David Peacock

David Peacock

School of Animal and Veterinary Science

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.


My primary interest is in the protection and recovery of Australia's natural resources through the control of vertebrate pest animals and the reintroduction of extirpated native fauna. Having directly observed the initial impacts of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus in 1995-96, I then researched this and the myxoma virus for ~20 yrs with the Turretfield Rabbit Project. I now continue to research and search for additional biological control agents and pest animal control solutions, as well as assist ecological restoration through researching historical ecology and the reintroduction of extirpated native fauna. Returning the western quoll (idnya) to the Flinders Ranges (SA), with the first 42 animals released in 2014, was primarily reintroducing an additional rabbit predator to aid the recruitment of palatable native vegetation and ecological recovery.

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2024 Principal Supervisor Returning the Quoll to South-east South Australia Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Courtney Skye Morris
    2021 Principal Supervisor Phascogale calura reintroduction to South Australia: history, diet, habitat use and genetics Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Tessa Paris Manning
  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2016 - 2019 Co-Supervisor Ecology of Cat-borne Parasitoses in Australia Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Patrick Leo Taggart
    2014 - 2019 Co-Supervisor Co-Evolution of Rabbits and the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) in Australia Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Amy Rebecca Iannella

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