Overview
Background
James is an applied conservation scientist and bioegeographer working at the interface between ecology, policy and management to improve outcomes for biodiversity. He has a particular interest in understanding how humanity influences landscape and the climate, and what this means for biodiversity and ecosystem service outcomes, and the implications of this for environmental policy setting and management.
As a Professor of Conservation Science at The University of Queensland, he leads two research groups. The Green Fire Science research group (www.greenfirescience.com) mission is to do applied research that is linked directly to the practice of large-scale conservation and the Research and Recovery of Endangered Species (https://raresgroup.com.au) mission is to focus on Australia's rarest, least studied species to try and work out their needs and work with those on-ground practioners to try and save them.
James has been passionate conservation for decades. As a Rhodes Scholar, James undertook his PhD research studying in Madagascar, trying to come up with conservation plans to save endemic bird species inhabiting the country’s remaining littoral forest. Since then he has published more than 400 peer-reviewed papers, book chapters and reports on conservation related matters, ranging from assessing the impacts of climate change on species to mapping the effectiveness of protected areas on biodiversity conservation outcomes globally. He has served on the International Panel for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Data and Knowledge Task Force, and is a Research Fellow for the United Nation’s Environment Program, a Senior Technical expert for the United Nations Development Program’s Global Programme on Nature for Development, and was the founding chair of the International Union for Nature Conservation Climate Change Specialist Group. James sits on the scientific committees of BirdLife Australia and SUBAC. James was global president of the Society for Conservation Biology in 2015-17.
I am also an affiliated researcher at the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science.
Availability
- Professor James Watson is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Oxford
Research interests
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Conservation policy and practice
Works
Search Professor James Watson’s works on UQ eSpace
2016
Journal Article
Filling in biodiversity threat gaps: only 5% of global threat data sets meet a "gold standard"
Joppa, L. N., O'Connor, B., Visconti, P., Smith, C., Geldmann, J., Hoffmann, M., Watson, J. E. M., Butchart, S. H. M., Virah-Sawmy, M., Halpern, B. S., Ahmed, S. E., Balmford, A., Sutherland, W. J., Harfoot, M., Hilton-Taylor, C., Foden, W., Di Minin, E., Pagad, S., Genovesi, P., Hutton, J. and Burgess, N. D. (2016). Filling in biodiversity threat gaps: only 5% of global threat data sets meet a "gold standard". Science, 352 (6284), 416-418. doi: 10.1126/science.aaf3565
2016
Journal Article
Understanding the importance of small patches of habitat for conservation
Tulloch, Ayesha, Barnes, Megan, Ringma, Jeremy, Fuller, Richard and Watson, James (2016). Understanding the importance of small patches of habitat for conservation. Journal of Applied Ecology, 53 (2), 418-429. doi: 10.1111/1365-2664.12547
2016
Journal Article
Queensland land clearing is undermining Australia’s environmental progress
Maron, Martine, Laurance, Bill, Pressey, Bob, Catterall, Carla P., McAlpine, Clive, Possingham, Hugh, Watson, James, Rhodes, Jonathan, Wilson, Kerrie and Hockings, Marc (2016, 02 22). Queensland land clearing is undermining Australia’s environmental progress
2016
Journal Article
The best way to protect us from climate change? Save our ecosystems
Martin, Tara and Watson, James (2016, 02 12). The best way to protect us from climate change? Save our ecosystems
2016
Journal Article
Global mismatch between greenhouse gas emissions and the burden of climate change
Althor, Glenn, Watson, James E. M. and Fuller, Richard A. (2016). Global mismatch between greenhouse gas emissions and the burden of climate change. Scientific Reports, 6 (Art No.: 20281) 20281, 20281. doi: 10.1038/srep20281
