B.A. (Hons) (Oxon), M.Sc. (Aberdeen), Ph.D. (Aberdeen)

Honorary Research Associate

General Responsibilities

Senior Zoologist (DPIW Threatened Species Section)

I carried out my Ph.D. on the fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox), a semi-arboreal mammalian carnivore endemic to the forests of Madagascar. Its ecological similarities to the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) brought me to Tasmania in 2001 to study the latter species' habitat requirements. I subsequently joined the State Government, initially with the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program: I spent four years monitoring the impact and distribution of Devil Facial Tumour Disease. I am now Senior Zoologist for the Threatened Species Section.

Other links:
Natural Values Atlas

Research Interests

While I am interested in all aspects of conservation ecology, I have particularly focussed on understanding and managing the special issues associated with mammalian carnivores. This includes their ecological functions and their typical threats, especially habitat fragmentation, as well as disease and persecution. I enjoy working with experts in a range of fields on novel approaches to meet the challenges of monitoring and managing low density, wide-ranging species - from devils and quolls to swift parrots and eagles.

Research Areas:

• Conservation Biology and Wildlife Management  Read More

Selected Publications:

• Hoffmann, M., Hawkins, C.E., Walsh, P.D., 2008, 'Action needed to prevent extinctions caused by disease. ', Nature, 454, pgs. 159
• Hawkins, C.E., Baars, C., Hesterman, H., Hocking, G.J., Jones, M.E., Lazenby, B., Mann, D., Mooney, N., Pemberton, D., Pyecroft, S., Restani, M. & Wiersma, J. , 2006, 'Emerging disease and population decline of an island endemic, the Tasmanian devil Sarcophilus harrisii.', Biological Conservation , 131, pgs. 307-324
• Hawkins, C.E. & Racey, P.A., 2005, 'Low population density of a tropical forest carnivore, Cryptoprocta ferox: implications for protected area management. ', Oryx, 39, pgs. 35-43
• Mackinnon, J.L., Hawkins, C.E. & Racey, P.A. (eds) , 2001, 'Le rôle ecologique, le statut de conservation et le plan de sauvegarde des mégachiroptères (fanihy) à Madagascar. ', Tetikasa Fikajiana Fanihy, University of Aberdeen. [Action Plan for Conservation of Madagascar's Fruit Bats].
• Hawkins, C.E. & Macdonald, D.W., 1992, 'A spool-and-line method for investigating the movements of badgers, Meles meles', Mammalia, 56, pgs. 322-325

Full Publication List

Current and Supervised Project/s:

• Shannon Troy - Landscape ecology of the spotted tailed quoll
• Nick Beeton - Population and disease modelling in the Tasmanian Devil.
• Rodrigo Hamede - Epidemiology and transmission dynamics of Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease