Staff profile

Qualifications

• B Nat Env Wild Stud (Hons), PhD Tas  

Professional involvement

• Ecological Society of Australia

Research interests

My main research interest is the ecology of disturbance. Disturbances such as fire and herbivory are known to be shapers of ecosystem composition and function, but disturbances may also interact with each other in unexpected ways. In addition vegetation and fauna may not only be influenced by but also influence disturbance regimes. Unraveling these complex relationships is an intriguing area in which to work and crucial to the conservation management of many Australian ecosystems. I am currently working on the Habitat Refuges Project led by A/Prof. Mike Clarke.

Recent publications and presentations

• Leonard S., Kirkpatrick J. and Marsden-Smedley J. (2010) Variation in the effects of vertebrate grazing on fire potential between grassland structural types. Journal of Applied Ecology 47 876-883. [ Locate PDF via DOI search ]
• Leonard S. (2009) Predicting sustained fire spread in Tasmanian native grasslands. Environmental Management, 44, 430-440. [ Locate PDF via DOI search ]
• Leonard, S.W.J. and Kirkpatrick J.B. (2004) Effects of grazing management and environmental factors on native grassland and grassy woodland, Northern Midlands, Tasmania. Australian Journal of Botany 52, 529-542. [ Locate PDF via DOI search ]