In the midst of the global extinction crisis, it is critical to understand the factors driving extinction alongside the ecosystem impacts of species losses and declines. Our projects focus on understanding species and ecosystem responses to the ways in which humans are altering the planet via factors like habitat loss, climate change, facilitating biological invasions and direct persecution of species. We have a particular interest in understanding how the loss of keystone species alters top-down community regulation and in turn biodiversity via trophic cascades. One key output relates to the Alliance of World Scientists updates on our Biodiversity and Climate Emergencies.

Carrion is a nutrient- and energy-rich resource that is used by a variety of organisms, particularly carnivorous vertebrates, arthropods and microbes. Carrion has the potential to affect many aspects of community ecology, and to play key roles in nutrient cycling and in shaping food web dynamics through both direct and indirect pathways. Project OzScav’s main directive is to investigate the role of carrion in ecological communities, and how human induced changes to scavenging food webs influences ecosystem processes linked to decomposition. Our field work spans three study systems across Australia, representing temperate, alpine and desert biomes.

Rewilding is the reintroduction of lost or surrogate species to restore ecological function. It is increasingly used as a conservation tool in Australia and worldwide, both within and beyond fenced reserves. Our research develops strategies to return apex predators and scavengers to ecosystems—supporting their conservation and harnessing the ecological effects they can exert to revitalise food webs and build more resilient ecosystems. In cities, rewilding also offers a unique opportunity to reconnect communities with nature and local biodiversity. Across both urban and natural landscapes, our projects explore the feasibility, benefits, and ecological impacts of rewilding efforts involving both common and threatened species.

With the Desert Ecology Research Group we collaborate on long-term research in the Simpson Desert that aims to quantify how different environmental factors, including rainfall, drought, and fires affect species dynamics in the arid zone. We are working in the Tanami Desert with Indigenous ranger groups and other project partners to co-develop and continue long-term monitoring of flora and fauna across different Tanami land systems. We have also established a transect in the Australian Alps monitoring changes in scavenger assemblages and the ecosystem services they provide along an elevation gradient.