Population Ecology explores the dynamics of populations of species and their interaction with the environment. We do this using models that incorporate estimates of vital rates, i.e. birth, death, immigration and emigration, investigating population trajectories under different assumptions. This may take the form of a population viability analysis, typically to assess extinction risk and to guide the management of threatened species.
Population modelling also underpins the evaluation of pest control strategies and the sustainable harvest of natural resources. We develop statistical methods for measuring animal populations, particularly methods for estimating population density with arrays of detectors such as traps, cameras or microphones. Our software is used around the world to estimate populations of house mice, bears, jaguars and innumerable other species.