Regan Early

My research concerns the processes that drive species range changes. I am interested in the routes along which species’ ranges will shift as climate changes, i.e. ‘climate paths’. Recently I have been studying how population processes such as colonisation and extinction will affect how species move along their climate path. 

I am also interested in what these same processes mean for designing effective wildlife reserves, both for species that are and are not affected by climate change. 

I am also studying the factors and processes that limit the range margins of exotic species in order to gain insight into both the risks posed by the exotic species themselves, and how native ranges might be determined.

Most of my research is at a macro-scale, involving large numbers of species. However, I enjoy collaborating with biologists who study the ecology and evolution of individual species. 

Currently I am exploring how species’ phenological responses to climate interact with climate change to influence their ability and need to range shift. Although I am fascinated by the ecological insights this work has to offer, I also aim for my research to have direct conservation application. 

I have collaborated with multiple conservation agencies and working groups to develop action plans based in solid ecological theory.