Saundra LeClair

MSc Candidate

Saundra LeClair commenced a Master’s by Research at CeRDI in 2025. 

Saundra is a conservation professional with over a decade of experience working in bird ecology, citizen science, and habitat management across Canada and Australia. Saundra’s academic journey began with a Diploma in Wildlife Conservation Technology in Canada, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Natural Resources, where she completed an honours project on biodiversity mapping and land acquisition priorities. These studies laid the foundation for Saundra’s dedication to integrating scientific research with on-ground conservation action.

Saundra has held diverse roles, including work as a Species at Risk Technician and Farmland Birds Coordinator in Canada, and more recently as the Bitterns on Farms Project Coordinator with BirdLife Australia. Much of this work has centred on engaging farmers, landholders, and volunteers in monitoring programs, using citizen science platforms such as Birdata to generate data that informs conservation outcomes.

Suandra’s master’s research is on the ecology of Latham’s Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii) in the central plains of Tasmania. Latham’s Snipe is a cryptic migratory shorebird that breeds in Japan and migrates to Australia to spend the non-breeding season in wetlands. Despite being widespread, its ecology is poorly understood, and much of its habitat is under pressure from agricultural land use, drainage, and development.

The research will address knowledge gaps by investigating how Latham’s Snipe use wetlands and surrounding landscapes in Tasmania, with a focus on wetland ecology, seasonal habitat availability, and the implications of land management practices. By conducting ecological field surveys, the project will provide insights into how this species selects and uses habitat during its non-breeding period. Anticipated outcomes include the development of recommendations for wetland restoration and management that support both biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use.

Supervisors: Dr Birgita Hansen (Principal supervisors), Dr Grant Palmer (Associate supervisor) and David Hamilton from the Tasmanian Land Conservancy (Industry/associate supervisor).

Email: sleclair@federation.edu.au