Our Team

Mary Buford is combining ecological and geospatial methods to look at habitat connectivity and wild biodiversity use of non-crop vegetation across the Canterbury Plains agricultural region. She is broadly interested in transitioning food production systems to address global biodiversity decline and work better for feeding the human population.

Sara is a conservation biologist interested in human-modified landscapes, ecosystem services, human-wildlife conflicts, and predator-prey dynamics.

Erin is interested in conservation biology with a specific focus on animal behaviour and ecological relationships. For her current master’s research, she is investigating the occupancy and diet of an introduced owl species in Christchurch.

Jordan is interested in ecological relationships and how they influence conservation efforts and agricultural practices in New Zealand. Her current Master’s research focuses on understanding the impact of birds in New Zealand kiwifruit orchards.

Ava is interested in ecology and urban conservation, with a special focus on insects.

Laura is interested in the effect of anthropogenic drivers, specifically related to land conversion and habitat fragmentation, on spillover (and spillback) of zoonoses.

Kelly is interested in animal behaviour and welfare. For her Master's research, she is investigating if and how visitors at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve impact the overall welfare of four primate species.

Ananya is interested in studying the role of birds in agriculture ecosystems. Her PhD will focus on understanding the ecosystem services and disservices provided by birds in vineyards and arable crop ecosystems, and how these services interact with surrounding farmland habitat.

Emily is studying barn owl nesting ecology, growth rates, diet, and other aspects of their ecology in intensive farmland.

Fergus is interested in conservation biology and ecology that includes responses to environmental changes and human-wildlife interactions/services with a specific focus on vertebrates.