Dr Ryan Witt
Conjoint Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences (Environmental Science and Management)
Career Summary
Biography
Ryan Witt is a wildlife conservation scientist specialising in marsupial reproduction and reproductive technologies, marsupial ecology, and emerging technologies for surveying for koalas. As a Novocastrian, Ryan has a passion and interest in developing local and regional conservation projects for at-risk marsupial populations in the Hunter Region. He aims to deliver grassroots conservation research of national and international benefit.
Ryan completed a Bachelor of Social Science (Recreation and Tourism) in 2008, a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (1stClass Honours, Faculty Medal and University Medal) in 2013 and a PhD (Advances in oestrous synchronisation technology for assisted breeding in marsupials) in 2018 at the University of Newcastle.
Currently a Conjoint Lecturer and supervisor for a PhD student in the Conservation Biology Research Group at the University of Newcastle, Ryan is an early career FAUNA Research Alliance leader/member and also holds a University Colour for his longstanding contribution to University of Newcastle Tennis.
Research Interests and Expertise
Ryan is passionate about koala and marsupial rehabilitation and conservation (assisted reproduction/captive breeding and population monitoring using drones). Throughout his doctorate Ryan trained and developed expertise in applied conservation research. His main focus was on marsupial reproduction, developing new techniques to improve breed and release programs for the genetic management of threatened populations. His experience in the field as a research ecologist includes conducting surveys on eastern grey kangaroo (observation, immobilization, capture and veterinary procedures), as well as quantifying habitat and monitoring green and golden bell frogs on Ash Island. Ryan has considerable expertise surveying for possums, gliders and koalas on the Central Coast, Newcastle and Port Stephens.
Ryan’s PhD focus was central to a key problem in marsupial breeding programs – the inability to reliably and accurately time ovulation. This problem occurs in marsupials due to two factors (1) most marsupials ovulate spontaneously, and (2) the marsupial corpus luteum – the organ responsible supporting pregnancy – becomes independent of hypothalamic-pituitary support after formation, and thus eutherian based technologies of oestrous synchronisation designed to disrupt the life of the corpus-luteum have failed in marsupials. Ryan’s research progressed oestrous synchronisation technology in marsupials by using a GnRH agonist and exogenous FSH and LH hormones to regulate the oestrous cycle with the aim of predicting ovulation. By advancing this technology, Ryan’s research has paved the way for non-invasive trials to be conducted. His work is an essential component of assisted reproduction required to establish marsupial artificial insemination programs for conservation management.
In January 2018, Ryan delivered a status update on marsupial assisted reproduction at the 2018 Companion Animals Non-Domestic and Endangered Species (CANDES) symposium, the annual premiere meeting in the area of assisted breeding for non-domestic animals held at the International Embryo Technology Society (IETS) Conference. This paper and conference presentation (Witt& Rodger 2018) addressed the international audience with up-to-date tools and technologies used to monitor and manipulate marsupial oestrous for conservation breeding (Witt and Rodger 2018).
Ryan is dedicated to developing a conservation research project to ensure the regions key koala population remains functional. Ryan aims to ensure future generations will have the opportunity to experience what it’s like to see a koala in the wild throughout the Hunter region. Most recently, Ryan has collaborated with other University of Newcastle Researchers and NSW DPIE to develop a drone/thermal imaging method for detecting koalas in the wild.
Teaching Expertise
Ryan is a connections and workshop expert and since 2013 has delivered workshops specialising in connecting leading environmental industry practitioners, and professional organisations positioned within the Hunter Region, with final semester Environmental Science and Management students. In 2019, Ryan developed the new blended learning modules and flipped class room model for the capstone course ENVS3002 – Environmental Management perspectives [formerly Applied Environmental Science]. This course seeks to prepare the students for the all-important next step post-graduation– becoming an effective environmental professional.
