Dr Ross Dwyer
Senior Research Fellow
School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Email: rdwyer2@usc.edu.au
Telephone: +61 7 5459 4523
Location: Sunshine Coast, SD-H1-2-2.51
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.
Research
Research Summary
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
Teaching and supervision
Professional
Media
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