Biodiversity & conservation
We provide research and advice on conservation planning, biodiversity inventory and monitoring, species recovery strategies, biocontrol of weeds, management of invasive invertebrates, management and restoration of wetlands and forest fragments, pollination biology, genetic structure of populations, gene flow in the environment, and biotic risk assessment. Much of our research is carried out in highly modified areas and where the natural landscape abuts areas managed for production. Although we mainly deal with native organisms, and weeds and pests of the natural environment, many of these invasive species also affect productive land, and many native species find a home within agricultural systems.
Research
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Bellbirds/Korimako in Canterbury
Landcare Research at Lincoln, in association with Christchurch City Council and Canterbury University, is conducting studies on the distribution and habitat needs of bellbirds (korimako) in and around Christchurch, and throughout Mid– to North Canterbury. We hope that this information will contribute to improvements in their habitat, range and survival. -
Biocontrol and Ecology of Weeds
Reducing the environmental, economic and social impacts of invasive plants by undertaking research to understand how best to manage them, including a strong focus on developing biological control programmes. -
Biodiversity & global change
No part of the landscape can escape global change. Alpine areas, drylands, and wetlands are highly sensitive to climate change and fire. Knowing how ecosystems have responded in the past, and how and why they are changing now, will allow end–users to plan strategies, restoration initiatives, and reserve design to reverse biodiversity decline. Maori wish to manage their forests for specific values and products, and need to know how climate impacts on their biodiversity -
Conservation science
Understanding the distribution of native ecosystems, habitats and species, their ecological processes, the threats that impact upon them, and actions required to retain them. -
Invasion Ecology
Understanding what controls the invasibility of natural ecosystems as well as the ecosystem–level impacts of exotic species as a basis for management -
Seabird Ecology
Determining the factors controlling seabird (including penguins) dynamics and the influence of seabirds on terrestrial ecosystems -
Social aspects of ecosystem management
This concerns how we might work with existing community values about nature and the environment, and facilitate change that results in the kind of positive associations with natural ecosystem values and services that we hope to achieve.