About
Chris Elphick is an Associate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut. His conservation biology research integrates field ecology, population modeling, and conservation planning, focusing on tidal marsh birds, agricultural landscapes, and evidence-based management.
He holds a PhD from the University of Nevada, Reno. Elphick co-leads the Saltmarsh Habitat & Avian Research Program (SHARP) and directs the Connecticut Bird Atlas. Current projects analyze long-term datasets on saltmarsh vegetation and bird populations to inform climate adaptation strategies.
Research Focus: Conservation of tidal marsh species (e.g., saltmarsh sparrows), biodiversity in farmlands, extinction risk assessment, and systematic reviews of conservation interventions. His work emphasizes reconciling human activities with biodiversity protection.
Engagement: Develops cost-effective conservation strategies through collaborations with NGOs and agencies. Recent work addresses sea-level rise impacts on coastal marshes and agricultural management for waterbirds.
