From the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, the rangelands of New South Wales experienced significant transformations due to extensive agricultural expansion, the introduction and proliferation of pest animals (including rabbits, hares, cats, and foxes), culling of native animals, and severe droughts. These factors have been linked to dramatic shifts in the abundances of native species. In this talk, I will track key events in this era, use historical bounty records to analyse the fluctuations in native and invasive animal populations across New South Wales, and infer the likely drivers of population changes.

About the Speaker

Richard Duncan's research is centered on the ecology of populations and communities, specifically targeting invasive weeds and pests. His work explores how species from foreign regions arrive, establish, and spread in new environments. Understanding these processes is crucial for managing the challenges posed by introduced weeds and pests. Moreover, these species introductions offer unique opportunities to examine fundamental aspects of how ecological communities are structured.

Richard and his team employ a variety of methods to investigate these questions, ranging from glasshouse experiments to extensive field studies, all supported by robust theoretical and quantitative approaches.