iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Another few snake-handling courses delivered this month 💃. Best day for everyone involved, including the snakes (!) who get good exercise and mental stimulation. Next course date is 19Sept2026. Email AustralianReptileAcademy@gmail.com for enquiries and to book.

A young woman holding a red belly black snake using a hook, in an outdoor setting

Two people holding a snake inside a shed, one of which has the front half of the snake in a tube

A snake instructor is looking closely at a student who is about to bag a large eastern brown snake. The setting is outdoors in a paddock.

A couple sits very happily a short distance away from an eastern brown snake on the grass whose head is lifted slightly. The setting is a paddock outdoors with a blue sky background.

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

The fight to save Woogaroo Forest in southeast Queensland is heating up. Murray Watt is set to decide its fate (& that of many EPBC-threatened species within) by 1 Oct 2026. Here is my 12min interview on the subject. In short: this is the worst urban plan I’ve seen. www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K5o...

youtube.com

Fight not over to save bushland earmarked for residential development at Springfield

YouTube video by Ipswich Today

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Finally got one of my long-form presentations on YouTube. This one was delivered last weekend as a keynote for the Parrot Society of Australia’s conference dinner. The talk is called ‘Saving Australia’s Rockatoo’: youtu.be/JHieoOKkxeA

youtu.be

Saving Australia's 'Rockatoo': Good return on investment

YouTube video by Dr Christina N. Zdenek

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Another 10 people are now educated in snake: handling, identification, first-aid, antivenom, relocation consequences, emerging reptile fungal diseases, sexing, and conservation. #OzReptileAcademy

A trainer showing a student how to handle an inland taipan

A trainer showing handling of a large eastern brown to 5 students watching on

A lady with a beg smile holding a massive eastern brown snake.

10 students looking at a collett’s black snake in the foreground

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Science shapes society…when it’s communicated clearly and effectively. Join us in a 1-day, practical workshop on #SciComm & media training! Join from online anywhere. Get the know-how and confidence to share your science/work/project for increased impact. cbcs.centre.uq.edu.au/events-and-s...

cbcs.centre.uq.edu.au

Science communication and media training to increase impact

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

An article about our recent fabulous news of a Palm Cockatoo chick fledgling from an artificial log hollow. I like to call them ‘zombie’ hollows- they are dead but given (vertical) life once again. #PalmCockatooProject news.mongabay.com/short-articl...

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

What's killing our owls? Spoiler...a certain type of rat poison! My 45min interview on the topic available on Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/22oL... @birdlifeoz.bsky.social

open.spotify.com

What's killing our owls? S26 Ep9

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

The biggest conservation win ever for the endangered Palm Cockatoo! On the back of 18 years of my research on this difficult species, People for Wildlife and Indigenous rangers and I were able to make an install an artificial hollow that was immediately used! 💥 capeyorkweekly.com.au/artificial-h...

capeyorkweekly.com.au

Artificial habitat delivers world-first win for endangered palm cockatoo | Cape York Weekly

For a bird species relying on centuries-old trees and well-timed cyclones, nesting habitats are hard to come by, but an…

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Can snakes be deadly after they die? Have a listen to this podcast by Dr Ann Jones ABC to find out! I provide expert comment: www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Why are our owls dying?? It’s all about which rat bait that you, your neighbours, your council, and pest controllers are using. Read this excellent article by @andrewstafford.bsky.social , with expert comment from myself among others. www.canberratimes.com.au/story/919290...

canberratimes.com.au

Owl be damned: regulator stops short of rat poison ban

Conservationists are pushing for a regulator to outlaw a common class of rodenticides having pervasive effects on owls...

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

If you’re wondering why owls and Tawny Frogmouths are dying, have a read. Your dog or cat might be next if we don’t speak up and hold the regulator to account. I wrote this article w/ Dr Holly Parsons.

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

I wrote this article w/ Dr Holly Parsons. If you’re wondering why owls and Tawny Frogmouths are dying, have a read. Your dog or cat might be next if we don’t speak up and hold the regulator to account.

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Just out: new information reveals that Australian Parliament House uses long-lasting, harmful rat poisons (SGARs) that are killing owls, eagles, quolls, and Tawny Frogmouths 😳😡. I give expert comment for this @yahoonews.com article about it: au.news.yahoo.com/calls-for-ch... @birdlifeoz.bsky.social

au.news.yahoo.com

Calls for change as controversial product found in iconic Aussie spot: 'Unacceptable risk'

It's feared they could be having a toxic effect around the surrounding area.

