Guy Ballard
@guyballard.bsky.social
Principal Research Scientist, DPIRD.
Part-time, Uni of New England, NSW.
Dingoes, foxes, cats and quolls.
Rock wallabies when time permits.
Comments are mine.
Part-time, Uni of New England, NSW.
Dingoes, foxes, cats and quolls.
Rock wallabies when time permits.
Comments are mine.
Incredibly galling to hear $400M to be wasted on shipping ppl to Nauru when we are decades under-funded for meaningful #biosecurity and #environmental action in Australia. 😭
September 2, 2025 at 4:27 AM
Incredibly galling to hear $400M to be wasted on shipping ppl to Nauru when we are decades under-funded for meaningful #biosecurity and #environmental action in Australia. 😭
Sound principle, now fund the necessary action Minister Watt.
‘we absolutely remain committed to the principle of not just protecting and reducing environmental damage, but restoring our environment.’
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘we absolutely remain committed to the principle of not just protecting and reducing environmental damage, but restoring our environment.’
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Murray Watt backs ‘no-go’ zones where development is banned – but not for Tasmania’s Robbins Island
Environment minister says scientific evidence did not convince government that remote island qualified
www.theguardian.com
August 30, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Sound principle, now fund the necessary action Minister Watt.
‘we absolutely remain committed to the principle of not just protecting and reducing environmental damage, but restoring our environment.’
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘we absolutely remain committed to the principle of not just protecting and reducing environmental damage, but restoring our environment.’
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
An interesting read. 🧪
Names can matter but the ongoing debate about #dingoes specific identity has temporarily obscured another more important issue: managing negative impacts. History suggests a ‘new’ name wont protect #dingoes from Australians who identify them as #pests
Names can matter but the ongoing debate about #dingoes specific identity has temporarily obscured another more important issue: managing negative impacts. History suggests a ‘new’ name wont protect #dingoes from Australians who identify them as #pests
New research shows that based on genetic, behavioural, ecological and archaeological evidence, dingoes are distinct from domestic dogs, including South-East Asian village dogs, which look superficially similar.
Read more on @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/...
@
Read more on @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/...
@
August 22, 2025 at 3:08 AM
🧪 Wonderful to be in the field with some students this week.
We are trapping #possums for a genetic study as well as seeking recaptures from our marked population.
The view into the Sara River catchment isn’t bad either…
We are trapping #possums for a genetic study as well as seeking recaptures from our marked population.
The view into the Sara River catchment isn’t bad either…
March 25, 2025 at 6:29 AM
🧪 Wonderful to be in the field with some students this week.
We are trapping #possums for a genetic study as well as seeking recaptures from our marked population.
The view into the Sara River catchment isn’t bad either…
We are trapping #possums for a genetic study as well as seeking recaptures from our marked population.
The view into the Sara River catchment isn’t bad either…
Apparently some people think that getting rid of specialist admin. staff and making scientists (who get paid more per hour than the former admin. staff) to do less science and more admin (poorly) is ‘efficiency’. It would be hilarious if it wasn’t so ridiculous. Really, who would do that? #science
February 26, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Apparently some people think that getting rid of specialist admin. staff and making scientists (who get paid more per hour than the former admin. staff) to do less science and more admin (poorly) is ‘efficiency’. It would be hilarious if it wasn’t so ridiculous. Really, who would do that? #science
🧪 Sat next to a legend at dinner.
50yrs integrating #science into Australian #agriculture
Their observations?
1) We need food, fibre AND nature too.
2) More investment is required in the public service, not less.
3) Government worries too much re inputs rather than the quality of outputs.
50yrs integrating #science into Australian #agriculture
Their observations?
1) We need food, fibre AND nature too.
2) More investment is required in the public service, not less.
3) Government worries too much re inputs rather than the quality of outputs.
February 20, 2025 at 10:28 AM
🧪 Sat next to a legend at dinner.
50yrs integrating #science into Australian #agriculture
Their observations?
1) We need food, fibre AND nature too.
2) More investment is required in the public service, not less.
3) Government worries too much re inputs rather than the quality of outputs.
50yrs integrating #science into Australian #agriculture
Their observations?
