{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260100313"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260100313","attributes":{"code":"DE260100313","administering-organisation":"The Australian National University","announcement-administering-organisation":"The Australian National University","scheme-name":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2026,"years-funded":3,"project-start-date":"2026-01-01","anticipated-end-date":"2032-02-16","grant-summary":"Using genetics to save Australia’s predators from cane toads. Cane toads are poisoning Australia’s native wildlife. When reptile predators eat these toxic invaders, they usually die. As a result, populations of monitor lizards and large snakes are shrinking across Australia. With the long-term survival of these reptiles unclear, we must act to protect our key predators. To accomplish this, we must better measure species health and understand how animals evolve resistance to toxins. This project will use genetic research to uncover how Australian reptiles have responded to cane toad toxins over time and assess their potential to adapt. The findings will support conservation efforts by providing vital genetic insights and a practical framework to better integrate genetics into species recovery programs.","funding-current":521794.00,"funding-at-announcement":517554,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Ian","familyName":"Brennan","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-4416-5224 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Ian","familyName":"Brennan","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-4416-5224 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"The Australian National University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"ACT"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"The Australian National University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"ACT"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":false,"code":"310410","name":"Phylogeny and Comparative Analysis","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"310509","name":"Genomics","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":true,"code":"4104","name":"Environmental Management","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"410401","name":"Conservation and Biodiversity","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"180606","name":"Terrestrial Biodiversity","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280102","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Biological Sciences","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["England"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"Biodiversity loss is accelerating worldwide. Australia has one of the worst records of animal extinctions and this is largely due to invasive species. One such invader, cane toads, are a major threat, poisoning key native predators. As a result, reptile populations across northern Australia are shrinking. Are these species at risk of extinction, or have they begun to adapt? Despite their ecological and cultural importance, we know little about their long-term survival. The Australian Government’s Science and Research Priorities (2024) identify the critical importance of protecting and recovering biodiversity. To reach this goal, this project will use genetic research to assess the health and resilience of iconic reptiles like monitor lizards and large snakes. Project results will support conservation efforts through collaboration with state and private agencies. Ongoing engagement with stakeholders will guarantee a two-way transfer of knowledge for more effective outcomes. Museum programs will allow this research to better reach the public, raising awareness and inspiring action to protect our iconic predators. Investing in this project is a step toward safeguarding Australia’s unique biodiversity."}}}