Overview
Background
Conserving biodiversity is essential for maintaining the health of the environment upon which human life and wellbeing relies. But the task will only get harder, with human pressures increasing in magnitude and ubiquity. My research tackles questions central to this challenge. A particular focus is biodiversity net gain policy, particularly the design and consequences of biodiversity offsetting, as well as the conservation and restoration of Australia’s woodlands and woodland bird assemblages. I collaborate with a broad network of individuals and organisations including government and non-government bodies to help achieve effective uptake of research findings into policy and environmental management. Sound conservation policy is essential if we are to apply ecological knowledge to reduce and ultimately halt biodiversity declines. I provide guidance on offset/no net loss/net gain policy development internationally including in Malaysia, the UK, Mozambique, and Guinea, and to intergovernmental convening bodies including IPBES, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the IUCN. I currently chair the IUCN’s Impact Mitigation and Ecological Compensation Thematic Group, am a director of BirdLife Australia and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, and am a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists and The Biodiversity Council. My research group is part of the Centre for Biodiversity & Conservation Science.
Availability
- Professor Martine Maron is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), Monash University
- Doctor of Philosophy, Monash University
- Postgraduate Diploma, University of Southern Queensland
Research interests
-
Conservation policy
-
Community ecology
-
Woodland conservation and management
-
Threatened species
-
Spatial ecology
-
Biodiversity accounting
Research impacts
I collaborate with conservation policymakers at State, National (e.g. New Zealand, Australia, Mozambique) and international (IUCN, UN, IPBES) levels to achieve policy change and benefits for biodiversity. Example impacts include:
- Science input to the drafting process of goals and targets for the Convention on Biological Diversity post-2020 Global Biodiversity Strategy (Diaz et al. 2020)
- Led writing of the first international policy on biodiversity offsetting for the IUCN
- Development of the Conceptual Framework for Land Degradation Neutrality, adopted by 129 countries to date, to implement the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
- Designed several widely-used tools to implement best-practice application of the mitigation hierarchy, including Australia’s Environmental Offsets Assessment Guide and Reef Trust Financial Contributions Offsets Calculator, New Zealand’s offset accounting model, and Mozambique’s new Impact Mitigation decree
- Participated in the Consultative Group and Technical Group advising the EPBC Act review drafting proposed new National Environmental Standards for Australia for the Samuel Review
- Achieved listing of a Key Threatening Process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act: “Aggressive exclusion of birds from potential woodland and forest habitat by over-abundant noisy miners (Manorina melanocephala)” and authored the Threat Abatement Advice for this KTP
- Developed a definition, condition scoring approach, and nomination for “Temperate and Subtropical Woodland Bird Community” for listing as a threatened under the EPBC Act (currently under consideration)
Works
Search Professor Martine Maron’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Journal Article
Carcass Density, Size and Visibility Do Not Significantly Differ Between Areas With and Without Spotted-Hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta), With Implications for Threatened Vultures
Fester, Karl Sebastian Moritz, Luskin, Matthew Scott and Maron, Martine (2024). Carcass Density, Size and Visibility Do Not Significantly Differ Between Areas With and Without Spotted-Hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta), With Implications for Threatened Vultures. African Journal of Ecology, 62 (4) e13345. doi: 10.1111/aje.13345
2024
Journal Article
Biodiversity offset conditions contributing to net loss of koala <i>Phascolarctos cinereus</i> habitat
Tran, Hao Nguyen and Maron, Martine (2024). Biodiversity offset conditions contributing to net loss of koala Phascolarctos cinereus habitat. Conservation Science and Practice, 6 (12) e13271. doi: 10.1111/csp2.13271
2024
Other Outputs
Carcass and prey density between spotted hyaena present and absent sites
Fester, Karl Sebastian Moritz, Maron, Martine and Luskin, Matthew Scott (2024). Carcass and prey density between spotted hyaena present and absent sites. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/a7bd235
2024
Journal Article
Achieving “nature positive” requires net gain legislation
Thomas, Hannah, Chung, Yi Fei, Maron, Martine, Rhodes, Jonathan R., Simmonds, Jeremy S., Ward, Michelle S. and Williams, Brooke A. (2024). Achieving “nature positive” requires net gain legislation. Science, 386 (6720), 383-385. doi: 10.1126/science.adq9157
2024
Journal Article
Poor compliance and exemptions facilitate ongoing deforestation
Thomas, Hannah, Ward, Michelle S., Simmonds, Jeremy S., Taylor, Martin F. J. and Maron, Martine (2024). Poor compliance and exemptions facilitate ongoing deforestation. Conservation Biology e14354, e14354. doi: 10.1111/cobi.14354
2024
Journal Article
Ensuring legitimate project-level claims about net biodiversity outcomes
Sonter, Laura J., Maron, Martine, Metaxas, Anna and Bull, Joseph W. (2024). Ensuring legitimate project-level claims about net biodiversity outcomes. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 39 (7), 599-602. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2024.05.004
2024
Journal Article
Unburnt areas in subtropical woodlands contain distinct reptile communities after extensive wildfire
Emery, Jon-Paul, Doherty, Tim S., Bruton, Melissa J., Peck, Stephen and Maron, Martine (2024). Unburnt areas in subtropical woodlands contain distinct reptile communities after extensive wildfire. Austral Ecology, 49 (6) e13547. doi: 10.1111/aec.13547
2024
Journal Article
Conservation planning for retention, not just protection
Negret, Pablo Jose, Venegas, Ruben, Sonter, Laura J., Possingham, Hugh P. and Maron, Martine (2024). Conservation planning for retention, not just protection. Global Change Biology, 30 (3) e17211. doi: 10.1111/gcb.17211
2024
Other Outputs
Deforestation events (≥ 20 ha) in northern Australia from 2014 to 2021, version 2
Thomas, Hannah, Ward, Michelle, Simmonds, Jeremy, Taylor, Martin and Maron, Martine (2024). Deforestation events (≥ 20 ha) in northern Australia from 2014 to 2021, version 2. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/7aa790e
2023
Journal Article
Redistribution of fishery benefits among commercial and recreational fishers caused by offsetting
Ma, Deqiang, Rhodes, Jonathan, Klein, Carissa J. and Maron, Martine (2023). Redistribution of fishery benefits among commercial and recreational fishers caused by offsetting. Marine Policy, 158 105881. doi: 10.1016/j.marpol.2023.105881
2023
Journal Article
‘Nature positive’ must incorporate, not undermine, the mitigation hierarchy
Maron, Martine, Quétier, Fabien, Sarmiento, Mariana, ten Kate, Kerry, Evans, Megan C., Bull, Joseph W., Jones, Julia P. G., zu Ermgassen, Sophus O. S. E., Milner-Gulland, E. J., Brownlie, Susie, Treweek, Jo and von Hase, Amrei (2023). ‘Nature positive’ must incorporate, not undermine, the mitigation hierarchy. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 8 (1), 14-17. doi: 10.1038/s41559-023-02199-2
2023
Journal Article
How to fuel an energy transition with ecologically responsible mining
Sonter, Laura J., Maron, Martine, Bull, Joseph W., Giljum, Stefan, Luckeneder, Sebastian, Maus, Victor, McDonald-Madden, Eve, Northey, Stephen A., Sánchez, Luis E., Valenta, Rick, Visconti, Piero, Werner, Tim T. and Watson, James E. M. (2023). How to fuel an energy transition with ecologically responsible mining. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 120 (35) e2307006120, 1-3. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2307006120
2023
Journal Article
Minimum multipliers for fishery offsets in marine habitats vary depending on the no net loss goal
Ma, Deqiang, Rhodes, Jonathan and Maron, Martine (2023). Minimum multipliers for fishery offsets in marine habitats vary depending on the no net loss goal. Biological Conservation, 284 110204, 110204. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2023.110204
2023
Journal Article
Evaluating the impact of biodiversity offsetting on native vegetation
