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Professor John Woinarski joins AWC Board

16 Apr. 2020

AWC is proud to welcome Professor John Woinarski to its Board of Directors.

Professor Woinarski is a renowned conservation biologist and a valued member of AWC’s Science Advisory Network, along with eminent scientists Chris Johnson, David Lindenmayer and Thomas Lovejoy – the “Godfather of Biodiversity.”

 

 

Research background and contribution

Professor Woinarski has been involved in the research and management of Australian biodiversity for more than 40 years. While his research interests are diverse, much of his work has focused on the ecology and conservation of birds and mammals in northern Australia.

Professor Woinarski has published more than 300 scientific research articles and book chapters, and 10 books. He co-authored the 2012 Action Plan for Australian Mammals which has been described as the seminal work on the status and distribution of mammals in Australia. His contribution to science has been widely recognised through numerous awards, such as the Eureka Prize for Biodiversity Research, Serventy Medal for life-time contribution to Australian Ornithology, NT Chief Minister’s Awards for Research and Innovation, Society for Conservation Biology’s Distinguished Service Award and Australian Natural History Medallion.

Professor Woinarski is also a Deputy Director of the Threatened Species Recovery Hub, focusing on the ‘Red Hot Red List’ – Australian animals and plants at acute risk of extinction. He is also a co-chair of the IUCN Australasian Marsupials and Monotremes Specialist Group and a representative on the Australian Government’s Expert Panel prioritising recovery actions for wildlife and threatened species in the wake of the recent extreme bushfires. In addition, he is an affiliated researcher with the Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods at Charles Darwin University.

 

Image C Mammal Action Plan Image © Mammal Action Plan 2012
Prof. Woinarski co-authored the 2012 Action Plan for Australian Mammals which is a comprehensive work on the status and distribution of mammals in Australia.

 

Kangaroo Island Threatened Species Workshop, February 2020

Professor Woinarski, together with AWC, recently joined leading Australian ecologists, various conservation groups, landholders and government representatives on Kangaroo Island to assist in the development of a recovery plan for bushfire-affected wildlife.

AWC, in partnership with Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife and the Doube family, have already constructed a feral predator-proof fence that protects a 13.8-hectare area. This project is providing a vital lifeline to one of Australia’s most endangered mammals: the Kangaroo Island Dunnart.

Stage 2 will see the feral-free area expanded by 370 hectares to provide a safe haven for more threatened species impacted by the fires, like the Kangaroo Island Echidna, Southern Emu Wren, Glossy Black Cockatos and Southern Brown Bandicoot.

 

Murray Schofield Kangaroo Island Dunnart Trap Video Thumbnail © Brad Leue/AWC
AWC, together with Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife and the Doube family are helping to secure the Kangaroo Island Dunnart – one of Australia’s most endangered mammals.

 

A critical time for Australia’s wildlife

AWC recognises that science is key to securing the future of Australia’s biodiversity – which is why we invest heavily in science: around 45% of the AWC team are field ecologists; we are delivering Australia’s largest field science program involving around 270,000 trap nights per annum; and we undertake strategic research into issues such as feral predator control, and the ecology of threatened species, like the Sharman’s Rock Wallaby.

We are excited and proud to include Professor John Woinarski as an AWC Board member. His knowledge and expertise will be invaluable in helping us to achieve our mission.

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