A specialist environmental consultant for more than 20 years, Tim Low has provided expert services for the Australian government, state and local governments, statutory authorities, NGOs and the private sector. Tim offers a high level of skill as a biologist, based on extensive field experience and a broad understanding of ecological research and concepts. Equally skilled as a zoologist and botanist, he can provide a big picture perspective on environmental challenges and their management.
Tim’s mission is to draw on the best science, using clear and careful language, to provide a level of understanding that empowers managers to act in the face of uncertainty.
His reports have been cited in books such as Australia’s Biodiversity and Climate Change and Encyclopedia of Biological Invasions. One became a chapter in a British book about the precautionary principle. Others have served as sources for government publications.
Climate change has become a major focus in recent years. In several reports of national significance Tim has provided innovative analysis and management approaches.
Invasive species are a specialisation for which Tim has an international reputation. Feral animals, weeds, and impacts of climate change are some of the topics addressed.
Wildlife Conflicts are increasing in Australia today as more species adapt to humanised environments, a topic analysed in Tim’s prize-winning best-selling book The New Nature. He has provided advise to a series of local governments about urban bat colonies and other issues.
Climate change, invasive species and urban ecology each pose management challenges characterised by rapid change.
Bush Foods have been another specialisation. Tim has provided services to indigenous communities and produced reports and signage.
Tim’s other work falls under the more general headings of ecological assessment and communication.
He has provided advice about habitat management, significant species, development impacts, land use zoning, corridors, and ecosystem services. Tim has participated in many field studies, trapping, spotlighting and otherwise recording fauna, and mapping and identifying plants, including threatened species, for developments such as housing estates, schools, railways, mines, powerlines and pipelines. He has field experience of a wide range of threatened species, in Australia and more widely. He has served as an expert witness in court.
His communication work has included booklets, public meetings, media work and staff seminars, often as components of larger projects.
Tim is based in Brisbane. Confidential enquiries about his services can be made here.
Sample Projects
Climate Change & Queensland Biodiversity. A major report for the Queensland government that reviews the vulnerability of natural assets across the state, published here.
The Boonah Scrub, a colour booklet about the history and biodiversity values of rainforest remnants in the Boonah area, published by Scenic Rim Regional Council, to encourage greater interest in their protection.
A Place of Plenty. As part of a land rights deal with the Arakwal community of Byron Bay, under which land was made available to the New South Wales government for a national park, Tim produced a bush tucker management plan, and wrote and illustrated a colour booklet about Arakwal plant use, after interviewing community elders.
Conservation Status Review of Flying Foxes in Brisbane City. A 32,000 word report about the past and current status of the three flying fox species found in Brisbane.
Update on Current State of Scientific Knowledge on Kangaroos in the Environment. A major report for the NSW government, with Penny Olsen, that reviews current research relevant to kangaroo management, published here.
The Vertebrates of Brisbane. A major report (150,000 words) that reviewed the conservation status of every vertebrate (except marine species) recorded from Brisbane. One is the collared delma (Delma torquata), a vulnerable species that was described in 1974 from six specimens, one of which was collected by Tim.
Review of the Management of Feral Animals and their Impact on Biodiversity in the Rangelands. A large report, co-authored with Andrew Norris, that reviews the status of every feral vertebrate in the Australian rangelands, available here.