Associate Professor Shaun Levick, Geospatial Ecologist
See Shaun’s full research profile here.
What are your research interests as they relate to northern Australia?
I am interested in the three-dimensional (3D) structure of ecosystems, how they change over time, and their functional importance. In northern Australia, my research aims to understand how fire management shapes 3D habitat structure and carbon storage, and identify which range of 3D structures are needed in landscapes to sustain biodiversity. A key component of my work relates to the remote mapping and monitoring of gamba grass invasion – a critical threat to the north with the potential to dramatically alter 3D habitat diversity and carbon storage through its influence on fire intensity.
What do you love about working in northern Australia?
I love the vast open spaces of northern Australia, and the opportunity they afford for studying landscape dynamics and ecological processes. The northern savanna zone is a boundless laboratory to study ecosystem responses and trajectories of change following fire. I’ve only seen a tiny portion of northern Australia, but my favourite region so far is the Kimberley. Stunning landscapes with interesting terrain and beautiful boab trees.
Current project
Completed project
