Bill Ellis

Dr Bill Ellis is a Research Fellow at the School of the Environment, The University of Queensland. He holds a BSc (Zoology) and Master of Environmental Law from ANU, and a PhD in Zoology from UQ (1998). His postdoctoral work included a fellowship at San Diego Zoo's Centre for Research on Endangered Species (2011). His research focuses on koala ecology, conservation, and management, integrating applied and theoretical approaches to address ecological challenges such as habitat use, climate impacts, and disease dynamics.

Education:

• BSc Zoology (Honours), Australian National University
• Master of Environmental Law, Australian National University
• PhD Zoology, University of Queensland (1998)

Research Interests:

Ellis studies koala behavior, population dynamics, and conservation strategies. Key areas include:

• Habitat use and spatial dynamics
• Climate variability and heat load adaptation
• Disease transmission (e.g., chlamydia, koala retrovirus)
• Ecological impacts of urbanization and land use
• Application of bioacoustic and GPS technologies

Grants & Collaborations:

• Supported by San Diego Zoo, Brisbane City Council, and Queensland government projects
• Focus on applied conservation, such as reducing roadkill and managing fragmented populations

Key Contributions:

Ellis has advanced understanding of koala vocal communication, thermal physiology, and disease ecology. His work directly informs land management and policy decisions to ensure sustainable ecosystems for koalas.