APPLIED ECOLOGY

CAPABILITIES STATEMENT Many species and ecosystems worldwide are threatened by the protection and rehabilitation of endangered species various processes including habitat loss, overexploitation, and ecosystems. pest species invasions and pollution. In Australia, protection The mission of The Applied Ecology Research Group (AERG) of endangered species and ecosystems is a priority that has at VU is to provide high quality scientific research that is been enshrined in legislative acts. relevant, practical and applicable to the goal of achieving Our research has a practical focus, resulting in quantitative environmentally sound solutions at the local, national and information provided to state, federal and international international level. environmental agencies and is used to positively influence

vu.edu.au CRICOS Provider No. 00124K Research Focus Track Record and International Reputation Ecosystem management Applied Ecology has been a key distinctive research area at Victoria University for well • Grassland and woodland ecosystems over a decade. Our researchers are members of various international and national committees and industry bodies including the International Whaling Commission, and • Inland and coastal wetland systems the Australian Council of Environmental Deans and Directors. We publish widely and are • Estuaries particularly well recognised in the areas of inland and coastal wetland management, • Pest plant and animals impacts of marine tourism, orchids and waterfowl. Members are on editorial panels • The use of fire as a management tool of several internationally recognised journals and participate regularly in international • Interactions between management and plant/animal populations conferences. Our reputation for applied research has attracted a particularly large • Links between tourism/recreation and ecosystem management and monitoring cohort of research students from various countries around the world including Germany, Bangladesh and Thailand. All of our members represent our group on industry Flora research consultative committees and scientific advisory committees. • Orchid population ecology • Plant and crop genetics Industry Engagement • Weed ecology We have worked very closely with a range of state and federal organisations. Of • Plant recruitment particular note is our work with the Murray Darling Commission, The Department of Sustainability and Environment (VIC), Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, Zoos Victoria, • Clonality in plants and the Department of Natural Resource Management (WA). We have obtained grants • Morphological responses of plants to climate change from all of the above organisations to address specific management driven research. • Accelerated crop breeding We are a member of the Victorian Marine Science Consortium and as such work with a Fauna research large group of universities and government organisations to achieve strong marine-based research outcomes. Community engagement is a particular focus of the Applied Ecology • Animal behaviour (marine mammals and sharks) Research Group with members regularly interacting with community and industry groups • Responses of animals to tourism such as Greening Australia, The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, BirdLife Australia, • Sustainable marine practices Cymbidium Society of America and a range of other interest groups. • Striped legless lizard ecology and management • Waterfowl population genetics Contact us • Impacts of human disturbance on waterbirds Dr Randall Robinson • Management, hybridisation and conservation of waterbirds Leader, Applied Ecology Research Group • Morphological impacts of captive breeding Phone +61 3 9919 2885 • Trace metals in marine wildlife Email [email protected]

Expertise Dr Patrick Guay Ecology and management of inland and coastal wetlands. Deputy Leader, Applied Ecology Research Group Grassland and orchid ecology, genetics and management. Phone +61 3 9919 2993 Marine mammal tourism management. Email [email protected] Molecular markers and candidate gene identification to assist accelerated crop breeding in agronomically important plants. www.vu.edu.au/research/applied-ecology Plant physiological responses to climate change.

Shellfish fishery management. 8010 11.12

Striped Legless Lizard ecology and management.

Waterfowl ecology, genetics and management. Morphological impacts of captive breeding.

vu.edu.au CRICOS Provider No. 00124K