I’m a PhD candidate with the QAECO lab at the University of Melbourne. My research centres on modelling species interactions and population dynamics, primarily through the lens of predator ecology, invasive animal management and native mammal conservation. More broadly, I’m interested in open, practical, quantitative methods for wildlife monitoring and conservation decision-making.

My PhD is focused on the interactions between foxes, feral cats and threatened native mammals in south-west Victoria. In particular, I am investigating whether lethal fox control (1080 poison-baiting) leads to behavioural and population-level responses in feral cats, as well as the role of prey availability and habitat type in driving feral cat densities. To do so, I am mainly using spatial capture-recapture methods, occupancy and generalised additive models to make sense of camera-trap data. Supervised by Bronwyn Hradsky, Brendan Wintle and Alan Robley, I plan on submitting my thesis in early 2021. Alongside this, I am often contracted privately to conduct similar work for government departments, consultancies and land management organisations.

I pay respect to the traditional custodians of the lands where I live and work - the Wurundjeri, Gunditjmara & Gadabanut.

Drop me a line at matt.wayne.rees@gmail.com.