Budding scientists help inform global species list

Charles Darwin University students are helping experts to assess the conservation statuses of some unique Amazon species thought to be under threat. 

CDU researcher Dr Carla Eisemberg said the environmental science students would help her to update the assessment of 16 South American turtle and tortoise species in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 

Dr Eisemberg said the students translated non-English research papers to uncover the information about the various reptiles.

“The statuses of many of these species have not been updated since 2010,” she said.

“When a species’ status is not updated there is a risk that wrong decisions could be made in regards to its management and protection.”

Student Ella Mason said her research on the yellow-footed tortoise had led her to translate and summarise papers written in Spanish, Portuguese and French.

“Being involved in this project is a huge privilege in my eyes,” Ella said.

“You’re helping experts to decide whether or not the status of a species needs to be changed to encourage conservation efforts to be put into place.

“On top of that, it will also be great to see my name on a published paper.”