1) We need food, fibre AND nature too.
2) More investment is required in the public service, not less.
3) Government worries too much re inputs rather than the quality of outputs.
Research samples!!! 🧪
7 #dingo heads and 7 #feralcats from a great
trapper who supports our research by providing samples from programs he conducts for public and private land managers.
These will be used by multiple researchers to inform future predator policy and management.
7 #dingo heads and 7 #feralcats from a great
trapper who supports our research by providing samples from programs he conducts for public and private land managers.
These will be used by multiple researchers to inform future predator policy and management.
February 20, 2025 at 4:15 AM
Research samples!!! 🧪
7 #dingo heads and 7 #feralcats from a great
trapper who supports our research by providing samples from programs he conducts for public and private land managers.
These will be used by multiple researchers to inform future predator policy and management.
7 #dingo heads and 7 #feralcats from a great
trapper who supports our research by providing samples from programs he conducts for public and private land managers.
These will be used by multiple researchers to inform future predator policy and management.
#wildlife managers.
Ask yourself:
1) Are you qualified to make a decision?
2) Do you have the necessary data?
3) Do you have ‘authority’?
Obtain all 3 by working with others and be great at what you do.
Ask yourself:
1) Are you qualified to make a decision?
2) Do you have the necessary data?
3) Do you have ‘authority’?
Obtain all 3 by working with others and be great at what you do.
February 13, 2025 at 4:27 AM
#wildlife managers.
Ask yourself:
1) Are you qualified to make a decision?
2) Do you have the necessary data?
3) Do you have ‘authority’?
Obtain all 3 by working with others and be great at what you do.
Ask yourself:
1) Are you qualified to make a decision?
2) Do you have the necessary data?
3) Do you have ‘authority’?
Obtain all 3 by working with others and be great at what you do.
Without consistent funding, an end to short term contracts for our best young and mid-career researchers and support to implement best practice, we will absolutely continue to suffer economic and ecological loss from #invasive species.
Invasive species threaten so many of the landscapes & native species we love.
I’ve been calling on govt to set up a fund that ensures we have consistent funding and research into new tech like gene drive.
www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
I’ve been calling on govt to set up a fund that ensures we have consistent funding and research into new tech like gene drive.
www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
Why Australia’s 200m wild rabbit population could soon explode
Scientists have battled the damaging feral pest for decades with world-leading efforts, but that is set to change.
www.smh.com.au
February 2, 2025 at 12:51 AM
Without consistent funding, an end to short term contracts for our best young and mid-career researchers and support to implement best practice, we will absolutely continue to suffer economic and ecological loss from #invasive species.
Genuine question for Australian #bird #ecology
On a recent trip I noticed Corellas and galahs dominating Casuarina spp. food resources I’ve previously observed being used by black cockatoos in and around northern NSW coastal towns. Any informed observations re competition? Is anyone working on it?
On a recent trip I noticed Corellas and galahs dominating Casuarina spp. food resources I’ve previously observed being used by black cockatoos in and around northern NSW coastal towns. Any informed observations re competition? Is anyone working on it?
January 27, 2025 at 3:36 AM
An assassin bug with ladybird prey. There’s always drama in the garden.
January 27, 2025 at 3:30 AM
An assassin bug with ladybird prey. There’s always drama in the garden.
This summer many local #Eucalyptus trees are suffering from #beetle damage. First we had cockchafers, then Christmas beetles.
In some areas 100% of trees are very badly affected. Hopefully, given reasonable soil moisture, there’ll be new leaves soon.
🤞🤞
In some areas 100% of trees are very badly affected. Hopefully, given reasonable soil moisture, there’ll be new leaves soon.
🤞🤞
January 27, 2025 at 3:21 AM
This summer many local #Eucalyptus trees are suffering from #beetle damage. First we had cockchafers, then Christmas beetles.
In some areas 100% of trees are very badly affected. Hopefully, given reasonable soil moisture, there’ll be new leaves soon.
🤞🤞
In some areas 100% of trees are very badly affected. Hopefully, given reasonable soil moisture, there’ll be new leaves soon.
