Honours supervisors and projects

Dr Rohan Clarke

Avian Ecology

Telephone: 9905 1968 / 0408 947 001
Email: rohan.clarke@sci.monash.edu.au

I am particularly interested in the ecology of Australian birds, with current research focussing on a) the conservation biology and management of threatened species and b) bird migration and the movement of avian pathogens. My conservation orientated research has sought applied management solutions for a suite of species that occupy semi-arid mallee environments (i.e. Black-eared Miner, Mallee Emu-wren) and woodland environments (Turquoise Parrot, Grey-crowned Babbler), whilst my work on avian pathogens has focussed on a migration corridor that exhibits a remarkable diversity of bird movement strategies.

Potential Honours projects include:

Avian malaria in Torres Strait

The ecology of avian malaria in Torres Strait birds has not previously been quantified. This project involves the visual screening of blood smears collected from a large sample of Torres Strait birds to investigate infection rates and parasite loads. Initial molecular screening indicates an infection rate of ~40% across all taxa. The research would largely employ microscopic screening of blood smears in a laboratory setting, though there would likely be an opportunity to join the team that will gather further samples in Torres Strait in late January 2010.

Threatened birds

Turquoise Parrots are a threatened woodland bird with a restricted distribution in Victoria. Our current research is investigating whether natural nest hollows are a limiting resource and whether such a limitation may have contributed to the bird’s decline. A follow-up project will involve the deployment of several hundred nest boxes within study plots to assess the potential for nest boxes to contribute to Turquoise Parrot conservation efforts. This project would involve considerable field work in north-central Victoria. Note also that as the species is a spring breeder this project requires a mid-year start.

Other topics

I am always interested in talking to students about their own ideas and how these ideas might work as an Honours project. I encourage students with interests in avian ecology and conservation to arrange a time to meet with me.