Improving conservation strategies for bitterns in the Lower Lakes of South Australia

Project description

The iconic Murray-Darling Basin was once the epitome of a boom-and-bust river system, but over the last century extensive damming and water extraction have changed the natural function of the system. As a result, many water-dependent species require active conservation for their persistence. The success of these actions depends on the quality of science that underpins them. We target two birds of conservation significance, the Australasian bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) and Australian little bittern (Ixobrychus dubius), in the Lower Lakes of South Australia. The student will extract bittern call data from existing audio recordings and determine which environmental and hydrological features are driving occupancy in these species. The student will provide management advice to project partners - Landscapes South Australia – which will change conservation practices for these species.

Co-supervisors

Rupert Mathwin

Supervisors research focus

I am something of a generalist, but ‘environmental modeller’ largely covers my interests and expertise. My team and I develop models to predict ecosystem function, resilience, and change in the past, present, and future, with a focus on maintaining as much biodiversity as possible for the benefit of all.

Industry involvement

Landscapes South Australia

Note: You need to register interest in projects from different supervisors (not a number of projects with the one supervisor).
You must also contact each supervisor directly to discuss both the project details and your suitability to undertake the project.