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Rebecca Quah

Overview of thesis

Improving translocation success for mycophagous mammals: Resource use and availability

Mycophagous (fungi-eating) mammals play an important role in ecosystems as fungal dispersers, with many also acting as bioturbators while digging for underground, truffle-like fungi. Unfortunately, Oceania has the highest percentage of threatened bioturbator species. The conservation of mycophagous mammals is therefore vital towards maintaining and restoring ecosystem health. Translocations are an effective conservation tool; however, translocations of mycophagous species are complicated by their unique resource requirements. This project will use environmental DNA and ecological modelling techniques to study the resource use and availability for three threatened Australian species – Gilbert’s potoroo, boodies and woylies. Findings from this PhD are anticipated to help guide the translocations of these species.

Qualifications

  • 2023: Animal Ethics Certification, University of Adelaide
  • 2022: 4WD Certification, Eureka 4WD Training
  • 2022: Operate Commercial Vehicle, Driver Risk Management
  • 2022: Microchipping Accreditation, Wemberley Veterinary Hospital
  • 2022: Snake Handling Course, Bob Cooper Snake R&R
  • 2022: Animal Ethics Certification, DBCA
  • 2020 - 2021: Master of Biological Science (Conservation Biology), University of Western Australia
  • 2019: Rescue Diver, PADI
  • 2017 - 2020: Bachelor of Science (Conservation and Wildlife Biology; Animal Health; Molecular Biology), Murdoch University

Research

Research Interests

  • Conservation translocations
  • Ecological restoration
  • Vertebrate fauna
  • Environmental DNA

Past Research employment history

  • 2024: Ecologist. Edith Cowan University’s Quenda Monitoring Program. Perth, Australia
  • 2022 - Present: Technical Officer. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Perth, Australia.
  • 2021: Scientific Coordinator. Care for Hedland. Port Hedland, Australia.

Other work

  • 2022 - Present: Zoologist at Stantec. Perth, Australia

Scholarships and Awards

  • 2024 – Edith Cowan University Research Grant
  • 2023 – Royal Society of Western Australia John Glover Research Grant
  • 2023 – Australian Mammal Society Travel Grant
  • 2023 – 2026 Edith Cowan University Higher Degree by Research Scholarship
  • 2020 – 2021 The University of Western Australia Global Excellence Scholarship
  • 2017 – 2020 Murdoch University Academic Excellence Award

Supervisors

  • Dr Anna Hopkins (Edith Cowan University)
  • Dr Robert Davis (Edith Cowan University)
  • Dr Harriet Mills (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions)
  • Dr Saul Cowen (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions)
  • Dr Jackie Courtenay (Gilbert’s Potoroo Action Group)

Contact

Rebecca Quah
PhD Student
Conservation and Biodiversity Research Centre
School of Science
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