What are the proximal threats to biodiversity, how severe are they, and how can threats be mitigated?
- Wildlife disease
- Climate change impacts on biodiversity/species and ecosystems
- Invasive species impact
- Ecosystem integrity and functions: fire, urbanization, habitat fragmentation and loss, ecological restoration
Find a CIE researcher in this theme (A to Z):
Dr Alecia Bellgrove | Dr Alexandra McQueen | Dr Alizée Meillère | Amy Longmuir | Prof Andy Bennett | Ange Pestell | Anthony Rendall | Dr Antoine Dujon | Ashley Whitt | Berta Blanch-Lázaro | Billy Geary | Dr Carla Archibald | Dr Cecilia Biancacci | Dr Chloe Sato | Clare Vernon | A/Prof Daniel Ierodiaconou | Darcy Watchorn | Prof Don Driscoll | Eilysh Thompson | Dr Elodie Camprasse | A/Prof Emily Nicholson | Emma Sumner | Dr Enayat A. Moallemi | Dr Eric Treml | A/Prof Euan Ritchie | Georgina Bramwell | Prof Graeme Hays | Huanbi Yue | Dr Jacques-Olivier Laloë | Jaya Kelvin | Jingyu Lin | Johanne Martens | Dr Kaori Yokochi | Prof Kate Buchanan | Dr Kate Watermeyer | Krista Bonfantine | Kristian Bell | Kristina Macdonald | Laura Tan | A/Prof Luis O.B. Afonso | Alfred Deakin Prof Marcel Klaassen | Marco Calderon | Dr Mark Warne | Dr Martino E. Malerba | Dr Mary Young | Dr Mathew Berg | Michael Traurig | Muhammad Jawad Jilani | Dr Mylene Mariette | Nick Taylor | Nynke Raven | Dr Paul Carnell | Dr Paul Tixier | A/Prof Peter Macreadie | Dr Raoul Ribot | Reihaneh Bandari | Roberto M. Venegas | Sarah Treby | Dr Scarlett Howard | Dr Stacey Trevathan-Tackett | Simone Stevenson | Sundara Mawalagedera | Dr Susanna Venn | Thiruchenduran Somasundaram | Thomas Burns | Prof Thomas Madsen | Tobias Ross | Dr Tricia Wevill | Vanessa Skrzypczyk | Yakupjan (Yakup) Niyazi | A/Prof Zhifeng Liu |

Understanding the roles of habitat-forming seaweeds in ecological systems and the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances (e.g. sewage effluent, climate change) on these seaweeds and the ecosystems they support.
Personal website / Deakin profile / Twitter

Birds use heat exchange through their bills to regulate body temperature. Our research investigates whether the bill size of birds predicts their capacity to cope with heat stress, and their long term survival in a warming climate.

My research aims to understand how birds respond to and cope with anthropogenic change (e.g., challenges associated with urbanization or with introduced man-made chemicals). My current work investigates the effects
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of early-life anthropogenic noise exposure (both pre- and post-natally) on avian development (physiology, morphology, cognition) and long-term fitness.

The invasive pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamomi, stands as a great threat to Australian biodivisty. In infected areas the pathogen can change the fundamental flora landscape by wiping out susceptible species and allowing resistant
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species to take that niche. Understanding the infection strategy of this pathogen is key to discovering novel methods of control.

Disease ecology especially Beak and Feather Disease Virus and Chlamydia in parrots.

I’m investigating the interaction of fire and wildlife in the mallee of NW Victoria, focusing on time since fire and inter-fire intervals, to improve how landscapes are managed for fire.
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Information gathered from this research will also be used to inform broader land management objectives relating to invasive animals.

Investigating trophic dynamics of invasive species communities on islands; investigating the ability of endangered species to co-exist with invasive species and under which scenarios this is possible.
Personal website / Deakin profile / Twitter

Investigate the effect of climate change and anthropic pressure on the emergence of cancer in wildlife species.
CanEcEv / Deakin profile / Twitter

Ashley’s thesis, ‘The Future of coastal wetlands under rising sea levels’, aims to develop fundamental knowledge of how coastal catchments should be managed to protect important wetlands under future climate change.