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Before-after photos of my habitat garden (rainforest plant community section). Supporting #UrbanBirds with @birdlifeoz.bsky.social, #UrbanFrogs, and #UrbanLizards! 🥹 AND our mental well-being, especially on wfh days 💃🤓! If u were a frog, would u live here??

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Reposted by Dr Christina N. Zdenek

IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 05/10/2025

For those of you who missed any #SnakeWeek talks that we (IUCN Snake Specialist Group) helped organise, have no fear...the @snakeweek.bsky.social YouTube channel is here! Watch & learn about snakes and snake researchers at your own pace. Some evening entertainment for you! www.youtube.com/@SnakeWeek

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Reposted by Dr Christina N. Zdenek

IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Exciting times for snake knowledge sharing this year! The World Congress of Snakes is happening for the first time ever! It'll be held 1–4Oct 2026 in Sri Lanka. Early-bird registration ends 31March. We have several members of our Snake Specialist Group planning to attend. www.worldsnakes26.com

worldsnakes26.com

First World Congress on Snakes 2026 | Inaugural International Snake Conference | Kandy, Sri Lanka

Join the first-ever World Congress on Snakes (WSC 2026) - a historic inaugural event featuring world-renowned keynote speakers, symposia, workshops, and groundbreaking research presentations. October ...

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Reposted by Dr Christina N. Zdenek

IUCN Snake Specialist Group @iucn-snake.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Another productive and enjoyable meeting of our regional (Australia/Melanesia/Oceania) group under the IUCN SSC Snake Specialist Group! A few things we got up to this time: We made plans for the World Congress of Snakes (see www.worldsnakes26.com), ...(1/n)

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Before-After photos of my #HabitatGarden near #Brisbane, 15 months apart. Who thinks we should abandon lawns and make habitat gardens instead?

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

#HabitatGarden plant highlight: Wahlenbergia tumidifructa. An unassuming, perennial herb that bunches in thickets reminiscent of grass, up to 600mm. It’s native to much of Australia and serves as great erosion control at the bottom edge of my small suburban block south of #Brisbane. #WildOz

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 21/12/2025

4 generations of Eastern Pilbara Spiny-tailed Skinks (Egernia epsisolus). The baby was just born last week 😍.

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Need a Christmas present idea? The @birdlifeoz.bsky.social bird calendar was just released, and it has stunning photos of some stellar Aussie birds 🤩! This gift also helps support BirdLife’s mission to save birds. birdlife.org.au/product/2026...

birdlife.org.au

2026 BirdLife Australia Calendar - BirdLife Australia

Order your 2026 BirdLife Australia Calendar featuring some of our favourite photos from the BirdLife Australia Photography Awards! Support wildlife conservation with this stunning calendar!

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Nice unprompted feedback from a student of mine at Uni Southern Qld @soaes-unisq.bsky.social 🤓. I’m currently teaching 3rd year undergrads there in the course Biodiversity and Conservation Science.

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

Out today! @theguardian.com writes an important article about the snake catching industry in Aus. A fascinating read. We took the journalist on a snake-education journey at our venomous-snake handling course to guide the article. Expert comment by yours truly 🤓. www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...

theguardian.com

Snakes, sheilas and a backblocks shed: the school teaching how to wrangle Australia’s most venomous reptiles

‘If you wouldn’t mind,’ the instructor says, handing out legal documents to all those who enter, ‘signing your life away’

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

Another cracking snake-handling course on the weekend! This time for 15 students: a large-property owner, zookeeper, future snake-catchers, 3 school grounds persons, and even a journalist from @theguardian.com ! Our next course is 29Nov (near Gatton, Qld). DM if interested. #OzReptileAcademy

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Yay! It’s that time of the year again. Get ready to keep your eyes peeled and start counting birds! #AussieBirdCount is an important snap-shot for Australia’s birds, common and threatened, plus we can all probably is a mindful 20min peacefully observing nature 🥹💚.

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Extinctions serve as important warning signs that something is very wrong in the environment. Will we finally heed these warnings? Our mental wellbeing and over half our economy depends on it. theconversation.com/and-then-the...

theconversation.com

And then there were none: Australia’s only shrew declared extinct

Australia’s only known shrew has been declared extinct. Its loss emphasises the need for national protection of Australia’s rare and unique wildlife.

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

Whose terms of reference do we privilege in science? Dr Coen Hird discusses the contested space of contemporary science and Indigenous teachings/understandings. Diving into theory, not just methods, @uq-cbcs.bsky.social’s packed seminar today at UQ St Lucia. What’s your knowledge lens?

