Robert Kooyman - A Scientist With a Passion For Trees
Robert Kooyman is the kind of botanist who revels in the mystery and complexity of our unique Australian rainforests. Whether its struggling up a steep slope lugging a heavy load of research equipment or perched in the tree tops swinging butterfly nets in an effort to catch insect pollinators, there's no place Rob would rather be. He's enjoyed some great highlights and ' surprises' along the way. For instance, Rob was the first person to discover the Nightcap Oak, a Gondwanan rainforest tree new to science.
 Robert Kooyman |
Rob's specialty has to be threatened and significant species and over the years, his knowledge of forest ecosystems and flora and fauna of northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland as well as Australia in general has experienced its own uphill climb. In short, he's has spent a lot of time detecting, monitoring, and researching endangered and threatened species, communities and ecosystems and is especially interested in natural vegetation management and ecosystem restoration activities, fauna habitat assessment and rehabilitation along with 'landscape' scale approaches to ecosystem and habitat management.
Rob is currently researching, surveying, and monitoring several endangered rainforest trees including Uromyrtus australis and Eidothea hardeniana and the rainforests on acid volcanics (described above). Other research work includes 'time series' studies of sub-tropical rainforests in northeast New South Wales, and a project in Central Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo looking at rainforest habitat rehabilitation and regeneration on nutrient poor soils.
Not surprisingly, he's churned out plenty of practical and challenging papers on rainforest ecology and regeneration and is author of the book 'Growing Rainforest'. Presently a consultant ecologist / botanist for 'Earth Process Ecological Services' based in a beautiful small town in northern New South Wales, he was employed for 22 years by New South Wales' State Forests as a forest ranger, then as a field botanist / ecologist responsible for flora and fauna research. Rob achieved a First Class Honours Degree in Forest Science from Melbourne University and is currently working on his Masters of Science by research from the University of New England.
Among other things, he lectures, tutors and undertakes field research activities with USA Universities in Lamington National Park as well as fauna monitoring and research with Australian Museum. He constantly strives to work in partnership with scientists, land managers and local communities to 'value add'.
When you chat to Rob or hear him give one of his thought-provoking presentations, you can't help but feel optimistic for the future of our precious rainforests - not to mention ready to swap your job for his and head for the magnificent rainforest-clad mountains of northern New South Wales!
The following five projects need your support:
Rainforest Research #1 - The private life of the Peach Myrtle
Rainforest Research #2 - Walking with Rainforests
Rainforest Research #3 - Discovery of the Nightcap Oak
Rainforest Research #4 - Vital Science for Big Scrub Landcarers
Rainforest Research #5 - Genetic Footprints of Rainforest Trees
For more information please contact our office at info@rainforestrescue.org.au.
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