Disease ecology and pathology of beak and feather disease virus, using the crimson rosella as a study species.

My research aims to understand the impacts of interacting threats, such as disturbances, invasive species and climate change, on biodiversity and use this information to inform ecosystem management.

As apart of the Land-Use Futures Modelling Project I contribute towards updating models on how climate change will impact the distribution of Australian fauna and flora. Subsequently, I assist in the modelling and
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identification of how different climate futures may influence the prioritisation of conservation actions such as reserve selection and ecological restoration.
Personal website / Planet-A / Twitter

I have previously studied the population state of endangered species (C. rubrum) and work for a repopulation study of P. lividus. I am working in the seaweed aquaculture sector at the moment, which also
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considers the ecological aspects and impacts of the activity.

Assessing the risk status of alpine ecosystems, with reference to the extent and severity of threats (e.g. disease, invasive species, fire, habitat loss and fragmentation) affecting those ecosystems under
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changing climate regimes.

Changes in ecosystem integrity and function, and we measure this ecosystem change (systemic review).

Through initiatives such as leadership in the Victorian Integrated Marine Observing system node filling important knowledge gaps in sustained observing to inform impacts of a changing climate and other human
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impacts.
Deakin Marine Mapping / Deakin profile / Twitter

A research area of particular interest to me is conserving threatened small mammal species from the synergistic threats of wildfire and predation from invasive species, such as cats and foxes.

My lab seeks solutions to conservation problems by understanding how human actions impact on biodiversity and therefore, how those impacts can be avoided or mitigated. Our projects include conservation in
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fragmented landscapes, frog conservation including effects of chytrid fungus and drought, fire ecology, and testing new methods for monitoring wildlife using automated cameras and environmental DNA.
Personal website / Deakin profile / Twitter

Large feral herbivores can cause irreparable damage to natural ecosystems. The aim of my research is to synthesize these impacts so as to identify knowledge gaps to inform future research priorities.

My current research focuses on human-wildlife conflicts and their causes, and evolution through time and space.

Our group has a strong focus on assessing risks to ecosystems, including change in ecosystem integrity, as part of our work on the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems.
Personal website / Conservation Science Group / Deakin profile / Twitter

My research focuses on how alpine plants respond to cooccurring extremes like drought and heatwaves.

Enayat develops decision support frameworks for making adaptation decisions from the bottom-up to better cope with human’s and nature’s vulnerabilities to future uncertain weather and climate related events.
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Enayat’s research integrates state-of-the-art exploratory modelling techniques with practice-based action research to perform a deeper assessment of environmental decisions under uncertainty, tailored to specific socio-economic-ecological characteristics of local contexts.
Planet-A / Deakin profile / Twitter

We are quantifying the potential for adaptive gene flow in marine organisms within our warming oceans with biophysical dispersal models (e.g., Indo-Pacific seascape). Also forecasting the biosecurity threats and management
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opportunities around ship-based marine pests in New Zealand (Cawthron Institute partnership).
MSEaC Lab / Deakin profile / Twitter

Fire Ecology; Invasive Species Impacts and Management.
Personal website / Deakin profile / Twitter

How does transmissible effect bivalve health and the environment. And how do bivalve and transmissible cancer react to climate change and different environmental factors.
Wild Genes Group / Deakin profile

Our tracking work is used to inform marine spatial planning, such as strengthening marine park design. We are driving global initiatives to help maximise the translation of marine animal tracking data into
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conservation policy and management. Results from a recent Nature paper tracking sharks has helped underpin a reclassification (August 2019) of mako sharks on CITES Appendix II, which will help limit international trade in shark fins. The shark tracking results have been presented to the United Nations and are helping drive negotiations to expand the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to include a new legally binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine life in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Google Scholar / Deakin profile

Land use change.

Warming temperatures are a threat to sea turtle populations across the world, as extreme temperatures limit the production of males and increase hatchling mortality. My research examines if sea turtles can adapt to
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the changing environment, or if management strategies are necessary for the conservation of this iconic taxon.
Personal website / Deakin profile / Twitter

My research is to measure how valuable coastal wetlands in terms of protecting coastal communities and their valued properties. One of the aims is to promote the significant of wetlands for the sustainability of coastal
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region. Therefore, I am hoping that it could influence policy-makers to conserve and then restore the coastal wetlands.

Hydrological ecosystem service change under climate change.

I do research in the field of wildlife disease, investigating Beak and Feather Disease Virus (BFDV) in wild parrots. BFDV is a threat to parrots world-wide, and had recently been found in birds other than parrots as well.
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My research involves field and lab work, to determine species-specific prevalence, load, immune response and infection persistence.

My research focuses on ultimately finding ways to minimise the impacts of urbanisation on wildlife. I have studied the effectiveness of rope bridges in mitigating the negative impacts of roads on wildlife, and
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I’m currently studying how artificial light affects native microbats so that the information can be used to develop a more bat-friendly practice.

I am interested in how animal communication systems are changing in relation to anthropogenic change including climate and noise. I am also interested in invasive species impacts and how invasive species evolve
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in their new habitats.

Improving our ability to measure and monitor change in ecosystem biodiversity and integrity in response to impacts, from local to global scales, using indicators and models.
Personal website / Deakin profile / Twitter

Can dam releases mimic natural stream processes? My PhD research is evaluating the effectiveness of an environmental flow program using bioindicators and citizen science.
Personal website / Deakin profile / Twitter

I am studying the impact of fragmentation, agriculture and changes to fire regimes on the ecology, function and distribution of a native, foundation species of grass; Triodia scariosa.

My research aims to understand how herpetofauna respond to both fire and predation in South West Victoria. This research considers the interaction between invasive species impacts and ecosystem integrity and function and
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how they effect native fauna.

Investigating how to identify and manage key predators (corvids) on an ecologically and economically important prey population.

Stress physiology response to thermal stress in fish.

To evaluate responses to global change processes and notably climate change, habitat destruction and pollution, I am (i) modelling avian migration strategies, population dynamics and conservation strategies, (ii) and study the
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disease and nutritional ecology of migratory shorebirds and waterfowl.
CIE profile / Deakin profile / Twitter

My research will try to quantify the impacts of land use change on biodiversity in Australia.

Use of historical and fossil records Ostracoda in aquatic ecosystems to track climate driven changes in ocean currents, and inland waterway health over time.
Deakin profile / Twitter / ResearchGate

Artificial lakes are increasingly more common in Australia and they affect a wide range of ecosystem services.

Geospatial modelling of climate change impacts on species and ecosystems.

Wildlife disease ecology and evolution, particularly avian viruses (beak and feather disease virus) and bacteria (Chlamydia); climate change and temperature stress.

The primary focus of my research it to look at the relationship between risks to ecosystems and services they provide to human well being. The idea being that it can provide a more full account of the value to retain
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ecosystems as they are rather than let them further degrade or actively change them for other economic purposes.
DeakinSync profile / LinkedIn / Twitter

Frogs globally are facing threats of changing water regimes due to climate change along with impacts of the pandemic disease chytridiomycosis. I am investigating the impact of drought, chytrid fungus and their possible
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interactions on frogs. I intend to discover if there are opportunities for environmental watering to counter drought effects and ameliorate frog deaths due to chytrid. My model species, Pseudophryne bibronii from SE Australia, is thought to have declined recently and could be vulnerable to both drying and chytrid. This is particularly important now to understand the responses of P.bibronii to environmental change because climate change impacts are increasing and could make impacts of chytrid worse.

I investigate the role of developmental programing and inter-individual variation in physiological traits for adaptation to climate change, using a model species adapted to the unpredictable climate and environment of
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the Australian arid zone.