Ryan’s teaching duties have included the preparation and delivery of lectures, tutorials, running practical classes such as laboratories, field trips and workshops, and course coordination roles. Ryan excels in teaching workshops and flipped format courses and engaging external practitioners with student learning outcomes. Ryan has also assisted in teaching a range of courses across all year levels in the Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management and the Bachelor of Science Program. These include: BIOL1003 – Professional Skills for the Biological Sciences; ENVS1000 – Environmental Sustainability Explained; SCIE1001 – Professional Scientific Thinking; ENVS2005 –Management of Australian Flora; SRMT3060 – Restoration Ecology; ENVS3001 – Integrated Impact Assessment; and, ENVS3002 – Environmental Management Perspectives (Formerly Applied Environmental Science).
Contribution to University of Newcastle Sport
Ryan was awarded a University Colour in the Sport of Tennis for his administrative contribution to the development and maintenance of the University of Newcastle Tennis Club (http://uontennisclub.org.au) between 2011 and 2018.
Colours are awarded to those that have made an outstanding contribution to the organisation and administration of University sport over a period of not less than three full years. This is a highly prized award which recognises protracted contribution to University sport above and beyond the diligent completion of administrative responsibilities of elected or appointed office.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Social Science (Recreation & Tourism), University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management, University of Newcastle
Keywords
- Applied Conservation
- Koala
- Marsupials
- Reproduction
- Wildlife Ecology
- Wildlife Management
- Wildlife Monitoring
Languages
- English (Mother)
Professional Experience
Academic appointment
| Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 29/1/2019 - | Conjoint Lecturer | School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle Australia |
Awards
Award
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2020 |
Collaboration Excellence Award School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle |
| 2017 |
University Colour (Tennis) NUSport Board |
| 2014 |
Faculty Medal 2013 Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle |
| 2014 |
University Medal in Environmental Science & Management 2013 Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle |
Teaching Award
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2019 |
Collaboration Excellence Team Award: in the implementation and delivery of SCIE1001 and SCIE1002 The University of Newcastle |
Teaching
| Code | Course | Role | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENVS3001 |
Integrated Impact Assessment School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The university of Newcastle, Australia |
Tutor | 27/2/2017 - 2/6/2017 |
| ENVS1000 |
Environmental Sustainability Explained School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The university of Newcastle, Australia |
Online Tutor | 25/2/2019 - 7/6/2019 |
| BIOL1003 |
Professional Skills for the Biological Sciences Faculty of Science | University of Newcastle |
Laboratory Demonstrator | 30/7/2018 - 9/11/2018 |
| SCIE1001 |
Professional Scientific Thinking School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle |
Workshop Demonstrator (Flipped Classroom) | 25/2/2019 - 13/11/2020 |
| ENVS3002 |
Environmental Management Perspectives School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The university of Newcastle, Australia Formerly known as ENVS3002 - Applied Environmental Science |
Various Duties: Blended Learning Developer; Flipped Workshop Developer/Facilitator; Co-ordinator (Shared); Industry Engagement and Field Trip Organiser; Tutor | 1/7/2013 - 31/12/2020 |
| SRMT3060 |
Restoration Ecology School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The university of Newcastle, Australia |
Laboratory and Field Demonstrator | 25/2/2019 - 7/6/2019 |
| ENVS2005 |
Management of Australian Flora School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The university of Newcastle, Australia |
Laboratory Demonstrator | 24/7/2017 - 31/12/2020 |
| ENVS3003 |
Conservation Biology University of Newcastle |
Field Demonstrator | 17/2/2020 - 27/3/2020 |
|
Indigenous Tutorial Program Wollotuka Institute |
Tutor | 1/10/2020 - 31/12/2020 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Journal article (12 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 |
