Amy Tipton
- PhD Student, Lab of Animal Ecology, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, University of Western Sydney
- Topic: The conservation ecology of the Vulnerable Christmas Island Hawk-Owl.
- Research umbrella: Ecology and conservation of the Christmas Island goshawk and hawk-owl
- Supervisors: Prof Justin Welbergen (HIE), Victoria (Flossy) Sperring (HIE), A/Prof Rohan Clarke (Monash University), Dr Nicholas Macgregor (Parks Australia).
- Contact: Amy Tipton
Bio
I am a biologist and conservation ecologist with an extensive background in avian research and threatened species management, specialising in field-based ecology and the conservation of Australia’s birds. My career has spanned government, academic, and not-for-profit sectors, where I’ve worked on a variety of projects involving bird monitoring, impact assessments and threatened species recovery.
I hold a First-Class Honours degree from Charles Sturt University, where I investigated hemoparasite infections in Australian birds, along with a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Conservation and Land Management).
When I’m not working in the field, you’ll usually find me chasing birds around the world, hiking through wild places, or spending my days outdoors exploring and enjoying Australia’s unique landscapes. My lifelong love of birds and the natural world continues to inspire both my research and my approach to conservation.
I hold a First-Class Honours degree from Charles Sturt University, where I investigated hemoparasite infections in Australian birds, along with a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Conservation and Land Management).
When I’m not working in the field, you’ll usually find me chasing birds around the world, hiking through wild places, or spending my days outdoors exploring and enjoying Australia’s unique landscapes. My lifelong love of birds and the natural world continues to inspire both my research and my approach to conservation.
Research
My PhD investigates the ecology and conservation of the Vulnerable Christmas Island Hawk-owl (Ninox natalis), aiming to address key knowledge gaps that limit effective management of this island endemic. The research will integrate studies of breeding biology, habitat use, feeding ecology, health, and genetics to build a comprehensive understanding of the species’ life history, ecological needs, and population resilience.
These findings will help to inform monitoring programs, habitat management, and conservation planning, supporting both adaptive management and long-term biodiversity outcomes.
- Breeding biology: By examining breeding timing, clutch size, nesting success, and parental behaviour, the project will establish vital baselines for understanding recruitment and population dynamics.
- Habitat use: Investigating habitat use across breeding and non-breeding periods will reveal the structural and spatial requirements that support successful reproduction and survival.
- Feeding ecology: Feeding ecology research will explore diet composition, prey availability, and foraging behaviour, linking resource use to breeding outcomes and habitat quality.
- Health: Assessments of health and parasite load will provide insights into physiological condition and potential environmental stressors influencing population persistence.
- Genetics: Genetic analyses will evaluate genetic health and relatedness, informing strategies to maintain long-term viability and adaptive potential.
These findings will help to inform monitoring programs, habitat management, and conservation planning, supporting both adaptive management and long-term biodiversity outcomes.