Dr Jo Monks, Our People, Department of Zoology, University of Otago, New Zealand

Teaching

Research Interests

I’m a conservation biologist working on a range of applied ecological issues. My background is in herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians) and behavioural ecology, but I now work on a range of terrestrial fauna, including bats, birds and invertebrates.

My major projects at present involve:

Research to support conservation management in alpine ecosystems (birds, lizards and invertebrates)
Understanding the impacts of invasive predators, particularly mice and wasps, on native lizards and large-bodied invertebrates and how to sustainably suppress these predators to benefit terrestrial biodiversity
Understanding the impacts of climate change on native terrestrial fauna to inform conservation strategy
Developing and validating monitoring techniques for cryptic taxa

Current Students

Aaron Bertoia, PhD: The influence of introduced mammalian predators on alpine invertebrate communities
Zohara Rafi, PhD: Novel bioacoustic tools for conservation
Arti Wilmshurst, MSc: The impacts of invasive vespulid wasps on native geckos
Brodie Abel, MSc: Impacts of vespulid wasps on forest ringlet butterflies
Clare Gunton, MSc: Ecology of alpine weka and interactions with translocated Sinbad skinks
Finn Brittenden, MSc: Impacts of invasive mice on native invertebrates
Katie Gray, MSc: Ecology and movement patterns of banded dotterels and black-fronted terns in Tū Te Rakiwhānoa Drylands
Lachlan Davidge, MSc: Evaluating the efficacy of drones as a survey tool for alpine lizards
Manaia Pearmain-Fenton, MSc: Conservation ecology of kakaruai – the role of sanctuaries
Pearl Barry, MSc: Ecology and translocation of green skinks
Samuel Purdie, MSc: Understanding habitat use and optimising monitoring methods for alpine geckos in New Zealand
Scott Bourke, MSc: Predicting distribution of lizards in Tū Te Rakiwhānoa Drylands
Tōrea Scott-Fyfe, MSc: Microhabitat use by terrestrial invertebrates and lizards in the New Zealand alpine zone

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Publications

McAulay, J., & Monks, J. (2023). Interspecific variation in predation patterns of stoats and weasels in an alpine conservation programme. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 47(1), 3520. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.47.3520

Bertoia, A., Cree, A., & Monks, J. (2023). Trail cameras enhance understanding of lizard behaviour in a remote alpine environment. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 47(1), 3519. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.47.3519

Chukwuka, C. O., Monks, J. M., & Cree, A. (2023). Extreme tolerance for nocturnal emergence at low body temperatures in a high-latitude lizard: Implications for future climate warming. Conservation Physiology, 11(1), coac082. doi: 10.1093/conphys/coac082

Monks, J. M., Wills, H. P., & Knox, C. D. (2022). Testing drones as a tool for surveying lizards. Drones, 6, 199. doi: 10.3390/drones6080199

Yee, G. E., Monks, J. M., & Bell, T. (2022). Spatial patterns and habitat use of penned and hard-released arboreal geckos translocated to an offshore island free of introduced mammals. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 46(2), 3477. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.46.27

Nelson, N. J., Romijn, R. L., Dumont, T., Reardon, J. T., Monks, J. M., Hitchmough, R. A., … Briskie, J. V. (2016). Lizard conservation in mainland sanctuaries. In D. G. Chapple (Ed.), New Zealand lizards. (pp. 321-339). Switzerland: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-41674-8_12

Chapter in Book - Research

Nelson, N. J., Hitchmough, R., & Monks, J. M. (2015). New Zealand reptiles and their conservation. In A. Stow, N. McLean & G. I. Holwell (Eds.), Austral ark: The state of wildlife in Australia and New Zealand. (pp. 382-404). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/CBO9781139519960.020

Chapter in Book - Research

Journal - Research Article

Jarvie, S., Ingram, T., Chapple, D. G., Hitchmough, R. A., Nielsen, S. V., & Monks, J. M. (2022). Variable vulnerability to climate change in New Zealand lizards. Journal of Biogeography, 49, 431-442. doi: 10.1111/jbi.14314

Journal - Research Article

Lettink, M., Young, J., & Monks, J. M. (2022). Comparison of footprint tracking and pitfall trapping for detecting skinks. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 46(2), 3478.

