Dr Berndt Janse Van Rensburg

Coordinator: Master of Conservation

School of the Environment
Faculty of Science
b.vanrensburg@uq.edu.au
+61 7 336 58382

Overview

My research interests span a broad range of topics, including biogeographic and macroecological studies, spatial ecology, invasion biology and the integration of these fields. I therefore have a general interest to understand the mechanisms, both biological and anthropogenic, that account for changes in environmental variables and that translate into altered patterns in the distribution of biodiversity. Understanding such patterns at different spatial scales while considering different taxonomic groups is in my opinion an important component of efficient conservation planning. I also have a major interest in topics related to conservation focusing on the identification of bioindicator species that may reflect some measure of the character of the habitat within which they are found. As coordinator of the Masters of Conservation Biology course, I will be responsible for the development and running of the course. I hold an Extra-ordinary Professor position with the University of Pretoria (Dept. Zoology & Entomology).

Research Interests

  • Terrestrial ecology
    My research interests span a broad range of topics, including biogeographic and macroecological studies, spatial ecology, invasion biology and the integration of these fields. I therefore have a general interest to understand the mechanisms, both biological and anthropogenic, that account for changes in environmental variables and that translate into altered patterns in the distribution of biodiversity. Understanding such patterns at different spatial scales while considering different taxonomic groups is in my opinion an important component of efficient conservation planning. I also have a major interest in topics related to conservation focusing on the identification of bioindicator species that may reflect some measure of the character of the habitat within which they are found. As coordinator of the Masters of Conservation Biology course, I will be responsible for the development and running of the course. I hold an Extra-ordinary Professor position with the University of Pretoria (Dept. Zoology & Entomology).

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Pretoria

Publications

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Supervision

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Publications

Book Chapter

  • Hart, L. A., Rogers, A. and van Rensburg, B. J. (2020). Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis Linnaeus, 1766). Invasive birds: global trends and impacts. (pp. 25-32) edited by Colleen T. Downs and Lorinda A Hart. Wallingford, United Kingdom: CAB International. doi: 10.1079/9781789242065.0025

  • Symes, Craig T. , Roller, Kathryn, Howes, Caroline, Lockwood, Geoffrey and van Rensburg, Berndt J. (2017). Grassland to urban forest in 150 years: avifaunal response in an African metropolis. Ecology and conservation of birds in urban environments. (pp. 309-341) edited by Enrique Murgui and Marcus Hedbloom. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing AG. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-43314-1_16

Journal Article

Conference Publication

PhD and MPhil Supervision

Current Supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

Completed Supervision