Rewilding invertebrates and microbes for improved biodiversity and ecosystem function
A fascinating expert presentation from our 2024 Symposium. Learn about why reintroducing fungi and beetles, and improving soil matter, are fundamental to restoring healthy function to ecosystems.
Dr. Peter Contos works on rewilding projects that focus on the under-loved species - invertebrates and microbes. He uses manipulative experiments to understand:
How we can reintroduce these species onto farms.
How rewilding mammals influences invertebrate and microbial communities.
Peter describes a rewilding project in the Strathbogie Ranges that reintroduced entire communities of invertebrates and microbes onto farmland using soil and litter transplants from remnant bush.
Our Rewilding Central Victoria Symposium (13-14 September 2024) featured much inspiring and thought-provoking content like this presentation - attracting about 280 people over two days from government, the private sector, environmental organisations and representatives from Traditional Owner groups.
Recordings of all the incredible presentations from experts and restoration practitioners at Day 1 of our Symposium at LaTrobe University, Bendigo are available on our website.