▶ Species conservation
Our island is home to around 600 threatened plant and animal species, whose populations are in decline because of habitat loss, disease, and many other factors.
Ongoing changes to our natural world – on land and in the sea – threaten to lead to more and more extinctions. And, when every lifeform, large or small, has a role to play in our ecosystem, every loss is a tragedy that affects us all.
This area of research has long been one of our great strengths as a university. And, through long-term partnerships with community, industry, educational institutions and government, we are making a real difference. We are conducting ongoing research into the Devil Facial Tumour Disease, including population monitoring and efforts to create a vaccine. Donations and financial support already provide crucial funding for our efforts to conserve the endangered Maugean skate, and our captive breeding program for the critically endangered red handfish.
Our research continues to uncover new insights into the plants and animals that make up our delicate ecosystem, and ways to ensure their survival.
We are tackling the existential threats and dangers to these populations, hoping to see them thrive again – and you can be a part of the effort.