2016
Journal Article
Australia, the US and Europe are climate ‘free-riders’: it’s time to step up
Althor, Glenn, Watson, James and Fuller, Richard (2016, 02 05). Australia, the US and Europe are climate ‘free-riders’: it’s time to step up
2016
Journal Article
Intact ecosystems provide best defence against climate change
Martin, Tara G. and Watson, James E. M. (2016). Intact ecosystems provide best defence against climate change. Nature Climate Change, 6 (2), 122-124. doi: 10.1038/nclimate2918
2016
Journal Article
Incorporating climate change into spatial conservation prioritisation: a review
Jones, Kendall R., Watson, James E. M., Possingham, Hugh P. and Klein, Carissa J. (2016). Incorporating climate change into spatial conservation prioritisation: a review. Biological Conservation, 194, 121-130. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2015.12.008
2016
Journal Article
Bolder science needed now for protected areas
Watson, James E. M., Darling, Emily S., Venter, Oscar, Maron, Martine, Walston, Joe, Possingham, Hugh P., Dudley, Nigel, Hockings, Marc, Barnes, Megan and Brooks, Thomas M. (2016). Bolder science needed now for protected areas. Conservation Biology, 30 (2), 243-248. doi: 10.1111/cobi.12645
2016
Journal Article
Unique Australian wildlife risks vanishing as ecosystems suffer death by a thousand cuts
Tulloch, Ayesha, Watson, James, Ringma, Jeremy, Barnes, Megan and Fuller, Richard (2016, 01 07). Unique Australian wildlife risks vanishing as ecosystems suffer death by a thousand cuts
2016
Journal Article
Testing the effectiveness of surrogate species for conservation planning in the Greater Virunga Landscape, Africa
Jones, Kendall R., Plumptre, Andrew J., Watson, James E. M., Possingham, Hugh P., Ayebare, Sam, Rwetsiba, A., Wanyama, F., kujirakwinja, D. and Klein, Carissa J. (2016). Testing the effectiveness of surrogate species for conservation planning in the Greater Virunga Landscape, Africa. Landscape and Urban Planning, 145, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2015.09.006
2016
Book Chapter
Using CCVAs and interpreting their results
Huntley, Brian, Foden, Wendy B., Smith, Adam, Platts, Philip, Watson, James E. M. and Garcia, Raquel A. (2016). Using CCVAs and interpreting their results. IUCN SSC Guidelines for Assessing Species’ Vulnerability to Climate Change. Version 1.0. Occasional Paper of the IUCN Species Survival Commission No. 59. (pp. 33-48) Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN Species Survival Commission.
2016
Book Chapter
Future directions in CCVA of species
Foden, Wendy B., Watson, James E. M., Hoffmann, Ary, Corlett, Richard and Hole, David (2016). Future directions in CCVA of species. IUCN SSC Guidelines for Assessing Species’ Vulnerability to Climate Change. Version 1.0. Occasional Paper of the IUCN Species Survival Commission No. 59. (pp. 63-66) Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN Species Survival Commission.
2016
Book Chapter
Introduction
Foden, W. B., Young, B. E. and Watson, J. E. M. (2016). Introduction. IUCN SSC Guidelines for Assessing Species’ Vulnerability to Climate Change. Version 1.0. Occasional Paper of the IUCN Species Survival Commission No. 59. (pp. 1-5) Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN Species Survival Commission.
2016
Book Chapter
Oats-From Farm to Fork
Menon, Ravi, Gonzalez, Tanhia, Ferruzzi, Mario, Jackson, Eric, Winderl, Dan and Watson, Jay (2016). Oats-From Farm to Fork. Advances in Food and Nutrition Research. (pp. 1-55) Cambridge, MA United States: Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2015.12.001
2016
Journal Article
A global assessment of current and future biodiversity vulnerability to habitat loss-climate change interactions
Segan, Daniel B., Murray, Kris A. and Watson, James E. M. (2016). A global assessment of current and future biodiversity vulnerability to habitat loss-climate change interactions. Global Ecology and Conservation, 5, 12-21. doi: 10.1016/j.gecco.2015.11.002
2016
Other Outputs
Conservation action plan for the Albertine Rift
Plumptre, A. J., Ayebare, S., Segan, D., Watson, J. E. M. and Kujirakwinja, D. (2016). Conservation action plan for the Albertine Rift.
