Jill Landsberg Trust Fund Scholarship 2016

Transcription

1 Jill Landsberg Trust Fund Scholarship 2016 APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 5PM March A. PERSONAL DETAILS: Name: Position: Institution/Organisation: Department & Departmental Head: Supervisor/s: Supervisor/s Contact Rowena Hamer PhD Candidate University of Tasmania A/Prof Anthony Koutoulis A/Prof Menna Jones and Prof Chris Johnson and B. PREFERRED CONTACT DETAILS: Phone: Mobile: Postal Address: 3/29 Wentworth Street South Hobart TAS 7004 C. PROJECT TITLE Title: Restoring resilience in wildlife populations: devils, quolls and feral cats in the Tasmanian Midlands Checklist: I have included the following documents with the completed form: Reference from my supervisor (one page) Assessment of the significance of the proposed research from a representative of a relevant end-user organisation N.B. Applications will not be accepted without references and no extensions will be given. I am uploading this application and attachments as a single pdf document Signature: Date: 30/03/2016 Upload completed application form online by close of business March Any queries contact executiveofficer@ecolsoc.org.au

2 D. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED FIELD BASED RESEARCH: (inc summary of the project inc background, methodology and timeframes, and how grant would significantly add to the scope or depth of the project) Project background and aims My PhD research aims to improve the effectiveness of habitat restoration for wildlife in fragmented agricultural areas. Working in Tasmania in partnership with several industry stakeholders, I will focus on the ecology and management of threatened native marsupial carnivores (the Tasmanian devil, spotted-tailed quoll and eastern quoll) and the feral cat. These carnivorous species are of particular relevance to habitat restoration projects: there is increasing evidence that restoring predator populations can be an important conservation tool, restoring top down regulation of biodiversity at lower trophic levels, and increasing resilience to environmental change [1-3]. My research has two main aims, which are based on critical knowledge gaps identified by our partner organisations: 1. To provide detailed information on the movements and habitat requirements of native marsupial carnivores (Tasmanian devils, spotted tailed and eastern quolls) in the Midlands region. 2. To investigate the habitat use and predatory impact of the feral cat, and the potential of alternative cat management methods. Current restoration programs, although relatively effective in re-establishing vegetation cover, lack a detailed understanding of the requirements of native fauna species. We typically have a very limited understanding of what constitutes preferred habitat for any particular species, and how this may change according to season, developmental stage or sex [4-6]. Moreover, within fragmented landscapes, areas of suitable habitat may be inaccessible if individuals cannot traverse the surrounding matrix of agricultural or disturbed land [7]. Knowledge of species habitat requirements and movement patterns is therefore critical to planning effective habitat restoration programs. My research aims to provide this information for the three native carnivores, with a view to restoring healthy populations of these species. The second part of my research aims to investigate alternative feral cat management options, as traditional culling methods are costly, labour intensive and often ineffective [8]. Feral cats have been implicated in numerous native species declines and extinctions across Australia [8], including that of the eastern quoll, and thus their presence may be one of the key limiting factors for the success of restoration efforts. Firstly, I will study the interactions between cats and the Tasmanian devil and spotted-tailed quoll, as studies have suggested that these species have the potential to supress feral cats [9, 10]. Secondly, I will examine the behaviour and hunting success of feral cats across different habitat types. There is evidence that feral cat hunting success is lower in more complex habitats [11], suggesting that the provision of refuge habitats may promote the persistence of native prey species. Lastly, I will monitor the effectiveness of current cat culling programs with regards to cat abundance, prey abundance and toxoplasmosis prevalence in stock and wildlife. Methodology My project will incorporate multiple experiments to attempt to address my two aims: these are briefly summarised below. An indicative timeline is also provided for the fieldwork components of the PhD. Experiment Aim Brief methodology Aim 1: Native carnivore habitat requirements and movement behaviour A B Occupancy Study GPS Tracking Determine landscape-scale factors driving presence/ absence of these species Estimate value of habitat types and microhabitat features for each species at a local scale. 120 wildlife cameras situated in woodland and grassland, sampling different levels of fragmentation and habitat modification across the Midlands region. Analysed with occupancy models [12] individuals of each species tracked via GPS collars across 4 different sites and levels of fragmentation. Fine-scale (1 fix/ 5 minutes) tracking for approximately 1 month/ individual. Analysed using resource selection and mechanistic home range modelling [13]

