This work involves deriving models for diversity that use objectively mapped surrogates for species diversity. Such surrogates may be geology, aspect, altitude, etc. These models are then used in the reserve design process to help prioritize areas for conservation. Essentially this work revolves around exercises in ordination and gradient analysis. Another aspect of conservation ecology that I wish to pursue is that of conservation in the matrix.
Reserves can only conserve so much of our biodiversity.
Many important ecological processes extend far beyond the boundaries of our reserves. Land management practices and landuse patterns become vital to the retention and persistence ideals. This task boils down to addressing questions of land management and how different strategies impact on biodiversity and ecological processes. This is a very exciting field of research. The phenomenal diversity of plants in this country makes this task a great challenge.