School of Science

You are here:

Associate Professor Rob Davis

Rob is an Associate Professor in the School of Science.

Current Teaching

SCM3201 Conservation Biology
SCI3115 Wildlife Management
SCI2118 Australian Biota
SCI5117 Biological Conservation

Current Coordination

K57 Conservation Biology
Y83 Bachelor of Science

Background

Rob’s research is heavily rooted in applied conservation biology. His background in disturbance ecology means he studies how human-induced changes—like fire regimes, invasive species, or land clearing—affect ecosystems. He focuses on vertebrates, with a soft spot for birds and amphibians, but his work spans mammals like quolls and even reptiles. Rob’s Wildlife Lab combines boots-on-the-ground fieldwork—trapping, tracking, and monitoring wildlife—with advanced tools like statistical modelling and GIS to predict species responses to environmental changes. A key theme at present is anticoagulant rodenticides and their unintended effects on non-target species like quolls, owls and snakes. This work has influenced policy discussions around safer pest management.

Rob has been at ECU since 2009 with a previous background in specialist fauna consulting and a postdoctoral position at UWA. He enjoys enthusing the next generation of students about the conservation challenges facing society, and the wonder of biodiversity. He aims to ensure that his teaching exemplifies his practical research and provides opportunities for on-ground experiences.

Professional Memberships

Fellow of the Linnean Society of London
Birdlife Australia
Society for Conservation Biology
Australian Society of Herpetologists
Ecological Society of Australia

Awards and Recognition

National and International Research Positions

2022 - IUCN SSC Australasian Marsupial and Monotreme Specialist Group
2020 - IUCN SSC Bird Red List Authority
2019 - Research Associate, Western Australian Museum
2019 - Appointed to WA Threatened Species Scientific Committee
2012 - Perth Zoo Scientific Advisory Committee
2009 - Associate Editor (Ornithology) Pacific Conservation Biology

Research Areas and Interests

Impacts of rodenticides on wildlife
Bird conservation and ecology
Animal conservation

Contacting ECU

Supplemental

Help us improve our content

Please leave a comment about your rating so we can better understand how we might improve the page.

Your Feedback

School of Science

Related Contents

Associate Professor Rob Davis

Current Teaching

Current Coordination

Background

Professional Memberships

Awards and Recognition

Research Areas and Interests

Contacting ECU

Supplemental

Contacting ECU

Supplemental

Help us improve our content