3 C Connectivity study Investigate the importance of micro-connectivity structures for species movement through the agricultural matrix. Aim 2: feral cat habitat use, predatory impact and potential control methods D E GPS tracking Camera collars Investigate interactions with native carnivore species. Investigate effect of cat removal on movement of surrounding competitors. Determine whether cat hunting efficiency is limited by habitat complexity. F Cat culling Monitor effectiveness of existing cat culling efforts. Determine timing of cat reinvasion post culling. Project timeline Use passive wildlife cameras to compare use of micro-connectivity structures (e.g. shelter belts, hedgerows, paddock trees, gorse patches, log piles) and open areas. Manipulate connectivity by adding/ removing piles of woody debris/ gorse between habitat patches. Analysed with general linear models (GLMs). Simultaneously track cats and natives with GPS collars (as above), analyse using step-selection models including effect of competitor proximity. Cats euthanased at end of tracking period. Examine movement response of surrounding individuals (cats and natives) using GPS collars and wildlife cameras. Compare predator and prey activity in vacated home range pre and post cat removal. Combine animal-borne cameras and GPS collars to examine hunting behaviour and success across habitats. Manipulate understorey complexity through adding woody debris, and examine impact on hunting success. GLMs to compare hunting success across different habitats [11] Landholders in the midlands cull cats at different intensities. Use wildlife cameras and a BACI (before, after, control and impact) design to examine changes in densities of cats, native predators and prey in response to culling. Analysis using spatial capture markrecapture analyses [14] to determine densities. My project commenced in September 2014, with an estimated completion date of March The initial occupancy survey was commenced in May 2015, immediately on receipt of animal ethics and scientific permits and fieldwork for this component has just been completed. The table below indicates a timeline for the experimental work outlined above. The last 6-8 months of the project will comprise mainly publication preparation and submission and attendance at conferences. Data analysis and publication preparation will also be ongoing throughout the project. Task* J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A B, D C E F Grant significance to project As indicated in the budget breakdown (Section E), funds requested from the Jill Landsberg Trust Fund would be used in conjunction with funding from the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment for the purchase of 5 feral cat GPS collars. These GPS collars allow for the collection of detailed, long-term data on animal movements and habitat use and will form a critical component of my research. The funds requested would bring the total number of purchased cat collars to 10, representing a substantial increase in my potential sample size. These collars have sufficient battery life to be used for 2-3 deployments of approximately 1 month each, and nine cats have already or are currently being tracked. As such, a total of 10 collars would allow me to reach my target number of cats. This target number is based on the suggestions of Garton et al. [15] that at least radiotracked animals are needed to obtain accurate estimates of resource selection, with at least 50 locations per animal.

