Researcher

Professor Mike Ivan Letnic

My Expertise

Terrestrial ecology, ecosystem restoration, management of invasive species, predators, fire

Biography

I am an applied ecologist and conservation biologist. My primary research goal is to tackle the grand challenge of biodiversity conservation in a world with an ever-expanding human footprint by improving understanding of environmental processes at temporal and spatial scales relevant to the conservation, management and restoration of ecosystems. My research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical research and managment and translate...view more

I am an applied ecologist and conservation biologist. My primary research goal is to tackle the grand challenge of biodiversity conservation in a world with an ever-expanding human footprint by improving understanding of environmental processes at temporal and spatial scales relevant to the conservation, management and restoration of ecosystems. My research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical research and managment and translate research findings into improved on-ground outcomes for the conservation of fauna, flora and landscapes. My research program involves close collaboration with private and goverment conservation organizations and the collection of primary data from field sites located throughout Australia.

Previous roles and qualifications

Professor, University of New South Wales, 2019-present

Associate Professor, University of New South Wales, 2015-2018

Australian Research Council Future Fellow, University of New South Wales, 2012-2015

Lecturer, University of Western Sydney, 2010-2011

Australian Post-doctoral Fellow, University of Sydney, 2006-2010

Project Officer (Herbivore pests), NSW Department of Environment, 2005-2006

Wildlife Management Officer (Crocodiles), Parks and Wildlife Service of the Northern Territory, 2003-2005

PhD University of Sydney, 2004

Miklouh-Macleay Fellow, Macleay Museum, University of Sydney, 2000-2001

Freelance journalist and wildlife consultant, 1997-2000

Research Assistant, University of Sydney, 1995-1997

BSc (Hons) University of New South Wales, 1995

Prizes

Eureka Prize for Environmental Research 2013

Jabez King Heydon Memorial Prize 2003 for the most meritorious thesis awarded by the School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney

Editorial Roles

Restoration Ecology

Advisory Roles

Wild Deserts

Past PhD students

Dr Baptiste Wijas

Dr Charlotte Mills

Dr Alexandra Ross

Dr Lisa Steindler

Dr Daniel Hunter

Dr James Rees

Dr Viyanna Leo

Dr Christopher Gordon

Dr Benjamin Feit

Dr Nicholas Colman

Dr Louise Pastro

My Research Activities

My research team is conducting projects investigating the ecological role of apex predators, the impacts of grazing on the functioning of arid ecosystems, the impacts of cane toads on tropical ecosystems, the conservation of ground nesting birds and biology of echidnas. Many of these projects are being conducted in collaboration with industry partners including Nature Foundation, Bush Heritage Australia, the Australian Captial Territory Government and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage with the objective of improving biodiversity conservation outcomes.