Dr Ross Dwyer is a researcher and lecturer in animal ecology at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Originally from Scotland, Ross moved to Australia in 2011 where he continued his research into the environmental, social, and physiological drivers for movement and space utilisation among animals, particularly aquatic vertebrates.
Research
Dr Dwyer's research is primarily field-based, where he uses a range of approaches (including acoustic telemetry, satellite tracking, photo-identification, and bioacoustics) to gain new insights into how animals move and interact within their natural environment.
His current research includes quantifying the effectiveness of MPAs for sharks and rays, determining environmental flow requirements for fish and turtles in regulated river systems, and understanding the movements and social behaviour of estuarine crocodiles.
The underlying emphasis and direction of his research program is to understand the mechanisms driving habitat selection and migration in animals, where the information gained can help identify and mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
Professional Social Media
Identifiers
Potential Research Projects for HDR and Honours Students
- Spatial ecology of euryhaline teleosts, sharks and rays
- Spatial ecology of estuarine crocodiles
- Spatial ecology of freshwater turtles
Research areas
- Movement ecology
- Animal behaviour
- Marine conservation
- Disturbance ecology
- Human-wildlife conflict
Teaching areas
Dr Ross Dwyer's specialist areas of knowledge include: • Migration ecology, habitat use and foraging behaviour of aquatic predators • Using technology to help quantify disturbance impacts on wildlife • Large database management and data visualisation • Methods for modelling animal movement • Crocodile ecology • Freshwater turtle ecology
In the news
Science graduate ‘paid’ to dive globe for a year
27 May 2024New University of the Sunshine Coast graduate Pablo Fuenzalida is scuba-geared up for an extraordinary year underwater as the only Australasian recipient of a coveted research scholarship backed by Rolex
UniSC researchers collect ‘the love language’ of crocodiles
9 Jan 2024Using video and acoustic recording equipment installed in Australia Zoo’s crocodile habitats, UniSC researchers have been collecting the ‘love language’ of Australia’s apex predators
Shining the spotlight on World Environment Day 2023
16 Oct 2024To celebrate World Environment Day on 5 June, we've gathered stories from the last year highlighting some of the environmental action and research happening at UniSC
Study finds double threat for endangered Australian east coast shark
25 May 2023A 10-year study has found the slow birthrate and night-time wanderings of pregnant grey nurse sharks away from no-take marine protected areas are putting the fierce-looking but mild-mannered species at further risk of extinction