Meryl Theng

Ms Meryl Theng

Higher Degree by Research Candidate

PhD Candidate

School of Biological Sciences

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

My research is focused on understanding how animals move, and how underlying movement processes affect inferences obtained from detection data. Specifically, my PhD work involves developing mechanistic movement simulations based on spatial memory and individual interactions, and using them to i) evaluate statistical models of population abundance estimation and ii) evaluate animal population control measures to assist in management decisions.

My longer-term interests are in novel statistical approaches that improve the strength of community inferences from camera trap data. I endeavour to apply these methods on local-scale carbon-biodiversity research to support the integration of biodiversity effects in carbon offset schemes.

  • Journals
    Year Citation
    2022 Theng, M., Milleret, C., Bracis, C., Cassey, P., & Delean, S. (2022). Confronting spatial capture–recapture models with realistic animal movement simulations. Ecology, 103(10), 20 pages.
    DOI Scopus4 WoS4 Europe PMC1
    2020 Theng, M., Jusoh, W. F. A., Jain, A., Huertas, B., Tan, D. J. X., Tan, H. Z., . . . Chisholm, R. A. (2020). A comprehensive assessment of diversity loss in a well-documented tropical insect fauna: almost half of Singapore’s butterfly species extirpated in 160 years. Biological Conservation, 242, 108401.
    DOI Scopus18 WoS18
    2020 Guerrini, M., Forcina, G., Chua, M. A. H., Theng, M., Al-Sheikhly, O. F., Haba, M. K., . . . Barbanera, F. (2020). Spatial genetic structure in the vulnerable smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata, mustelidae): Towards an adaptive conservation management of the species. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 68, 719-734.
    DOI Scopus3 WoS2
    2018 Theng, M., Glikman, J. A., & Milner-Gulland, E. J. (2018). Exploring saiga horn consumption in Singapore. ORYX, 52(4), 736-743.
    DOI Scopus13 WoS12
    2017 Moretti, B., Al-Sheikhly, O. F., Guerrini, M., Theng, M., Gupta, B. K., Haba, M. K., . . . Barbanera, F. (2017). Phylogeography of the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata): Distinct evolutionary lineages and hybridization with the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). Scientific Reports, 7(1), 13 pages.
    DOI Scopus14 WoS8 Europe PMC3
    2016 Theng, M., Sivasothi, N., & Tan, H. H. (2016). Diet of the smooth-coated otter Lutrogale perspicillata (Geoffroy, 1826) at natural and modified sites in Singapore. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 64, 290-301.
    Scopus12 WoS7
    2016 Theng, M., & Sivasothi, N. (2016). The smooth-coated otter lutrogale perspicillata (Mammalia: Mustelidae) in Singapore: Establishment and expansion in natural and semi-urban environments. IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin, 33(1), 37-49.
    Scopus19
    - Theng, M., Prowse, T. A. A., Delean, S., Cassey, P., & Bracis, C. (n.d.). The integrated role of resource memory and scent-based territoriality in the emergence of home-ranges.
    DOI

  • Report for External Bodies
    Year Citation
    2016 Gomez, L., Leupen, B., Theng, M., Fernandez, K., & Savage, M. (2016). ILLEGAL OTTER TRADE: An analysis of seizures in selected Asian countries (1980–2015).

2022–2023 National Geographic Exploration Grant (c. 28,000 USD)

2019–2022 University of Adelaide Scholarship (International)

2018–2019 National Geographic Early-Career Grant (4,800 USD)

2018–2019 Rufford Small Grant (c. 6,500 USD)

  • Position: PhD Candidate
  • Email: meryl.theng@adelaide.edu.au
  • Campus: North Terrace
  • Building: Benham, floor Ground
  • Org Unit: Research Scholars (Positions)
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