Dr Graham Thompson

Senior Lecturer

Contact Information

Tel:

+61 (0)8 6304 5427

Fax:

+61 (0)8 6304 5840

E-mail:

g.thompson@ecu.edu.au

Campus:

Joondalup

Room:

2.335

Research and Publications

Research Interest:

• Improved terrestrial fauna surveys for preparing Environmental impact assessments
• Rehabilitation and Degradation Index
• Size and shape in lizards
• Ecophysiology of arid adapted frogs

Books, monographs and reports:

1975 Thompson, G. Public Swimming Pool Planning Manual. Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, Melbourne.

1976 Thompson, G. Survey of User Patterns of a Sports Centre. Dept. Youth, Sport and Recreation, Melbourne.

1976 Thompson, G. Usage Patterns of an Indoor Recreation Centre, Dept. Youth, Sport and Recreation, Melbourne.

1977 Thompson, G. Usage Patterns of Six Victorian Public Swimming Pools. Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, Melbourne.

1979 Thompson, G. and Bowman, L. Recreation Inventory Manual. Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, Melbourne.

1980 Thompson, G. Review of Financial Assistance to Local Government and other Community Agencies. Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, Melbourne.

1981 Thompson, G. and P. A. Management Consultants, Indoor Recreation Facility Management Manual. Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, Melbourne.

1982 Thompson, G. New Directions in Sport; White Paper, A Structure and Context for the Development of Sport in Victoria. Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, Melbourne.

1987 Thompson, G. An Overview of the Approach Adopted by the W.A.T.A. Toward Trotting's Long Term Growth and Development in Western Australia. WATA, Perth.

Book chapters:

2004 Thompson G.G. Varanus caudolineatus. In: Pianka ER, King DR, (eds). Varanoid lizards of the World. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. Pp. 318-327.

2004 Thompson G.G. Varanus gouldii. In: Pianka ER, King DR, (eds). Varanoid lizards of the World. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. Pp. 380-400.

Refereed Journal Articles since 1990:

1991 Thompson, G. Factors influencing attendances at Australian Rules Football games in Western Australia. Aust. J. Leisure and Recreation 1(4):18-23, 40.

1992 McCann, C. and Thompson, G. G. An economic analysis of the First Western Australian State Masters Games. J. Tourism Studies. 3(1):28-34.

1992 Thompson, G. G. Daily distance travelled and foraging areas of Varanus gouldii (Reptilia: Varanidae) in an urban environment. Wildl. Res. 19:743-753.

1992 Thompson, G. G. and Withers, P. C. Effects of body mass and temperature on standard metabolic rates for two Australian varanid lizards (Varanus gouldii and V. panoptes). Copeia. 1992:343-350.

1992 Thompson, G. G. and Withers, P. C. Osmoregulatory adjustment by three atherinids (Leptatherina presbyteroides; Craterocephalus mugiloides; Leptatherina wallacei) to a range of salinities. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 103A (4):725-728.

1992 Thompson, G. G., Withers, P. C. and Thompson, S.A. The combat ritual of Varanus caudolineatus and V. gouldii (Reptilia: Varanidae). West. Aust. Nat. 19(1):21-25.

1993 Thompson, G., Simshauser, M., Howard, C. and Wear, T. The motivations and expectations of volunteers working for government agencies with a responsibility for conserving the natural environment. Aust. J. Leisure and Recreation. 3(2):20-30.

1993 Thompson, G. G. Daily movement patterns and habitat preferences of Varanus caudolineatus (Reptilia: Varanidae). Wildl Res. 20:227-231.

1994 Spice, C. and Thompson, G. G. Reasons why few top hockey players turn to umpiring and existing umpires continue in the role. ACHPER National Journal. Spring :8-13.

1994 Thompson, G. G. Activity area during the breeding season of Varanus gouldii (Reptilia: Varanidae) in an urban environment. Wildl. Res. 21:633-641.

1994 Thompson, G. G., and Withers, P. C. Standard metabolic rate of two small Australian varanid lizards (Varanus caudolineatus and V. acanthurus). Herpetologica. 50(4):494-502.

1995 Thompson, G. G., Heger, N., Heger, T. and Withers, P. C. Standard metabolic rate of the largest Australian varanid lizard, Varanus giganteus. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 111A(4): 603-608.

