This project is primarily about conservation of yakka skinks in western Queensland, Australia. The general approach of the project is to capitalise on an existing large-scale (~10,000 km2) long-term (since 2013) grazing-biodiversity experiment in the southern Galilee Basin as the backdrop to a series of smaller-scale experiments assessing the effects of grazing, fire and invasive species on population trends of yakka skinks at key sites. This work will be augmented by genetic analysis of yakka skink populations. Specific project objectives include:

1. Quantify broader trends in the relative abundance of mammals, birds and reptiles across the Galilee Basin;
2. Quantify trends in the relative abundance of yakka skinks at key sites, and relate these to broader trends in mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds across the Galilee Basin;
3. Determine the genetic structure and relatedness of yakka skink populations across the Galilee Basin;
4. Quantify the effects of grazing, fire and invasive species on populations of yakka skinks.

We will use existing distribution records and additional ground surveys to confirm the presence of local populations suitable for inclusion in smaller-scale trials conducted against the broader experimental backdrop. Different populations will be experimentally exposed to various fire and grazing treatments over at least two successive summers to determine their effects on skink activity and abundance. Tissue samples will also be obtained from skinks in these different populations to determine relatedness between sub-populations across the Galilee Basin.

Assoc Prof Benjamin Allen

• Assoc Prof Peter Murray

• Institute for Agriculture and the Environment

• Agriculture, Land and Farm Management
• Ecology
• Environmental Science and Management
• Zoology

• Doctor of Philosophy (DPHD)