Climate Change impacts on biodiversity was a regular theme in my undergraduate Science degree e.g. Landscape Ecology.
Planet-A / Local SDGs / Twitter

Tasmanian devils, a top native predator and key part of the ecosystem, have declined by >80% due to transmissible cancer. My research investigates devils adaptation/response to transmissible cancer, hoping to
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assist devil recovery, which will subsequently benefit Tasmanian ecosystems.
WildGenesGroup / Deakin profile / Twitter

I have worked on the ecology and management of sub-tidal reef ecosystems (such as kelp forests) in Port Phillip Bay and across Victoria over the last 10 years. By working with management agencies such as Parks Victoria, the
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Victorian Fisheries Authority and the Victorian state government, the aim is to ensure the resilience of these ecosystems into the future. See HERE for more info.
Blue Carbon Lab / Deakin profile / Twitter

Assessing the impacts of fisheries interactions on large marine predators populations and associated ecosystems.

The future of wetlands in a changing world: how will wetland extent change under ‘business as usual scenarios’, including human development and climate change? What management and policy actions can be
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taken now to ensure the future of wetlands and their provision of valuable ecosystem services? Is there a strong business case for return-on-investment from protection and restoration of wetlands, based on their provision of ecosystem services that are valuable to human-wellbeing and our economy?
Personal website / Blue Carbon Lab / Deakin profile / Twitter

My work around the theme ‘sustaining nature in a changing world’ mostlfy focuses on wildlife disease (e.g. BFDV in parrots).

We are working on Local sustainable development goals (SDGs) project.The goal of 15 among SDGs related to life and land. One of the main challenges in the Goulburn–Murray region is the sustainable use of terrestrial
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ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss in this area. Also goal of 13 is related to climate change and its impacts.

Climate change impacts on dispersal, persistence, and biodiversity of species and ecosystems.

My research is focussed on the impacts of land management and disturbance to freshwater wetlands in the Murray Darling Basin and the Australian Alps, including agricultural practices, fire, environmental water,
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and grazing by feral herbivores.

I will examine how urbanization, habitat fragmentation/loss, and different types of landscapes/ecosystems impact bee species in terms of behaviour, pollination capacity, biodiversity, physiology
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and the distribution of native and invasive species. This research will help to design pollinator-friendly urban and rural environments which benefit humans and pollinators.
The Symonds Lab / Google Scholar / Twitter

I am interested in marine disease, particularly those affecting macrophytes. My research also looks as the effects of climate change and human-related impact on ecosystem function, including microbiome-host health
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and biogeochemical cycling.
Blue Carbon Lab / Deakin profile / Twitter

Some of my research looks at how well biodiversity indicators capture the response of biodiversity to different types of threat.
Personal website / CIE profile / Twitter

The aim of my research was to sustainable source plant for pharmaceutical industry. So it indirectly discuss the threats of over harvesting.

My research tackles how alpine plants and plant communities respond to environmental changes, disturbances and extreme events, in terms of their distribution, community composition and
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thermal tolerances.
Personal website / Deakin profile / Twitter

Climate change impacts and drought resilience.

Amphibian chytrid fungus.

No info….
WildGenesGroup / Deakin profile

I plan to determine how pollution harms populations of shorebirds along the EAAF and what relationship this has with the prevalence of emerging diseases such as avian influenza.

My research focuses on vegetation dynamics at both fine-scale and landscape levels, in response to altered environmental and disturbance regimes, particularly altered fire and climate regimes.

A major issue surrounding seaweed production is the ability for it to be successfully cultured, but more importantly if it is to be wild harvested, it must be done sustainably and we must create strategies to minimise the
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impact on habitats.

Submarine canyons and volcanic islands have significant contribution to maintaining high levels of biodiversity. Climate change, sea level fluctuation will influence the geomorphological evolution of canyons and volcanic, and
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through which, impact the biodiversity.
Deakin Marine Mapping / CIE profile

The impacts of urban expansion on habitat loss and habitat quality.
Plant-A / Beijing Normal University