As an ‘ought to be’ question this raises whether relevance to conservation is necessary for a ‘top research need’. Not only is so much unknown but perceptions change. A few years ago determination
of ‘subspecies’ status was important because ‘conserving subspecies is as important as conserving species’. Now there is uncertainty, or at least different views, about what a subspecies is, so that ‘top research need’ is somewhat diminished, as I see it.
As to being intrigued, I would list seasonal movement of species or populations between Australia and New Guinea. Not that the Canberra Birds Conservation Fund is likely to be asked to play a role there.
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of David McDonald (Personal)
Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2024 6:40 PM
To:
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] Grants ideas
Ben’s query is an interesting one, and I look fwd to seeing your responses to it.
Although Ben referenced the
Canberra Birds Conservation Fund in his question, just a reminder that the Fund welcomes applications for grants covering a range of activities that align with the Fund’s (and Canberra Birds’) environmental
objectives, detailed at
https://canberrabirds.org.au/conservation/conservation/ . While most of the applications received so far, hence most of the grants, have been for research, the Fund also welcome those focussing on education, conservation/biodiversity
projects, etc. etc.
Best wishes – David
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of ben milbourne via Canberrabirds
Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2024 9:15 AM
To:
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Grants ideas
Thank you David for your reminder over the weekend as to the opportunity to apply for grants from the Canberra Birds Conservation Fund; the accompanying list of previous programs was also helpful.
In light of being a relative new member of Canberra Birds, indeed a relative new birder, I am hoping to garner the experience of the COG membership. Specifically, I am curious, in the years you
have been birding, what would be some of the top research needs you believe ought to be given attention or investigated. These could be new ideas, matters which deserve revisiting or following up on, or simply something which intrigues you.