1995 Thompson G. G. and King D. Diet of Varanus caudolineatus (Reptilia: Varanidae). West. Aust. Nat. 20(4):199-204.

1995 Thompson G. G. Foraging patterns and behaviours, body postures and movement speed for Varanus gouldii (Reptilia: Varanidae), in a semi-urban environment. J. Royal Society of West. Aust. 78:107-114.

1995 Thompson G. G. Notes on the diet of Varanus gouldii in a semi-urban environment. West Aust. Nat. 21(1):49-54.

1996 Thompson G. G. A lizard and snake census on Atley Station. West. Aust. Nat. 21(1):59-63.

1996 Thompson G. Goannas in the Graveyard. Australian Nature. 25(7):30-37.

1996 Pianka G., Pianka E. R. and Thompson G. G. Reproduction by female thorny devils (Moloch horridus) under natural conditions in the Great Victoria Desert. J. Royal Society of West. Aust. 79:195-197.

1997 Thompson G. G., Bradshaw S. D. and Withers P. C. Energy and water turnover rates of a free-living and captive goanna, Varanus caudolineatus (Lacertilia: Varanidae). Comp. Biochem. Physiol.A 116:105-111.

1997 Thompson G. G. Do training and captivity affect maximal metabolic rate of Varanus gouldii (Squamata: Varanidae)? Amphibia-Reptilia. 18:112-116

1997 Thompson G. G., and Withers P. C. Evaporative water loss of Australian goannas (Squamata: Varanidae). Amphibia-Reptilia 18:177-190

1997 Thompson G. G., and Withers P. C. Comparative morphology of Western Australian varanid lizards (Squamata: Varanidae). J. Morph. 233:127-152.

1997 Thompson G. G. and Withers P. C. Standard and maximal metabolic rates of goannas (Squamata: Varanidae). Physiol. Zool. 70(3):307-323.

1997 Thompson, G.G. and Withers, P.C. Patterns of gas exchange and extended non-ventilatory periods in small goannas (Squamata: Varanidae). Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 118A:1411-1417

1998 Thompson, G.G. and Withers, P.C. Metabolic rate of neonate goannas (Squamata: Varanidae). Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 120: 625-631.

1998 Pianka, G.A., Pianka, E.R. and Thompson, G.G. Natural history of thorny devils (Moloch horridus, Lacertilia: Agamidae) in the Great Victoria Desert. J. Royal Society of West. Aust. 81: 183-190.

1998 Thompson, G. G. and Withers, P. C. Standard evaporative water loss and metabolism of juvenile Varanus mertensi (Squamata: Varanidae). Copeia. 1998: 1054-1059

1999 Thompson, G. G. and Pianka, E. R. Reproductive ecology of the black-headed goanna Varanus tristis (Squamata: Varanidae). J. Royal Society of West. Aust. 82: 27-31.

1999 Thompson, G. G., Pianka, E. R. and de Boer, M. Body temperatures of an arboreal monitor lizard, Varanus tristis (Squamata: Varanidae), during the breeding season. Amphibia-Reptilia 20: 82-88.

1999 Thompson, G.G., de Boer, M. and Pianka, E.R. Activity areas and daily movements of an arboreal monitor lizard, Varanus tristis (Squamata: Varanidae) during the breeding season. Aust. J. Ecol. 24: 117-122

1999 Thompson, G.G. and Withers, P.C. The metabolic response to hypoxia and emersion of aestivating fishes (Lepidogalaxias salamandroides and Galaxiella nigrostriata) and a non-aestivating fish (Bostockia porosa) from south-western. Australia. Aust. J. Zool. 47: 295-305.

1999 Schildger, B., Tenhu, H., Kramer, M., Gerwing, M., Kuchling, G., Thompson, and G. Wicker, R. Comparative diagnostic imaging of the reproductive tract in monitors radiology - ultrasonography - coelioscopy. Mertensiella, 11: 193-211.

1999 Tenhu, H., Schildger, B., Kuchling, G., Thompson, G. Ultrasonographic examination and anatomy of monitors (Vanaus gouldii, V. indicus and V. griseus) Sauria: Varanidae). Mertensiella, 11: 181-187.

1999 Thompson, G. Goanna metabolism: Is it different to other lizards, and if so, what are the ecological consequences? Mertensiella, 11:79-90.

1999 Jennings, B and Thompson G. G. Territorial behavior in the Australian scincid lizard, Ctenotus fallens. Herpetologica. 55(3): 352-361.

1999 Thompson, G. G. and Withers, P. C. Effect of sloughing and digestion on metabolic rate in the Australian Carpet python, Morelia spilota imbricata. Aust. J. Zool. 47, 605-610.

