Hania Lada - Biological Sciences(Monash University)

Part 1: Floodplains
My aim is to build upon a long-term ecological project examining the effects of changes in wood-loads and the occurrence of spring floods on the population dynamics of a small marsupial, the yellow-footed antechinus (Antechinus flavipes). As a vital addition to that study, I will employ highly variable genetic markers to elucidate the factors that lead to an observed increase in antechinus density following experimental increases in the fallen timber load and flooding of the study areas. Specifically I will determine the extent to which post-flooding conditions (1) attract animals from surrounding areas, and (2) result in increased survival of the young. I will also determine whether the island study population is isolated from surrounding areas as a result of flow management and will estimate the level of genetic diversity of yellow-footed antechinus (yfa) populations in several floodplain ecosystems. This research will provide information about the effects of flow regulation on antechinus and make available data about the antechinus population dynamics on floodplains that can be used for population viability analyses and might be vital when making management decisions.

Part 2: Morphological and genetic differentiation
This study addresses the role of habitat differences in driving morphological and genetic divergence between populations of yfa in Victoria. My study will contribute data from various habitats and populations of yfa for deciding whether revision of the taxonomic status of yfa is required, and for making long-term conservation decisions regarding maintenance of evolutionary potential of species.