Contacts
Belinda is an ecologist who specialises in threatened species conservation and reintroduction biology, particularly through combined research-management approaches.
Experience in academic research, ecological consultancy, environmental regulation, and wildlife rehabilitation have led to a keen interest in combining fundamental science with management actions. By understanding how environmental change impacts physiology, behaviour, habitat use, associations, and broader ecosystem processes, Belinda investigates how iterative trials and adaptive management can lead to better conservation outcomes for threatened species.
Research interests
Thesis title
Reintroduction Biology of the Eastern Quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus)
Thesis description
Australia has the highest rate of mammal extinction of any continent on the planet. This has reduced biodiversity and compromised important ecological processes. What is the best way to rebuild depauperate mammal communities? What effects do reintroductions have on recipient ecosystems?
Belinda’s PhD project aims to experimentally restore the eastern quoll to Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary after an absence of over 80 years. This is part of the Australian Research Councilfunded Bringing Back Biodiversity project, which has already reintroduced a number of species into the sanctuary, including the eastern bettong, bush stone-curlew, and New Holland mouse.
This is the first time such a multi-species reintroduction has been attempted within such an integrated experimental framework. Results will have enormous implications for both fundamental and applied ecology, providing critical insights into how to combine species reintroductions with ecosystem restoration techniques to improve management and resilience of Australia’s woodland ecosystems. This study also represents a major collaborative effort between The Australian National University, ACT Government, Woodlands and Wetlands Trust, and Mt Rothwell, and is part of the long-term Mulligans Flat-Goorooyarroo Woodland Experiment.
- Wilson et al. (2020) Adapting reintroduction tactics in successive trials increases the likelihood of establishment for an endangered carnivore in a fenced sanctuary. PLoS ONE 15(6): e0234455.
- Portas et al. (2020) Baseline health and disease assessment of founder eastern quolls during a conservation translocation to mainland Australia. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 56 (3): 547559.
