Based at James Cook University, my research examines broad ecological and evolutionary questions. I take an integrative approach, using a combination of controlled experiments and observational studies to test hypotheses in both theoretical and applied contexts. Much of my research has used reptiles and amphibians as model systems, but I am interested in a variety of vertebrate groups as subjects of study.
A key area of interest to me is the effect of structural vegetation change (such as forestry, grazing, fire, weeds, weed control, and climate change) on vertebrates. 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. Specifically, I have focused on reptile habitat use and thermoregulation, and the effect of vegetation change on reptile refuge behaviour from predation and exposure.
I am also interested in how invasive vertebrates, as predators, prey, and competitors, can effect native species. I am currently working to develop a trap which exploits the signalling system of Cane Toads to selectively remove mature reproductive individuals from populations as a means of local population control.
A selection of current research areas:
I am currently co-supervising 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 subsequent adaptation to the Australian environment.
In collaboration with colleagues at both JCU and external universities, I have conducted research on how the spread of amphibious diseases, namely chytridiomycosis, is influenced by frog behaviour and environmental selection.
With collaborators in chemistry and physics at JCU, as well as the University of Idaho, I have studied a wide range of lizard skin adaptation, from high to low adhesiveness, and from superhydrophobicity to adaptations for rapid water transport.
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
A key area of interest to me is the effect of structural vegetation change (such as forestry, grazing, fire, weeds, weed control, and climate change) on vertebrates. 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. Specifically, I have focused on reptile habitat use and thermoregulation, and the effect of vegetation change on reptile refuge behaviour from predation and exposure.
I am also interested in how invasive vertebrates, as predators, prey, and competitors, can effect native species. I am currently working to develop a trap which exploits the signalling system of Cane Toads to selectively remove mature reproductive individuals from populations as a means of local population control.
A selection of current research areas:
I am currently co-supervising 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 subsequent adaptation to the Australian environment.
In collaboration with colleagues at both JCU and external universities, I have conducted research on how the spread of amphibious diseases, namely chytridiomycosis, is influenced by frog behaviour and environmental selection.
With collaborators in chemistry and physics at JCU, as well as the University of Idaho, I have studied a wide range of lizard skin adaptation, from high to low adhesiveness, and from superhydrophobicity to adaptations for rapid water transport.
Research Interests:
- Relationships between vertebrates and habitat structure
- Behaviour and habitat selection
- Signalling system of cane toads
- Hyper-specific evolutionary adaptation
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