Prof Michael J. Lawes
Honorary Professor
- LawesM@ukzn.ac.za
- PhD (Zoology), BSc Hons (Zoology, cum laude)
- Ecology
- Pietermaritzburg Campus
Prof. Lawes is an evolutionary ecologist whose research interests broadly encompass the evolutionary ecology and management of forests worldwide. He has a special interest in the utility of plant functional traits as indicators of forest and woodland ecosystem resilience under climate change, especially under changing fire weather conditions. Having started his career as a primatologist, he continues to conduct research in this field and maintains an interest in avian behavioural ecology.
Research interests
- Plant functional traits
- Forest ecology
- Savanna ecology
- Fire ecology
- Community ecology
- Primatology
- Avian Behavioural Ecology
Scientific Services
Collaboration and supervision
I have 39 years of experience in wildlife research on three continents (please see my publications). I am available to assist with the writing of research proposals and the supervision and management of research in the field. I would very much like to collaborate with like-minded researchers and colleagues. I am happy to work on collaborative projects that involve large meta-analyses or data analyses and statistical modelling.
Editing service
I edit and proofread environmental and biological reports, theses and manuscripts in English for publication in peer