Christchurch

Vaughan Keesing

Principal & Ecologist

Education

Ph.D. Ecology Massey University, New Zealand 1995
B.Sc.(Hons,1st class) Zoology Massey University, New Zealand, 1990

Professional Affiliations

Member, Ecological Society of New Zealand

Profile

Vaughan Keesing is an experienced research and field ecologist whose work has involved diverse environments including forest, freshwater, montane, intertidal and agricultural/forestry production landscapes. He is particularly proficient in quantitative measurement of ecosystems and the changes that activities bring about within them. Restoration ecology (practice and theory) is a special interest and area of expertise in which he has undertaken significant work - in particular, the re-creation and restoration of wetlands as multi-functional systems.

Vaughan is widely knowledgeable about New Zealand's flora and fauna and has a wealth of fieldwork experience, including an array of field sampling and analytical techniques.

Coming from an extensive academic background, Vaughan has a high level of technical competency, derived from his in-depth theoretical background of community ecology and research experience. He combines this background with his extensive consultancy experience in dealing with issues under the Resource Management Act. He has a clear understanding of ecological issues and potential effects and is able in preparing and articulating expert evidence at council and Environment Court hearings.

Expertise

Descriptive ecology

Describing taxonomically sites of terrestrial, intertidal and freshwater aquatic communities (plant, bird, insect, fish identification and community descriptions).

Restoration ecology

Researching, developing and implementing restoration strategies and plans for plant and animal species and communities with particular emphasis on connectivity, riparian and wetland systems.

Environmental monitoring

Developing monitoring programmes for a wide range of needs - state of the environment, follow up to consent approvals and prediction of environmental outcomes.

Landscape ecology

Researching and assessing landscape ecology, bio-diversity, fragmentation, ecological linkage and nature conservation.

Fauna surveys

Designing and conducting research programmes on species (specialising, but not limited to invertebrates), ecological processes and communities (terrestrial & aquatic).

Conservation management in production landscapes

Advising on strategies and management for nature conservation (including pest management options) in agricultural and horticultural landscapes.

Aquatic and riparian ecology and catchment issues

Research and assessment of aquatic physical habitat conditions (including fish passage), faunal community compositions and the effects of riparian vegetation on in-stream ecology and on terrestrial biodiversity and corridor function.