Global change, biodiversity and conservation in terrestrial and coastal ecosystems on Heard and McDonald Islands: statistical models for monitoring and predicting effects of climate change and local human impacts on invertebrates

Project aim

Terrestrial ecosystems of subantarctic islands are sensitive to global and local human impacts. Invertebrates are an important target for studies of the effects of global and local changes since they are key elements in subantarctic terrestrial ecosystems by virtue of their biomass, number of animal species, and contribution to ecosystem function. This project will produce statistical models relating the distribution of invertebrates on Heard Island to major environmental variables and vegetation. The models will provide a powerful tool to assess, monitor and predict the effects of climate change and local human impacts.