Saumya and Amy are both approaching the end of their PhD and presented their fire ecology research based in south-western Victoria. Saumya presented “Using e-DNA to understand the effect of fire on the diet of three small mammal species” where she looked at the effects of fire on diets of three small mammal species and shared some insights into dietary habits of yellow-footed antechinus.
Amy presented “Playing with fire: predicting the effects of future fire management on species connectivity” where she simulated different fire regimes to see how habitat connectivity will change over time for two species: yellow-footed antechinus and heath mouse.
Saumya and Amy both enjoyed meeting fellow ecologists from around the world at the conference and exploring Geneva. A highlight of the trip was a conference excursion into the Swiss Alps to Natural Regional Park “Gruyère-Pays-d’Enhaut” to learn about the infrastructure and management of the park.