Journal - Research Article

Monks, J. M., Wills, H. P., & Knox, C. D. (2022). Testing drones as a tool for surveying lizards. Drones, 6, 199. doi: 10.3390/drones6080199

Journal - Research Article

Bertoia, A., Monks, J., Knox, C., & Cree, A. (2021). A nocturnally foraging gecko of the high-latitude alpine zone: Extreme tolerance of cold nights, with cryptic basking by day. Journal of Thermal Biology, 99, 102957. doi: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102957

Journal - Research Article

Chukwuka, C. O., Mello, R. S. R., Cree, A., & Monks, J. M. (2021). Thermal heterogeneity of selected retreats in cool-temperate viviparous lizards suggests a potential benefit of future climate warming. Journal of Thermal Biology, 97, 102869. doi: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.102869

Journal - Research Article

Elangovan, V., Bovill, L., Cree, A., Monks, J. M., & Godfrey, S. S. (2021). Social networks and social stability in a translocated population of Otago skinks (Oligosoma otagense). New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 45(1), 3434. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.45.19

Journal - Research Article

Grace, M. K., Akçakaya, H. R., Bennett, E. L., Brooks, T. M., Heath, A., Hedges, S., … Elangovan, V., … Godfrey, S. S., … Monks, J. M., … Virens, J., … Young, S. (2021). Testing a global standard for quantifying species recovery and assessing conservation impact. Conservation Biology, 35, e13756. doi: 10.1111/cobi.13756

Journal - Research Article

McAulay, J., Monks, J. M., Wilson, D. J., & Seddon, P. J. (2021). Individual specialists within a generalist niche: Variable diet of stoats and implications for conservation. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 45(2), 3443. doi: 10.20420/nzjecol.45.29

Journal - Research Article

Monks, J. M., O'Donnell, C. F. J., Greene, T. C., & Weston, K. A. (2021). Evaluation of counting methods for monitoring populations of a cryptic alpine passerine, the rock wren (Passeriformes, Acanthisittidae, Xenicus gilviventris). PLoS ONE, 16(3), e0247873. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247873

Journal - Research Article

Chukwuka, C. O., Monks, J. M., & Cree, A. (2020). Heat and water loss vs shelter: A dilemma in thermoregulatory decision making for a retreat-dwelling nocturnal gecko. Journal of Experimental Biology, 223, jeb231241. doi: 10.1242/jeb.231241

Journal - Research Article

McAulay, J., Seddon, P. J., Wilson, D. J., & Monks, J. M. (2020). Stable isotope analysis reveals variable diets of stoats (Mustela erminea) in the alpine zone of New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 44(2), 3409. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.44.16

Journal - Research Article

O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Monks, J. M. (2020). Distribution, long term population trends and conservation status of banded dotterels (Charadrius bicinctus bicinctus) on braided rivers in New Zealand. Notornis, 67, 733-753. Retrieved from https://www.birdsnz.org.nz

Journal - Research Article

Schlesselmann, A.-K. V., Dussex, N., Cooper, J., Monks, J. M., O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Robertson, B. C. (2020). Contrasting patterns of population structure at large and fine geographical scales in a migratory avian disturbance specialist of braided river ecosystems. Diversity & Distributions, 26, 16-33. doi: 10.1111/ddi.12994

Journal - Research Article

Knox, C. D., Jewell, T. R., & Monks, J. M. (2019). Ecology of orange-spotted geckos (Mokopirirakau “Roys Peak”) in Central Otago and Queenstown-Lakes districts. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 43(2), 3365. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.43.14

Journal - Research Article

Lettink, M., & Monks, J. M. (2019). Ecology of scree skinks (Oligosoma waimatense) in O Tu Wharekai Wetland, mid-Canterbury high country, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 43(1), 3354. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.43.6