4 E. PROPOSED BUDGET The table below provides an indicative budget breakdown for my PhD research. Funds requested from the Jill Landsberg Trust Fund As indicated in the table below, money received from the ESA Jill Landsberg Trust Fund would be used to purchase an additional 5 GPS collars for feral cats, to add to the 5 collars currently purchased. These collars are not rechargeable, but have sufficient battery life to be used for 2-3 deployments of 1 month each. As such, a total of 10 collars would allow me to reach my target number of cats tracked. Please note that a different model of GPS collar is being used for the three native species. These collars are rechargeable and thus five collars per species should be sufficient for achieving my target sample sizes. However, it is anticipated that damage will occur and we have therefore budgeted $500 per collar towards refurbishment. Existing funding sources My PhD research is one of five projects partially funded under an ARC Linkage grant awarded to Menna Jones and Chris Johnson (UTAS), and Neil Davidson (Greening Australia). I have also been fortunate enough to receive support from the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment and the Royal Zoological Society of NSW Ethel Mary Read research grant. As such, elements of my project are already funded as indicated in the budget breakdown provided. I am also applying to other granting agencies for additional costs (see budget table). Item Cost Holsworth ARC Other/ pending Basic field costs Notes Vehicle & fuel Vehicle rent $1300/mo, est. 330d fieldwork (120d year 1, 150d year 2, 60d year 3) Food Calculated at approx. $150/week Accommodation Shearer s quarters, $5 pp/night Consumables Includes microchips, baits, star pickets for cameras, sacks and other minor expenses GPS tracking Sedatives Domitor (sedative, $220/ 20mL) and Antisedan (reversal, $230/20ML) for feral cat handling GPS Collars collars (5 per species) at approx. $2 000 each, plus download and recharge units. GPS Collar refurbishment 5 additional cat GPS collars Camera collar prototypes Refurbishment of 15 GPS collars at approx. $500/ collar Re-order price of $1500. Requested funds from the Jill Landsberg Trust Fund of $6000 would contribute to this cost Funded by Royal Zoological Society of NSW (EMR grant). Camera collars Funding application to be prepared, contingent on outcomes of pilot project. Conference attendance Conference Attendance at local and international conferences over 3 year PhD. Estimated costs of registration, flights and accommodation Totals

5 References 1. Ritchie, E.G., et al., Ecosystem restoration with teeth: what role for predators? Trends in Ecology & Evolution, (5): p Ritchie, E.G. and C.N. Johnson, Predator interactions, mesopredator release and biodiversity conservation. Ecology Letters, (9): p Wallach, A.D., et al., Predator control promotes invasive dominated ecological states. Ecology Letters, (8): p Munro, N.T., D.B. Lindenmayer, and J. Fischer, Faunal response to revegetation in agricultural areas of Australia: A review. Ecological Management & Restoration, (3): p Hobbs, R.J., Can revegetation assist in the conservation of biodiversity in agricultural areas? Pacific Conservation Biology, (1): p Law, B.S. and C.R. Dickman, The use of habitat mosaics by terrestrial vertebrate fauna: implications for conservation and management. Biodiversity & Conservation, (3): p Ricketts, T.H., The Matrix Matters: Effective Isolation in Fragmented Landscapes. The American Naturalist, (1): p Denny, E.A. and C.R. Dickman, Review of cat ecology and management strategies in Australia: A report for the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre. 2010, Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre: University of Canberra. 9. Hollings, T., et al., Trophic Cascades Following the Disease-Induced Decline of an Apex Predator, the Tasmanian Devil. Conservation Biology, (1): p Lazenby, B.T. and C.R. Dickman, Patterns of Detection and Capture Are Associated with Cohabiting Predators and Prey. Plos One, (4). 11. McGregor, H., Density, movement and hunting of feral cats in relation to fire and grazing in northern Australia. 2014, University of Tasmania. 12. MacKenzie, D.I., et al., Occupancy Estimation and Modeling: Inferring Patterns and Dynamics of Species Occurrence. 2006, Burlington, MA: Elsevier/Academic Press. 13. Moorcroft, P.R. and A. Barnett, Mechanistic home range models and resource selection analysis: A reconciliation and unification. Ecology, (4): p Borchers, D.L. and M.G. Efford, Spatially Explicit Maximum Likelihood Methods for Capture-Recapture Studies. Biometrics, (2): p Garton, E.O., et al., Experimental Design for Radiotelemetrey Studies, in Radio Tracking and Animal Populations, J. Millspaugh and J.M. Marzluff, Editors. 2001, Academic Press: California, London.

