Using honeybee communication and disease defense as a framework, this research explores how early warning signals can improve wildlife conservation. By examining indicators of ecosystem health, climate-driven parasite dynamics, and preventative monitoring strategies, it argues that detecting subtle ecological changes early is essential for protecting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

This research uses freshwater mussels as bioindicators to investigate water quality in Darby Creek. Community science data revealed links between elevated chloride pollution, likely from road salt, and declining mussel populations. The discovery of a healthy mussel population highlights both the importance of local monitoring and opportunities for targeted watershed restoration.

This research develops adaptable machine learning methods for wildlife monitoring using camera trap images. By clustering visually similar animal images, the system dramatically reduces the amount of manual labeling required while maintaining accuracy. The approach could enable faster, large-scale biodiversity monitoring critical for protecting endangered species worldwide.

This research investigates ground locomotion in bats, focusing on the endangered Eastern small-footed bat. Using treadmill experiments in the field, it reveals that bats can move effectively on the ground. Findings suggest ground behavior may be underestimated, with important implications for habitat use, risk exposure, and conservation strategies.

Research explores whether turtles form social relationships by analyzing feeding interactions in a marsh. Using baited traps, social networks were constructed to test drivers of association. Species predicted grouping preferences, size did not, and no sex-based preference emerged. No evidence for “friendship” was found, but findings highlight overlooked reptile sociality and conservation relevance.

Climate change is forcing marine species to migrate across hostile coastal environments. Using environmental DNA from seawater, this research demonstrates a powerful new way to detect and monitor biodiversity, revealing hundreds of species per sample. eDNA offers a scalable, sensitive tool for tracking ecosystem change and guiding conservation in rapidly changing marine environments.

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread parasite introduced to New Zealand via cats and increasingly threatens native wildlife. This research conducts the first national survey of toxoplasmosis in native birds, identifying infection prevalence, affected organs, and ecological risk factors to better understand its impact on biodiversity.

This research uses helicopter surveys to study javelina habitat use in South Texas. By mapping sightings and woody vegetation cover, it reveals that javelinas prefer dense thornscrub environments. The findings support improved wildlife management and help distinguish native javelinas from invasive wild pigs.

This research investigates fragmented alpine salamander populations across the Dinarides to understand their evolutionary history, local adaptation, and vulnerability. By analysing poison levels, water-loss resistance, environmental differences, and future climate suitability, the study aims to reveal how habitat shapes amphibian evolution and provide essential data for conserving the ancient Salamandra atra prenjensis lineage.