Associate ProfessorJohn White

John is an active researcher focusing largely on how species and ecosystems respond to external threats such as fire, climate change, urbanisation, rodenticides and invasive species. A large focus of John's research has been the development and maintenance of a long-term ecological research program in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National park. Since 2008 John has led his team in establishing how small mammals respond to major fire events and changes in climatic conditions. This research has provided a lens in which to view the potential impacts of climate change as well as informing improved conservation management of this unique landscape. In recognition of this research, John and his team was awarded the 2016 Nancy Millis Award for science in Parks. This award recognises science that changes the way parks are managed.
Much of John's recent research has focussed on the terrible impacts of rodenticides on our wildlife species. This critical research is not only investigating the prevalence of rodenticides in Australian wildlife but is also moving into Asian ecosystems to help our neighbours document the impact in their species, an issue that is not only about ecological health, but also human health.
John leads an active research team of honours students and postgraduates who work on small mammal ecology, invasive species ecology, urbanisation, fire ecology and conservation management in response to climate change.