conservation management.
- An integrated pest management strategy for Melomys burtoni in far-north Queensland sugarcane production systems: This project aims to develop a practical, cost-effective and ecologically based management strategy to reduce both the economic and environmental impact of Melomys burtoni in sugarcane. An understanding of the ecology (biology, behaviour and habitat use) of Melomys burtoni within the cropping system is central to the development of this strategy.
Areas of expertise
- Molecular Ecology
- Molecular Systematics
- Population Ecology
- Conservation Biology
Current grants
- 2006-2008: Australian Biological Resources Study. $30000. A comprehensive molecular systematic analysis of Australian mosaic-tailed rats (Melomys: Rodentia) (in collaboration with Prof. Donnellan, SA Museum)
- 2006-2007: QUT – Early Career Research. $7055. Molecular Assessment of the phylogeographic relationships of the Grassland Melomys (Melomys burtoni).
Selected research projects
- Molecular Systematics of Australian and New Guinea Melomys
- Phylogeography of the Grassland Melomys
- Comparative ecology and hybridisation of rare and common Notelaea species in south-east Queensland
- Genetic relatedness of wild rabbits in south-east Queensland
This information has been contributed by Dr Susan Fuller.
