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University of Western Australia plant biologist Winthrop Professor Stephen Hopper, Dr Sieggy Krauss and Dr Ryan Phillips were recently awarded a grant of $935,000 to continue valuable research in the area of plant species in the South West. The funding is part of a total pool of $522 million in new Australia Research Council grants awarded nationally.

Professor Hopper and his co-researchers are investigating why the region was so rich in biodiversity when it lacked the mountainous landscape common to other biodiversity hotspots.

"We're keen to discover if there is a link between living for very long periods of time on a flat, ancient landscape in small populations," said the Albany based researcher.

There is evidence to suggest that pollination by birds and animals instead of insects contributed to the long life of particular plant species. The team have discovered that about 15 per cent of plants are pollinated by birds and mammals. This rate increased to 40 per cent for the rarer species.

Professor Hopper was also awarded a Discovery Outstanding Research Award grant which will enable post-doctoral and PhD students to assist with the research.

Media references

Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs) (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4) 00 700 783

Paula Phillips (The Albany Centre) +61 8 9842 0810