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WildLab Facilities

 

WildLab has access to modern Animal Holding, Laboratory and Field facilities. Please contact Dr Ricky Spencer to arrange a tour.

Turtle and Lizard Houses
Aquatic Facilites

WildLab's Turtle and Lizard Houses are state of art. Around 1000 turtles can reside in the turtle house and we have experimental enclosures to house a range of lizards in the Lizard House. The facilities have recieved commendations from Animal Welfare review panels. The facilities are modified glasshouses, meaning that animals experience natural light and dark cycles, while fully protected. 

Physiology and Molecular Labs

WildLab conducts world class research on embryonic development and physiology. We have an excellent physiology laboratory to conduct Evo-Devo experiments on embryonic reptiles. We also have access to both molecular and PC2 laboratories.

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Experimental Wetland Facility
 

WildLab has access to world standard freshwater and marine aquatic racking systems. WildLab conducts a range of experimental projects in this facility; from swimming and feeding trials of turtles to temperature acclimation experiments on freshwater mussels. The facilties are adaptable for a range of freshwater and marine invertebrates and vertebrates.

Experimental Wetlands
 

WildLab is at UWS Hawkesbury, which is situataed on over 1200ha of wetlands, woodland and agricultural land. One of our major facilities are our experimental wetlands where we can conduct large-scale and replicated flooding and drying experiments to test a range of questions, including the impacts of flooding and drought on ecosystem function and nurtient recycling.

This enclosed/protected mesocosm facility at Western Sydney University is comprised of 10 circular ponds filled with 1450 L of tap water, 0.42 m depth x 2.1 m diameter. Each pond is an independent flow-through system where the flow of water is regulated and kept constant by a float. This facility enables WildLab to conduct important research into the conservation and ecological role of freshwater turtle and invertebrate species.

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