DoctorCalum Cunningham

Project Total: $163,636; This project will evaluate postBlack Summer recovery across Victorian Ash forests by mapping the density, height, cover and maturity of eucalypt species in areas affected by the 201920 fires. We will develop a stratified study design and a methodology that integrates remotely sensed products, aerial photograph interpretation, and field or plot data to assess patterns of forest regeneration and state change. Our analysis will quantify how recovery varies with disturbance history (number of burns) and sowing rates, providing an evidence base for understanding the effectiveness of past recovery interventions. The final report will deliver actionable insights to support DEECA and Parks Victoria in future restoration planning and in applying the ResistAcceptDirect framework under a changing climate. We were approached directly by DEECA and requested to provide a quotation for this. Funded by: Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action ($163,637); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $245,116; This project will provide research services for selecting and reporting on indicators for use in national and global environmental reporting for the State of Environment and the Global Biodiversity Framework. Led by UWAs NESP Resilient Landscapes Hub, the procurement will delivered by the Hub's network of experts based at UWA and partner Universities. The team will work closely with other experts, including DCCEEW, to deliver recommendations about selected indicators for environmental states and trends, justification for the choice of method, the appropriate data to use, and information on the uncertainty and interpretation. The measures will be provided to DCCEEW for inclusion in State of Environment reporting in 2026. Funded by: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water - Tender; University of Western Australia; University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $17,000; Extreme wildfire events pose an increasing threat to Australias native wildlife, as they reduce ecosystem function and habitat availability, whilst causing mass floral and faunal mortality. The days on which conditions are suitable for these events to occur is anticipated to increase by 20 to 50%, as global temperatures approach 3C above preindustrial levels. The persistent drought and higher temperatures driving this threat require adaptive, informed land management to protect native biodiversity values and reduce the risk of an extreme wildfire. In the Eucalyptus forests of southeast Australia, disrupted fire regimes and woody encroachment have resulted in the degradation of function and ability to support native wildlife. Dense forest dominated by Allocasuarina outcompete ground flora for light, water and nutrients, providing fewer resources and habitat opportunities for native wildlife. In this state, degraded forests also present a much greater fire risk compared to open, grassy Eucalyptus woodlands, which support higher levels of biodiversity. This project will study the response of native wildlife to experimental land management strategies involving mechanical thinning and low intensity patch burning. It is hypothesized that the alternative stable states created by this patchwork management approach will benefit faunal abundance whilst reducing long-term fire risk. The effect of pyric herbivory, where herbivores consume the palatable regrowth after fire, will be studied to understand whether herbivory can promote biodiversity whilst preventing succession into a state that presents a greater fire risk. The response of invertebrates, bats and terrestrial mammals will be studied to ensure land management practices promote conservation values. The experimental evidence created by this project will then be able to inform wildlife and fire management at a global scale, whilst collaboration with the City of Hobart council will benefit wildlife in the greater Hobart area of Tasmania. Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($17,000); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $18,750; This project investigates how the disease-induced decline of the Tasmanian devil affects prey behaviour and the composition of the mammal community. Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($18,750); University of Tasmania.