zu Ermgassen, Sophus O. S. E., Devenish, Katie, Simmons, B. Alexander, Gordon, Ascelin, Jones, Julia P. G., Maron, Martine, Schulte to Bühne, Henrike, Sharma, Roshan, Sonter, Laura J., Strange, Niels, Ward, Michelle and Bull, Joseph W. (2023). Evaluating the impact of biodiversity offsetting on native vegetation. Global Change Biology, 29 (15), 4397-4411. doi: 10.1111/gcb.16801
2023
Journal Article
A review of condition metrics used in biodiversity offsetting
Borges-Matos, Clarice, Maron, Martine and Metzger, Jean Paul (2023). A review of condition metrics used in biodiversity offsetting. Environmental Management, 72 (4), 727-740. doi: 10.1007/s00267-023-01858-1
2023
Journal Article
Performance of habitat offsets for species conservation in dynamic human‐modified landscapes
Rhodes, Jonathan R., Liu, Yan, Wahyudi, Agung, Maron, Martine, Iftekhar, Md Sayed and Brisbane, Shantala (2023). Performance of habitat offsets for species conservation in dynamic human‐modified landscapes. People and Nature, 6 (5), 1774-1788. doi: 10.1002/pan3.10494
2023
Journal Article
Using empirical data analysis and expert opinion to identify farmland‐associated bird species from their habitat associations
Lin, Da‐Li, Maron, Martine, Amano, Tatsuya, Chang, An‐Yu and Fuller, Richard A. (2023). Using empirical data analysis and expert opinion to identify farmland‐associated bird species from their habitat associations. Ibis, 165 (3), 974-985. doi: 10.1111/ibi.13179
2023
Journal Article
Establishing effective conservation management strategies for a poorly known endangered species: a case study using Australia’s Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis)
Leseberg, Nicholas P., Kutt, Alex, Evans, Megan C., Nou, Tida, Spillias, Scott, Stone, Zoe, Walsh, Jessica C., Murphy, Stephen A., Bamford, Mike, Burbidge, Allan H., Crossing, Kate, Davis, Robert A., Garnett, Stephen T., Kavanagh, Rodney P., Murphy, Robert, Read, John, Reid, Julian, van Leeuwen, Stephen, Watson, Alexander W. T., Watson, James E. M. and Maron, Martine (2023). Establishing effective conservation management strategies for a poorly known endangered species: a case study using Australia’s Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis). Biodiversity and Conservation, 32 (8-9), 2869-2891. doi: 10.1007/s10531-023-02633-8
2023
Journal Article
Retaining natural vegetation to safeguard biodiversity and humanity
Simmonds, Jeremy S., Suarez‐Castro, Andres Felipe, Reside, April E., Watson, James E.M., Allan, James R., Atkinson, Scott C., Borrelli, Pasquale, Dudley, Nigel, Edwards, Stephen, Fuller, Richard A., Game, Edward T., Linke, Simon, Maxwell, Sean L., Panagos, Panos, Puydarrieux, Philippe, Quétier, Fabien, Runting, Rebecca K., Santini, Talitha, Sonter, Laura J. and Maron, Martine (2023). Retaining natural vegetation to safeguard biodiversity and humanity. Conservation Biology, 37 (3) e14040, 1-16. doi: 10.1111/cobi.14040
2023
Journal Article
Effectiveness of conservation interventions for Australian woodland birds: a systematic review
Walsh, Jessica C., Gibson, Michelle R., Simmonds, Jeremy S., Mayfield, Helen J., Bracey, Clare, Melton, Courtney B., Reside, April E. and Maron, Martine (2023). Effectiveness of conservation interventions for Australian woodland birds: a systematic review. Biological Conservation, 282 110030, 110030. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2023.110030
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Martine Maron is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
-
Ecological and conservation impacts of noisy miner Manorina melanocephala control in subtropical woodlands
This exciting project aims to develop a greater understanding of the effects of noisy miners Manorina melaocephala on the health of subtropical woodland ecosystems, and test an experimental approach to reducing negative impacts. The fieldwork will be based in the woodland landscapes around the UQ Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre in south-east Queensland, about 1.5 hours from the St Lucia campus. You would be joining the vibrant Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science at the University of Queensland.
We are seeking students with experience in Australian bird and/or plant identification and survey methods, and an enthusiasm for field-based work. Field expenses are funded, but the successful applicant would need to apply for PhD candidature and scholarship through The University of Queensland: Doctor of Philosophy - Study - The University of Queensland (uq.edu.au). At this stage, we are only able to accept applications from domestic students.
