Tarnya Cox

Project: Carnivore odours as repellants – evolutionary, taxonomical & dietary effects.

The main aim of the project is to determine the role that carnivore odours can play as repellents in Australia. The majority of the repellent work throughout the world has been undertaken in the USA and Europe. There is little information as to whether these eutherian-based products will work in Australia or on Australian native vertebrate pest species. I am evaluating the effectiveness of both eutherian (tiger) and marsupial (Tasmanian devil) carnivore odours against both introduced (eg goats) and native (eg kangaroos) vertebrate grazing and browsing species.

Prizes:

2008  Society for Conservation Biology’s prize for a student presentation
2008  UniQuest Trailblazers Award for original, innovative early-stage research, University of Queensland

Background:

Tarnya submitted her PhD in February 2010.

Associate Diploma (Wilderness Reserves and Wildlife).
Bachelor of Applied Science in Wildlife Biology (Hons) University of Queensland, 2003.

I have assisted with the coordination of an National Heritage Trust funded fox control program with a local Landcare group. Other main interests of study have been small mammal biology and taxonomy, particularly bats and rodents and while working at a sanctuary in the Northern Territory I quickly became interested in animal behaviour. I like reading about evolutionary history, development and theory. Outside of study my other interests include flamenco, astronomy, painting, martial arts, energy efficiency and sustainable living, gardening, diving, rock climbing and cycling.

Publications:

Cox, T.E., Murray, P.J., Hall, G.P., and Xiuhua, L. (2010). Pest responses to odors from predators fed a diet of target species conspecifics and heterospecifics. Journal of Wildlife Mangement, 74(8): 1737-1744.