Journal - Research Article

Monks, J. M., Nelson, N. J., Daugherty, C. H., Brunton, D. H., & Shine, R. (2019). Does evolution in isolation from mammalian predators have behavioural and chemosensory consequences for New Zealand lizards? New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 43(1), 3359. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.43.10

Journal - Research Article

Nelson, N. J., Briskie, J. V., Constantine, R., Monks, J., Wallis, G. P., Watts, C., & Wotton, D. M. (2019). The winners: Species that have benefited from 30 years of conservation action. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 49(3), 281-300. doi: 10.1080/03036758.2018.1518249

Journal - Research Article

Schlesselmann, A.-K. V., O'Donnell, C. F. J., Monks, J. M., & Robertson, B. C. (2018). Clearing islands as refugia for black-fronted tern (Chlidonias albostriatus) breeding colonies in braided rivers. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 42(2), 137-148. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.42.23

Journal - Research Article

Knox, C. D., Jarvie, S., Easton, L. J., & Monks, J. M. (2017). Soft-release, but not cool winter temperatures, reduces post-translocation dispersal of jewelled geckos. Journal of Herpetology, 51(4), 490-496. doi: 10.1670/16-078

Journal - Research Article

Monks, J. M., & O'Donnell, C. F. J. (2017). Social implications of a colony collapse in a highly structured vertebrate species (long-tailed bat, Chalinolobus tuberculatus). Animal Conservation, 20, 360-369. doi: 10.1111/acv.12324

Journal - Research Article

Carpenter, J. K., Monks, J. M., & Nelson, N. (2016). The effect of two glyphosate formulations on a small, diurnal lizard (Oligosoma polychroma). Ecotoxicology, 25, 548-554. doi: 10.1007/s10646-016-1613-2

Journal - Research Article

Carpenter, J. K., Monks, J. M., & O'Donnell, C. F. J. (2016). Developing indices of relative abundance for monitoring cave and ground wētā (Orthoptera) in southern beech forest, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 43(2), 149-162. doi: 10.1080/03014223.2015.1117500

Journal - Research Article

Dool, S. E., O'Donnell, C. F. J., Monks, J. M., Puechmaille, S. J., & Kerth, G. (2016). Phylogeographic-based conservation implications for the New Zealand long-tailed bat, (Chalinolobus tuberculatus): Identification of a single ESU and a candidate population for genetic rescue. Conservation Genetics, 17, 1067-1079. doi: 10.1007/s10592-016-0844-3

Journal - Research Article

Hitchmough, R. A., Adams, L. K., Reardon, J. T., & Monks, J. M. (2016). Current challenges and future directions in lizard conservation in New Zealand. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 46(1), 29-39. doi: 10.1080/03036758.2015.1108923

Journal - Research Article

Lettink, M., & Monks, J. M. (2016). Survey and monitoring methods for New Zealand lizards. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 46(1), 16-28. doi: 10.1080/03036758.2015.1108343

Journal - Research Article

Monks, A., Monks, J. M., & Tanentzap, A. J. (2016). Resource limitation underlying multiple masting models makes mast seeding sensitive to future climate change. New Phytologist, 210, 419-430. doi: 10.1111/nph.13817

Journal - Research Article

O'Donnell, C. F. J., Richter, S., Dool, S., Monks, J. M., & Kerth, G. (2016). Genetic diversity is maintained in the endangered New Zealand long-tailed bat (Chalinolobus tuberculatus) despite a closed social structure and regular population crashes. Conservation Genetics, 17, 91-102. doi: 10.1007/s10592-015-0763-8

Journal - Research Article

Weir, S. M., Yu, S., Knox, A., Talent, L. G., Monks, J. M., & Salice, C. J. (2016). Acute toxicity and risk to lizards of rodenticides and herbicides commonly used in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 40(3), 342-350. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.40.43

Journal - Research Article

Batson, W. G., O'Donnell, C. F. J., Nelson, N. J., & Monks, J. M. (2015). Placement period of artificial retreats affects the number and demographic composition but not the body condition of skinks. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 39(2), 273-279. Retrieved from https://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3216

