| Dr Richard Major is a terrestrial ecologist at The Australian Museum. |  |
In which area or areas of science do you work?
I am a terrestrial ecologist and I investigate the distribution of a range of animals and the factors that influence their abundance. Most of my work has focussed on birds although I have also dabbled in projects on beetles, bugs and spiders. I am particularly interested in measuring the response of animals to environments modified by human activities, particularly by agriculture and urbanisation.
When did you first become interested in this career?
I have always been keen on animals, and it was around about age 10 that I decided I wanted to become a marine biologist. I went to university with this intention, but evolved onto dry land.
How did you first become interested in this career?
From hanging around in the bush as a kid; camping and fishing, and watching Wild Kingdom/Jacques Cousteau.
What education and training do you have to have for your job?
A Bachelor of Science and a Ph.D. are the essential formal qualifications, but an intimate amateur knowledge of a particular fauna (snails, butterflies, birds, lizards etc.) provides a very helpful, if not essential, start.
How long did it take you to get the necessary qualifications?
Nine years from the time I left school. A Bachelor of Science with honours is the pre-requisite to enrol in Ph.D. and this takes four years. My Ph.D. research on the Ecology of the White-fronted Chat (a small bird!) took five years, and they can take even longer if the weather, bushfires, floods are unkind.
How has your career progressed?
I went straight from school to university and started my Ph.D. immediately I finished my undergraduate degree. Upon finishing my degree I worked for six months as a university demonstrator and another six months in an administrative position in a biology department. I did a postdoctoral fellowship at the Museum for 3 years, before filling a vacant position as a Research Scientist in Terrestrial Ecology.
What are the tasks that you do in a typical day?
- Research work including
- studying animals (especially birds) in the field
- analysing field data
- thinking
- reading, writing, editing and refereeing scientific papers
- supervising university students
- Answer public and government inquiries about animals/ecology
- Provide content for Museum exhibitions
- Write submissions on environmental legislation, environmental impact statements and environmental management plans
Richard provides advice to National Parks and Wildlife Service personnel on the management of native fauna.
What skills do you use in your job?
Critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, writing, speaking.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The diverse range of activities I get to do, and the amount of freedom I have in pursuing them.
Richard tries to band a Satin Bowerbird
What is the most exciting aspect of your job?
Making an interesting, significant and unexpected discovery. For example, after capturing birds to band them and measure their survival in different habitats, I discovered that a greater proportion of young birds were living in the poorer quality habitat.
What do you enjoy least about your job?
>Keeping track of accounts.
What are some alternative jobs that you would be qualified for?
University lecturer, environmental officer in a government department (local, state, federal), environmental consultant
What are some of the advantages to working in this field?
The opportunity to experience a range of natural environments and to do something which helps to conserve them.
What are some of the disadvantages to working in this field?
Experience in this field provides too many reminders of what an injured earth we live in.
How has your work contributed to science?
I have increased our understanding of the factors which determine the distribution and abundance of a range of animals in a range of habitats.
How has your work benefited society?
My work has affected land use planning and management decisions which should enhance the persistence of a range of species. I have also found out new things about animals which enrich our culture.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
In about the same place - I hope!
Find out more about terrestrial ecology and Richard's work
If you wish to ask Richard for additional information, you can email UniServe Science and we will contact Richard for you. Make sure you include Richard's name and occupation in the Subject line.
You can find out more about terrestrial ecology from Richard's homepage.
Find out more about birds in the Australian environment
Remnants - an online activity that investigates how land use and environmental attributes of a farm influence biodiversity on and around the farm, from Birds Australia.
| For further information contact Kaye Placing |
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