To express your interest in this position, please contact Professor Martine Maron m.maron@uq.edu.au with a CV and cover email.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Integrating conservation with production in Queensland grazing landscapes
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
New metrics to measure and track bird community condition in Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr April Reside
-
Doctor Philosophy
Trophic release, ecological cascades, and zoonotic disease risk of a terrestrial predator and mesopredator guild adapted to anthropogenic disturbances in Namibia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Luskin
-
Doctor Philosophy
The Influence of the Prospect of Biodiversity Offsetting on Development Impact Permitting
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Brian Head
-
Doctor Philosophy
The FaunaHealth Index: A holistic approach to mammal community health.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr April Reside
-
Doctor Philosophy
Conserving Koalas on Private Land under Climate Change
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Improving biodiversity offset policy for application in intact tropical landscapes
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Making businesses work for biodiversity: Decision-support tools for integrating biodiversity conservation into the finance sector
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Making businesses work for biodiversity: Decision-support tools for integrating biodiversity conservation into the finance sector
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Ecology and conservation of the Buff-breasted Button-quail (Turnix olivii)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James Watson
-
Doctor Philosophy
Autecology of an endangered Australian passerine: CarpentarianGrasswren (Amytornis dorotheae)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James Watson
Completed supervision
-
2022
Master Philosophy
Black-backed jackals in a mixed-use landscape in the southern Namib Desert
Principal Advisor
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Biodiversity Risks and Safeguards of Global Infrastructure Finance: The Case of China's Belt and Road Initiative
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James Watson
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
The value of understorey vegetation to woodland and forest bird communities as a resource and potential deterrent of key threatening process: overabundant native noisy miners (Manorina melanocephala)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr April Reside
-
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Impact mitigation in marine and coastal environments: policy challenges and shortfalls
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James Watson
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Population estimates of large carnivores and their conflict with humans in East Africa and India
Principal Advisor
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Development, armed conflict and conservation: improving the effectiveness of conservation decisions in conflict hotspots using Colombia as a case study
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham, Associate Professor Laura Sonter, Professor James Watson
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Habitat requirements for the reintroduction and persistence of the Northern Eastern Bristlebird (Dasyornis brachypterus)
Principal Advisor
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Why are woodland-dependent avian insectivore populations vulnerable to declines in highly-modified landscapes?
Principal Advisor
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Implications of vegetation clearing biases for the interpretation of landscape-scale species-area relationships
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Berndt Janse Van Rensburg
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
DRIVERS OF DIVERSITY AT THE LOCAL- AND LANDSCAPE-SCALE IN A FIRE-PRONE LANDSCAPE
Principal Advisor
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Effects of habitat extent and forest disturbance on bird communities in lowland Nepal
Principal Advisor
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
EFFECTS OF MATRIX INTENSIFICATION ON THE DISTRIBUTION AND CONDITION OF FOREST BIRDS IN SOUTH-WEST GHANA, WEST AFRICA
Principal Advisor
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Spatial ecology of invasive meso-size predators in agricultural landscapes.
Principal Advisor
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
Territorial competition by an aggressive species challenges the conservation of eastern Australian woodland avifauna
Principal Advisor
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Ecology and conservation of the Buff-breasted Button-quail (Turnix olivii)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor James Watson
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
The effect of fire and livestock grazing on mammals and reptiles in Central Queensland
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr April Reside
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
From Observations to Indicators: The Status and Conservation of Taiwan's Birds
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Tatsuya Amano, Professor Richard Fuller
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Bioacoustic monitoring of breeding behaviour in the endangered Kangaroo Island glossy black-cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus, and south-eastern red-tailed black-cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus banksii graptogyne
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Berndt Janse Van Rensburg
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Conserving shorebirds in human-dominated landscapes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Richard Fuller
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing the effects of landscape structure on the relationship between species diversity and functional diversity
Associate Advisor
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Drivers of sociability and fission-fusion dynamics in a population of wild giraffes (Giraffa Camelopardalis)
Associate Advisor
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the behavioural trade-offs made by blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus): the importance of resources, predation and the landscape
Associate Advisor
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Identifying critical habitat for threatened species: concepts and challenges
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Multi-scale patterns of habitat use by reptiles in regenerating dryland landscapes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Craig Franklin
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Martine Maron directly for media enquiries about:
- Bird ecology
- Birds - conservation
- Conservation - birds
- Conservation biology
- Conservation policy
- Habitat offsets
- Landscape ecology
- Restoration ecology
Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team: