Miss Gemma Sansom

Higher Degree by Research Candidate

School of Biological Sciences

College of Science


I am a passionate PhD candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a focus on wildlife conservation, particularly the southern hairy-nosed wombat population in South Australia's Far West Coast. My research explores how the Dog Fence and the removal of dingoes (the wombat’s primary predator) have impacted wombat behaviour, genetic relationships, and abundance.

My primary research focus surrounds wildlife management, ecology and conservation. Specifically my research is conducted on the southern hairy-nosed wombat, in order to establish an understanding of how the erection of the dog fence through the species distribution has had an impact. Using a combination of genetic, spatial and behavioural analysis, my work will create a broad understanding of the impacts which fencing has on off-target wildlife, applicable to wildlife species worldwide. 

Date Position Institution name
2021 - ongoing Research Assistant The University of Adelaide

Date Institution name Country Title
2022 The University of Adelaide Australia PhD in Sciences
2020 - 2021 The University of Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) (Honours)
2017 - 2019 The University of Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Science (Animal Science)

Year Citation
2025 Sansom, G., Ostendorf, B., & Taggart, D. (2025). Historic accounts of the impact of dingoes on South Australia’s sheep industry that led to the construction of the Dog Fence, with notes on other wildlife abundance. Wildlife Research, 52(9), 14 pages.
DOI
2023 Sansom, G., Barlow, C. F., Daniel, L., & Baker, E. (2023). Social housing temperature conditions and tenant priorities. Australian Journal of Social Issues, 58(3), 624-639.
DOI Scopus6 WoS6
2022 Baker, E., Daniel, L., Beer, A., Rowley, S., Stone, W., Bentley, R., . . . Sansom, G. (2022). The impact of the pandemic on the Australian rental sector. Ahuri Final Report, (389).
DOI Scopus3

Year Citation
2022 Baker, E., Daniel, L., & Sansom, G. (2022). Victorian Renters: Affordability, Experiences and Aspirations.

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