Aimee Silla

I am a conservation biologist specialising in the development of reproductive technologies as tools for the conservation of threatened amphibians, with additional expertise in amphibian mating-system evolution, captive nutrition, microbiomes and immunity. Reproductive technologies encompass a range of techniques that manipulate gametes for the purpose of controlling reproduction and enhancing fertility. My research includes manipulating hormone profiles to induce gamete-release, short-term gamete-storage, biobanking, and artificial reproduction. A staggering 41% of amphibian species are now threatened with extinction, my research aims to address this biodiversity crisis by applying an innovative interdisciplinary scientific approach. Specifically, incorporating evolutionary theory into the study of amphibian reproductive technologies will increase our capacity to fast-track the development of technologies for threatened species recovery.

I have established a network of national and international collaborators and have forged enduring and productive partnerships with conservation practitioners from DCCEEW, Taronga Conservation Society and Zoos Victoria. Through these strategic partnerships, our research has precipitated significant change in threatened species management.