PhD Scholar
Insect biodiversity and woodland restoration
E-mail: philip.barton@anu.edu.au

The conservation of insect biodiversity is important for maintaining ecosystem health and function. This PhD project is focusing on beetle biodiversity as part of the ANU-ACT Government Mulligans Flat-Goorooyarroo Woodland Experiment, with collaboration from CSIRO Entomology. The primary aim of my project is to investigate patterns of beetle biodiversity in box-gum grassy woodland and to examine how beetles respond to experimental addition of dead wood and reduced kangaroo grazing pressure. A secondary aim is to examine the functional traits and morphology of beetles and linking these to underlying ecosystem processes and factors influencing beetle assemblage composition. Understanding how these experiments impact on beetle biodiversity will further our knowledge of insect conservation and contribute to woodland restoration and management projects.