Dr Tamara Keeley
Senior Lecturer
School of Agriculture and Food Sciences
+61 7 54601 117
Plant Pathology Building (8166), Room 109, Gatton Campus
Plant Pathology Building (8166), Laboratory Room 106, Gatton Campus
Plant Pathology Building (8166), Laboratory Room 106, Gatton Campus
Teaching and Development
- ANIM3019 Animal Reproduction
Researcher biography
Dr. Tamara Keeley is a Senior Lecturer with the University of Queensland, School of Agriculture and Food Science. Dr. Keeley is a biologist, specialising in the areas Endocrinology, Reproductive Biology, Physiology, Captive Management, Conservation Science, Behaviour, and Welfare. She has experience working with a large variety of species ranging from livestock to endangered species (both in situ and ex situ); including mammals, marsupials, amphibians and reptiles. Over the last decade and a half, Tamara have been involved in a wide range of management and research related collaborations and projects through which she has gain experience and knowledge in the areas of animal management and husbandry, reproductive management and assisted reproductive technology, animal physiology, animal behaviour and welfare, genetics, ecology and wildlife recovery and conservation programs. Tamara is known for her expert knowledge in non-invasive hormone analysis techniques and their validation and application to wildlife, companion, laboratory, and production animals for the study of reproduction, welfare and health.Tamara co-supervising Honours, Masters and Doctorate students who's studies include investigating hormonal biomarkers for reproductive status in echidnas, evaluating faecal thyroid hormones in dugongs, exploring oestrous and pregnancy detection methods in the koala and evaluating welfare and enrichment programs for captive dolphins and penguins.
Book Chapters
Keeley, Tamara and Johnston, Stephen (2019). Assessment and management of reproduction in Australian monotremes and marsupials. Current therapy in medicine of Australian mammals. (pp. 63-84) edited by Larry Vogelnest and Timothy Portas. Clayton South, VIC, Australia: CSIRO Publishing.
Parrot, Marissa L., Dowling, Emily, Faulkner, Tim, Hughes, Channing, Keeley, Tamara, Kelly, Androo, Miller, Kimberly A., Pohl, Beth, O'Brien, Justine K. and Hogg, Carolyn J. (2019). Captive research: working together for the common good. Saving the Tasmanian Devil: recovery through science-based management. (pp. 251-265) edited by Carolyn J. Hogg, Samantha Fox, David Pemberton and Katherine Belov. Clayton, VIC, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. doi: 10.1071/9781486307197
Johnston, Stephen and Keeley, Tamara (2015). Enigmas in reproductive biology. Marsupials and monotremes: nature's enigmatic mammals. (pp. 145-227) edited by Athol Klieve, Lindsay Hogan, Stephen Johnston and Peter Murray. New York, NY, United States: Nova Science Publishers.
