Western Australian Naturalists Club

Encouraging the study and protection of the natural environment

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Event Series Event Series: This month with the Main Club

Conserving the Endangered Western Spiny-tailed Skink, and a Critically Endangered Language

3 February , 7:30 pm 9:15 pm

Dr. Holly Bradley is an ecologist with a keen interest in threatened species conservation and management. Holly has a range of experience, from studying the behavioural ecology of sloths in Costa Rica, to honey possum conservation in Western Australia. Holly completed her PhD in 2022, which focused on better understanding the ecology of the endangered western spiny-tailed skink (Egernia stokesii badia) to inform ongoing conservation and translocation management. Holly also has a keen interest in science communication and right-way science, and throughout her research collaborated with Badimia Elders to learn how to bring together Western Science and Traditional Knowledge for improved science outcomes.

The Western Spiny-tailed Skink (Egernia stokesii badia) is endemic to Western Australia and is of totemic significance to the Badimia Yamatji people, who have seen their numbers decrease over time. Translocating the skinks back into areas of their former range is an important part of re-establishing a significant spiritual connection to Country. To better understand how to facilitate successful translocations, this project used a range of methodologies and technologies to determine the ecological requirements of E. s. badia, including microhabitat requirements, diet, and predation management. To address the traditional communication bias towards a majority audience of western scientists, the findings from this project have been shared through a range of different media, which will include translation into the local Badimia language (where research was conducted on Country). Overall, this project aims to respectfully blend different knowledge systems, and collaborate to promote improved ecological and cultural outcomes.

Nedlands Lecture Theatre Clifton St.
Nedlands, 6909
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Speaker:

Dr Holly Bradley

Topic:

Conserving the Endangered Western Spiny-tailed Skink, and a Critically Endangered Language

Organiser

0475 783 103