Will Batson

PhD Scholar
Fenner School of Environment and Society
ANU College of Medicine, Biology and Environment
The Australian National University
Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia

Email: William.batson@anu.edu.au

Radiotracking bettongs in Mulligans Flat
Woodland Sanctuary
Photo: Will Batson

My academic interests encompass the fields of conservation and restoration ecology, and how these fields can be integrated to improve ecological outcomes. My PhD research focuses on the reintroduction of eastern bettongs (Bettongia gaimardi) to Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary. The central aim of my project is to investigate how variations in the translocation process influence the post-release behaviours and performances.  My research is designed to make comparisons among four experimental groups of bettongs differentiated by their respective origin or translocation experience. I am also developing a conceptual framework which communicates the range of tactical options available to reintroduction practitioners to improve translocation outcomes. This will include a review the tactics effectiveness within different conservation contexts. My main objective is to improve the effectiveness of translocations, not only for bettongs but many other species of conservation and restoration concern.

My research is undertaken in collaboration with Associate Professor Adrian Manning (ANU), Dr Don Fletcher (ACT Government) and Professor Iain Gordon (The James Hutton Institute, Scotland). 

Will attaching a GPS radiocollar to a bettong with the help from Adrian Manning and Elyce Fraser
Photo: Will Batson

Qualifications:

• BSc (Hons): Conservation Biology, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand – 2011
• Diploma in Outdoor Education: Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Nelson, New Zealand – 2004

Publication List

• Batson, W., Abbott, R. & Richardson, K.M. (2015) Release strategies for fauna reintroductions: theory and tests. In Advances in Reintroduction Biology of Australian and New Zealand Fauna: 7-16. Armstrong, D. P., Hayward, M. W., Moro, D. & Seddon, P. J. (Eds.). Collingwood, Australia: CSIRO Publishing.
• Batson, W. G., O’Donnell, C. F. J., Nelson, N. J., & Monks, J. M. (2015). Placement period of artificial retreats affects the number and demographic composition but not the body condition of skinks. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 39(2)
• Chavel, E. E., Hoare, J. M., Batson, W. G., & O'Donnell, C. (2012). Erratum: The effect of microhabitat on skink sightings beneath artificial retreats (new zealand journal of zoology 39:1 (71-75)). New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 39(3), 261