Kate Dutton-Regester

Platypus Behaviour Research Project

Are you passionate about wildlife behaviour and keen to make a meaningful contribution to conservation research? We are seeking a motivated Honours or Masters student to join a research project focused on studying the behaviour of platypus in the Moreton Bay region, QLD. This unique project offers a chance to explore the fascinating lives of one of Australia's iconic species in its natural habitat.

Project Overview: The research will involve analysing video footage and behavioural recordings to better understand both general and reproductive behaviours of platypus populations in the Moreton Bay region. This work is vital for gaining insights into the life history of this elusive species and informing future conservation efforts.

What You'll Do:

• Analyse recorded video footage to identify and categorise behavioural patterns.
• Focus on reproductive behaviours to understand mating and nesting activities.
• Collaborate with a dynamic team of researchers and wildlife experts.
• Contribute to the growing body of knowledge on platypus ecology

Ideal Candidate:

• A student currently enrolled in, or eligible for, an Honours or Masters program in 2025.
• Background in wildlife behaviour, ecology, zoology, or a related field.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
• Enthusiasm for fieldwork and video analysis, with an interest in conservation.

How to Apply: To express your interest, please send a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the project, along with your CV and academic transcript to k.duttonregester@uq.edu.au. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a Suitable candidate is found.

Short-beaked Echidna Seasonal Activity

Are you a student fascinated by wildlife ecology and interested in understanding how climate change affects animal behaviour? We are looking for an enthusiastic Honours or Masters student to join a research project investigating the seasonal activity and breeding patterns of the short-beaked echidna in Southeast Queensland (SEQLD). This project is an excellent opportunity to contribute to important research on a uniquely Australian species and its response to changing environmental conditions.

Project Overview: The project will focus on setting up camera traps across various locations in SEQLD to monitor echidna activity. The primary goal is to determine whether the breeding season—historically occurring from June to October—is shifting due to increasing temperatures. Since echidnas are sensitive to heat, understanding if their breeding season is starting earlier or becoming shorter is crucial for assessing the potential impacts of climate change on their reproductive success.

What You'll Do:

• Install and maintain camera traps in selected field sites throughout SEQLD.
• Analyse footage to monitor echidna activity patterns and breeding behaviours.
• Evaluate seasonal changes and correlate them with temperature data.
• Work closely with researchers focused on wildlife behaviour and conservation.

Ideal Candidate:

• A student currently enrolled in, or eligible for, an Honours or Masters program in ecology, zoology, or a related field in 2025.
• Interest in wildlife monitoring, camera trap technology, and behavioural ecology.
• Strong organisational skills and willingness to conduct fieldwork in varied conditions.
• Passion for conservation and understanding the impacts of climate change on wildlife.

How to Apply: To express your interest, please send a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the project, along with your CV and academic transcript to k.duttonregester@uq.edu.au. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a Suitable candidate is found.

Mapping Echidna Distribution Using Citizen Science

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and skilled in geographic information systems (GIS)? We are seeking an Honours or Masters student to participate in a research project that uses citizen science data to map the distribution of short-beaked echidnas across Southeast Queensland (SEQLD). This project aims to identify problem hotspots where echidnas are observed deceased, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts.

Project Overview: The research will leverage citizen science observations to map echidna distribution across SEQLD using QGIS. The project will focus on identifying areas where echidnas are frequently found deceased, which could indicate high-risk locations due to road networks or other human activities. The findings will help guide conservation strategies to reduce echidna mortality and protect local populations.

What You'll Do:

• Collect and analyze citizen science data to map echidna sightings and mortality across SEQLD.
• Use QGIS to create detailed maps showing distribution patterns and problem hotspots.
• Identify correlations between echidna mortality and environmental factors such as road density.
• Collaborate with a team of conservation researchers and contribute to data-driven management recommendations.

Ideal Candidate:

• A student currently enrolled in, or eligible for, an Honours or Masters program in environmental science, ecology, GIS, or a related field in 2025.
• Experience with mapping software and spatial data analysis.
• Strong data management and analytical skills.
• Passion for wildlife conservation and understanding human impacts on biodiversity.

How to Apply: To express your interest, please send a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the project, along with your CV and academic transcript to k.duttonregester@uq.edu.au. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a Suitable candidate is found.

Wildlife hospital admissions - causes and outcomes

Opportunity for an Honours or Masters student to participate in a research project focused on wildlife hospital admission causes and outcomes from wildlife hospital and veterinary clinics across Australia. This project involves analysing data to identify patterns in admission causes, treatment outcomes, and species distributions. The student researcher will be responsible for collating data, conducting statistical analysis, and interpreting results to gain insights into factors affecting wildlife health and conservation.