Catie Cornish
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Bio
I am a conservation ecologist with a broad background in applied ecology and extensive experience in field and lab-based research. Through both government and academic organisations, I have been involved in various projects aimed at supporting the protection of Australia’s threatened species by applying scientific principles to on-ground conservation challenges. While I have worked across several research themes, I am particularly interested in improving the monitoring of hard-to-detect species and the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a conservation tool.
I completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne before continuing onto a Masters of Biological Science at the University of Western Australia (UWA). For my Masters dissertation, I focused on improving detectability for the Western Swamp Tortoise, a rare and cryptic freshwater turtle, using multiple eDNA approaches. Alongside my studies, I gained experience in the academic sector through work in an eDNA laboratory and as part of the Swamp Tortoise assisted colonisation project.
After graduation, I began working at Christmas Island National Park in the threatened species team, where I worked with the captive breeding program for the island’s two extinct-in-the-wild lizard species. I now continue to work with the island’s threatened fauna through my current project on the Christmas Island Goshawk.
I completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne before continuing onto a Masters of Biological Science at the University of Western Australia (UWA). For my Masters dissertation, I focused on improving detectability for the Western Swamp Tortoise, a rare and cryptic freshwater turtle, using multiple eDNA approaches. Alongside my studies, I gained experience in the academic sector through work in an eDNA laboratory and as part of the Swamp Tortoise assisted colonisation project.
After graduation, I began working at Christmas Island National Park in the threatened species team, where I worked with the captive breeding program for the island’s two extinct-in-the-wild lizard species. I now continue to work with the island’s threatened fauna through my current project on the Christmas Island Goshawk.
Research
Despite being one of only two endemic apex predators, little is known about the Endangered Christmas Island goshawk (Tachyspiza fasciatus natalis) and its role in Christmas Island’s unique terrestrial ecosystem. My PhD focuses on addressing key challenges to conserving this elusive species by addressing the following knowledge gaps:
Despite being one of only two endemic apex predators, little is known about the Endangered Christmas Island goshawk (Tachyspiza fasciatus natalis) and its role in Christmas Island’s unique terrestrial ecosystem. My PhD focuses on addressing key challenges to conserving this elusive species by addressing the following knowledge gaps:
- Taxonomy: I will use genetic analysis to determine the goshawk’s taxonomic position, resolving the taxonomic confusion surrounding its relatedness to other species and providing vital context for its conservation status, abundance, and distribution.
- Habitat use: Little is known about the spatial ecology of the Christmas Island goshawk and its habitat requirements. Using GPS tracking, I aim to understand how they use different habitat types, model habitat suitability, and identify critical habitat requirements to support habitat management.
- Diet: What we know about the diet of the Christmas Island goshawk is based almost entirely on anecdotal evidence. I will use environmental DNA to investigate their diet over time and space, shedding light on key predator-prey interactions.
- Breeding ecology: With only a handful of nests having ever been found, the goshawk’s breeding ecology remains a mystery. Through nest monitoring, my project aims to collect baseline reproductive data to inform management of the goshawk's habitat.
- Monitoring design: At present, no monitoring protocol exists for this species, and its current population size and trajectory are unknown. My research aims to establish a robust monitoring of the goshawk's population trends, facilitating long-term management.
Publications
- NORDSTROM, B., BUDD, A., MITCHELL, N., CORNISH, C., BYRNE, M., KUCHLING, G. AND JARMAN, S., 2024. Environmental DNA reflects spatial distribution of a rare turtle in a lentic wetland assisted colonization site. Environmental DNA, 6(1), p.e507.