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

It’s that time of year again, people! 🤠💃😎. Get those binos/nocs on the ready to count birds wherever and often from 20-26Oct on the useful and user-friendly Aussie Birdcount app

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

1.5 years apart before-after comparison of my made-from-scratch native habitat garden (rainforest plant community section). Supporting #UrbanBirds with @birdlifeoz.bsky.social, #UrbanFrogs, and #UrbanLizards! 🥹 AND household mental well-being, especially on wfh days 💃🤓! Lawns are so boring, agreed?

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

And it’s a hit! My #SnakeWheelOfFortune poster game has been played by dozens (possibly 100s) of kids & adults across Qld for #NationalScienceWeek & beyond, & they’ve all left with a far greater appreciation & respect for snakes. Education shapes perceptions, & perceptions shape behaviour 🤓🐍💚!

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

Introducing the #SnakeWheelOfFortune poster! In working w/ dozens of snake educators from over 23 countries, I saw a major gap in our education re snakes. We all needed a simple, powerful visual to explain the many benefits of snakes to people. After 1yr of design & peer-review, it is now published!

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

#NationalScienceWeek was a super success! Such a privilege to be able to engage w/ communities in rural/remote/regional Queensland as Inspiring Australia’s ambassador this year. These folks often miss out on #STEMed, but not this year! Thanks to Dr. Anita Milroy for her connections and vision.

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

Time to vote for Australia’s most underrated animal!! And the clear choice is the Palm Cockatoo, of course. Vote in the next 24hrs here: www.abc.net.au/news/science...

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 02/08/2025

I have been leading loads of Palm Cockatoo conservation research and management up Cape York way this past month! Doing everything we can (given financial constraints) to save this endangered species. #PalmCockatooProject

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

New paper! We studied venom coagulation of 🐍 from the understudied pit viper genus Bothrocophias. This genus of pit-vipers, sister genus to the more well-known Bothrops, has 9 recognised species, & are relatively restricted in range, occupying Andean South America & equatorial Brazil…(1/4 posts 👇)

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

#PalmCockatooProject conservation work is ramping up again this year 🥹🤓.

A room of 15-yr olds on zoom with an ecologist. Everyone happy.

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Woogaroo Forest in SE Qld a case study by Margaret Castles of UniAdelaide for: “Native veg never intrinsically valued in Australia. It’s been viewed as a resource to be exploited & used to progress human interests, regardless of the real cost. Our legislation ❌ make net ➕ve 4nature. #ICCB2025

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

A new sustainability standard has been set for conference lanyards! This #ICCB2025 one is compostable & plantable! Native seeds r embedded into the name tag so local delegates encouraged to plant it for habitat. How good?! As paying delegates, we can and should ask for sustainability like this 😎💃

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

Wow. In USA, 1.5 Billion birds are killed by cats 😳😡. Up to 2 Billion birds r killed by building strike 😭 (there are window solutions to this). Of 92,000 records of building strikes: 56% die by Low Rises; 44% Residential; High Rises <1%. Presented by Nicholas Liadis @iccb2025.bsky.social #ICCB2025

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

Liz Gould of Connect4Conservation and Birdlife demonstrates the power of community engagement, intel, and private properties for the conservation of a threatened (and adorable), legless lizard in SEQueensland: Delma torquata 🥹. @iccb2025.bsky.social #ICCB2025

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

A/Prof Dominique Potvin presented her work on Greater Glider diet today @iccb2025.bsky.social via analysing their 💩. They ate 18 species of eucalyptus and casuarina! ‘It’s 2025 and we still don’t know basic biology of large, charismatic Australian species’. #ICCB2025

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

Dr April Reside convinces us at #ICCB2025 that microbats are the best crop-pest eaters! Eating their body weight in insects every night 😳. They indeed forage in veggie crop farms, but can we do better to lure more microbat species to do more crop-protecting help? @iccb2025.bsky.social

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

Plenary III @iccb2025.bsky.social today: Deborah Tabart of Aus Koala Foundation: “This planet is in trouble, and if we can’t save the koala, you can’t save anything.” We need to be better than great scientists; we need to be great communicators.“

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Dr Christina N. Zdenek @cnzdenek.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

Plenary II today @iccb2025.bsky.social : A/Prof Binbin Li. “Are protected areas prohibiting local progress?” ‘No’ b/c of co-benefits (eg reduced landslides & more flavourful tea). For effective conservation, enter community via the community, not via the elite. & ensure a return on time investment.

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