2016
Book Chapter
Setting Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment goals and objectives
Young, Bruce E., Martin, Tara, Watson, James E. M., Foden, Wendy B., Williams, Stephen and Scheffers, Brett (2016). Setting Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment goals and objectives. IUCN SSC Guidelines for Assessing Species’ Vulnerability to Climate Change. Version 1.0. Occasional Paper of the IUCN Species Survival Commission No. 59. (pp. 13-16) Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN Species Survival Commission.
2016
Book Chapter
Optimal protection of the world’s threatened birds, mammals and amphibians
Watson, J. E., Segan, D. B. and Fuller, R. A. (2016). Optimal protection of the world’s threatened birds, mammals and amphibians. Protected areas: are they safeguarding biodiversity?. (pp. 66-80) edited by Lucas N. Joppa, Jonathan E. M. Baillie and John G. Robinson. Chichester United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons. doi: 10.1002/9781118338117.ch4
2016
Other Outputs
Adapting to Climate Change: Guidance for protected area managers and planners
Gross, J. E., Woodley, S., Welling, L. A. and Watson, J. E. M. (2016). Adapting to Climate Change: Guidance for protected area managers and planners. Best Practice Protected Area Guidelines Series No. 24 Gland, Switzerland: IUCN.
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor James Watson is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Ecology and conservation of the Buff-breasted Button-quail (Turnix olivii)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martine Maron
-
Master Philosophy
Engaging elected representatives and constituencies for biodiversity conservation success
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
The Conservation Biogeography of the Red Goshawk
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Managing grazing in the grasslands of Queenslands Channel Country: a critical refuge for the Critically Endangered Plains Wanderer
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Autecology of an endangered Australian passerine: CarpentarianGrasswren (Amytornis dorotheae)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martine Maron
-
Master Philosophy
Engaging elected representatives and constituencies for biodiversity conservation success
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Classifying and understanding the effectiveness of ecological corridors and their role in wider landscape and seascape integrity
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Carissa Klein
-
Doctor Philosophy
Biogeography and conservation assessment of the endangered Northern Masked Owl
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Megafauna losses and predatory interactions in tropical forests
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Luskin
Completed supervision
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2024
Master Philosophy
Engaging elected representatives and constituencies for biodiversity conservation success
Principal Advisor
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Ecology and conservation of the Buff-breasted Button-quail (Turnix olivii)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martine Maron
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing the state and planning for the conservation of intact ecosystems
Principal Advisor
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Conservation Biogeography of the Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Richard Fuller
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Improving Australia's response to the biodiversity crisis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr April Reside
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Environmental implications of meeting future demand for sugarcane-based ethanol in Brazil.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Anthony Halog
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Wilderness Conservation in the Anthropocene
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Improving Marine Conservation Planning in a Time of Global Change
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham, Associate Professor Carissa Klein
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Assessment and planning for emerging impacts of climate change on species
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Eve McDonald-Madden
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Megafauna losses and predatory interactions in tropical forests
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Matthew Luskin
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Ecological restoration planning for effective conservation of terrestrial biodiversity
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Biodiversity Risks and Safeguards of Global Infrastructure Finance: The Case of China's Belt and Road Initiative
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martine Maron
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Reducing fishing impacts on species of conservation concern at multiple scales
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Salit Kark, Associate Professor Carissa Klein
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Planning for Australian threatened species' recovery
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Assessing the effectiveness of planned adaptation in rural Pacific Island communities: case studies from Fiji and Kiribati
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Karen McNamara
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Impact mitigation in marine and coastal environments: policy challenges and shortfalls
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Martine Maron
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
The exposure and contribution of predators and scavengers to humans
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Matthew Holden, Professor Eve McDonald-Madden
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Development, armed conflict and conservation: improving the effectiveness of conservation decisions in conflict hotspots using Colombia as a case study
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham, Associate Professor Laura Sonter, Professor Martine Maron
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Natural capital and distributive justice; a multidisciplinary, multi-scalar assessment
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bradd Witt
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
The impact of urban growth and climate change on heat stress in a sub-tropical Australian city
Associate Advisor
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Using fine and coarse conservation targets to maximize cost-effectiveness of road mitigation and protected areas
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor James Watson directly for media enquiries about:
- biodiversity
- climate change
- extinction
- landclearing
- landuse planning
- logging
- saving species
- species loss
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