Geoffrey Heard

I am a Science Advisor for the Threatened Species Index (TSX) at the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and an Affiliated Researcher with the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science. The TSX integrates long-term monitoring data for Australia’s threatened and near-threatened species to estimate abundance trends. A key focus of my role is assisting to get the hard-won data of Australia’s ecologists into the TSX, including working with data providers to generate reliable time-series of abundance or occurrence rate from their data. Ultimately, I help to ensure that the TSX continues to provide accurate and up-to-date information on population trends for Australia’s imperilled species.

Outside of the TSX, I continue to pursue research on the spatial and temporal dynamics of declining species, seeking insights into population processes that can guide conservation planning. My projects usually lie at the intersection of applied ecology and herpetology, because I’ve been fascinated by reptiles and amphibians since I was a boy, and the obsession shows no sign of abating. Whatever the taxa, my aim is to provide insights and tools that can support practical, on-ground conservation decision-making.