Jane Melville
Official Site of Author,
Museum Curator, and Researcher
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Bio
I am a writer, museum curator and biologist with over 25 years experience.
Here, I'm introducing my upcoming narrative nonfiction book, a captivating account of the remarkable life of Jane Tost, Australia’s first female museum employee.
For her Love of Birds will be published by Museums Victoria Publishing later in 2025!
Subscribe below to receive updates and pre-publication offers.
Over the past four years, I have delved into museum and library archives, uncovering new information about her journey as a naturalist and taxidermist. Trained by the esteemed ornithologist John Gould, Tost's resilience and determination in the face of societal constraints serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of human spirit.
Research
in
Fauna
Conservation
&
Taxonomy
Since 2002, I have been a Curator of Vertebrates at Museums Victoria in Melbourne. My role is to undertake research to better conserve our native animals and to describe and document their diversity.
My research is focused on reptiles and frogs but I have also studied birds, spiders and even ants.
My specialty is conservation and taxonomy (identifying & naming species) of Dragon Lizards.
Over the last 20 years I have identified and named more than thirty new species. And I have written the only comprehensive field guide to these amazing animals - there are more than 100 species in Australia!
Some of these dragons - the south-eastern Australian Grassland Earless Dragons are endangered or critically endangered. I am a member of the national recovery team for these species.
Awards
&
Recognition
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In 2021, I was made a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia “For significant service to herpetological research, and to the museums sector”.
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I was awarded a Fulbright Future Scholarship by the Australian-American Fulbright Commission in 2019 – to improve our understanding of species diversity through taxonomy, for better conservation outcomes for Australian animals.
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In 2015 I received an Australian Biological Resources Study Churchill Fellowship to advance Australian taxonomic research using genomics and 3D imaging (CT-scanning).
Get in Touch
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