🤞🤞
Australia approved clearing of ~26,000 hectares of #threatenedspecies habitat in 2024.
At the same time, incentives for private land owners to protect or enhance habitat remain ineffective.
This is a trajectory we must change for everyone’s sake.
At the same time, incentives for private land owners to protect or enhance habitat remain ineffective.
This is a trajectory we must change for everyone’s sake.
January 20, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Australia approved clearing of ~26,000 hectares of #threatenedspecies habitat in 2024.
At the same time, incentives for private land owners to protect or enhance habitat remain ineffective.
This is a trajectory we must change for everyone’s sake.
At the same time, incentives for private land owners to protect or enhance habitat remain ineffective.
This is a trajectory we must change for everyone’s sake.
Dear #America. If your Government acts with decency and integrity you won’t need to buy Greenland or invade Panama. Just be good allies. Cheaper, safer, ‘greater’.
January 18, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Dear #America. If your Government acts with decency and integrity you won’t need to buy Greenland or invade Panama. Just be good allies. Cheaper, safer, ‘greater’.
Reposted by Guy Ballard
I had one inside trying to get out the skylight yesterday! Aren't they lovely!
January 11, 2025 at 9:21 PM
I had one inside trying to get out the skylight yesterday! Aren't they lovely!
Another day, another Eucalyptus sp. feast for Xmas beetles. They have finally made it to the E. dalrympleana (Mountain gums).
January 8, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Another day, another Eucalyptus sp. feast for Xmas beetles. They have finally made it to the E. dalrympleana (Mountain gums).
Reposted by Guy Ballard
NSW herbarium digitised collection is now available online
www.botanicgardens.org.au/our-science/...
www.botanicgardens.org.au/our-science/...
Herbarium collection | Botanic Gardens of Sydney
The National Herbarium of New South Wales has more than 1 million plant specimens including rare species, Australian and Pacific flora, historical and type specimen collections. Access the digitised i...
www.botanicgardens.org.au
January 6, 2025 at 4:06 AM
NSW herbarium digitised collection is now available online
www.botanicgardens.org.au/our-science/...
www.botanicgardens.org.au/our-science/...
Reposted by Guy Ballard
Brush-tailed phascogale has got to be up there as one of Australia's most underated fauna species. Don't @ me invertebrate people #WildOz
January 2, 2025 at 3:22 AM
Brush-tailed phascogale has got to be up there as one of Australia's most underated fauna species. Don't @ me invertebrate people #WildOz
In 2025 we will separate Canis familiaris into #dogs, nogs & fogs. Dogs still resemble ancient dogs, nogs are sufficiently ‘petified’ that they are unlikely to survive without people. Fogs barely resemble their forebears and are a shameful mix of toy, ugly sculpture and things real dogs would eat.😉
January 1, 2025 at 12:11 AM
In 2025 we will separate Canis familiaris into #dogs, nogs & fogs. Dogs still resemble ancient dogs, nogs are sufficiently ‘petified’ that they are unlikely to survive without people. Fogs barely resemble their forebears and are a shameful mix of toy, ugly sculpture and things real dogs would eat.😉
‘Stop crying and start sweating. Stop talking and start working.’
Still true today.
RIPJimmy Carter.
Still true today.
RIPJimmy Carter.
December 31, 2024 at 2:43 AM
‘Stop crying and start sweating. Stop talking and start working.’
Still true today.
RIPJimmy Carter.
Still true today.
RIPJimmy Carter.
Christmas beetles (Anoplognathus spp.) are having a wonderful time this summer.They are scarabs, locally associated with #Eucalyptus dieback.
Here they are rapidly defoliating one of my E. scoparia (AKA Wallangarra white gum).
Here they are rapidly defoliating one of my E. scoparia (AKA Wallangarra white gum).
December 30, 2024 at 11:48 PM
Christmas beetles (Anoplognathus spp.) are having a wonderful time this summer.They are scarabs, locally associated with #Eucalyptus dieback.
Here they are rapidly defoliating one of my E. scoparia (AKA Wallangarra white gum).
Here they are rapidly defoliating one of my E. scoparia (AKA Wallangarra white gum).