Journal - Research Article

Bennett, J. R., Elliott, G., Mellish, B., Joseph, L. N., Tulloch, A. I. T., Probert, W. J. M., … Monks, J. M., … Maloney, R. (2014). Balancing phylogenetic diversity and species numbers in conservation prioritization, using a case study of threatened species in New Zealand. Biological Conservation, 174, 47-54. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2014.03.013

Journal - Research Article

Grayson, K. L., Mitchell, N. J., Monks, J. M., Keall, S. N., Wilson, J. N., & Nelson, N. J. (2014). Sex ratio bias and extinction risk in an isolated population of tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). PLoS ONE, 9(4), e94214. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094214

Journal - Research Article

Jarvie, S., & Monks, J. M. (2014). Step on it: Can footprints from tracking tunnels be used to identify lizard species? New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 41(3), 210-217. doi: 10.1080/03014223.2014.911753

Journal - Research Article

Knox, C. D., & Monks, J. M. (2014). Penning prior to release decreases post-translocation dispersal of jewelled geckos. Animal Conservation, 17(Suppl. 1), 18-26. doi: 10.1111/acv.12149

Journal - Research Article

Monks, J. M., Monks, A., & Towns, D. R. (2014). Correlated recovery of five lizard populations following eradication of invasive mammals. Biological Invasions, 16, 167-175. doi: 10.1007/s10530-013-0511-2

Journal - Research Article

Romijn, R. L., Nelson, N. J., & Monks, J. M. (2014). Forest geckos (Mokopirirakau 'Southern North Island') display diurno-nocturnal activity and are not reliant on retreats. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 41(2), 103-113. doi: 10.1080/03014223.2013.860041

Journal - Research Article

Hoare, J. M., Melgren, P., & Chavel, E. E. (2013). Habitat use by southern forest geckos (Mokopirirakau ‘Southern Forest’) in the Catlins, Southland. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 40(2), 129-136. doi: 10.1080/03014223.2012.707663

Journal - Research Article

Hoare, J. M., Monks, A., & O'Donnell, C. F. J. (2013). Do population indicators work? Investigating correlated responses of bird populations in relation to predator management. Ecological Indicators, 25, 23-34. doi: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2012.09.007

Journal - Research Article

Powlesland, R. G., Bell, M., Tuanui, E. A., Tuanui, B. M., & Monks, J. M. (2013). Translocation of juvenile Chatham Islands tomtits (Petroica macrocephala chathamensis) from Rangatira and Pitt Islands to Chatham Island. Notornis, 60, 41-48. Retrieved from https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/

Journal - Research Article

Hoare, J. M., Monks, A., & O'Donnell, C. F. J. (2012). Can correlated population trends among forest bird species be predicted by similarity in traits? Wildlife Research, 39, 469-477. doi: 10.1071/WR11087

Journal - Research Article

O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Hoare, J. M. (2012). Monitoring trends in skink sightings from artificial retreats: Influences of retreat design, placement period, and predator abundance. Herpetological Conservation & Biology, 7(1), 58-66. Retrieved from http://herpconbio.org/Volume_7/Issue_1/ODonnell_Hoare_2012.pdf

Journal - Research Article

O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Hoare, J. M. (2012). Quantifying the benefits of long-term integrated pest control for forest bird populations in a New Zealand temperate rainforest. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 36(2), 131-140. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/24060838

Journal - Research Article

Lettink, M., O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Hoare, J. M. (2011). Accuracy and precision of skink counts from artificial retreats. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 35(3), 236-246.

Journal - Research Article

O'Donnell, C. F. J., & Hoare, J. M. (2011). Meta-analysis of status and trends in breeding populations of black-fronted terns (Chlidonias albostriatus) 1962-2008. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 35(1), 30-43.

Journal - Research Article

O'Donnell, C. F. J., Edmonds, H., & Hoare, J. M. (2011). Survival of PIT-tagged lesser short-tailed bats (Mystacina tuberculata) through a pest control operation using the toxin pindone in bait stations [Short communication]. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 35(3), 291-295.

Journal - Research Article

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