Spindler, Rebecca, Keeley, Tamara and Satake, Nana (2014). Applied andrology in endangered, exotic and wildlife species. Animal andrology: theories and applications. (pp. 450-473) edited by Peter J. Chenoweth and Steven P. Lorton. Wallingford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdo: CAB International. doi: 10.1079/9781780643168.0450
Journal Articles
Keeley, Tamara, Ritky, Kiara and Russell, Tracey (2023). A retrospective examination of factors associated with breeding success of Tasmanian devils in captivity (2006 to 2012). The Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, 11 (1), 211-219. doi: 10.19227/jzar.v11i1.667
Dutton-Regester, Kate J., Roser, Alice, Meer, Haley, Russell, Freya A., Pyne, Michael, Renfree, Marilyn B., Johnston, Stephen D. and Keeley, Tamara (2023). Investigating the utility of using fecal hormone metabolites as a reproductive management tool for captive short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus). General and Comparative Endocrinology, 330 114142, 114142. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114142
Russell, Freya A., Johnston, Stephen D., Hill, Andrew, Roser, Alice, Meer, Haley, Fenelon, Jane C., Renfree, Marilyn B. and Keeley, Tamara (2022). Validation of a Non-Invasive Assessment Technique for Quantifying Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Concentrations in The Short-Beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). General and Comparative Endocrinology, 327 114092, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114092
Dutton‐Regester, Kate J., Roser, Alice, Meer, Haley, Renfree, Marilyn B., Johnston, Stephen D. and Keeley, Tamara (2022). Optimizing captive short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) fecal sample identification and hormonal analysis. Zoo Biology. doi: 10.1002/zoo.21732
Cope, Holly R., Keeley, Tamara, Keong, Joy, Smith, Daniel, Silva, Fabiola R. O., McArthur, Clare, Webster, Koa N., Mella, Valentina S. A. and Herbert, Catherine A. (2022). Validation of an enzyme immunoassay to measure faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) to evaluate responses to rehabilitation. Animals, 12 (13) 1627, 1-19. doi: 10.3390/ani12131627
Hulse, Lyndal, Palmieri, Chiara, Beagley, Kenneth W., Larkin, Rebecca, Keeley, Tamara, Gosalvez, Jaime and Johnston, Stephen D. (2022). Investigation of pathology associated with Chlamydia pecorum infection in the male reproductive tract, and the effect on spermatogenesis and semen quality in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Theriogenology, 180, 30-39. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.011
Brandimarti, Maquel E., Gray, Rachael, Hilton, Zoe J., Keeley, Tamara, Murray, Kangaroo Phil and Herbert, Catherine A. (2021). The effect of testosterone suppression on health and parasite burden in male eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus). Australian Mammalogy, 44 (2), 213-224. doi: 10.1071/AM21017
Dutton-Regester, Kate, Keeley, Tamara, Fenelon, Jane C., Roser, Alice, Meer, Haley, Hill, Andrew, Pyne, Michael, Renfree, Marilyn B. and Johnston, Stephen (2021). Plasma progesterone secretion during gestation of the captive short-beaked echidna. Reproduction, 162 (4), 267-275. doi: 10.1530/REP-21-0110
Mingramm, Fletcher M. J., Keeley, Tamara, Whitworth, Deanne J. and Dunlop, Rebecca A. (2020). Blubber cortisol levels in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae): a measure of physiological stress without effects from sampling. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 291 113436, 113436. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113436
Swinston, Paige, Johnston, Stephen D., O'Hara, Patricia, Englebright, Robert and Keeley, Tamara (2020). Preliminary evaluation of urinary cytology and running wheel activity to detect oestrus and the effect of daily handling on breeding success of fat-tailed dunnarts Sminthopsis crassicaudata. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 32 (13), 1108-1115. doi: 10.1071/rd20001
Mingramm, F. M.J., Keeley, T., Whitworth, D. J. and Dunlop, R. A. (2020). The influence of physiological status on the reproductive behaviour of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Hormones and Behavior, 117 104606, 104606. doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104606
Mingramm, Fletcher M. J., Keeley, Tamara, Whitworth, Deanne J. and Dunlop, Rebecca A. (2019). Relationships between blubber and respiratory vapour steroid hormone concentrations in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Aquatic Mammals, 45 (5), 465-477. doi: 10.1578/AM.45.5.2019.465
Russell, Tracey, Lane, Amanda, Clarke, Judy, Hogg, Carolyn, Morris, Katrina, Keeley, Tamara, Madsen, Thomas and Ujvari, Beata (2019). Multiple paternity and precocial breeding in wild Tasmanian devils, Sarcophilus harrisii (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 128 (1) blz072, 201-210. doi: 10.1093/biolinnean/blz072
Durell, Bradie and Keeley, Tamara (2019). Sexually dimorphic growth in the Western Swamp Tortoise, Pseudemydura umbrina (Testudines: Chelidae). Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, 7 (3), 102-108.
