Jane Williamson’s PhD project is determining ecologically sustainable fire interval guidelines that conserve both flora and fauna diversity. Prescribed burning is a commonly used tool, designed to reduce fuel loads and limit the extent and intensity of bushfires. In NSW, ecologically sustainable fire interval guidelines are based on how different plant species respond to fire, and are derived to enhance and maintain biodiversity. However, there is only limited understanding of whether these fire interval guidelines are adequate for maintaining native animal species diversity. Jane’s study aims to increase understanding of the associations between faunal habitat selection and habitat attributes within the recommended fire interval guidelines used to promote plant species diversity.
Jane currently lectures in environmental legislation and planning at the Australian Catholic University. She is also an ecologist at GIS Environmental Consultants.
Student project
Jane Williamson is an ecologist and a PhD candidate at the Australian Catholic University. Her research interests include fire ecology, specifically determining ecologically sustainable fire interval guidelines that conserve both flora and fauna diversity.
Current research:
