Research Students

Genetic Diversity of the Powerful Owl across its Range

Fiona Hogan (PhD candidate)

Fiona Hogan is investigating the genetic diversity of the Powerful Owl across its geographic range. Fiona has developed genetic markers which can identify individuals by providing a unique “DNA fingerprint”.  Being able to identify individuals will allow us to assess the genetic diversity of the species, assess the degree of inbreeding within populations, determine site and mate fidelity and determine juvenile dispersal.                           

In order to obtain genetic material from the owls, Fiona is applying a relatively new approach referred to as non-invasive genetic sampling (NGS).  NGS involves collecting material left behind by an animal e.g. hair, scats, eggshells, pellets and feathers.  Feathers are easy to collect and contain DNA which is unique to the owl it came from.  It also has the advantage that owls don’t need to be caught to obtain an individuals DNA.  This sampling method is extremely useful when studying cryptic, rare and/or threatened species.

Fiona’s email address is: fiona.hogan@deakin.edu.au

The diet and ecology of large forest owls in East Gippsland

Rohan Bilney (PhD candidate)

Rohan Bilney is investigating the diet, breeding, roosting, habitat use and home-range requirements of Sooty Owls, Masked Owls and Powerful Owls in East Gippsland, Victoria. Determining the ecological differences between these species will provide information about how these top-order predators can co-exist, and how competition for resources may be occurring.

Rohan is currently radio-tracking all three owl species to determine habitat use and home-range requirements. Radio-transmitters have been attached to owls within close proximity of each other to determine the degree of habitat overlap and hence competition between all three species.

Rohan is also interested in determining dietary changes of the Sooty Owl since European settlement and whether these changes correspond with major declines in the distribution and abundance of potential prey species. Rohan is examining this by comparing prehistoric and recent diets by analysing sub-fossil prey remains in caves and recently regurgitated food pellets. This change in diet also provides valuable information regarding prehistoric small mammal populations and the degree of small mammal decline since European settlement.

The ecological information obtained during this study will help to improve the conservation and management of Large Forest Owls and their main prey species.

Rohan is looking for volunteers to help him with fieldwork. If you are
interested you can contact Rohan via email on: rjbil@deakin.edu.au

Factors Effecting Breeding Success of Peregrine Falcons in Victoria

Victor Hurley (PhD candidate)

After heading the Victorian Peregrine Project for the last 16 years Victor has enrolled in his PhD in order to publish the major findings of his work. Victor’s PhD will include data collected from across Victoria highlighting some new aspects of Peregrine Falcon ecology including morphometric modelling and breeding ecology.
Victor’s thesis will look specifically at the breeding success of Peregrine Falcons and will investigate ecological attributes such as hatch order and clutch size on breeding success, dispersal patterns, mate and site fidelity, age structure of the breeding population and urban nest site management strategies. DNA samples collected from the chicks have been used to sex individuals and a model has been developed to allow sex determination based on morphometrics alone.

Victor is always looking for new Peregrine Falcon sightings and locations. If you have information on this species please contact Victor. Victor’s email address is: victorghurley@yahoo.co.uk

Spatial ecology of the Powerful Owl over an urban-to-forest gradient

Bronwyn Isaac (PhD candidate)

Bronwyn is investigating how Powerful Owls utilize space and if spatial use is altered by increasing levels of habitat fragmentation and modification. In order to establish the Powerful Owl’s spatial use Bronwyn will utilize innovative Geographical Positioning System (GPS) transmitters in or der to track their movements.

Bronwyn is particularly interested in examining how Powerful Owls home-range and associated habitat use varies with habitat fragmentation and modification. As a component of her PhD Bronwyn will also determine if Powerful Owls utilize space randomly or select for certain habitats based on their environmental attributes in addition
to establishing whether predator-prey relationships play an important role in the spatial use of this species.   

Bronwyn is looking for volunteers to help her with fieldwork. If you are interested you can contact Bronwyn via email on: ibronwyn@deakin.edu.au