Scientific Advisory Committee (Threatened Species)

The establishment of the Scientific Advisory Committee (threatened species) is provided for under section 8 of the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. This legislation also sets out the functions of the Committee which are to advise the Minister and the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania on:

the listing and de-listing of taxa of flora and fauna
threatening processes
the criteria to be followed in the determination of critical habitats
other matters relating to the conservation of threatened native flora and fauna
the review and approval of listing statements.

The Committee consists of 7 members appointed by the Minister who have specialist knowledge and experience in the sciences of flora or fauna conservation or ecology. Members must collectively have expertise in the categories of vertebrate fauna; invertebrate fauna; vascular flora; non-vascular flora; taxonomy; marine ecology; freshwater ecology; terrestrial ecology; population ecology.

The Committee may consult with members of the broader scientific community as it considers appropriate.

Members of the Scientific Advisory Committee (Threatened Species)

Scientific Advisory Committee - Magali Wright	Dr Magali Wright Chairperson Magali was appointed to the SAC in 2023 and has extensive practical and academic experience working with threatened flora in a range of conservation activities including the coordination of large, on-ground multi-partner conservation projects, academic research and teaching, environmental consulting and volunteer and community group engagement. Magali has expertise in the areas of vascualr flora, non-vascualr flora and terrestrial ecology.
Scientific Advisory Committee - Kevin Bonham	Dr Kevin Bonham Member/ Deputy Chair Appointed to the SAC in 2021, Kevin is an invertebrate and threatened species research specialist and is Tasmania’s leading expert on native land snails. He has over 30 years of experience working as a consultant on surveying and developing management recommendations for invertebrate species and has extensive experience writing listing statements and recovery plans for a range of invertebrates under state legislation. Kevin has expertise are in invertebrate fauna, taxonomy and non-vascular flora (orchids).
Scientific Advisory Committee - Cynthia Awruch	Dr Cynthia Awruch Member Appointed to the SAC in 2024, Cynthia is a marine biologist with expertise in marine and Antarctic ecology, reproductive biology and sustainable population management, as well as a strong background in animal ethics and the use of IUCN guidelines. Cynthia has expertise in marine ecology and population ecology
Scientific Advisory Committee - James Wood	James Wood Member Appointed to the SAC in 2024, James is a botanist with extensive experience in the conservation of Tasmania’s threatened vascular flora. He manages the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens seedbank and has extensive ex situ conservation experience as well as in conducting genetic and taxonomic research. James is also a member of the Community Review Committee (CRC) as a SAC representative. James has expertise in vascular flora, taxonomy, terrestrial ecology and population ecology.
Scientific Advisory Committee - John Gooderham	John Gooderham Member Appointed to the SAC in 2024, John is a freshwater ecologist with more than twenty years of experience working on freshwater ecology and catchment management projects across academic, government and private sectors. John has extensive analytical experience as well as experience in science communication and citizen science projects that deal with river health. John has expertise in freshwater ecology and invertebrate fauna.
Scientific Advisory Committee - Olivia Johnson	Olivia Johnson Member Appointed to the SAC in 2024, Olivia is a marine ecologist with a diverse background in research and conservation, specialising in marine and Antarctic ecology. Olivia has skills and experience in both marine flora and fauna and is currently completing her PhD on threatened reef species with the University of Tasmania. Olivia has expertise in marine ecology, vertebrate fauna, invertebrate fauna, and marine flora.
Scientific Advisory Committee - Phil Bell	Dr Phil Bell Member Appointed to the SAC in 2024, Phil is a conservation ecologist with extensive qualifications, knowledge and professional experience in biodiversity conservation in Tasmania. He has over 30 years of experience working in research, survey and management of biodiversity with a focus on recovery planning and management of terrestrial threatened species. Phil is also a member of the Community Review Committee (CRC) as a SAC representative. Phil has expertise in vertebrate fauna, terrestrial ecology, invertebrate fauna, vascular flora and population ecology.