Cope, Holly R., Peck, Sarah, Hobbs, Rebecca, Keeley, Tamara, Izzard, Stephen, Yeen-Yap, Wei, White, Peter J., Hogg, Carolyn J. and Herbert, Catherine A. (2019). Contraceptive efficacy and dose-response effects of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist deslorelin in Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii). Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 31 (9), 1473-1485. doi: 10.1071/RD18407
Mingramm, F.M.J., Dunlop, R.A., Blyde, D., Whitworth, D.J. and Keeley, T. (2019). Evaluation of respiratory vapour and blubber samples for use in endocrine assessments of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.). General and Comparative Endocrinology, 274, 37-49. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.12.015
Swinbourne, Alyce M., Johnston, Stephen D., Janssen, Tina, Lisle, Alan and Keeley, Tamara (2018). Reproductive biology of captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Part 1: oestrous cycle characterisation. Reproduction, Fertility And Development, 30 (11), 1412-1423. doi: 10.1071/RD17497
Swinbourne, Alyce M., Phillips, Clive J. C., Janssen, Tina, Lisle, Allan, Keeley, Tamara and Johnston, Stephen D. (2018). Reproductive biology of captive female southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Part 2: oestrous behaviour. Reproduction Fertility And Development, 30 (11), 1424-1433. doi: 10.1071/RD17539
Russell, Tracey, Lisovski, Simeon, Olsson, Mats, Brown, Gregory, Spindler, Rebecca, Lane, Amanda, Keeley, Tamara, Hibbard, Chris, Hogg, Carolyn J, Thomas, Frédéric, Belov, Katherine, Ujvari, Beata and Madsen, Thomas (2018). MHC diversity and female age underpin reproductive success in an Australian icon; the Tasmanian devil. Scientific Reports, 8 (1) 4175, 4175. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-20934-9
Du, Z., Johnston, S. D., Janssen, T., Phillips, C. J. C., Lisle, A. and Keeley, T. (2018). Behavioral and endocrine responses to season and social dynamics of captive male southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). General and Comparative Endocrinology, 261, 40-50. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.01.021
Swinbourne, A. M., Johnston, S. D., Janssen, T. M., Lisle, A. and Keeley, T. (2017). Validation of techniques to measure reproductive hormones in the urine of female southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). General and Comparative Endocrinology, 252, 130-141. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.08.003
Du, Z., Keeley, T., Janssen, T., Nicolson, V. and Johnston, S. D. (2017). Measurement of testosterone and cortisol metabolites and luteinising hormone in captive southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) urine. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 250, 70-79. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.06.001
Keeley, T., Russell, T., Carmody, K., Kirk, G., Eastley, T., Britt-Lewis, A., Post, M., Burridge, M., Eccleston, S., Faulkner, T., Forge, T., Leonard, J. and Hughes, R. L. (2017). Seasonality and breeding success of captive and wild Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii). Theriogenology, 95, 33-41. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.02.013
Swinbourne, Alyce M., Johnston, Stephen D., Janssen, Tina , Lisle, Allan , Keeley, Tamara and Phillips, Clive J. C. (2017). Olfactory behavioural responses in captive male southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) exposed to oestrous and non-oestrous urine samples. Australian Journal of Zoology, 64 (6), 395-401. doi: 10.1071/ZO16088
Fanson, Kerry V., Best, Emily C., Bunce, Ashley, Fanson, Benjamin G., Hogan, Lindsay A., Keeley, Tamara, Narayan, Edward J., Palme, Rupert, Parrott, Marissa L., Sharp, Trudy M., Skogvold, Kim, Tuthill, Lisa, Webster, Koa N. and Bashaw, Meredith (2017). One size does not fit all: monitoring faecal glucocorticoid metabolites in marsupials. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 244 (3), 146-156. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.10.011
