My research examines broad ecological and evolutionary questions, including applied problems. I take an integrative approach, using a combination of controlled experiments and observational studies to test hypotheses. Much of my research has used reptiles and amphibians as model systems, but I am broadly interested in a variety of groups.
I am strongly interested in the influence of vegetation structural change (like those caused by forestry, grazing, fire, weeds, weed control, and climate change) on vertebrates, and quantifying the mechanisms of causing such effects, with a special focus on reptile habitat use and thermoregulation, and on the influence of structural changes on refuge from predation and the elements. These interests have lead me to study the influence of various anthropogenic effects, such as logging, grazing, and weeds and their control, on vertebrate populations.
I am also interested in invasive vertebrates, and I am working on developing a cane toad trap. The amphibian disease, chytridiomycosis, is strongly influenced by the environment selected by host amphibians. Thus, behaviour and habitat selection by amphibians have important effects on disease dynamics in this system, and these relationships have drawn me to study this system in collaboration with colleagues at JCU and elsewhere.
Invasive species, as predators, prey and competitors can have negative effects on native species. I am presently attempting to exploit the signalling system of cane toads to selectively remove mature reproductive individuals from populations, as a means of local control of these pests. In addition, I co-supervise a PhD student at Washington State University working on landscape genetics of toads. We hope to test hypotheses about the spread of toads since their introduction, and their adaptation to the Australian environment.
Adaptation to environmental pressures has lead to many amazing animal characteristics. Lizard skin shows adaptations ranging from high to low adhesiveness and from superhydrophobicity to rapid water transport, depending on species and their environments. I have been examining these traits with collaborators in chemistry and physics at JCU, and from the University of Idaho.
Research Interests:
Collaborators:
Internal: Kyall Zenger, Ross Alford (Ret.)
Centre for Tropical Biodiversity and Climate Change
External:
Australia:
Prof. Rick Shine, University of Sydney
Prof. Paul Roe, QUT
Prof. Kerrie Mengersen, QUT
International:
Prof. Robin Andrews, Virginia Tech
Prof. Don Miles, University of Ohio
Prof. Tom Schoener, University of California at Davis
Dr. Andrew Storfer, University of Washington
Contact details
Professor Lin Schwarzkopf
College of Science and Engineering
Centre for Biodiversity & Climate Change
James Cook University
Townsville, Australia 4811
Office: Building 28, rm 225
Phone: 07 4781 5467
International phone: +61 7 4781 5467
Email: lin.schwarzkopf[[[at]]]jcu.edu.au
I am strongly interested in the influence of vegetation structural change (like those caused by forestry, grazing, fire, weeds, weed control, and climate change) on vertebrates, and quantifying the mechanisms of causing such effects, with a special focus on reptile habitat use and thermoregulation, and on the influence of structural changes on refuge from predation and the elements. These interests have lead me to study the influence of various anthropogenic effects, such as logging, grazing, and weeds and their control, on vertebrate populations.
I am also interested in invasive vertebrates, and I am working on developing a cane toad trap. The amphibian disease, chytridiomycosis, is strongly influenced by the environment selected by host amphibians. Thus, behaviour and habitat selection by amphibians have important effects on disease dynamics in this system, and these relationships have drawn me to study this system in collaboration with colleagues at JCU and elsewhere.
Invasive species, as predators, prey and competitors can have negative effects on native species. I am presently attempting to exploit the signalling system of cane toads to selectively remove mature reproductive individuals from populations, as a means of local control of these pests. In addition, I co-supervise a PhD student at Washington State University working on landscape genetics of toads. We hope to test hypotheses about the spread of toads since their introduction, and their adaptation to the Australian environment.
Adaptation to environmental pressures has lead to many amazing animal characteristics. Lizard skin shows adaptations ranging from high to low adhesiveness and from superhydrophobicity to rapid water transport, depending on species and their environments. I have been examining these traits with collaborators in chemistry and physics at JCU, and from the University of Idaho.
Research Interests:
- Relationship between vertebrates and habitat structure
- Behaviour and habitat selection
- Signalling system of cane toads
Collaborators:
Internal: Kyall Zenger, Ross Alford (Ret.)
Centre for Tropical Biodiversity and Climate Change
External:
Australia:
Prof. Rick Shine, University of Sydney
Prof. Paul Roe, QUT
Prof. Kerrie Mengersen, QUT
International:
Prof. Robin Andrews, Virginia Tech
Prof. Don Miles, University of Ohio
Prof. Tom Schoener, University of California at Davis
Dr. Andrew Storfer, University of Washington
Contact details
Professor Lin Schwarzkopf
College of Science and Engineering
Centre for Biodiversity & Climate Change
James Cook University
Townsville, Australia 4811
Office: Building 28, rm 225
Phone: 07 4781 5467
International phone: +61 7 4781 5467
Email: lin.schwarzkopf[[[at]]]jcu.edu.au
