- TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 17/Aug 23:25

Eucalyptus conservation at the University of Tasmania

Studying at the University of Tasmania in Hobart, Nicholas Stratmann feels he has found a uniquely perfect place to complete his honours research into eucalyptus conservation. Source: Timberbiz “You don’t have to go far from campus to be in the bush,” he said. “That connection to place is a big part of what keeps me motivated.” Originally from Victoria, Mr Stratmann has long been fascinated by Australia’s rich botanical diversity. And it was Tasmania’s unique native flora – particularly its diverse species of eucalyptus, that inspired him to relocate to the island state and specialise in it. Mr Stratmann is currently working on an honours project focused on understanding and conserving Tasmania’s eucalyptus populations, which are increasingly vulnerable to the pressures of climate change, land use, and habitat loss. “Eucalypts are incredibly important, not just ecologically, but culturally and economically,” he said. “They’re keystone species in many Australian ecosystems, and Tasmania is home to some of the most distinctive and rare types.” His research involves sampling eucalyptus populations across different parts of the state and analysing their genetic diversity and local adaptation to climate. The aim is to assess how populations are structured across the landscape, as well as how adapted these populations are to their environments. This helps to inform conservation strategies, particularly in the face of climate uncertainty. “Understanding the genetic variation within and between eucalyptus species can tell us which populations are more resilient, which ones are isolated, and where we need to prioritise conservation efforts,” Mr Stratmann said. Mr Stratmann made the move to Hobart after learning about the University’s strength in environmental science and its close ties with conservation organisations and research initiatives across the state. “I knew I wanted to do work that could have a real-world impact,” he said. “Tasmania offered the chance to study in a place where nature is still accessible and relatively intact and where people are passionate about protecting it.” That move was made easier by the welcoming academic environment he discovered at the University of Tasmania. The support he received from supervisors and staff helped him settle in quickly and focus on his research from day one. “There’s a really strong research culture here. My supervisors have been incredibly generous with their time and knowledge, and the university has excellent facilities for both field and lab work,” Mr Stratmann said. “It’s been a great environment to grow in as a scientist.” Mr Stratmann’s work will be used by landholders and community groups who are actively involved in environmental restoration and native vegetation management. And he also hopes to continue with postgraduate research into eucalyptus genetics once his honours project is complete. “Engaging with people on the ground is one of the most rewarding parts of this work,” he said. “Conservation is a shared responsibility, and it’s exciting to see how research can support community-driven efforts,” he said. “There’s still so much we don’t know, and I feel really lucky to be contributing to that knowledge here in Tasmania.” View a video at https://youtu.be/f_GI9CH7bbY