Beranek CT, Roff A, Denholm B, Howell LG, Witt RR, 'Trialling a real-time drone detection and validation protocol for the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)', AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY, (2020)
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| 2020 |
Witt RR, Hinds LA, Rodger JC, 'Human chorionic gonadotrophin does not induce ovulation in the tammar wallaby', AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY, (2020)
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| 2020 |
Witt RR, Hinds LA, Rodger JC, 'Induction of synchronous oestrus but not ovulation after pre-treatment with the GnRH agonist, Lucrin® Depot, in the tammar wallaby.', Theriogenology, 145 24-30 (2020) [C1]
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| 2020 |
Howell LG, Frankham R, Rodger JC, Witt RR, Clulow S, Upton RMO, Clulow J, 'Integrating biobanking minimises inbreeding and produces significant cost benefits for a threatened frog captive breeding programme', Conservation Letters, (2020) © 2020 The Authors. Conservation Letters published by Wiley Periodicals LLC Captive breeding is an integral part of global conservation efforts despite high costs and adverse gene... [more] © 2020 The Authors. Conservation Letters published by Wiley Periodicals LLC Captive breeding is an integral part of global conservation efforts despite high costs and adverse genetic effects associated with unavoidably small population sizes. Supplementing captive-bred populations with biobanked founder sperm to restore genetic diversity offers a solution to colony size, costs and inbreeding, yet is rarely done, partly due to a lack of concrete examples or awareness amongst the conservation community of the huge potential benefits. We present a model system of the cost and genetic benefits achieved by incorporating biobanking into captive breeding of Oregon spotted frogs (Rana pretiosa). Backcrossing with frozen sperm every generation resulted in very large reductions in required programme expenditure compared to traditional captive breeding. This model supports the view that integration of biobanking into captive breeding would make longstanding and previously unachievable genetic diversity retention targets feasible (90% source population heterozygosity for a minimum of 100 years) at much reduced costs. This study suggests that the credibility of captive breeding as a conservation strategy would be enhanced by integrating genome storage and assisted breeding to produce far larger numbers of animals of higher genetic quality. This innovation would justify increased public and agency support for captive breeding.
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| 2020 |
Callen A, Hayward MW, Klop-Toker K, Allen BL, Ballard G, Broekhuis F, et al., 'Envisioning the future with compassionate conservation : An ominous projection for native wildlife and biodiversity', Biological Conservation, 241 (2020) © 2019 Elsevier Ltd The ¿Compassionate Conservation¿ movement is gaining momentum through its promotion of ¿ethical¿ conservation practices based on self-proclaimed principles of ... [more] © 2019 Elsevier Ltd The ¿Compassionate Conservation¿ movement is gaining momentum through its promotion of ¿ethical¿ conservation practices based on self-proclaimed principles of ¿first-do-no-harm¿ and ¿individuals matter¿. We argue that the tenets of ¿Compassionate Conservation¿ are ideological - that is, they are not scientifically proven to improve conservation outcomes, yet are critical of the current methods that do. In this paper we envision a future with ¿Compassionate Conservation¿ and predict how this might affect global biodiversity conservation. Taken literally, ¿Compassionate Conservation¿ will deny current conservation practices such as captive breeding, introduced species control, biocontrol, conservation fencing, translocation, contraception, disease control and genetic introgression. Five mainstream conservation practices are used to illustrate the far-reaching and dire consequences for global biodiversity if governed by ¿Compassionate Conservation¿. We acknowledge the important role of animal welfare science in conservation practices but argue that ¿Compassionate Conservation¿ aligns more closely with animal liberation principles protecting individuals over populations. Ultimately we fear that a world of ¿Compassionate Conservation¿ could stymie the global conservation efforts required to meet international biodiversity targets derived from evidenced based practice, such as the Aichi targets developed by the Convention on Biological Diversity and adopted by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the United Nations.
