MODULE 5 RESOURCES
Core document
Smart conservation
Smart conservation is your essential guide to applying science-driven and technology-enabled approaches to species recovery. This resource explores the key ecological sciences that underpin threatened species recovery, highlights core areas of conservation that draw on science and technology and introduces a wide range of technological tools to enhance biodiversity management. It is designed to help you ground your conservation efforts in the best available knowledge and tools for greater impact.
Organisations
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Cesar Australia is an independent research and extension company specialising in integrated pest management, conservation, and biosecurity. They work with a diverse range of native and invasive species, both locally and internationally, focusing on delivering research-driven solutions. Their services include applied science, offering a proven track record of discovery, innovation, and peer-reviewed publications, as well as genetic services using cutting-edge molecular techniques.
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EnviroDNA pioneered the commercial delivery of eDNA monitoring in Australia, offering rapid and accurate measurement of species, biodiversity, and environmental change. As leaders in eDNA sampling, testing, and research, they partner with clients to address critical knowledge gaps and enhance biodiversity understanding. Their solutions provide quantifiable insights into species distribution, ecosystem health, and environmental change, enabling informed decision-making at both site and landscape levels.
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Downforce Technologies specialises in environmental monitoring using cutting-edge remote sensing tools such as satellite imagery, drones and LiDAR. Their technology provides landscape-scale, real-time insights into soil carbon, biomass, vegetation cover and soil moisture, giving land managers an accurate, non-invasive way to assess ecosystem health and track change over time, alongside traditional on-ground methods.
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AddaxAI processes imagery and other spatial data to help automate the analysis of wildlife activity, making it easier to detect patterns, monitor change and focus efforts where they’ll make the biggest impact.
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The Beneficials Chemical Toxicity Table helps growers and advisors select insecticides and miticides that minimize harm to beneficial species, which naturally control pests in crops. By highlighting chemicals with lower toxicity to predators and parasitoids, the tool supports Integrated Pest Management practices. This resource makes it easier for farmers to make informed choices, promoting sustainable crop protection and reducing environmental impacts.
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QGIS is a free, open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) used all over the world to map, visualise, and analyse spatial data. It allows land managers and conservation practitioners to layer information such as vegetation, hydrology, species records, and satellite imagery.
Tools
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The Conversation, 2025
This article discusses a recent study highlighting the decline in genetic diversity across a wide range of species. The study found that two-thirds of the populations of 628 species, including animals, plants, fungi, and chromists, have experienced reduced genetic diversity over the past 30 years, threatening their ability to adapt to environmental changes and increasing their susceptibility to diseases. Despite this, fewer than half of the affected species are currently under active conservation management.
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Australian Geographic, 2022
The article discusses the Great Australian Wildlife Search (GAWS), a large-scale conservation initiative using eDNA technology to track Australia's native wildlife, spearheaded by the Odonata Foundation. With the help of citizen scientists, this project gathered data through the collection of eDNA, which detects genetic traces from animals in water. This project aimed to help conserve threatened species by creating detailed distribution models of species across the country.
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Cesar Australia, 2023
This article explores how genetic techniques are being used to understand the impacts of bushfires on long-footed potoroo populations in Victoria and NSW. By analysing DNA from different populations, researchers can identify vulnerable genetic lineages, inform translocations, and guide recovery plans to maintain genetic diversity and build resilience in this threatened marsupial.
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The Quoin, n.d.
AgTwin creates a high-resolution 3D “digital twin” of landscapes using aerial photography, LiDAR and advanced mapping layers. At The Quoin, this technology is being used to understand landform, vegetation structure, water flow and habitat suitability at a fine scale from predicting wedge-tailed eagle nesting sites to modelling drainage and drought risk. As new data is added over time, the digital twin will provide an increasingly powerful decision-making tool for ecological management and restoration.
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Australian National University, 2020
This article reports on improved success in reintroducing eastern quolls to mainland Australia, thanks to new release strategies and intensive post-release support. By trialling different acclimation techniques, researchers have significantly increased survival rates, offering valuable lessons for future translocation and rewilding projects.