The University of Queensland

Publications

Possible Research Projects

Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.

• What are the diurnal and nocturnal activity patterns of wildlife and cats in urban areas?

  This project aims to investigate the diurnal and nocturnal activity patterns of wildlife and cats in urban environments using camera trap data. By analysing the temporal behaviours and spatial distribution of wildlife and cats captured in camera trap images, the study seeks to identify peak activity periods, spatial distribution patterns, and potential interactions between species. The expected outcomes include insights into the temporal behaviours of wildlife and cats and implications for urban planning and wildlife management. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the project aims to contribute to the understanding of urban wildlife dynamics and promote biodiversity conservation in urban areas. This research project is collaborative research between The University of Queensland and the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation.

• Do seasonal changes affect the presence or behaviour of wildlife and cats in urban areas captured by camera traps?

  This research project aims to investigate the impact of seasonal changes on the presence and behaviour of wildlife and cats in urban environments, as captured by camera traps. By analysing data collected over multiple seasons, the study seeks to elucidate any variations in the abundance, activity patterns, and spatial distribution of wildlife and cats in response to seasonal fluctuations. Through systematic analysis of camera trap images, the project aims to identify seasonal trends and potential correlations between environmental factors and animal behaviour. The findings of this research will contribute to a better understanding of how seasonal changes influence urban wildlife dynamics and will inform urban planning, wildlife management, and conservation efforts aimed at promoting biodiversity and coexistence in urban areas. This research project is collaborative research between The University of Queensland and the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation

• Documenting the movement of free roaming restricted matter cats

  This research project focuses on tracking the movements of free-roaming restricted matter cats. Stray cats brought into the RSPCA will undergo desexing and have a tracking collar placed around their neck before being returned to their original location. The study aims to analyse the activity and roaming behaviour of these cats to deepen our understanding of stray cat behaviour and the potential risk they pose to wildlife predation in specific target suburbs. The study will span a year, during which data will be collected continuously. Simultaneously, a complementary study will deploy and retrieve images of wildlife in the target areas. The overarching goal is to develop more effective methods for managing stray cat populations than those currently in place. The research project is being conducted at the RSPCA QLD Wacol Animal Hospital and it is collaborative research between The University of Queensland and the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation.

• 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.

• Exploring Spatial Dynamics of Short-Beaked Echidnas in SEQLD

  Short-beaked echidnas, unique egg-laying mammals, offer a fascinating subject due to the limited robust information available on their distribution and abundance. By utilizing GIS techniques, this project aims to uncover valuable insights into the spatial dynamics of echidna populations using data sourced from the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland's Echidna Watch program. This opportunity is ideal for a student with an interest in or willingness to learn Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial mapping of sightings, revealing spatial and temporal patterns within nine years' worth of data. Suitable for honours or Masters students.

• Short-Beaked Echidna Distribution and Abundance in South-East Queensland

  As one of Australia's most iconic and unique egg-laying mammals, the short-beaked echidna plays a vital ecological role, yet firm data on its abundance and distribution in this region are lacking. By deploying camera traps strategically across key habitats, this project aims to fill this knowledge gap and provide valuable insights into the conservation status and ecological dynamics of this species. Objectives include deploying camera traps across selected sites in south-east Queensland to detect and record short-beaked echidna sightings, assessing the presence and frequency of short-beaked echidna detections to determine their distribution across different habitat types and land tenures, estimating the relative abundance of short-beaked echidnas based on detection rates and spatial distribution patterns, and investigating temporal variations in echidna activity to understand seasonal movements and habitat preferences. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, or related fields, the ability to work independently and as part of a research team, and excellent communication skills with a willingness to engage with local communities and stakeholders. Experience with fieldwork, data collection, and/or camera trap deployments is desirable but not essential.

• Putative risk factors for predation of native mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians by pet dogs and cats.

  This study utilises data collected from 1,398 respondents across Australia through an internet survey. Participants were asked a series of questions concerning their pet cat/s and dog/s to gather information about potential risk factors contributing to their predation on native wildlife. By exploring these factors, such as pet sex, age, breed, behaviour, environmental conditions, and owner practices, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between domestic pets and native wildlife. This knowledge is essential for developing effective conservation strategies to mitigate the impact of pet predation on vulnerable species and ecosystems, ultimately promoting biodiversity preservation and fostering sustainable coexistence between pets and wildlife. This research project is collaborative research between The University of Queensland and the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation

• Attitudes to cat and dog predation of wildlife

  This study is currently highly relevant with reports of cats killing an estimated one million birds every day (Woinarski, 2017). Data has been collected from 1,398 respondents across Australia through an internet survey. The survey explored owner attitudes regarding the predation of both native and non-native wildlife by dogs and cats. Additionally, it sought insights into respondents' support for desexing programs aimed at stray cats (e.g., trap, neuter, and return), as well as their willingness to replace their gardens with native plant species. The findings of this research hold significant implications for public policy formulation, especially given the heightened concerns among the general populace regarding cat predation. By providing valuable insights into these issues, the study aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse and decision-making surrounding wildlife conservation and pet management. This research project is collaborative research between The University of Queensland and the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation.