Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, I developed a keen interest in South American reptiles from an early age. I am in the first year of my Ph.D. here at The University of Queensland, and my research is upon the ecology and conservation physiology of the endangered Mary River Turtle (Elusor macrurus), and I aim to reveal aspects of the turtles habitat usage across the various life stages. This project will be carried out in collaboration with a community group located around the Mary River (Tiaro & District Landcare Group). I hope that the results from my Ph.D. will help to conserve this elusive species.
Elusor macrurus is a bimodally respiring freshwater turtle endemic to the Mary River in Queensland. This species is generally found in well-oxygenated pools associated with riffle zones, and its breeding population has been subjected to major impacts over time. It grows up to over 40 cm in carapace length, and is tone of the largest Australian short-necked Chelids. E. macrurus is considered to be in imminent threat of extinction (IUCN, 2008) and is currently listed as endangered. It has a very limited range, being only found within the confines of the Mary River in Queensland, and therefore, changes to that habitat may result in their extinction from the wild. It is therefore, crucial to understand what their habitat requirements are at different life-stages. Surprisingly, there is limited data available on the spatial and temporal habitat exploration of E. macrurus. Thus, the main aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between habitat and nest-site selection of the Mary River turtle (Elusor macrurus).
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2006 - 2008 Masters of Physiological Science, Federal University of São Carlos - UFSCar, São Carlos/SP, Brazil. Thesis: Characterization of O2 chemoreceptors involved at the cardio-respiratory reflexes of trairão, Hoplias lacerdae (teleostei, Erythrinidae) in response to environmental hypoxia.
2002 - 2005 Bachelor in Biological Sciences (Hons). University of São Paulo State Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Rio Claro/SP, Brazil. Thesis: Ecophysiology and thermoregulation in Boa constrictor amarali (Serpent, Boidae). Honours Thesis. Department of Zoology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Rio Claro/SP, Brazil.
Micheli-Campbell, M.A., Campbell, H.A., Kalinin, A.L., Rantin, F.T. (in press). The relationship between O2 chemoreceptors, cardio-respiratory reflex and hypoxia tolerance in the neotropical fish Hoplias lacerdae. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology.
Micheli, M.A., Campbell, H.A. (2008). Autonomic control of heart rate exhibits diurnal shifts in a crocodilian. Amphibia-Reptilia 29: 567-571.
Campbell, H.A., Micheli, M.A., Abe, A.S. (2008). Seasonal change in the distribution and physical condition of Caiman crocodilus yacare in the Paraguayan River Basin. Wildlife Research 35: 150-157.
McKenzie, D.J., Campbell, H.A., Taylor, E.W., Micheli, M.A., Rantin, F.T., Abe, A.S. (2007). The autonomic control and functional significance of the changes in heart rate associated with air breathing in the jeju, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus. Journal of Experimental Biology 210: 4224 - 4232.
Micheli, M.A., Rantin, F.T., Kalinin, A.L. (2007). Characterization of chemoreceptor of O2 involved on the control of the cardio-respiratory reflex in trairão, Hoplias lacerdae (Teleostei, Erythrinidae), in response to the environmental hypoxia. In: IV Post-Graduation Conference during the 7th Scientific Journey of UFSCar, 2007, São Carlos/SP, Brazil. Annals: Anais do IV Congresso de pós-graduação durante a 7a Jornada Científica da UFSCar.
Micheli, M.A., Andrade, D.V. (2006). Effects of feeding at the thermoregulation of jibóia, Boa constrictor amarali, (Serpent, Boidae). In: XXVI Brazilian Conference of Zoology, 2006, Londrina/PR, Brazil. Annals: Anais do XXVI Congresso Brasileiro de Zoologia.
Micheli, M.A., Andrade, D.V. (2004). Thermoregulation in Boa constrictor amarali. In: XVI Conference of Scientific Initiation of UNESP, 2004, Ilha Solteira/SP, Brazil. Annals: Resumos do XVI Congresso de Iniciação Científica da Unesp.
Micheli, M.A., Abe, A.S., Andrade, D.V. (2004). Seasonal variation of body temperature in rattlesnakes, Crotalus durissus terrificus (Serpent, Viperidae). In: XXV Brazilian Conference of Zoology, 2004, Brasília/D.F, Brazil. Annals: Resumos do XXV Congresso Brasileiro de Zoologia.
Bovo, R.P., Micheli, M.A., Abe, A.S., Andrade, D.V. (2004). Seasonal variation of body temperature in jibóias, Boa constrictor amarali In: XXV Brazilian Conference of Zoology, 2004, Brasília/D.F, Brazil. Annals: Resumos do XXV Congresso Brasileiro de Zoologia.
IPRS - International Postgraduate Research Scholarship, Australian Government / The University of Queensland (2009 - 2011).
Mary River Turtle Scholarship Program - Tiaro & District Landcare Group, QLD, Australia (2009-2011).
FAPESP - Foundation of Support to the Research of São Paulo State, Brazil (2006 - 2007).
CNPq - National Council of Scientific and Technologic Development, São Paulo State, Brazil (2003-2004).