
Overview
Background
A/Prof Stephen Johnston is a Reader in Reproduction (40% Teaching; 40% Research and 20% Service) in the School of Environment at the University of Queensland, where he teaches animal reproduction and captive husbandry to Bachelor of Wildlife Science and Science undergraduate and postgraduate students. He is current program coordinator for the Bachelor of Wildlife Science Program. He is also a research affiliate in the School of Veterinary Science. Stephen was trained as a zoologist and specialises in the area of reproductive biology in a broad diversity of species ranging from prawns to tigers but with a major focus on Australian mammals. A/Prof Johnston has published 300 scientific works in basic and applied science disciplines including reproductive anatomy, physiology and behaviour. He was the first person in the world to produce a pouch young following artificial insemination in a marsupial, a task that he and his colleagues have now carried out successfully in the koala, a total of 34 times. Stephen is also a specialist in the cryopreservation of marsupial spermatozoa and in the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation, including human and domestic animal spermatozoa. A/Prof Johnston’s recent research interests and grant success include studies aimed at a better understanding of the effect of chlamydia on male koala reproduction, heat stress in koalas, sociobiology of koalas, genetic and reproductive management of koalas, wombat captive reproduction, echidna captive breeding, crocodile artificial insemination and prawn aquaculture. He is a Fellow of the Society for Reproductive Biology (2019)
Availability
- Associate Professor Steve Johnston is:
- Not available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
-
Reproductive Biology of Wildlife
The study of fundamental (anatomy, physiology and behaviour) and applied biology of the reproduction of Australian fauna and exotic mammals
-
Assessment of male human fertility
Studies centred around the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation in human reproductive medicine
-
Cryopreservation of spermatozoa
A study of the cryopreservation of spermatozoa of vertebrate species
Research impacts
For 25 years, A/Prof Johnston has been the leader in the development of assisted breeding technology in Australian native fauna, with a strong interest in marsupial reproduction. His successful koala artificial breeding technology has been incorporated into State Government Conservation Policy and Legislation. The koala assisted breeding technology, which he developed, is also currently been used by the Queensland Zoo industry for genetic exchange and there are plans to use the technology for the overseas export of koala sperm to Japan and the United States. This work has also received recent acknowledgement n the Koala Expert Panel Final Report to the Queensland Government (2018). He provides expert advice and consultancy to the (1) Zoo Industry - Dreamworld, Australia Zoo, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Taronga Zoo, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Rockhampton Zoo, Perth Zoo, Australian Animals Care and Education, Sea World, Paradise Country, San Diego Zoo, Australian Japan Wildlife Education Conservation Foundation, Japanese Zoo Industry (2) Production Animal Industry - Koorana Crocodile Farm, Ag Force – teacher education programs, Prawn and Aquaculture (DAFFI and CSIRO). He is a regular media commentator on wildlife related issues for TV and radio and has been involved with numerous documentaries on marsupial and monotreme reproduction including “Koala Miracle” by Lyndal Davies (1998) from Rock Wallaby Productions, (which featured his work on the successful artificial insemination of the koala) “Miracle babies” produced by National Geographic Channel (2012) - http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/episodes/koala-dating-game1/ and morerecently, a new documentary “Born in the Wild” produced by Charlotte Hunt-Grubble from Windfall Films on my koala and echidna reproductive research.
