Understanding species distributions

We are interested in explaining why we find populations where we do. Our research has focused on abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) factors that influence species distributions in relatively untouched landscapes, including factors such as water quality and the activity of sympatric ecosystem engineers or local food availability. In areas where species coexist with larger densities of humans and livestock, we also assess social factors that may affect species distributions and conservation (see “Evaluating the social dimensions of wildlife conservation”).