Flavia Santamaria

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I am a biologist, with an in-depth understanding of animal biology, zoology and skills in laboratory work. During my PhD in koala ecology, I expanded my expertise to include research based on monitoring wildlife in the natural environment. I radio-tracked koalas, examined their health status, observed their movements and their fodder selection. Since then, I have been interested in the prevalence of disease and other issues causing the decline of many koala populations. Currently, I am a researcher with Koala Research-CQ (Central Queensland) at Central Queensland University. I have designed surveys to assess the number of koalas and evaluate koala habitat.

My current research focuses on the non-invasive detection and assessment of stress and disease in koalas with a particular focus, but not exclusively. on populations of Central Queensland. Aside from my research, I have been involved with Landcare groups in improving the habitat of koalas and in the rescue of koalas after wildfires.

Experience

  • –present
    Lecturer/Researcher, CQUniversity Australia

Education

  • 2004 
    Ballarat University, PhD (koala ecology)
  • 1990 
    Universita' 'La Sapienza' Roma, italy, Biological Sciences

Publications

  • 2023
    The Effect of Disease and Injury on Faecal Cortisol Metabolites, as an Indicator of Stress in Wild Hospitalised Koalas, Endangered Australian Marsupials, Veterinary Sciences
  • 2023
    Gauging landholder attitudes and willingness towards koala conservation in a Central Queensland region, Australasian Journal of Environmental Management
  • 2022
    Field Testing Satellite-Derived Vegetation Health Indices for a Koala Habitat Managers Toolkit, Remote Sensing
  • 2022
    Koalas – Agents for Change: A case study from regional Victoria, Journal of Sustainability Education
  • 2022
    Applying landscape-level principles to koala management in Australia: a comparative analysis, Journal of Environmental Planning and Management
  • 2021
    A snapshot of koala tree use at the Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve, The Queensland Naturalist
  • 2021
    Identification of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) faecal cortisol metabolites using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and enzyme immunoassays, Metabolites
  • 2021
    Seasonal variations of faecal cortisol metabolites in koalas in south east Queensland, Animals
  • 2021
    Over time decay of cortisol metabolites in faecal pellets of koalas in central Queensland, Animals
  • 2021
    Vehicle collisions and dog attacks on Victorian koalas as evidenced by a retrospective analysis of sightings and admission records 1997 – 2011, Australian Zoologist
  • 2018
    Why is it important to use flagship species in community education? The koala as a case study, Animal Studies Journal
  • 2017
    Landscape, koalas and people: A historical account of koala populations and their environment in South Gippsland, Australian Zoologist
  • 2016
    The effect of Chlamydia on translocated Chlamydia-naïve koalas: A case study, Australian Zoologist
  • 2005
    Does size matter: Tree use by translocated koalas, The Victorian Naturalist

Grants and Contracts

  • 2022
    Pilot Survey for Koalas in the Clarke-Connors Range Project Area
    Role:
    Researcher
    Funding Source:
    Fitzroy Basin Association - CSIRO
  • 2021
    Quantifying koala faecal cortisol metabolite baseline
    Role:
    Chief Investigator
    Funding Source:
    New Staff Research Grant (CQUniversity internal grant)
  • 2021
    Developing and Implementing Koala Surveys for Landholders in the Clarke-Connors Range.
    Role:
    Researcher
    Funding Source:
    2021-2023- Australian Government for the project ‘Clarke-Connors Range Climate Refugia Project’
  • 2018
    Koala Habitat Health – Remote Sensing Based, Landscape Scale Habitat Management Toolbox
    Role:
    Researcher
    Funding Source:
    CSAR17023 – Department of Environment and Science Community Sustainability Action Grants –Koala Research Round 1

Professional Memberships

  • International Society of Wildlife Endocrinology
  • Australasian Wildlife Management Society

Research Areas

  • Wildlife And Habitat Management (050211)
  • Veterinary Diagnosis And Diagnostics (070703)
  • Ecological Applications Not Elsewhere Classified (050199)
  • Environmental Management (050205)

Contact Flavia for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision