Zoology & Ecology
Saul Chemonges
- Adjunct Associate Professor
- saul.chemonges@jcu.edu.au
Daniel Montesinos Torres
- Senior Research Fellow
- daniel.montesinos@jcu.edu.au
Claire Gely
- Lecturer, Zoology and Ecology
- claire.gely@jcu.edu.au
Ben Hirsch
- Adjunct Senior Lecturer
- ben.hirsch@jcu.edu.au
Stephen Williams
- Adjunct Professor
- stephen.williams@jcu.edu.au
Myles Menz
- Senior Lecturer, Zoology and Ecology
- myles.menz@jcu.edu.au
Martijn van de Pol
- Associate Professor, Mathematical Modelling
- martijn.vandepol@jcu.edu.au
Slade Allen-Ankins
- Research Fellow
- slade.allenankins@jcu.edu.au
Noel Preece
- Adjunct Associate Professor
- noel.preece@jcu.edu.au
Conrad Hoskin
- Professor
- conrad.hoskin@jcu.edu.au
Conservation genomics of the Critically endangered Kuranda Treefrog (Old ID 27603)
This project aims to assess the conservation status of the Critically Endangered Kuranda Treefrog using a population genomics approach. The last sampling for this declining and localised species took place more than 10 years ago, and continuing declines have been detected in the field. It is unclear whether the population is retaining genetic diversity despite the small and declining population size or whether it is rapidly losing genetic diversity. Resolving this will be crucial for the management of this species. In this project I aim to assess genetic diversity, connectivity and population size of this Critically Endangered species using population genomics.
Conservation genomics of the Critically endangered Kuranda Treefrog (Old ID 27603)
This project aims to assess the conservation status of the Critically Endangered Kuranda Treefrog using a population genomics approach. The last sampling for this declining and localised species took place more than 10 years ago, and continuing declines have been detected in the field. It is unclear whether the population is retaining genetic diversity despite the small and declining population size or whether it is rapidly losing genetic diversity. Resolving this will be crucial for the management of this species. In this project I aim to assess genetic diversity, connectivity and population size of this Critically Endangered species using population genomics.
Species interactions and the volution of plasticity in mating signals (Old ID 23407)
Displaying for mates is one of the most important forms of communication. The impact on mating displays in the presence of other species (reproductive interference) has generally been overlooked but is increasingly being recognised as a major selective force driving the evolution of mating traits. This project will investigate if species interactions can evoke immediate (plastic) changes to male mating displays. Plastic changes to mating displays will allow species to stand out in the crowd, thus avoiding reproductive interference and continue being reproductively successful. This adaptation may become extremely important due to changing species distributions in this rapidly changing world.
Population connectivity in the Kuranda Tree frog (Litoria myola) (Old ID 22198)
The critically endangered Kuranda Tree frog (Litoria myola) occurs only in a small distribution near Kuranda. This population is divided into 13 known breeding sites (subpopulations). Connectivity between these subpopulations is not known; therefore I will use genetic analysis to gain insight into both historical and current connectivity. Knowledge of population connectivity is of great importance for management, as it will help focus conservation efforts. This study will provide information on genetic distinctness of subpopulations, potential for natural recolonization if subpopulations decline or disappear, and where individuals should be sourced from if managers wanted to reintroduce the species to a site.
Population connectivity in the Kuranda Tree frog (Litoria myola) (Old ID 22198)
The critically endangered Kuranda Tree frog (Litoria myola) occurs only in a small distribution near Kuranda. This population is divided into 13 known breeding sites (subpopulations). Connectivity between these subpopulations is not known; therefore I will use genetic analysis to gain insight into both historical and current connectivity. Knowledge of population connectivity is of great importance for management, as it will help focus conservation efforts. This study will provide information on genetic distinctness of subpopulations, potential for natural recolonization if subpopulations decline or disappear, and where individuals should be sourced from if managers wanted to reintroduce the species to a site.