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| 2020 |
Witt RR, Beranek CT, Howell LG, Ryan SA, Clulow J, Jordan NR, et al., 'Real-time drone derived thermal imagery outperforms traditional survey methods for an arboreal forest mammal.', PLoS One, 15 e0242204 (2020) [C1]
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| 2019 |
Hayward MW, Callen A, Allen BL, Ballard G, Broekhuis F, Bugir C, et al., 'Deconstructing compassionate conservation', Conservation Biology, 33 760-768 (2019) [C1] © 2019 Society for Conservation Biology Compassionate conservation focuses on 4 tenets: first, do no harm; individuals matter; inclusivity of individual animals; and peaceful coex... [more] © 2019 Society for Conservation Biology Compassionate conservation focuses on 4 tenets: first, do no harm; individuals matter; inclusivity of individual animals; and peaceful coexistence between humans and animals. Recently, compassionate conservation has been promoted as an alternative to conventional conservation philosophy. We believe examples presented by compassionate conservationists are deliberately or arbitrarily chosen to focus on mammals; inherently not compassionate; and offer ineffective conservation solutions. Compassionate conservation arbitrarily focuses on charismatic species, notably large predators and megaherbivores. The philosophy is not compassionate when it leaves invasive predators in the environment to cause harm to vastly more individuals of native species or uses the fear of harm by apex predators to terrorize mesopredators. Hindering the control of exotic species (megafauna, predators) in situ will not improve the conservation condition of the majority of biodiversity. The positions taken by so-called compassionate conservationists on particular species and on conservation actions could be extended to hinder other forms of conservation, including translocations, conservation fencing, and fertility control. Animal welfare is incredibly important to conservation, but ironically compassionate conservation does not offer the best welfare outcomes to animals and is often ineffective in achieving conservation goals. Consequently, compassionate conservation may threaten public and governmental support for conservation because of the limited understanding of conservation problems by the general public.
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| 2018 |
Witt RR, Hinds LA, Rodger JC, 'Delayed return to estrus following treatment with the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist, Lucrin® Depot, in the tammar wallaby.', Theriogenology, 115 108-116 (2018) [C1]
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| 2018 |
Witt RR, Rodger JJ, Rodger JC, 'Breeding in the fat-tailed dunnart following ovarian suppression with the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist Lucrin® Depot', Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 30 507-518 (2018) [C1]
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| 2018 |
Witt RR, Rodger JC, 'Recent advances in tools and technologies for monitoring and controlling ovarian activity in marsupials', Theriogenology, 109 58-69 (2018) [C1]
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| 2016 |
Witt RR, Forbes IR, Mcbain J, Rodger JC, 'Ovarian suppression in a marsupial following single treatment with a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist in microspheres', Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 28 1964-1973 (2016) [C1] © The Authors 2016. The effect of treatment with Lucrin Depot (1 month), a microsphere gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist preparation, was investigated in the fat-tailed dunn... [more] © The Authors 2016. The effect of treatment with Lucrin Depot (1 month), a microsphere gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist preparation, was investigated in the fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata) as a potential strategy to synchronise cycling. The status of the ovaries (ovarian size, number and size of Graafian follicles and corpora lutea) and reproductive tract (weight, vascularity and muscularity) in twelve untreated females were assessed to establish the activity parameters for randomly selected cycling animals. Thirty-six females were treated with 1mgkg-1 (n=12), 10mgkg-1 (n=12) or 20mgkg-1 (n=12) Lucrin Depot. At 4, 6 and 8 weeks the reproductive tracts were assessed using the criteria developed in the untreated females. All of the females treated with 10mgkg-1 showed suppression at 4 weeks and 25% showed return of reproductive activity at 8 weeks. A dose of 1mgkg-1 did not appear to suppress reproductive activity and 20mgkg-1 gave equivocal results, with evidence of both suppression and activity. The results indicate that Lucrin Depot appears to be a promising agent to regulate and potentially synchronise breeding activity in the fat-tailed dunnart.
