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Ryan R. Witt

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Postdoctoral Researcher and Honorary Lecturer | School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle

Ryan is passionate about koala and marsupial rehabilitation and conservation (assisted reproduction/captive breeding and population monitoring and management). Throughout his doctorate Ryan trained and developed expertise in applied conservation research. His main focus was on marsupial reproduction, developing new techniques to improve breed and release programs for the genetic management of threatened populations. His experience in the field as a research ecologist includes conducting surveys on eastern grey kangaroo (observation, immobilization, capture and veterinary procedures), as well as quantifying habitat and monitoring green and golden bell frogs on Ash Island. Ryan has also surveyed possum, glider and koala populations on the Central Coast, Newcastle and Port Stephens.

Ryan has published in several journals specific to the area of conservation science including: Conservation Biology, Biological Conservation, Reproduction Fertility and Development, and Theriogenology.

Ryan is dedicated to developing a conservation research project to ensure the Port Stephens koala population remains functional. Ryan hopes to ensure future generations will have the opportunity to experience what it’s like to see a koala in the wild on the east coast of Australia.

Experience

  • 2013–present
    Sessional Academic, Unversity of Newcastle
  • 2019–present
    Research Associate, Southern Cross University
  • 2019–present
    Conjoint Lecturer, University of Newcastle
  • 2019–present
    Research Associate, University of Newcastle
  • 2014–2018
    PhD Candidate, University of Newcastle
  • 2014–2015
    Research Assistant, University of Newcastle

Education

  • 2018 
    University of Newcastle, PhD Environmental Science
  • 2014 
    University of Newcastle, Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Honours)
  • 2013 
    University of Newcastle, Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management
  • 2008 
    University of Newcastle, Bachelor of Social Science (Recreation and Tourism)

Publications

  • 2020
    Envisioning the future with ‘compassionate conservation’: An ominous projection for native wildlife and biodiversity, Biological Conservation
  • 2019
    Deconstructing compassionate conservation, Conservation Biology
  • 2018
    Delayed return to estrus following treatment with the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist, Lucrin® Depot, in the tammar wallaby, Theriogenology
  • 2018
    Breeding in the fat-tailed dunnart following ovarian suppression with the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist Lucrin® Depot, Reproduction, Fertility and Development
  • 2018
    Recent advances in tools and technologies for monitoring and controlling ovarian activity in marsupials, Theriogenology
  • 2016
    Ovarian suppression in a marsupial following single treatment with a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist in microspheres, Reproduction, Fertility and Development

Grants and Contracts

  • 2017
    Development of an oestrous synchronisation method for assisted breeding and recovery of threatened rock-wallabies
    Role:
    PhD Candidate
    Funding Source:
    Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment
  • 2016
    Developing artificial insemination technology for the recovery and genetic management of threatened and endangered rock wallabies
    Role:
    PhD Candidate
    Funding Source:
    Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment
  • 2015
    Developing artificial insemination technology for the recovery and genetic management of threatened and endangered rock wallabies
    Role:
    PhD Candidate
    Funding Source:
    Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment

Professional Memberships

  • FAUNA Research Alliance

Research Areas

  • Conservation And Biodiversity (050202)
  • Wildlife And Habitat Management (050211)
  • Animal Reproduction (070206)