Fluorescent fur remote camera field experiment (Old ID 27576)
Aims: To determine if fur fluorescence can be excited by natural light and detected by nocturnal vertebrates. Outcomes: If wild animals interact consistently more often with one fur type during full moons, it will change the way we think about how nocturnal animals use light. If animals cannot detect fluorescence, the outcome will negate the need for further testing of a visual function. Significance: Using real fluorescent fur pelts in natural lighting is a world-first in discovering if nocturnal vertebrates use fluorescence as a visual cue. The result will determine if fluorescence becomes visible in different terrestrial lighting conditions
Conservation genomics of the Critically endangered Kuranda Treefrog (Old ID 28987)
This project aims to assess the conservation status of the Critically Endangered Kuranda Treefrog using a population genomics approach. The last sampling for this declining and localised species took place more than 10 years ago, and continuing declines have been detected in the field. It is unclear whether the population is retaining genetic diversity despite the small and declining population size or whether it is rapidly losing genetic diversity. Resolving this will be crucial for the management of this species. In this project I aim to assess genetic diversity, connectivity and population size of this Critically Endangered species using population genomics.
Conservation genomics of the Critically endangered Kuranda Treefrog (Old ID 28987)
This project aims to assess the conservation status of the Critically Endangered Kuranda Treefrog using a population genomics approach. The last sampling for this declining and localised species took place more than 10 years ago, and continuing declines have been detected in the field. It is unclear whether the population is retaining genetic diversity despite the small and declining population size or whether it is rapidly losing genetic diversity. Resolving this will be crucial for the management of this species. In this project I aim to assess genetic diversity, connectivity and population size of this Critically Endangered species using population genomics.
Evolution, ecology, and genomics of a recent speciation event in a rainforest frog (Old ID 22201)
The Kuranda Treefrog (Litoria myola) is a critically endangered species restricted to rainforest in the Kuranda area. To conserve the Kuranda Treefrog we need to understand its evolutionary past and the key ecological factors that will determine its future. The Kuranda Treefrog is the most recent speciation event demonstrated in the Wet Tropics (occurred ~6,000 years ago) and one of the most recent globally. This project is a mix of pure and applied research that aims to resolve the origin and future of Kuranda Treefrog using detailed genetic analyses and ecological niche modelling.
Evolution, ecology, and genomics of a recent speciation event in a rainforest frog (Old ID 22201)
The Kuranda Treefrog (Litoria myola) is a critically endangered species restricted to rainforest in the Kuranda area. To conserve the Kuranda Treefrog we need to understand its evolutionary past and the key ecological factors that will determine its future. The Kuranda Treefrog is the most recent speciation event demonstrated in the Wet Tropics (occurred ~6,000 years ago) and one of the most recent globally. This project is a mix of pure and applied research that aims to resolve the origin and future of Kuranda Treefrog using detailed genetic analyses and ecological niche modelling.
Complex growth rate evolution in a latitudinally widespread species
- 2004
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Researchers:Lin Schwarzkopf
Shade acclimation of rainforest leaves to colonization by lichens
- 2002
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Researchers:Betsy Jackes
Master of them all: performance specialization does not result in trade-offs in tropical lizards
- 2007
- Evolutionary Ecology
- Researchers:Lin Schwarzkopf
Does total reproductive effort evolve independently of offspring size?
- 2001
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Researchers:Lin Schwarzkopf
Nomadic movement in tropical toads
- 2002
- Wiley-Blackwell
- Researchers:Lin Schwarzkopf
Title:
Lead Investigator, ARC Discovery Grant ($395,000) Drought effects and insect attack on rainforests
Start Date:
01 Jan 2020
Start Date:
01 Jan 2022
Start Date:
23 Oct 2019
Start Date:
28 Sep 2018
Start Date:
02 Mar 2020
Start Date:
01 Jan 2023
End Date:
01 Jan 2026
Start Date:
31 Aug 2016
Start Date:
01 Jan 2013
Start Date:
15 Nov 2018
Start Date:
01 Jun 2016