Local shorebird research takes flight
The plight of our smallest intrepid adventurers is under the spotlight with the inaugural University of Newcastle Australian Wildlife Society Research Conservation Scholarship awarded to PhD candidate Louise Williams.
A lifelong and passionate ornithologist, Louise hopes to improve our understanding of shorebird behaviour and ecology to shape how we support conservation of migratory shorebirds in Australia.
While the Hunter and Port Stephens estuaries have been identified as key biodiversity areas for migratory shorebird conservation globally, they are also regions where multiple shorebird species are in decline.
Louise’s research aims to fill the gap in what we know about habitat use, movement, foraging ecology and predation risk to inform local action plans and help conserve these threatened species.
I’m passionate about conservation science and have dedicated my life to birds. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my studies and produce a body of research to be proud of that will help protect native species.”
Louise Williams
PhD (Environment Science) candidate
College of Engineering, Science and Environment
2022 Australian Wildlife Society Research Conservation Scholarship recipient
“Migratory shorebirds are amazing. They help keep our waterways healthy, transporting nutrients from one region to another, and their gracefulness and long-distance flights are awe-inspiring. Building a body of knowledge will help conservation managers restore and protect these vital habitats for future generations.”
Generously funded by the Australian Wildlife Society, the Australian Wildlife Society Research Conservation Scholarship is open to University of Newcastle students undertaking a research project in the Hunter Valley Region which has a direct relevance to the conservation of Australia’s native wildlife.
Mighty mini aviators
Native shorebirds can weigh as little as 30 grams and migrate 25,000 km annually. Some species fly more than 6,000 km non-stop. Migratory shorebirds are in sharp decline worldwide and within the East Asian Australasian Flyway due to habitat loss and predators.
If you are interested in establishing an undergraduate or PhD scholarship, please contact Leanne Innes on 02 4921 8612 or email donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.