Biodiversity modelling through space and time

Understanding biological variation and its function in different ecosystems and modelling how biodiversity will respond to climate change is urgently needed.

We apply ecological theory, biodiversity monitoring techniques, and spatiotemporal analysis methods to understand biological variation and its functional roles across a variety of New Zealand and global ecosystems and both above- and below-ground. Ecosystems include farming landscapes, tussock grasslands, coastal sand dunes and natural forests.

Our research is funded by

  • Department of Conservation
  • Ministry for Primary Industries
  • Miss E Hellaby Grassland Trust
  • Land Information New Zealand
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Pīngao (Ficinia spiralis) is an endemic, declining sand-binding species that is critical to maintaining healthy, mobile sand dunes in New Zealand.
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New Zealand indigenous tussock grasslands are a significant sub-alpine ecosystem in New Zealand that are under threat from human impacts such as high country farming and climate change.
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Agricultural ecosystems cover about half of New Zealand’s land area and contain pockets of highly important, remnant native biodiversity.

Researchers involved