WIRES has announced it will fund a $1.5 million wildlife research grants program to be launched early 2022. This program will be run in-conjunction with the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales (RSZ NSW).

The objective of the WIRES RSZ Wildlife Research Grants program is to address the significant knowledge gaps surrounding Australian native species including biology, ecology, and conservation. Recent major ecological tragedies including drought, fires, and floods as well as an ever-growing threatened species list have clearly highlighted the vulnerability of native animals and the need to find effective strategies to mitigate major threats.

Focus of research will cover habitat and species recovery post emergencies, emergency risk reduction and preparedness, and species conservation.

WIRES, CEO Leanne Taylor said this program is designed to meet new challenges created by our rapidly changing environment.

“Australia urgently needs to learn how to manage a new range of threats facing our native animals. Through investing in building our knowledge base we aim to increase the effectiveness of emergency rescue response, wildlife rehabilitation and preservation,” said Taylor. “We are pleased to be working with RZS NSW who will be able to provide the necessary scientific oversight and strong evaluation skills to help identify suitable priority research areas. “

WIRES will employ a Research Program Coordinator to develop and write a research plan for the grant program. They will establish overall aims and objectives, identifying and prioritising key knowledge gaps and oversee the process of expert elicitation.

“The Society is looking forward to working with WIRES on the research grant program,” said Dr Pat Hutchings, President RZS NSW. “We have seen very clearly the devastating impact disasters such as bushfires can have on our native animals. In order to be better prepared for future events and to better protect our wildlife we must base our decisions on good data sourced through robust science and research.”

It is estimated that the grants program will be open for applications early 2022 and will be run over a three year period.


Media Enquiries:

WIRES Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service
John Grant, WIRES Media Officer
Phone: (02) 8977 3327
Email: media@wires.org.au
Website: www.wires.org.au

About WIRES
WIRES, Australia's largest wildlife rescue organisation has been rescuing and caring for native animals 365 days a year for almost 35 years. WIRES mission is to actively rehabilitate and preserve Australian wildlife and inspire others to do the same. WIRES operate a dedicated Wildlife Rescue Office assisting the community and wildlife 7 days a week and WIRES have 28 regional branches with over 3,000 volunteers involved in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, information and education. Annually WIRES provide rescue advice and assistance for tens of thousands of sick, injured, orphaned and displaced animals and run around 100 wildlife training courses for thousands of participants. In the wake of the devastating 2019/2020 emergency events, WIRES began providing significant national support for wildlife, supporting over 240 projects to assist with wildlife rescue and care across every state and territory. WIRES are also working with major partners to support the long-term recovery of wildlife habitat and the long-term preservation of native species in the wild nationally.


About RZS NSW
The RZS NZW* is Australia’s oldest and largest zoological society. The primary aim of RZS NSW is to promote and advance the science of zoology as a scientific discipline, and to protect, preserve and conserve the indigenous animals of Australasia and their associated habitats. They achieve their aims through the active support of Australian researchers, publication of quality research and national advocacy for the best science-based conservation policy.

www.rzsnsw.org.au