Johnston, S. D., Qualischefski, E., Cooper, J., McLeod, R., Lever, J., Nixon, B., Anderson, A. L., Hobbs, R., Gosalvez, J., Lopez-Fernandez, C. and Keeley, T. (2017). Cryopreservation of saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) spermatozoa. Reproduction Fertility and Development, 29 (11), 2235-2244. doi: 10.1071/RD16511
Schultz, B. K., Palmieri, C., Nicolson, V., Larkin, R., Keeley, T., McGowan, M. and Johnston, S. (2016). First report of a spermatic granuloma and varicocele in a marsupial: a Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Case Study. Research in Veterinary Science, 107, 30-33. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2016.05.002
Sinclair, Michelle, Keeley, Tamara, Lefebvre, Anne-Cecile and Phillips, Clive J. C. (2016). Behavioral and physiological responses of calves to marshalling and roping in a simulated rodeo event. Animals, 6 (5) 30, 30. doi: 10.3390/ani6050030
Fanson, Kerry V., Keeley, Tamara and Fanson, Benjamin G. (2014). Cyclic changes in cortisol across the estrous cycle in parous and nulliparous Asian elephants. Endocrine Connections, 3 (2), 57-66. doi: 10.1530/EC-14-0025
Burgess, Elizabeth A., Blanshard, Wendy H., Barnes, Andrew A., Gilchrist, Sam, Keeley, Tamara, Chua, Jayce and Lanyon, Janet M. (2013). Reproductive hormone monitoring of dugongs in captivity: detecting the onset of sexual maturity in a cryptic marine mammal. Animal Reproduction Science, 140 (3-4), 255-267. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.06.005
Fanson, Kerry V., Lynch, Michael, Vogelnest, Larry, Miller, Gary and Keeley, Tamara (2013). Response to long-distance relocation in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus): monitoring adrenocortical activity via serum, urine, and feces. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 59 (5), 655-664. doi: 10.1007/s10344-013-0718-7
Johnston, S. D., Booth, R. A., Pyne, M., Keeley, T., Mackie, J. T., Hulse, L. and Ellis, W. (2013). Preliminary study of faecal cortisol and corticosterone as an index of acute cortisol secretion in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Australian Veterinary Journal, 91 (12), 534-537. doi: 10.1111/avj.12125
Burgess, Elizabeth A., Lanyon, Janet M., Brown, Janine L., Blyde, David and Keeley, Tamara (2012). Diagnosing pregnancy in free-ranging dugongs using fecal progesterone metabolite concentrations and body morphometrics: A population application. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 177 (1), 82-92. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.02.008
Burgess, Elizabeth A., Lanyon, Janet M. and Keeley, Tamara (2012). Testosterone and tusks: Maturation and seasonal reproductive patterns of live, free-ranging male dugongs (Dugong dugon) in a subtropical population. Reproduction, 143 (5), 683-697. doi: 10.1530/REP-11-0434
Descovich, Kristin A., Lisle, Allan T., Johnston, Stephen, Keeley, Tamara and Phillips, Clive J. C. (2012). Intrasample variation and the effect of storage delay on faecal metabolite concentrations in the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Australian Mammalogy, 34 (2), 217-222. doi: 10.1071/AM11047
Keeley, T., McGreevey, P. D. and O'Brien, J. K. (2012). Cryopreservation of epididymal sperm collected postmortem in the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Theriogenology, 78 (2), 315-325. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.02.005
Keeley, T., Harris, M., McGreevy, P. D., Hudson, D. and O'Brien, J. K. (2012). Development and evaluation of electroejaculation techniques in the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 24 (7), 1008-1018. doi: 10.1071/RD12022
Keeley, T., O'Brien, J. K., Fanson, B. G., Masters, K. and McGreevey, P. D. (2012). The reproductive cycle of the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) and factors associated with reproductive success in captivity. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 176 (2), 182-191. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.01.011
Keeley, T., McGreevey, P. D. and O'Brien, J. K. (2012). The effects of season and devil facial tumour disease on the reproductive physiology of the male Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 24 (7), 999-1007. doi: 10.1071/RD11134
