Macquarie University
Research Field: Conservation Science
Australia has some of the most unique species on the planet, yet we have the worst wildlife extinction rate of any country and many species are threatened by the expansion of invasive species. Cane toads, in particular, are causing huge declines in apex predator species across northern Australia.
Dr Ward-Fear works to protect wildlife threatened by invasive species. She is researching innovative ways to work with the native species using their own behaviour to save themselves. She works holistically by looking at conservation problems through both ecological and social lenses.
Georgia created the Cane Toad Coalition (www.canetoadcoalition.com) that unites a powerful group of research, conservation, Indigenous and land management organisations to trial the world’s largest cane toad mitigation strategy. She also collaborates closely with the Indigenous ranger network across northern Australia. She has presented her work at over 15 schools and has been interviewed numerous times for print and radio media.
Georgia was awarded her PhD in 2017 from the University of Sydney. She is currently a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Biological Sciences at Macquarie University.