Student research opportunities

Dispersal ecology

Population ecology of emu-dispersed plant species in jarrah forests of SW Australia; projects focus on a number of key emu-dispersed plant species (Podocarpus drouynianus, Macrozamia riedlii, Astroloma and Leucopogon species, Persoonia longifolia and P. elliptica) investigating plant densities and population size structures, fecundity (seed production) and recruitment in unburned and recently (fuel reduction) burned sites in relation to extent of forest fragmentation and emu population decline . A number of projects may be available here, each focussing on a different plant species.

Seed dispersal studies of key emu-dispersed plant species of SW Australian jarrah forests: Project(s) focussing on collection of field evidence for vector s (what animals? do they disperse or kill the seeds) and rates and distances of seed dispersal away from key plant species (those listed in 1. Above). Studies will use motion-triggered digital video surveillance of plants with seeds, and/or experimentally placed batches of seeds for removal. And, is there a soil store of seeds below parent plants (and away from parent plants)? Collection of soil samples and sieving for large seeds required to check for seeds and their abundances, then viability/germination testing of seeds.

What kinds of seeds are emus eating and dispersing in jarrah forests of SW Australia? How does passage through their gut affect seed viability and germinability? Do seeds still need other treatments to facilitate germination (heat and/or smoke of fire, winter (cold) stratification, other?). What are the potential effects of declining emu interactions with these plants as a result of forest fragmentation? This project entails collection of emu scats, removal and identification of seeds from scats, testing of seed viability and germinability with/without additional treatments for sites in the Perth Hills where emu populations may have declined, versus samples from more extensive forest areas in the south-west where emus are still abundant.

Pollination biology – mid year start or three semesters best

Why do many Proteaceae have masses of flowers but so few fruits? This will look at the pollination success for selected seeder and sprouter Proteaceae to see if pollination is limiting the fruit production. There will be field observation, and microscope work in the lab for this project.

Urban Ecology

Urban ecology is a rapidly emerging field with clear importance in providing information to managers and policy makers. A range of fascinating questions exist here in Perth ranging from plant and animal dynamics in urban reserves (distribution, abundance, landscape patterns )to vegetative composition and wildlife use of private gardens (what is the biodiversity value of gardens?). Ample opportunity exists for landscape-scale studies as well which might examine patterns of urbanisation and consequences for both humans and indigenous biodiversity. e.g. Restoration of Banksia woodlands in the southern metropolitan area: How can we best seek to restore the vegetation of degraded bushland areas and how can we maximise their value as Carnabys cockatoo habitat?

Wildlife Ecology

Examining distribution and abundance of wildlife (birds, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles) in relation to a number of ecological gradients is a core interest of Dr Fontaine’s, particularly as it relates to disturbance (fire, urbanisation, etc). Potential questions might include investigating how bird communities (species composition and abundance) vary across the Perth metropolitan area with respect to reserve size of age of suburb or how focal species such as honeyeaters and parrots utilise urban parks and gardens. Similar types of questions can be posed with respect to other wildlife taxa (reptiles, amphibians) in urban settings or how wildlife taxa respond to gradients in fire management in larger reserved areas such as national parks or nature reserves. Fire Ecology and climate change Fire in its frequency, intensity, and extent has played a central role in shaping the flora and fauna of Western Australia. Projects examining fire behaviour, fire science, and the consequences of fire for plants and animals are all strong possibilities. We have on-going projects which focus on the high diversity northern sandplain shrublands (kwongan) of the Eneabba region and the effects of fire (managed and wild) on species (population effects) and communities , and how climate change may be affecting this biodiversity hot-spot ecosystem, both directly, and interactively through changes to fire regime.

And – of course - if you have any research project idea of your own that relates to any of the above, we would be happy to talk to you about it.