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We all rely on biodiversity for services including clean air, water, food, shelter, and pest control which can only be derived from healthy, functioning ecosystems.  The estimated global value of these ecological services has been estimated at $33-54 trillion/year (Costanza, d'Arge et al. 1997), and it is estimated that we lose $2-5 trillion each year in ecological services due to environmental degradation, biodiversity loss and disruption of interdependent relationships, essential to the structure and function of habitat systems.

Taronga staff use key partnerships with academic, government and conservation groups to better understand our biodiversity, discover essential elements of ecosystem services, develop new ways of maintaining the health of key species and habitats, assess the impact of people on species and habitats and develop new ways for people and biodiversity to live together in Australia and across the globe.

Projects include:

• Development of an international information system for wildlife health

  (Veterinary colleges and zoos around Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA)

  The creation of an integrated wildlife health information management system that flows from the wildlife carer or ranger through to the identification and characterisation of novel pathogens at specialised centres for wildlife disease investigation.  This database has already provided excellent opportunities for examining the status of disease in key areas and species of Australia.

• Amphibian Decline Disease Investigations

  (Australian Animal Health Laboratories, James Cook University, Cairns Frog Hospital)

  The aim of this project is to document and diagnose the causes of amphibian disease and decline in Australia’s wet tropics.  Frogs are an essential part of the food web of any ecosystem, the rapid decline we are witnessing in many species is of primary concern for ecosystem health.  This project aims at identifying the causes of five disease syndromes seen in frogs in the Cairns area

• Leopard Seal Ecology in a Changing Environment

  (UNSW)

  Validation of stable isotopes as an index of environmental change. Only in captivity can the effects of physiological processes be determined to ensure the data retrieved from stable isotope analysis is relevant and valid. We will be feeding our leopard seals with known isotopes at pre-determined intervals and measuring the resultant isotopes in seal whiskers. This is part of a larger ecologically based program assessing top order predator diets over centuries.

• Investigating the risk of human-borne Pathogens to Antarctic wildlife: Tiffany Nelson (PhD Candidate, UNSW)

  The aims of this project are to investigate the impacts of human-introduced microbes on the Antarctic environment and how this potentially affects wildlife. The marine microbial and wildlife gut ecology will be characterised using a multi faceted approach to assess the risk of human-introduced bacterial pathogens causing disease in wildlife.

• The impact of whale watching on migrating humpback whales: Maryrose Gulesserian (PhD Candidate, Macquarie University)

  As the whale watching industry continues to grow, many questions have been raised about the impacts it may have on the targeted species, the humpback whale. The Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching 2005 were developed in order to form a basis for all states to develop consistent regulations nationwide. Although the guidelines recommend and provide defined approach speeds, distances and angles, there is limited scientific evidence on which to base minimum approaches of vessels.  This project will provide baseline scientific evidence for the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching 2005 and the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (National Parks and Wildlife Amendment (Marine Mammals) Regulation). By doing so, it will provide Australia with an opportunity to be a world leader in empirically reviewing the utility and scientific basis for whale-watching management techniques.

• Exploration of novel agricultural techniques that promote biodiversity

  (Community, NSW DII, CSU Wagga Wagga)

  Traditional farming techniques often cause degradation of habitats and ecosystems through land clearing, chemical pest eradication, fertilizer run-off, and high water usage. 

• The return of the native: reintroductions, reinvasions, and a new paradigm in restoration ecology (Principal Investigators: Dr. Peter Banks and Dr. Grainne Cleary)

  The presence of black rats in Sydney Harbour National Park is destructive and of particular concern because of high conservation value of the area and its high public profile. Native small mammal communities (bush rats, Antechinus, pygmy possums) are largely extinct throughout the park and have been replaced by black rats. Black rats have lead to severe ecosystem dysfunction with significant flow-on effects for the parks biodiversity. Our project will provide a deep understanding of the critical factors which influence pest success in displacing native biodiversity, and take the first steps in reversing these factors.

• Maintaining Genetic Diversity of the Tasmanian Devil: Development of Assisted Reproductive Technology 

  (PhD Candidate, University of Sydney, University of Tasmania and the Department of Primary Industries, and Water (Tasmania)

  This study involves processing male and female devils for post-mortem gamete and tissue rescue, histology and sperm cryopreservation trials.  Trials determining optimal conditions for cyropreservation and developing electroejaculation techniques are now completed and retrospective evaluation of acrosome integrity and morphology are currently underway.

• Characterising adrenal activity in Australian and Californian sea lions

  This study is a descriptive study examining corticoids and reproductive hormones during acclimatization to novel environments in Australian and Californian sea lions.  Through the parallel analysis of serum, urine and feces, methods of non-invasive monitoring for stress will be examined.  This data developed with known animals under controlled conditions could be used to establish best practice in the management of free-ranging Australian and Californian sea lions.