Clarke, Michael Fraser

Summary

Michael Clarke is an ornithologist noted for his research on the evolution and adaptive value of social behaviour relating to avian mating systems. In particular he has studied the behavioural ecology and conservation of the Bell Miner, Noisy Miner and endangered Black-eared Miner. Clarke also works on the impacts of fire on the distribution and conservation status of birds and other taxa in a wide range of ecosystems from the Mallee to box and ironbark woodlands. He is involved with a long-term study of the effects of fire on birds in the Wilsons Promontory National Park. Much of his research is collaborative in nature. Clarke has for many years been involved in the Royal Australasian Ornithological Union (later BirdLife Australia). He served as a member of the Research and Conservation Committee and co-ordinator of the Nest Record Scheme, and for almost two decades served on Threatened Species Recovery Teams for the Black-eared Miner, Regent Honeyeater, and Helmeted Honeyeater. Clarke has also served on a number of Victorian Government committees, including the Scientific Advisory Committee for Zoos Victoria, Convenor of the Scientific Advisory Committee for Victoria's Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, and the Fire Ecology Scientific Reference Committee of the Department of Sustainability and Environment. He has also been an expert advisor to government in relation to fire ecology and management.

Details

Chronology

1983 - 1989

Career position - Coordinator, Nest Record Scheme, Royal Australasian Ornithological Union

1987

Education - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Melbourne

1989 - 2006

Career position - Member, Executive Committee, International Ornithological Congress

1992 - 2022

Career position - Lecturer (later Professor) in Zoology, La Trobe University

2000

Career position - Co-Chair, Scientific Program Committee, 2nd Southern Hemisphere Ornithological Congress

2001 - 2014

Career position - Member, Scientific Steering Committee, Australasian Ornithological Conference

2007

Award - D. L. Serventy Medal, Birds Australia

2009 - 2011

Career position - Head, Department of Zoology, La Trobe University

2009 - 2012

Career position - Member, Research and Conservation Committee, Birds Australia (later BirdLife Australia)

2011 - 2019

Career position - Head, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University

2022 -

Career position - Emeritus Professor, La Trobe University

2023 -

Award - Fellow, Birdlife Australia

Related entries

Published resources

Journal Articles

• Bennett, Andrew, '2023 Birdlife Australia Fellow citation [Michael Clarke]', Emu: austral ornithology, 123 (3) (2023), 258-9. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2023.2226338. Details
• Clarke, M. F., 'Catering for the needs of fauna in fire management: science or just wishful thinking?', Wildlife research, 35 (5) (2008), 385-94, https://doi.org/10.1071/WR07137. Details
• Clarke, Michael F., 'Co-operative breeding in Australian birds: a review of hypotheses and evidence', Corella, 19 (3) (1995), 73-90. Details
• Olsen, Penny, 'D. L. Serventy Medal 2007 citation: Michael F. Clarke', Emu, 107 (4) (2007), 335. https://doi.org/10.1071/MUv107n4_DLS. Details