Dr Justin Perry, Research Scientist
See Justin’s full research profile here.
E: justin.perry@nailsma.org.au
What are your research interests as they relate to northern Australia?
My research interests are pretty broad. I started off as a land manager which in turn made me interested in ecology. Now I’m really interested in how we can use science to support people in the sustainable development of northern Australia. People need to be able to make a living out of the north but development has to happen in a way that conserves the resources that people value.
What do you love about working in northern Australia?
I love the fact that the north is so dynamic. It’s different every season and every year. Droughts and floods aren’t unusual occurrences like they are in southern Australia – they happen every year in the north and even the droughts and floods are different year to year. But, I don’t love the heat! My favourite place in the north is Cape York Peninsula. It’s got so many different kinds of habitats – wetlands, rainforests, savannas – so close to each other. It makes the ecology of Cape York so complex and interesting.