Rainforest research secures funding

Two UQ postgraduates have been recognised by The National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) for their outstanding work in the area of biodiversity.

Lui Weber and Valerie Hagger, who study part-time while working as consultants for Sinclair Knight Merz, have each received $7000 funding in support of their research on sub-tropical rainforests.

Ms Hagger is completing a Master of Science (Conservation Biology), focusing her research on climate change adaptation of rainforest verterbrates in south-east Queensland.

A UQ environmental science graduate, Ms Hagger worked in London as an environmental consultant
before returning to Brisbane to pursue her passion for terrestrial ecology, and in particular, the animals that live in rainforest habitats.

“I'm particularly interested in wildlife planning and conservation as I have a soft spot for mammals, but love all native animals and enjoy the adventures my work sends me on to find them,” she said.

“The grant I received from the NCCARF will be used to collate empirical research on the resilience of vertebrate species to environmental change, as well as publishing and presenting my results to raise awareness of climate change adaptation.”

Fellow UQ graduate Mr Weber works as a botanist and ecologist and has returned to UQ to complete his honours degree analysing the distribution of common subtropical rainforest plant species.

“I grew up in the wet subtropical rainforests of northern NSW. The climate of these areas has allowed unique species to survive past climates that were less favourable for rainforest growth than today,” Mr Weber said.

“I will align current distribution of rainforest plants with models of past climate to better understand the potential impacts of future climate change and to inform conservation strategies for the rainforests.”

Mr Weber will use the grant to purchase modelling software and visit remote rainforest sites in the subtropics, and will present his findings at the 2011 NCCARF conference.

Media: Tracey Franchi, Communications Manager - School of Biological Sciences (3365 4831, t.franchi@uq.edu.au)