Mar 27: The Latest in Koala Research- Romane Cristescu, UniSc

Dr Romane Cristescu, from Detection Dogs for Conservation at the University of the Sunshine Coast, is a veterinarian and conservation ecologist with a wide range of interests – all centred around this single and complex question: “how can we best help wildlife in a world dominated by humans?”

As part of understanding how wildlife negotiates the increasingly anthropogenic landscape, she has focused on developing new methodologies including detection dog and drone-mounted thermal camera survey methods, non-invasive molecular analyses (genetic, pathogens, and many markers measured in scats) and innovative technologies to monitor movement – both ear tag and collar based. At Friday Environment Forum on March 27th, Romane will discuss these latest updates in koala research.

 Romane states, “I believe that robust science is necessary to support good decision making, and I am especially keen to test that legislation is grounded in science and effectively delivering conservation outcomes.” She hopes that her research can be transformed into informed and effective policy, investments and management actions. Romane also works with the community to deliver impactful citizen science. 

 Come along to Friday Forum to learn about the growth of the Detection Dogs for Conservation team and how their research encompasses landscape ecology, wildlife disease, conservation genetics, movement, community empowerment, innovation for conservation along with koala welfare, in partnership with wildlife rescue groups.

Everyone is welcome at the Noosa Parks Association Environment Centre, 5 Wallace Drive, Noosaville which starts at 10:30am with morning tea available from 10-10:25am. Entry is $5 by ‘tap & go’ at the door which includes morning tea/coffee.  

Join the bird observers at 8:30am in the carpark for interpretive birding.