Habitat Fragmentation & Connectivity

The lack of high-resolution data on movements and dispersal of many invertebrate species is hindering our ability to predict the consequences of loss of both species, and interactions among species, under changing environmental conditions. We are interested in the landscape-scale implications of fragmentation, and how species use fragmented forest patches and connectivity 'corridors' to disperse and move across human-modified landscapes. In Singapore, we are researching ways to restore connectivity in urban landscapes, with a focus on invertebrates that provide important ecosystem functions and services (e.g. pollination, decomposition, nutrient recycling). We also study the effects of logging and conversion to oil palm and the importance of protected areas for invertebrates, and the ecosystem functions and services they provide.

We have been working with the Roundtable of on Sustainable Oil Palm (RSPO), the South East Asian Rainforest Research Partnership (SEARRP) and the Sabah State Government of Malaysia to contribute to the development of policy and best practices in the oil palm industry, and among government agencies engaged with land-use planning in Sabah, to ensure connectivity remains within the landscapes, and to update guidelines for the management of riparian areas.