Shannon Thompson BSC

Field Ecologist

Shannon is a field ecologist assisting in surveying and reporting on the ecology of the ACT and Southern Tablelands of NSW, with experience identifying native and exotic flora and fauna species across the region.

Shannon has conducted ecological surveys and monitoring of threatened fauna species such as the Pink-tailed Worm-Lizard, Superb Parrot, and the Golden Sun Moth. Shannon is experienced in live trapping and handling of small vertebrate animals, including Platypus, Long-nosed Bandicoot, and Brush-tailed Possum. Additionally, he has conducted remote surveys, including camera trapping and ANABAT® acoustic monitoring and analysis. He is also experienced in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to present spatial data. Additionally, he has assisted in preparing numerous types of consultant reports, including Biodiversity Development Assessment reports (BDAR), Ecological Impact Assessments (EIA) and Ecological Values and Constraints Assessments (EVCA).

As a collaborative project between the Australian National University and the University of Western Australia, Shannon designed and synthesised an insect signalling molecule produced by threatened orchid species to attract pollinators. The successful synthesis of the target molecule was used in field experiments to confirm its biological activity and demonstrate the species interaction between orchid and pollinator species. Shannon also conducted a research project on the diurnal water chemistry of One Tree Island in the Great Barrier Reef as part of a project to monitor the health of the coral reef species as they experience climate change.

Shannon has participated in several ecological programs as a volunteer. These include an eradication program for Orange Hawkweed and Mouse-ear Hawkweed in remote areas of Kosciusko National Park, and on a platypus monitoring project involving the handling and data collection of platypus individuals along the Thredbo, Eucumbene and Snowy Rivers.