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Grants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 4 |
|---|---|
| Total funding | $33,300 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20191 grants / $15,000
Engaging with a cryptic local icon: the threatened koala$15,000
Funding body: Department of Industry, Innovation and Science
| Funding body | Department of Industry, Innovation and Science |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Lachlan Howell, Shelby Ryan, Chad Beranek |
| Scheme | Communities Environment Program |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2019 |
| Funding Finish | 2020 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - Commonwealth |
| Category | 2OPC |
| UON | N |
20171 grants / $4,800
Development of an oestrous synchronisation method for assisted breeding and recovery of threatened rock-wallabies$4,800
Funding body: Equity Trustees Limited
| Funding body | Equity Trustees Limited |
|---|---|
| Project Team | John Rodger; Ryan Witt |
| Scheme | Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment grant |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2017 |
| Funding Finish | 2017 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | C3120 - Aust Philanthropy |
| Category | 3120 |
| UON | N |
20161 grants / $7,500
Developing artificial insemination technology for the recovery and genetic management of threatened and endangered rock wallabies$7,500
Funding body: Equity Trustees Limited
| Funding body | Equity Trustees Limited |
|---|---|
| Project Team | John Rodger; Ryan Witt |
| Scheme | Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment grant |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2016 |
| Funding Finish | 2016 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | C3120 - Aust Philanthropy |
| Category | 3120 |
| UON | N |
20151 grants / $6,000
Developing artificial insemination technology for the recovery and genetic management of threatened and endangered rock wallabies$6,000
Funding body: Equity Trustees Limited
| Funding body | Equity Trustees Limited |
|---|---|
| Project Team | John Rodger; Ryan Witt |
| Scheme | Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment grant |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2015 |
| Funding Finish | 2015 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | C3120 - Aust Philanthropy |
| Category | 3120 |
| UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
| Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | PhD | Cost-benefit analyses of emerging technologies for more effective threatened species conservation | PhD (Environmental Sc), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Research Opportunities
Securing koalas in the Hunter Region
The NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into koala populations and their habitat has tabled the koala for extinction by 2050 without government intervention. We are searching for students interested in koala conservation research within the Hunter Region. Students must demonstrate a good work ethic and are willing to conduct many hours of field work. All koala conservation projects require liaising with multiple stakeholders, including the general community, local council, state government and koala caring organisations, and therefore strong communication skills and demonstration of community engagement experience are sought after. If you are interested and thinking about honours, we’d love to hear from you!
Honours
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
22/8/2019 - 31/12/2021
Contact
Doctor Ryan Witt
University of Newcastle
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
ryan.witt@newcastle.edu.au
Research Collaborations
The map is a representation of a researchers co-authorship with collaborators across the globe. The map displays the number of publications against a country, where there is at least one co-author based in that country. Data is sourced from the University of Newcastle research publication management system (NURO) and may not fully represent the authors complete body of work.
| Country | Count of Publications | |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 11 | |
| United Kingdom | 2 | |
| Mexico | 2 | |
| Namibia | 2 | |
| Panama | 2 | |
| More... | ||
News
Researchers call on Port Stephens community to help save the koala
November 10, 2020
Let’s fix Australia’s environment with any pandemic recovery aid – the Kiwis are doing it
June 26, 2020
Dr Ryan Witt
Positions
Conjoint Lecturer
Conservation Biology Research Group
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
College of Engineering, Science and Environment
Casual Academic
Conservation Biology Research Group
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
College of Engineering, Science and Environment
Focus area
Environmental Science and Management
Contact Details
| ryan.witt@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Mobile | +61421606222 |
| Links |
Research Networks Personal webpage |
Office
| Room | BLG10 |
|---|---|
| Building | Biology Building |
| Location | Callaghan University Drive Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia |
NEWS • Nov 10.2020
Researchers call on Port Stephens community to help save the koala
Port Stephens community members are working with scientists to collect information to help save koalas in the region.
NEWS • Jun 26.2020
Let’s fix Australia’s environment with any pandemic recovery aid – the Kiwis are doing it
New Zealand is pumping millions of dollars into environment projects as part of its COVID-19 recovery. Researchers from the Faculty of Science say Australia's recovery plan seems more destructive than reconstructive.
