The primary aim of Maxine's project was to develop an effective non-invasive technique (using faecal DNA) for estimating and monitoring abundance and recruitment in Australian native and pest species that are difficult to observe, capture and sample, particularly endangered species. Optimised faecal DNA storage, extraction and genotyping methods were developed for three Australian species, a marsupial herbivore: Brush-tailed Rock wallaby (Petrogale penicillata), a marsupial carnivore: Spotted tailed Quoll (Dasyurus viverinus) and an introduced mammal: the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). This provided information that enhanced our understanding of the population dynamics and ecology of wild rock-wallaby populations, through analysis of population size, family relationships, social organisation, home range and habitat use.
Maxine is now a postdoctoral research associate in Luciano Beheragaray's group in the School of Biological Sciences at Macquarie University
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