Department of Environment and Conservation

Welcome to the Science Division in the Department of Environment and Conservation.

Diplodactylus stenodactylus
(Image - Allan Burbidge)

Our researchers study, describe, monitor and map the species and ecological communitiesof Western Australia. This research provides an increased understanding of the state's biota, ecological processes and biological resources. It focuses on the conservation of biodiversity in Western Australia, and the sustainable use and management of our natural resources.

We have the State's greatest capacity to undertake conservation biology research. Our research is a source of up to date, independent and reliable scientific knowledge about the species, communities and ecosystems of Western Australia. It underpins strategies to protect, conserve and manage Western Australia's unique environment.

Research programs

The Science Division incorporates the following major areas of research:

• Animal Conservation Research
  (animal biology, ecology, genetics, threatening processes, systematics)
• Plant Conservation Research
  (plant biology, ecology, genetics, threatening processes)
• Marine Conservation Research
  (biodiversity assessment, ecosystem research, marine protected area monitoring & evaluation)
• Landscape Research
  (ecology of ecosystems and communities, landscape restoration and monitoring, fire research)
• Biological Surveys
  (biogeography, biodiversity patterning and inventories, CAR reserve system)
• Information Systems Research
  (biometrics, bioinformatics research)
• Western Australian Herbarium
  (plant collections and systematics)
• Perth Observatory
  (astronomical research and education)
• Biodiversity and Climate Change Unit
  (the effects of climate change on biodiversity in Western Australia)

Our research findings can be accessed in a variety of publications, databases and further resources, including our specialist journals: Nuytsia—Western Australia's Journal of Systematic Botany, and Conservation Science Western Australia.

Projects and Activities

• Projects and Activities (A-Z)
• Science Division's Research Activity Report 2011-2012 (2 MB PDF)
• Postgraduate Projects
  (includes potential student projects)

Recent research information sheets

• Changes in plant diversity and vegetation composition with time since fire in gimlet woodlands (328.84 kB)
• Kukerin Sun-Moth, Synemon sp. Kukerin, rediscovered (513.19 kB)
• A new, rare Tetratheca from the Goldfields Region (PDF 444 kB)
• Ageing long-unburnt Gimlet woodlands (PDF 400 kB)
• Plant functional types as a tool for predicting vegetation change with time since fire (PDF 341 kB)
• Ecological condition of streams in south-west forests (PDF 385 kB)
• The contribution of Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) digging to rangeland restoration at Lorna Glen (PDF 323 kB)
• New discoveries amongst the tiny triggerplants (PDF 549 kB)
• More...