Science Advisor Ecosystems
Department of Conservation
Dunedin Office
Emails: clagrue@doc.govt.nz / clement.lagrue@otago.ac.nz
Phone: 64-27-340-7610
Research Interests
- Parasite diversity in marine and freshwater birds
- Effects of introduced pests 9especially hedgehogs and rodents) in small ecosystems
- Naturally rare ecosystem conservation and restoration
- Effects of invasive weeds on small ecosystem communities
- Native invertebrate diversity, ecology and conservation
- Restoration of braided rivers (effects on birds and freshwater communities)
I am a conservation ecologist and parasitologist (from a previous life…) working on a diversity of ecosystems and leading research projects addressing a range of applied ecological issues. My work focuses on what is defined as naturally rare ecosystems; small discrete ecosystems representing less than 0.05% of New Zealand's surface area. Despite their small size, such ecosystems hold comparatively high ecological values and many specific and endangered taxa, both plants and animals. My current projects focus on limestone, saline, coastal turf and freshwater spring ecosystems.
I also collaborate with researchers and students in the Zoology Department on different projects (limestone microsnails and invertebrates, seabird parasites, braided river restoration) and would welcome interest from students looking for research projects in collaboration with DOC. My main focuses currently are braided river pest predators, rank grass effects in limestone ecosystems and interactions with rodents, impacts of hedgehogs on limestone lizards and invertebrates.
Limestone outcrop (Castle Rock, Southland) and one of the cool critters found on limestone (trap-door spiders).