Works
Search Professor Steve Johnston’s works on UQ eSpace
2014
Journal Article
Extension, osmotic tolerance and cryopreservation of saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) spermatozoa
Johnston, S. D., Lever, J., McLeod, R., Qualischefski, E., Brabazon, S., Walton, S. and Collins, S. N. (2014). Extension, osmotic tolerance and cryopreservation of saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) spermatozoa. Aquaculture, 426-427, 213-221. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2014.02.014
2014
Journal Article
Faecal particle size and tooth wear of the koala (Phascolartcos cinereus)
Ellis, William, Attard, Rachel, Johnston, Stephen, Theileman, Peter, McKinnon, Allan and Booth, David (2014). Faecal particle size and tooth wear of the koala (Phascolartcos cinereus). Australian Mammalogy, Online Early (1), 1-5. doi: 10.1071/AM13033
2014
Journal Article
Semen collection and seminal characteristics of the Australian saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
Johnston, S. D., Lever, J., McLeod, R., Oishi, M., Qualischefski, E., Omanga, C., Leitner, M., Price, R., Barker, L., Kamau, K., Gaughan, J. and D'Occhio, M. (2014). Semen collection and seminal characteristics of the Australian saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Aquaculture, 422-423, 25-35. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2013.11.002
2014
Other Outputs
Development of breeding techniques in the crocodile industry
Johnston, Stephen, Lever, John, McLeod, Robby, Oishi, Motoharu and Collins, Simon (2014). Development of breeding techniques in the crocodile industry. Canberra, ACT, Australia:
2014
Book Chapter
Sperm DNA Fragmentation and its role in wildlife conservation
Gosalvez, Jaime, Holt, William V. and Johnston, Stephen D. (2014). Sperm DNA Fragmentation and its role in wildlife conservation. Reproductive sciences in animal conservation: Progress and prospects. (pp. 357-384) edited by William V. Holt, Janine L. Brown and Pierre Comizzoli. New York, NY United States: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2-15
2014
Journal Article
Testing the regional genetic representativeness of captive koala populations in South-East Queensland
Seddon, Jennifer M., Lee, Kristen E., Johnston, Stephen D., Nicolson, Vere N., Pyne, Michael, Carrick, Frank N. and Ellis, William A. H. (2014). Testing the regional genetic representativeness of captive koala populations in South-East Queensland. Wildlife Research, 41 (4), 277-286. doi: 10.1071/WR13103
2014
Book Chapter
The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): A case study in the development of reproductive technology in a marsupial
Johnston, Stephen D. and Holt, William V. (2014). The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): A case study in the development of reproductive technology in a marsupial. Reproductive sciences in animal conservation: Progress and prospects. (pp. 171-203) edited by William V. Holt, Janine L. Brown and Pierre Comizzoli. New York NY United States: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2-9
2013
Journal Article
Wombat reproduction (Marsupialia; Vombatidae): an update and future directions for the development of artificial breeding technology
Hogan, Lindsay A., Janssen, Tina and Johnston, Stephen D. (2013). Wombat reproduction (Marsupialia; Vombatidae): an update and future directions for the development of artificial breeding technology. Reproduction, 145 (6), R157-R173. doi: 10.1530/REP-13-0012
2013
Journal Article
Eliminative behavior of captive numbats, Myrmecobius fasciatus (Mammalia; Marsupialia): pattern and Identification of fecal deposits
Hogan, Lindsay A., Lisle, Allan T. and Johnston, Stephen D. (2013). Eliminative behavior of captive numbats, Myrmecobius fasciatus (Mammalia; Marsupialia): pattern and Identification of fecal deposits. Zoo Biology, 32 (3), 324-331. doi: 10.1002/zoo.21061
2013
Journal Article
Anthropogenic changes to the landscape resulted in colonization of koalas in north-east New South Wales, Australia
