"These annual grants allow vital research into local conservation issues and range from population studies on broad-shelled turtles in the Lower Murray to the diet and reproductive habits of the threatened pelagic sharks in southern Australia," Minister Gago said.
"Individually, these projects help us gain knowledge and better understanding of the many issues facing South Australia's wildlife. The information gained from these projects will allow us to better conserve them for the future.
"The grants also help build partnerships and sharing of information between the State Government, non-government organisations and the private sector.
"Importantly, the program also helps us pursue the South Australia Strategic Plan target of No Species Loss.
"Grants were made to a number of institutions, including SARDI, SA Museum, The University of Adelaide, The University of South Australia and the Department for Environment and Heritage."
The Nature Foundation of South Australia is awarding `top-up' grants totalling $8,688 to four of the capped projects, an example of the State Government working with a Non-Government Organisation to assist with wildlife research and conservation outcomes.
Recipients include:
Dr Simon Goldsworthy ($10,000) to study pup production by the Australian sea lion at Dangerous Reef.
Pamela Catcheside ($4,629) to study the larger fungi in Flinders Chase National Park.
Dr Dan Harley and Chris Davey ($7,800) to study the recovery of the Bush Stone-curlew populations in South East SA.
Dr Peter McQuillan ($5,720) to study the needs of South Australian geometrid moths.
Dr Daniel Rogers and Dr David Paton ($5,599) to study the foraging ecology of breeding Fairy Tern in the Coorong.
Dr Terry Bertozzi and Michael Hammer ($6,078) to study the diversity and distribution of gobies in South Australia and the identification of exotic, endemic and translocated species.
See http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/news.php?id=2678
