The alteration of global fire regimes and increased frequency of megafires are a significant issue for fire-sensitive species across the globe. In the Austral summer of 2019/2020, south-eastern Australia experienced one of the worst fire seasons in recorded history (Black Summer), affecting 12.6 million hectares of eastern Australia. The endangered southern greater glider (Petauroides volans), a species that inhabits large areas impacted by Black Summer, is known to be vulnerable to the effects of fire. 

Jenna’s masters investigates the impact of Black Summer on the southern greater glider. She uses both species distribution modelling and a field-based study to explore this. Her project details the implementation of a landscape scale nestbox study which aims to inform future management measures for the species. Overall, her research aims to increase our understanding of the species post-fire and ensure their survival into the future. 

About the Speaker

Jenna (she/her) is completing her MPhil at the Fenner School of Environment and Society in Canberra, on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country.

Her masters research focuses on the recovery of the southern greater glider in areas affected by the 2019/2020 Black Summer fires. Jenna is an ecologist, with a focus on conserving threatened species through applied conservation and management measures.

Jenna has a Bachelor of Science majoring in conservation biology and zoology from the University of Western Australia, a first-class honours in ecology and a graduate certificate in Indigenous Engagement from Charles Darwin University.

Since moving to Canberra and outside of her masters, Jenna has worked at Mulligans Flat Wildlife Sanctuary and is a demonstrator for a couple of Fenner undergraduate courses. She is passionate about Australia’s biodiversity and conserving it for future generations.

If you plan on attending the seminar via zoom, please register here.