2000 Withers, P. C., Thompson, G. G. and Seymour, R. S. Metabolic physiology of the north-western marsupial mole, Notoryctes caurinus (Marsupialia: Notoryctidae). Aust. J. Zool. 48, 241-258.

2000 Withers, P. C. and Thompson, G. G. Cocoon formation and metabolic depression by the aestivating hylid frogs Cyclorana australis and Cyclorana cultripes (Amphibia: Hylidae). J. Roy. Soc. West. Aust. 83, 39-40.

2000 Thompson, G., Withers, P. and Seymour, R. Blind diggers in the desert. Nature Australia, 26, 26-31.

2001 Thompson, G. G. and Pianka, E. R. Allometry of clutch and neonate sizes in monitor lizards (Varanidae: Varanus). Copeia, 2001, 443-458.

2001 Thompson, G.G. and Thompson, S.A. Behaviour and spatial ecology of Gilbert's dragon, Lophognathus gilberti (Agamidae: Reptilia). J. Roy. Soc. West. Aust. 84, 153-158.

2002 Thompson, G.G. The feasibility of using body proportions in Western Australian varanids (Varanus) as a method for sex determination. Rec. West. Aust. Mus. 20, 437-439.

2002 Thompson, G.G. and Withers, P.C. Aerial and aquatic respiration of the Australian desert goby, Chlamydogobius eremius. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. Part A, 131, 871-879.

2002 Bayomy, M.F.F., Shalan, A.G., Bradshaw, S.D., Withers, P.C., Stewart, T. and Thompson, G. Water content, body weight and acid mucopolysaccharides, hyaluronidase and b-glucuronidase in response to aestivation in Australian desert frogs. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. Part A, 131, 881-892.

2002 Thompson, G.G. Do we need a terrestrial fauna database in Western Australia? J Roy. Soc. West. Aust., 85(3), 115-117.

2003 Thompson S.A. and Thompson G.G. The western bearded dragon, Pogona minor: An early lizard coloniser of rehabilitated areas. J. Roy. Soc. West. Aust. 86, 1-6.

2003 Thompson G.G. and Withers P. C. The effect of species richness and relative abundance on the shape of the species accumulation curve. Austral Ecology 28, 355-360.

2003 Thompson G.G., Withers P.C., Pianka E.R. and Thompson S.A. Assessing biodiversity with species accumulation curves; inventories of small reptiles by pit-trapping in Western Australia. Austral Ecology 28, 361-383.

2003 Thompson G.G., Thompson S.A., Withers P. C. and Pianka E.R. Diversity and abundance of pit-trapped reptiles in Australian arid and mesic habitats: Biodiversity for Environmental Impact Assessments. Pacific Conservation Biology 9, 120-135.

2003 Thompson G.G., Thompson S. A. and Fraser J. L. Surface activity of arid-adapted frogs, J. Roy. Soc. West. Aust. 86, 115-117.

Fraser J.L., Thompson G.G. and Moro D. Adequacy of terrestrial fauna surveys for the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments in the mining industry of Western Australia. Ecol. Manag. Rest.. 4(3), 187-192.

2004 Shalan, A. G., Bradshaw, S. D., Withers, P. C., Thompson, G., Bayomy, M. F. F., Bradshaw, F. J., & Stewart, T. Spermatogenesis and plasma testosterone levels in Western Australian burrowing desert frogs, Cyclorana platycephala, Cyclorana maini, and Neobatrachus sutor, during aestivation. Gen. Comp. End., 136, 90-100.

2004 Clemente, C.J., Thompson, G.G., Withers, P.C. & Lloyd, D. Kinematics, maximal metabolic rate, sprint and endurance for a slow-moving lizard, the thorny devil (Moloch horridus). Aust. J. Zool. 52, 487-503.

2004 Thompson, S. A. and Thompson, G.G. Adequacy of rehabilitation monitoring practices in the Western Australian mining industry. Ecol. Manag. Rest. 5, 30-33.

2005 Thompson G.G. and Withers P.C. Size-free shape differences in male and female Western Australian dragon lizards (Agamidae). Amphibia-Reptilia, 26, 55-63

2005 Thompson G.G. and Withers P.C. The relationship between size-free body shape and choice of retreat for Western Australian Ctenophorus (Lacertilia: Agamidae) lizards. Amphibia-Reptilia, 26, 65-72

2005 Thompson G.G. and Withers P.C. Shape of Western Australian dragons (Lacertilian: Agamidae). Amphibia-Reptilia, 26, 73-85

2005 Mayes, P.J., Thompson, G.G. and Withers, P.C. Diet and foraging behaviour of the semi-aquatic Varanus mertensi (Reptilia: Varanidae). Wildlife Research 32, 67-74

2005 Thompson, S.A., Thompson, G.G. and Withers, P.C. Influence of pit-trap type on the interpretation of fauna diversity. Wildlife Research, 32, 131-173

2005 Thompson S. A., Thompson G.G. and Withers P.C. Capture rates of small vertebrates decrease as the pit-trapping effort increases at Ora Banda. J. Roy. Soc. West. Aust. 88, 37-39.

2005 Thompson S.A. and Thompson G.G. Temporal variations in reptile assemblages in the Goldfields of Western Australia. J. Roy. Soc. West. Aust. 88, 25-36.

2005 Thompson S.A. Withers P.C., Thompson G.G. and Robinson D. Range extension for the perentie, Varanus giganteus. J. Roy. Soc. West. Aust. 88, 41-43.

2005 Thompson, G.G., Withers, P.C., and McMaster, K.A. Burrows of desert-adapted frogs, Neobatrachus aquilonius and Notaden nicholls. J. Roy. Soc. West. Aust. 88, 17-23.

2005 Thompson G.G. and Thompson S.A. Mammals or reptiles, as surveyed by pit-traps, as bio-indicators of rehabilitation success for mine sites in the goldfields region of Western Australia? Pacific Conservation Biology, 11, 268-286.

2005 Cartledge, V.A., Withers, P.C., Thompson, G.G. and McMaster, K.A. Water relations of the burrowing sandhill frog, Arenophryne rotunda (Myobatrachidae). J. Comp. Physiol. B, DOI 10.1007/s00360-005-0051-x.In press Smith JG, Brook BW, Griffiths AD, Thompson GG. Using morphometrics and information theory to predict gender in varanids.

Non-Refereed Journal Articlessince 1990:

1990 Stainton, R. and Thompson, G. The impact that the AIS hockey unit has had on the development of local hockey in Western Australia. ACHPER National Journal 128:11-15.

1990 Thompson, G. G. Fish in Australian salt lakes. Salinet 4:41-45.

1991 Thompson, G. Factors influencing attendances at Australian Rules Football games in Western Australia. Aust. J. Leisure and Recreation 1(4):18-23, 40.

1996 Thompson G. G. Breeding Varanus brevicauda. West. Aust. Nat. 21(2):119-121.

1998 Thompson, G. and Withers, P. The aestivating Salamanderfish - where do all the fish go? Western Wildlife 2(3), 4-5.

2002 Thompson, G.G and Thompson, S.A. Clutch of Varanus caudolineatus (Varanidae). West. Aust. Nat. 23 (3), 228.

2002 Thompson, G. Withers, P. Summary of workshop, J. Roy. Soc. West. Aust. 85(3), 151.

Recent conference papers:

1994 Withers, P. C. and Thompson, G. G. The relationship between body mass and metabolism for Australian goannas. Second World Congress of Herpetology, Adelaide.

1996 Thompson, G. G. and Withers, P. C. Intra- and inter-specific allometry of standard and maximal metabolic rate for Western Australian varanids with comments on the issues associated with the measurement on varanid metabolic rate. Australian Society of Herpetologists, Annual Conference, Western Australia.

1996 Thompson, G. G. and Withers, P. C. Morphological variations in Australian varanids. Australian Society of Herpetologists, Annual Conference, Western Australia.

1997 Thompson G. G. Exploring the superhighway: Educational and other opportunities. Institute of Recreation, Annual Conference, Fremantle, 26 March, 1997, Perth: Institute of Recreation.

1997 Thompson, G. G. Can the technologically challenged lecturer use the World Wide Web as a teaching resource? In Showcasing Best Practice at ECU. Tilbrook, R. (ed) Proceedings of the Best Practice Showcase, Edith Cowan University, 11 December 1996. Perth: Edith Cowan University.

1998 Thompson, G. G. and Pianka, E. R. Activity areas, daily movements, egg laying, and thermoregulation of an arboreal lizard (Varanus tristis) during the breeding season. Australian Society of Herpetologists, Annual Conference, Yungaburra, Queensland.

1998 Thompson, G.G. Comparing the metabolism of reptiles with varying body mass. ANZSCPB, Perth December 1998

1998 Withers, P.C., Thompson, G. and Seymour, R. metabolic physiology of the marsupial mole (Notoryctes caurinus). ANZSCPB, Perth December 1998

2002 Thompson, G.G. and Thompson, S.A. Terrestrial fauna surveys: Why, when and how much? 2002 Workshop on Environmental Management in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas, Goldfields Environmental Management Group, Kalgoorlie, May, 2002.

2002 Thompson, G.G., Withers, P.C., Pianka, E.R. and Thompson, S.A. Assessing reptile diversity using species accumulation curves. Australian Society of Herpetologists, Annual Conference, Birrigai, ACT.

2004 Thompson, G. G. and Thompson, S.A. Rehabilitation: Being environmentally neutral. Proceedings, Workshop on Environmental Management in Arid and Semi-Arid area. Goldfields Management Group, May 26-28, 2004.

Research Grants:

1991 Completion of a census of small terrestrial vertebrate fauna and large lizards on a section of Atley Station, $1 270, Edith Cowan University Internal.

1991 Feeding and activity patterns of two small Western Australian monitor lizards, $3 674, Edith Cowan University, Internal.

1992 Field metabolism of three species of monitor lizards (varanids) $10 285, with S. D. Bradshaw and P. C. Withers, Edith Cowan University, Internal.

1993 Home range and field energetics of Varanus gouldii, $15 660, Edith Cowan University, Internal.

1993 Evaporative water loss in two species of varanids (goannas); Varanus gouldii and Varanus acanthurus, $3 500, with P. C. Withers, ECU Internal.

1994 The effect of ambient temperature on body temperature and behaviour of Varanus flavirufus at Karrakatta Cemetery, $7 855, Edith Cowan University, Internal.

Osmoregulation and metabolism of the Desert Goby, Chlamydogobius eremius, $14 190, with P. C. Withers, Edith Cowan University, Internal.

Use of the Internet as a teaching resource for on campus students, Edith Cowan University, » $10 000

1996 Use of the Internet as a teaching resource for on campus students, Edith Cowan University, Quality Assurance and Faculty grant » $35 000

1997 ARC (small grant, UWA), with P C. Withers of University of Western Australia and R. Seymour of Adelaide University. Natural history and metabolic physiology of a rare and unusual Australian marsupial mole (Notoryctes typhlops), $15 000.

1998 ARC (small grant, ECU) Metabolic depression during aestivation in fresh-water fish - $25 000, with P C Withers.

1999 ARC (small grant, UWA) Physiological and reproductive adaptations of desert burrowing frogs to an arid environment, with S D. Bradshaw and A. Stewart, $15 000.

2000 Development of rehabilitation completion criteria for the Cawse nickel mine site using lizard communities as an indicator group, $120 000, Centaur Nickel Pty Ltd.

2000 ECU(i) PhD scholarship for Cawse nickel rehabilitation completion criteria, $66 000.

2000 Strategic Research Initiative Fund, PhD scholarship through the Centre for Ecosystem Management at ECU for the spatial ecology of the water monitor (Varanus mertensi) along the Ord River Irrigation Scheme, $107 900.

2001 Honours scholarship, Environmental Protection Authority and the Department of Conservation and Land Management. Value of small vertebrate fauna collections to assess the potential environmental impact of mining operations, $5 000.

2001 ARC Discovery grant (UWA):Ecophysiology of water-holding frogs of the Australian arid-zone. ARC $231, 000 (years 2002 - 2004) with P C Withers, UWA.

ARC Linkage grant (UWA): Improved quality and interpretation of terrestrial fauna surveys for environmental impact assessments in the mining industry. ARC $67, 635, Industry $50, 000 (years 2002 - 2004) with PC Withers (UWA) and R How (WA Museum).

Mine site closure criteria. Placer Dome Mimisa mining operations, PNG, $11,000

Temporal variations in reptile communities around Ora Banda. Placer Dome and Cawse Nickel mining operations, Ora Banda, $12,800.

Integrated terrestrial vertebrate fauna survey database. Lotterywest $99,960 with PC Withers

2006 Terrestrial ecosystem function and Rehabilitation and Disturbance Index, Placer Dome Asia Pacific and Cawse Nickel mining operations, Ora Banda, $18,000

Documents:

Vegetation descriptions - Early and late colonisers in mine site rehabilitated waste dumps in the Goldfields of Western Australia (PDF 23Kb).