Keeley, T, Goodrowe, K. L., Graham, L., Howell, C. and MacDonald, S. E. (2012). The reproductive endocrinology and behavior of the Vancouver Island Marmot (Marmota vancouverensis). Zoo Biology, 31 (3), 275-290. doi: 10.1002/zoo.20384
Hogan, Lindsay A., Johnston, Stephen D., Lisle, Allan T., Keeley, Tamara, Wong, Phoenix, Nicolson, Vere, Horsup, Alan B., Janssen, Tina and Phillips, Clive J. C. (2011). Behavioural and physiological responses of captive wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) to regular handling by humans. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 134 (3-4), 217-228. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.07.010
Keeley, T., McGreevey, P. D. and O'Brien, J. K. (2011). Characterization and short-term storage of Tasmanian devil sperm collected post-mortem. Theriogenology, 76 (4), 705-714. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.04.001
Hogan, L. A., Phillips, C. J. C., Lisle, A., Keeley, T., Horsup, A. B., Janssen, T. and Johnston, S. D. (2010). Non-invasive methods of oestrus detection in captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Animal Reproduction Science, 119 (3-4), 293-304. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.01.006
Hogan, L. A., Phillips, C. J. C., Horsup, A. B., Keeley, T., Nicolson, V., Janssen, T., Lisle, A. and Johnston, S. D. (2010). Monitoring male southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) reproductive function and seasonality in a captive population. Animal Reproduction Science, 118 (2-4), 377-387. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2009.10.001
Johnston, S. D., Rumph, C., Lucht, M., Stenzel, D., Nicolson, V., Blyde, D. and Keeley, T. (2010). Studies of male reproduction in the Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis. Australian Zoologist, 35 (2), 315-330. doi: 10.7882/AZ.2010.020
Pollock, K., Booth, R., Wilson, R., Keeley, T., Grogan, K., Kennerley, P. and Johnston, S. D. (2010). Oestrus in the Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) is associated with wheel running behaviour but not necessarily changes in body weight, food consumption or pouch morphology. Animal Reproduction Science, 117 (1-2), 135-146. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2009.03.005
Hermes, R., Goeritz, F., Portas, T. J., Bryant, B. R., Kelly, J. M., Maclellan, L. J., Keeley, T., Schwarzenberger, F., Walzer, C., Schnorrenberg, A., Spindler, R. E., Saragusty, J., Kaandorp, S. and Hildebrandt, T. B. (2009). Ovarian superstimulation, transrectal ultrasound-guided oocyte recovery, and IVF in rhinoceros. Theriogenology, 72 (7), 959-968. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.06.014
Phillips, D. J., McKinnon, A., Keeley, T. and Johnston, S. D. (2008). Testosterone secretion, testicular histology and the cryopreservation of cauda epididymidal spermatozoa in the common ringtail possum (Pseduocheirus peregrinus). Reproduction Fertility and Development, 20 (3), 391-401. doi: 10.1071/RD07206
Portas, T. J., Bryant, B. R., Goeritz, F., Hermes, R., Keeley, T., Evans, G., Maxwell, W. M. C. and Hildebrandt, T. B. (2007). Semen collection in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) under combined physical and chemical restraint. Australian Veterinary Journal, 85 (10), 425-427. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2007.00207.x
Johnston, Stephen D., Ward, D., Lemon, J., Gunn, I., MacCallum, C. A., Keeley, T. and Blyde, D. (2007). Studies of male reproduction in captive African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Animal Reproduction Science, 100 (3-4), 338-355. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2006.08.017
Conference Papers
Hogan, LA, Phillips CJC., Janssen T,, Horsup, A, Nicolson V, Keeley T,, Lisle A, and Johnston.SD, (2011). Regular handling reduces behavioural but not physiological stress responses of wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) towards humans. Animals and the Environment, a shared responsibility, Brisbane Australia, July, 2011.
Burgess, Elizabeth Ann, Blanshard, Wendy H., Keeley, Tamara and Lanyon, Janet M. (2009). Reproductive hormone monitoring of captive dugongs. Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA) Conference, Gold Coast, Australia, 22-26 March 2009. Sydney, Australia: ARAZPA Qld Division.