Plant ecology (including threatened flora)
There are over 500 threatened plant species currently listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act. The species listed range from tiny herbs to forest trees. To conserve threatened species, we need a thorough understanding of their ecology.
NPWS research into plant ecology looks at demographic processes of plants, including threatened species, with the aim of maintaining diversity of plant communities in the longer term. Our research pays particular attention to the impact of threatening processes on population viability. Threatening processes include:
- land clearing
- weed invasion
- grazing by feral pests
- altered fire regimes.
The NPWS plant ecology team is actively involved in all aspects of ecological research and management of threatened species and communities, as well as in assessing the level of threat faced by plant species. The team is headed by Dr Tony Auld (Principal Research Scientist). Other team members are Andrew Denham, Judy Scott, Mark Ooi and Tricia Hogbin.
Projects are carried out across the state - from the semi-arid regions of far western NSW to fire-prone habitats in the temperate Sydney region.
More information on team members
Dr Tony Auld - Principal Research Scientist
Mark Ooi - Project Officer