I am a Research Scientist in the Science Division.

My current project is to research the effects of landscape configuration on gene flow among the very fragmented populations of a bird-pollinated Banksia species in the WA wheatbelt. The aim of this project is to develop an understanding of the way that the relative position of population remnants in the landscape can affect inter-population gene flow, and hence the genetic health, reproduction and long-term persistence of fragmented plant populations. This understanding will help with the development of guidelines for the coordinated management of multiple populations, the strategic positioning of revegetation efforts, and the prioritization of bush remnants for conservation.

• Population and conservation genetics of plants
• Pollination and mating systems of native plants
• Impact of habitat fragmentation on plant populations

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

PhD University of Wollongong, 2004
Thesis: Conservation Genetics and Ecology of two rare Grevillea species.

B.Sc. (Hons) University of Western Australia, 1992. Majoring in Botany and Zoology.
Honours thesis: Effects of the breeding system on the population genetics of the slipper limpet Hipponix conicus.

Positions held

2006 - present: Research Scientist, Department of Environment and Conservation

2004 - 2005: Flora Conservation Officer, WA Department of Conservation and Land Management

1993 - 1995: Research Assistant, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong

Membership of professional societies

• Ecological Society of Australia
• Australasian Pollination Ecologists Society

Investigation of the effects of landscape configuration on vegetation function in fragmented Australian biomes. This research project is part-funded by Land and Water Australia.

(3 items)

2009

Nistelberger HM, Llorens TM, Byrne M (2009). Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in the woody shrub, Banksia sphaerocarpa var. caesia (Proteaceae). Molecular Ecology Resources 9, pp. 148–149

Young A, Broadhurst L, Elliot C, Field D, Coates D, Byrne M et al. [Yates C, Llorens T, Nistleberger H] (2009). Land & Water Australia project CPI 13 : molecular analysis of vegetation function in fragmented Australian biomes. CSIRO Plant Industry, Canberra. 36 p.

2007

Llorens TM, Coates DJ, Byrne M, Yates CJ (2007). Assessing genetic connectivity across a fragmented landscape (POSTER ABSTRACT). In ESA 2007, Program and Abstracts: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Perth, Australia, 2007, Monday 26th November to Friday 30th November 2007 Conference Organising Committee, Perth. p. 199