Understanding insect responses to environmental change in rainforest

We are re-visiting a permanent set of study sites established in 2006 along a climatic gradient in sub-tropical rainforest in Queensland, Australia. Since 2006 the average temperature at these sites has increased by approximately 1 °C and is predicted to rise by a further 1°C every 20 years. In 2022 and 2023 we have been re-sample insect assemblages at the same set of sites. By comparing these new data to the unique historical data set from 2006, we will be able to detect if there are distribution shifts occurring for a largely understudied group - rainforest insects.

Taxonomic groups across our collaborative group includes moths, ants, dung beetles and vegetation. This project will help address the urgent global issue of insect declines, as well as broaden our understanding of how ecosystems and their functions are changing under climate change.

Funded by the NSFC Excellent Young Scientist Award 2021