Lee, Kristen E., Ellis, William A.H., Carrick, Frank N., Corley, Sean W., Johnston, Stephen D., Baverstock, Peter R., Nock, Catherine J., Rowe, Kevin C. and Seddon, Jennifer M. (2013). Anthropogenic changes to the landscape resulted in colonization of koalas in north-east New South Wales, Australia. Austral Ecology, 38 (3), 355-363. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-9993.2012.02414.x
2013
Journal Article
Colloidal centrifugation of stallion semen results in a reduced rate of sperm DNA fragmentation
Crespo, F., Gosalvez, J., Gutierrez-Cepeda, L., Serres, C. and Johnston, S. D. (2013). Colloidal centrifugation of stallion semen results in a reduced rate of sperm DNA fragmentation. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 48 (2), e23-e25. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02140.x
2013
Journal Article
Sperm chromatin in beef bulls in tropical environments
D'Occhio, Michael J., Hengstberger, Kirsten J., Tutt, Desmond, Holroyd, Richard G., Fordyce, Geoffry, Boe-Hansen, Gry B. and Johnston, Steve D. (2013). Sperm chromatin in beef bulls in tropical environments. Theriogenology, 79 (6), 946-952. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.01.012
2013
Journal Article
The seminiferous epithelial cycle and microanatomy of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) testis
Oishi, Motoharu, Takahashi, Mei, Amasaki, Hajime, Janssen, Tina and Johnston, Stephen D. (2013). The seminiferous epithelial cycle and microanatomy of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) testis. Journal of Anatomy, 222 (3), 380-389. doi: 10.1111/joa.12020
2013
Journal Article
Adult and juvenile sex identification in threatened monomorphic Geocrinia frogs using fecal steroid analysis
Hogan, Lindsay A., Lisle, Allan T., Johnston, Stephen D., Goad, Tammy and Robertson, Helen (2013). Adult and juvenile sex identification in threatened monomorphic Geocrinia frogs using fecal steroid analysis. Journal of Herpetology, 47 (1), 112-118. doi: 10.1670/11-290
2013
Journal Article
Koala habitat use and population density: using field data to test the assumptions of ecological models
Ellis, William, FitzGibbon, Sean, Melzer, Alistair, Wilson, Robbie, Johnston, Steve, Berkovitch, Fred, Dique, David and Carrick, Frank (2013). Koala habitat use and population density: using field data to test the assumptions of ecological models. Australian Mammalogy, 35 (2), 160-165. doi: 10.1071/AM12023
2013
Book Chapter
The role of captive koalas in koala conservation
Johnston, Stephen, Mucci, Al and Ellis, William (2013). The role of captive koalas in koala conservation. Conserving central Queensland's koalas. (pp. 54-59) edited by Nicole Flint and Alistair Melzer. Rockhampton, QLD, Australia: Central Queensland University.
2013
Book Chapter
The assessment of sperm DNA damage in the rabbit using the halomax assay
Gosálvez, J., López-Fernández, C., Arroyo, F., Gosálbez, A., Gutiérrez-Cortés, E. I. and Johnston, S. D. (2013). The assessment of sperm DNA damage in the rabbit using the halomax assay. Rabbits: Biology, Diet and Eating Habits and Disorders. (pp. 87-100) edited by Gianni Adamo and Albert Costanza. Hauppage, NY, U.S.A.: Nova Science Publishers.
2013
Conference Publication
Assessment of Fresh and Frozen-Thawed Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Truncatus) Sperm Dna Fragmentation Using the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion Test
Sanchez-Calabuig, M. J., de la Fuente, J., Beltran-Brena, P., Martinez-Nevado, E., Perez-Gutierrez, J. F., Blyde, D., Johnston, S., Harrison, K., Lopez-Fernandez, C. and Gosalvez, J. (2013). Assessment of Fresh and Frozen-Thawed Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Truncatus) Sperm Dna Fragmentation Using the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion Test. Annual Conference of the International Embryo Transfer Society, Hannover, Germany, 19-20 January 2013. Collingwood, VIC., Australia: C S I R O Publishing. doi: 10.1071/RDv25n1Ab170
2013
Conference Publication
Disease and ecology in Central Queensland
Ellis, William, Johnston, Steve, Melzer, Alistair, Carrick, Frank, Pyne, Michael and Fitzgibbon, Sean (2013). Disease and ecology in Central Queensland. Conserving Central Queensland's Koalas Workshop, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia, 1–3 February 2012. Rockhampton, QLD, Australia: Koala Research Centre of Central Queensland.
