Dr Volker W. Framenau
Harry Butler Institute
Murdoch University
90 South St
Murdoch
Western Australia 6071
Australia
E-Mail: volker.framenau@murdoch.edu.au
Adjunct Lecturer
School of Animal Biology
University of Western Australia
Research Associate
Department of Terrestrial Zoology
Western Australian Museum
Research Associate
Centre for Natural History
University of Hamburg
Scientific Advisory Panel, Western Australia
ClimateWatch (Earthwatch Institute)
Professional Profile
I am a Research Fellow at the Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University (Perth, Australia) studying biosecurity and quarantine issues in relation to terrestrial invertebrates. Other research focuses on documenting the biodiversity of the Australian terrestrial invertebrate fauna, in particular wolf spiders (Lycosidae), orb-weaving spiders (Araneidae) and mouse spiders (Actinopodidae). In addition, my research portfolio includes the taxonomy and systematics of the terrestrial and troglodytic short-range endemic fauna of Western Australia, which includes in particular mygalomorph spiders, schizomids, pseudoscorpions, millipedes, molluscs and other groups with species distributions of less than 10,000 sqkm. Short- (or narrow) range endemics are of particular conservation interest due to their high vulnerability following habitat disturbance.
I have also a particular interest in popular scientific publications and macro-photography and have senior-authored two comprehensive field guides to the spiders of Australia:
- Framenau, V.W., Baehr, B.C. and Zborowski, P. (2014) A Guide to Spiders of Australia, New Holland Publishers, 448 pp.
- Framenau, V.W. and Thomas, M.L. (2018) Reed Concise Guide: Spiders of Australia, New Holland Publishers, 192 pp.
Particular Research Projects
- The systematics of Australian orb-web spiders (Araneidae)
- The systematics of Australian wolf spiders (Lycosidae)
- The systematics of mouse spiders (Actinopodidae) (in collaboration with D. Harms, University of Hamburg)
- The ecology and conservation of terrestrial salt lake invertebrates
Study Opportunities
Potential students and postdocs are welcome to contact me to discuss projects within my research interests; however, funding is limited. I support the application for scholarships in any possible way (e.g. through the Australian Biological Resources Study).
Academic Education
- 2002: Ph.D., University of Melbourne, Australia. Thesis: Taxonomy, Life History Characteristics, and Ecology of Riparian Wolf Spiders (Araneae, Lycosidae) in the Victorian Alps, South-eastern Australia
- 1995: M.Sci., Philipps-University Marburg, Germany, majoring in Nature Conservation, Taxonomy and Systematics, Animal Ecology, Computer Science. Thesis: Population Ecology and Dispersal Dynamics of Arctosa cinerea (Araneae, Lycosidae) in a Braided Section of an Alpine River.
- 1988: B.Sc. (Process Engineering), University of Cooperative Education Mannheim, Germany. Thesis: Production of Steam using Hot Process Gas through the Installation of Heat Exchangers in the Cyanid Plant, BASF Ludwigshafen
Employment History
- 2018 – present: Independent Environmental Scientist
- 2011 – 2018: Director, Principal Zoologist, Phoenix Environmental Sciences
- 2009 – 2011: Curator – Short-Range Endemics, Department of Terrestrial Invertebrates, Western Australian Museum
- 2008 – 2009: Research Officer – Short-Range Endemics, Department of Terrestrial Invertebrates, Western Australian Museum
- 2005 – 2008: Research Fellow – Arachnology, Department of Terrestrial Invertebrates, Western Australian Museum
- 2002 – 2005: Postdoctoral Research Officer – Arachnology, Department of Terrestrial Invertebrates, Western Australian Museum
- 2001 – 2005: Honorary Research Fellow, Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne
- 1995 – 1996: Research Assistant, Department of Nature Conservation, Philipps-University Marburg/Germany
- 1993: Center for Nature Conservation, Wetzlar/Germany
- 1992: Practical, Landscape Architect Olschewski, Ludwigshafen/Germany
- 1988 – 1989: Process Engineer, Cyanid Plant, BASF AG Ludwigshafen/Germany
- 1984 – 1985: Military Service (German Air Force)
Publications
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