6 ESA Jill Landsberg Trust Fund Scholarship Application March 2016 Restoring resilience in wildlife populations: devils, quolls and feral cats in the Tasmanian Midlands 1 Supervisor reference The Jill Landsberg Trust Fund Scholarship 2016 To the selection panel, I am writing in support of the application by Rowena Hamer for the 2016 Jill Landsberg Trust Fund Scholarship. Rowena commenced her PhD in September 2014 at the University of Tasmania under the supervision of myself and Professor Chris Johnson. I believe that this scholarship would be of immense benefit to Rowena, both over the course of her PhD and in her future career. Rowena has an excellent academic record, and a keen interest in undertaking research which is directly related to current challenges in biodiversity conservation and management. This is evidenced by her choice of PhD research topic, which is designed to feed directly into improved conservation planning by our partner and collaborator organisations. This scholarship would not only benefit her research project by funding core fieldwork equipment, but would also allow her to expand her knowledge of current ecological research and her professional networks by funding her to attend two Ecological Society of Australia conferences. The knowledge and networks which Rowena would gain through attending the Ecological Society of Australia s conferences would also directly benefit our broader research group. Rowena s PhD project is part of a broader collaborative research project involving a number of members of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Tasmania (six PhD students, two postdoctoral researchers and three academic staff), in partnership with industry and government stakeholders (Greening Australia, Bush Heritage Australia, Tasmanian Land Conservancy and the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE)). I give my unconditional support to Rowena Hamer for success in this application. She is an excellent PhD candidate, who has already in a couple of years since completing her Honours gained valuable international and industry experience. She has a bright future ahead in the theory and practice of conservation science in Australia. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information. Yours sincerely, A/Prof. Menna Jones ARC Future Fellow School of Biological Sciences University of Tasmania Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia Menna.Jones@utas.edu.au Ph: Fax:

7 The Jill Landsberg Trust Fund Scholarship Assessment of the significance of Rowena Hamer s proposed research to Greening Australia To the Selection Panel, Greening Australia is the industry partner for the Australian Research Council supported University of Tasmania research project Restoring resilience in wildlife populations. We are embarking on large scale whole-oflandscape restoration in the Tasmanian Midlands, with the aim of improving fauna habitat and pathways for animal movements across landscapes. We are supporting the project as critical knowledge gaps exist in understanding native fauna behaviours and habitat requirements in fractured agricultural landscapes. Rowena Hamer is one of the PhD candidates studying in the ARC Linkage project and assisting us integrate fauna requirements into restoration planning: most of our restoration planning to date has focussed on restoring vegetation cover, whereas we have little data on fauna needs. The information she will collect will help with planning the configuration of plantings (e.g. spacing, size, connectivity elements needed between habitat patches) as well as their composition (in terms of vegetation structure and floristics, need for additional refuge structures such as woody debris, understorey complexity) to maximise benefit for native fauna. Rowena will study carnivores as biodiversity regulators: given their position at the top of the food web, carnivores can regulate the presence, abundance and behaviour of smaller prey species, with flow on effects down the ecosystem. a) Because she is working in collaboration with four other PhD projects on different fauna groups, she hopes to build up a strong picture of how these predator-predator and predator-prey relationships are operating, and therefore whether predator management (either through encouraging predator populations (natives) or controlling feral cats) may be needed to allow smaller native species to colonise/persist in areas. b) Her research will have a strong focus on feral cats in the Midlands, both on their landscape and habitat use, their impacts on prey species and the effectiveness of current control methods. Cats have been cited as one of the driving forces behind many species declines and extinctions, and as a limiting factor in many native species reintroductions. Cats extreme adaptability, both at the population and individual level, means that extrapolating information from other studies on the mainland may not be very helpful. Both the Tasmanian devil and eastern quoll are species of conservation concern, as they have undergone drastic population declines statewide. Both species are present in the Midlands, but there is little information on their habitat use and requirements in this landscape. Information on where they persist in the Midlands and how they are using habitat remnants will therefore assist in their conservation in this area. We have already established good working relationships with Rowena, her supervisors and her colleagues and are confident that her research is targeted towards addressing identified information gaps and will assist us greatly in landscape design and revegetation structure requirements. I wish Rowena success in her application for this award, as I am sure it will contribute to the outcome of her research. Yours sincerely, Sebastian Burgess Director of Conservation Hobart 30 March 2016 Greening Australia Tasmania ABN Sustainability Learning Centre 50 Olinda Grove Mt Nelson 7007 GPO Box 1191 Hobart TAS 7001 T E tas@greeningaustralia.org.au W