2013
Book Chapter
Workshop Session3: Captive management in global koala conservation (local, national and international refuges for koala genotypes)
Johnston, Stephen (2013). Workshop Session3: Captive management in global koala conservation (local, national and international refuges for koala genotypes). Conserving central Queensland's koalas. (pp. 60-60) Rockhampton, QLD, Australia: Central Queensland University.
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Steve Johnston is:
- Not available for supervision
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Monotreme and Marsupial Accessory Glands
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Chiara Palmieri, Dr Taylor Pini
-
Doctor Philosophy
Novel strategies for marsupial genetic preservation and in vitro embryo production
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Andres Gambini
-
Doctor Philosophy
Hatching out the secrets of female monotreme reproductive biology
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Chiara Palmieri, Dr Taylor Pini
-
Doctor Philosophy
Novel methods for improving in vitro production of bovine embryos
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Andres Gambini
-
Doctor Philosophy
The Development and Application of Assisted Breeding Technology for theConservation of Avian wildlife
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bob Doneley, Dr Taylor Pini
Completed supervision
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
New insights into the reproductive physiology of female short-beaked echidnas
Principal Advisor
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
The effect of Chlamydia on male koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) fertility
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Chiara Palmieri
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
The effect of heat stress on testicular thermoregulation in the bovine
Principal Advisor
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
The establishment of a Living Genome Resource Bank utilising genetic analysis and assisted breeding technology: a case study on the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Principal Advisor
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Spermatogenesis and Sperm Assessment in the Black Tiger Prawn, Penaeus monodon
Principal Advisor
-
2018
Master Philosophy
The assessment of reproductive function, behaviour and adrenal physiology in captive male southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons)
Principal Advisor
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
The use of urine as a tool to analyse the reproductive function of captive female southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons)
Principal Advisor
-
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
New insights into the Reproductive Physiology and Management of the Female Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): Factors affecting the control of the oestrous cycle
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Stephen Anderson
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
The Novel Reproductive Biology of Flying-foxes (Pteropus spp.): Implications for the Development of Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Principal Advisor
-
2012
Master Philosophy
Chlamydial Disease of the Male Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Reproductive Tract
Principal Advisor
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Refinement of Artificial Insemination Program in the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) with an Emphasis on Male Factor Fertility
Principal Advisor
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Functional Approaches to the Development of Koala Sperm Cryopreservation Techniques
Principal Advisor
-
-
2005
Master Philosophy
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE MALE AND FEMALE COMMON WOMBAT, Vombatus ursinus: STUDIES TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ARTIFICAL INSEMINATION PROTOCAL
Principal Advisor
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the koala retrovirus epidemic: genetic diversity, transmission and immunogenicity
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Keith Chappell
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Further insights into the pathogenesis of Chlamydiosis and characterisation of immune cells in the reproductive tract of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Chiara Palmieri
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
The physiological and behavioural adaptations in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in response to climate change
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bill Ellis
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE MALE AUSTRALIAN PARROT An emphasis on the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)
Associate Advisor
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
The behavioural biology and management of southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) in captivity
Associate Advisor
-
2010
Doctor Philosophy
The behaviour and reproductive biology of captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons)
Associate Advisor
-
2008
Master Philosophy
Longitudinal Changes in Testosterone Secretion and Agressive Behaviour and the Use of a GnRH Agonist in Male Australian Sea Lions, Neophoca Cinerea
Associate Advisor
-
2008
Doctor Philosophy
The identification of factors responsible for boar testicular hypertrophy following neonatal hemicastration
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Steve Johnston directly for media enquiries about:
- Animal reproduction
- Bilbies
- Breeding technologies - for animals
- Captive breeding programs
- Crocodile reproduction
- Cryopreservation - animal genetics
- Embryo transfer - animals
- Exotic animals - reproductive biology
- IVF - for animals
- Kangaroos
- Koalas
- Koalas - reproductive biology
- Reproduction in animals
- Rhinos
- Spermatology - animal studies
- Wildlife reproductive biology
- Wombats
- Zoo captive breeding
Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team: