Publications:

Books#, book chapters* and scientific journal articles

#Hoffmann, A, Ankeny R, Edwards O, Frommer M, Hayes K, Higgins TJ, Mayo O, Meek S, Robin C, Sheppard A, Small I, Barrow S (2017) Discussion paper: Synthetic gene drives in Australia: Implications of Emerging Technologies, Australian Academy of Science May 2017 15 pp.

Reid T, Ward-Fear G, Schwarzkopf L, Greenlees MJ, Phillips BL, Brown G, Clulow S, Webb J, Capon R, Sheppard A, Strive T, Tizard M, Shine R (2017) New weapons in the toad toolkit: A review of methods to control and mitigate the biodiversity impacts of invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) Quarterly Review of Biology 92 124-149. (IP 5).

McColl KA, Sheppard AW, Barwick M (2017) Safe and effective biocontrol of common carp. Nature Ecology & Evolution, vol. 1 : Article 0134

Paini DR, Sheppard AW, Cook DC, De Barro PJ, Worner SP, Thomas MB (2016) Global threat to agriculture from invasive species. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113: 7575–7579.

van Klinken RD, Morin L, Sheppard, AW, Raghu S. (2016) Experts know more than just facts: eliciting functional understanding to help prioritise weed biological control targets. Biological Invasions 18: 2853–2870

Sheppard AW, Warner K (2016) Societal values expressed through policy and regulations concerning biological control In: (eds) Van Driesch R, Simberloff D. Integrating Biological Control into Conservation Practice. Springer pp 247-263

Melodie A. McGeoch, MA, Genovesi P, Bellingham, PJ, Costello MJ, McGrannachan C, Sheppard AW (2016). Prioritizing species, pathways, and sites to achieve conservation targets for biological invasion. Biological Invasions 18:299-314

Cook, D. C., Sheppard, A., Liu, S., & Lonsdale, W. M. (2015). Predicting the economic impacts of invasive species: the eradication of the giant sensitive plant from Western Australia. Pest Risk Modelling and Mapping for Invasive Alien Species, 7, 145.

Wandrag EM, Sheppard AW, Duncan RP, Hulme PE (2015) Pollinators and predators at home and away: do they determine invasion success for Australian Acacia in New Zealand? Journal of Biogeography 42, 619-629

Cook DC, Kristensen NP, Liu S, Paini DR, Kerr PJ, Sheppard AW, Lonsdale WM , Taylor AS De Barro P (2014) Plant biosecurity policy-making modelled on the human immune system: What would it look like? Environmental Science & Policy 41 1-10

#Morton S, Lonsdale M & Sheppard A (2014) Biodiversity: Science Solutions for Australia, CSIRO, CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne Australia

*Sheppard A, Ferrier S (2014) Managing Australia’s protected areas. In Biodiversity: Science Solutions for Australia, (eds Morton S, Sheppard A & Lonsdale M) CSIRO, CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne Australia

*Martin TG, Carwardine J, Broadhurst L, Ferrier S, James C, Sheppard A, Whitten S, Chades I (2014) Tools for managing and restoring biodiversity. In Biodiversity: Science Solutions for Australia, (eds Morton S, Sheppard A & Lonsdale M) CSIRO, CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne Australia

*Morton S, Sheppard A (2014). Conclusions. In Biodiversity: Science Solutions for Australia, (eds Morton S, Sheppard A & Lonsdale M) CSIRO, CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne Australia

*Sheppard AW, Koop AL, Hill R ((2014). The importance of weeds in plant biosecurity. In: The Handbook of Plant Biosecurity (Eds. Gordh G. & McKirdy S,) Springer pp. 613-654

Wandrag EM, Sheppard AW, Duncan RP, Hulme PE (2013) Mutualism vs. antagonism in introduced and native ranges: Can seed dispersal and predation determine Acacia invasion success? Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution & Systematics 15, 171-179.

Haines ML, Emberson RM, Sheppard AW, Syrett P, Withers TM, Worner SP (2013) Implications of individual variation in insect behavior for host specificity testing in weed biocontrol. BioControl 58 703-713

Wandrag EM, Sheppard AW, Duncan RP, Hulme PE (2013) Reduced availability of rhizobia limits the performance but not invasiveness of introduced Acacia. Journal of Ecology 101:1103-1113

Catford JA, Daehler CC, Murphy HT, Sheppard AW, Hardesty BD, Westcott DA, Rejmanek M, Bellingham PJ, Pergl J (2012) The intermediate disturbance hypothesis and plant invasions: implications for species richness and management. Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics 14 231-241

Sheppard AW, Wan F-H (2012) Editorial for Special Section of papers from the International Congress on Biological Invasions. Biological Invasions 14 1533-1544.

Westcott DA, Kroon F, Sheppard AW (2012) Biodiversity needs a scientific approach. Nature 490 37.

*Groves RH, Sheppard AW (2012) Carduus pycnocephalus and C. tenuiflorus- slender thistles. In; Biological control of weeds in Australia 1960 to 2010 Edited by M Julien, R McFadyen and J Cullen pp 131-138

*Sheppard AW, Morin L, Cullen JM (2012) Heliotropium europaeum L. – common heliotrope. In; Biological control of weeds in Australia 1960 to 2010 Edited by M Julien, R McFadyen and J Cullen pp 289-298

*Sheppard AW, Henry K (2012) Genista monspessulana – Cape broom. In; Biological control of weeds in Australia 1960 to 2010 Edited by M Julien, R McFadyen and J Cullen pp.267-273

*Hosking J, Sheppard AW, Sagliocco JL (2012) Cytisus scoparisus (L.) Link – Scotch broom. In; Biological control of weeds in Australia 1960 to 2010 Edited by M Julien, R McFadyen and J Cullen pp 203-210

*Sheppard AW, Smyth M (2012) Echium plantagineum L. – Paterson’s curse. In; Biological control of weeds in Australia 1960 to 2010 Edited by M Julien, R McFadyen and J Cullen pp 211-227

*Cullen MJ, Sheppard AW (2012) Carduus nutans L. – nodding thistle. In; Biological control of weeds in Australia 1960 to 2010 Edited by M Julien, R McFadyen and J Cullen pp.118-130

Thrall PH, Oakeshott JG, Fitt G, Southerton S, Burdon JJ, Sheppard AW, Russell RJ, Zalucki M, Heino M, Denison RF, Hoffmann A (2011) Evolution in agriculture: the application of evolutionary approaches to the management of biotic interactions in agro-ecosystems. Evolutionary Applications 4 : 200-215

Sheppard AW, Raghu S, Begley C, Genovesi P, DeBarro P, Tasker A, Roberts W (2011) Biosecurity as an integral part of the new bioeconomy: a path to a more sustainable future Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 3: 105-111

Low T, Booth C, Sheppard A (2011) Weedy biofuels: what can be done? Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 3: 55-59

Sheppard AW, Gillespie I, Hirsch M, Begley C (2011) Biosecurity and sustainability within the growing global bioeconomy Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 3 : 4-10

Sheppard AW, Raghu S, Begley C, Richardson D (2011) Biosecurity in the new bioeconomy Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 3: 1-3

Sheppard AW, Raghu S, Begley C, Richardson D (2011) Terrestrial Systems: Biosecurity in the New Bioeconomy. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability Vol 3 issues 1-2

Liu S, Sheppard A, Kriticos D, Cook D (2011) Incorporating uncertainty and social values in managing invasive alien species: a deliberative multi-criteria evaluation approach. Biological Invasions 13 2323–2337

Palmer WA, Heard TA, Sheppard AW (2010) A review of Australian classical biological control of weeds programs and research activities over the past twelve years. Biological Control 52: 271–287

Shanmuganathan T, Pallister J, Doody S, McCallum H, Robinson A, Sheppard A, Hardy C, Halliday D, Venables D, Voysey R, Strive T, Hinds L, Hyatt A, (2010) Biological control of the cane toad in Australia: a review. Animal Conservation 13: 16–23

Van Driesche, R.G., Carruthers, R.I., Center, T., Hoddle, M.S., Hough-Goldstein, J., Morin, L., Smith, L., Wagner, D.L., Blossey, B., Brancatini, V., Casagrande, R., Causton, C.E, Coetzee, J. A, Cuda, J., Ding, J., Fowler, S.V, Frank, J.H., Fuester, R, Goolsby, J, Grodowitz, M, Heard, T.A, Hill, M.P, Hoffmann, J.H, Huber, J, Julien, M, Kario, M.T.K, Kenis, M, Mason, P, Medal, J, Messing, R, Miller, R, Moore, A, Neuenschwander, P. Newman, R, Norambuena, H, Palmer, W.A, Pemberton, R, Perez Panduro, A, Pratt, P.D, Rayamajhi, M, Salom, S, Sands, D, Schooler, S, Sheppard, A, Shaw, R, Schwarzländer, M, Tipping, P.W, van Klinken, R.D (2010) Classical Biological Control for the Protection of Natural Ecosystems: Past Achievements and Current Efforts. Biological Control 54 S2–S33

Metcalf CJE, Rees M, Buckley YM & Sheppard AW (2009). Seed predators and the evolutionarily stable flowering strategy in the invasive plant, Carduus nutans. Evolutionary Ecology: 23:893–906

Méndez V, Campos D, Sheppard AW, 2009 A model for plant invasions: the role of distributed generation times. Bulletin of Mathematical Biology 71: 1727–1744

Shea K, Jongejans E, Skarpaas O, Kelly D, Sheppard AW (2009) Optimal management strategies to control local population growth or population spread may not be the same. Ecological Applications 20: 1148-1161

Hunt EJ, Kuhlmann A, Sheppard A, Qin T-K, Barratt BIP, Harrison L, Mason PG, Parker D, Goolsby J. (2008) Review of invertebrate biological control agent regulation: recommendations for a harmonised European system. Journal of Applied Entomology 132, 89-123.

Jongejans E, Shea K, Skarpaas O, Kelly D, Sheppard AW , Woodburn TL (2008) Dispersal and demography contributions to population spread of Carduus nutans in its native and invaded ranges. Journal of Ecology 96, 687–697

Metcalf CJE, Rose KE, Childs DZ, Sheppard AW, Grubb PJ & Rees M (2008) Evolution of flowering decisions in a stochastic, density-dependent environment. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 105:10466-10470

*Cook D., Henry D., Lonsdale M and Sheppard A 2008. Transition to resilient social communities: Biosecurity. In: “Transitions: Pathways Towards Sustainable Urban Development in Australia (ed Newton P.). CSIRO Publishing ISBN 9780643094192

*Whittle P and Sheppard A. 2008. Australian Biosecurity Policies and Applications for Emerging Plant Pests. In: Maladies émergentes chez le Végétal, l’Animal et l’Homme: stratégies et méthodes d’étude" (eds Sache I & Barnouin J) Éditions QUAE

Vitou J, Skuhrava M, Skuhravy V, Scott JK, Sheppard AW. (2007) The role of plant phenology in the host specificity of Gephyraulus raphanistri (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) associated with Raphanus spp. (Brassicaceae). European Journal of Entomology 105, 113-119

Shea K, Sheppard AW, Woodburn T (2006) Seasonal life history models for the integrated management of the invasive weed nodding thistle (Carduus nutans) in Australia. Journal of Applied Ecology, 43 517-526

Sheppard AW, Shaw RH, Sforza R. (2006) Top 20 environmental weeds for classical biological control in Europe: a review of opportunities, regulations and other barriers to adoption. Weed Research, 46, 93-177

Rees M, Childs DZ, Metcalf JC, Rose KE, Sheppard AW, Grubb PJ (2006) Seed dormancy and delayed flowering in monocarpic plants: selective interactions in a stochastic environment, American Naturalist 168 (2) E53-E71

Stokes K, Buckley Y, Sheppard AW (2006) A modelling approach to estimate the effect of exotic pollinators on exotic weed population dynamics: bumblebees and broom in Australia. Diversity & Distributions, 12 (4) 593-600

Jongejans E., Sheppard AW, Shea K. (2006) Predispersal seed predation controls the native population dynamics of the invasive thistle Carduus nutans. Journal of Applied Ecology 43 877-886

Sheppard AW, Haines M, Thomann T. (2006) Native range research assists risk analysis for non-targets in weed biological control: the cautionary tale of the broom seed beetle. Australian Journal of Entomology, 45, 292-297

Morin L, Evans KJ Sheppard AW. (2006) Selection of pathogen agents in weed biological control: critical issues and peculiarities in relation to arthropod agents. Australian Journal of Entomology, 45, 349-365

Vitou, J, Skuhravá, M, Scott, JK, and Sheppard, AW (2006) The role of host plant phenology in the field host specificity of the genus-specific flower-bud galler Gephyraulus raphanistri (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Bulletin of the Royal Entomological Society, 30(4): 186-187.

Buckley, YM, Rees, M, Sheppard, AW & Smyth M (2005) Stable coexistence of an invasive plant and biocontrol agent: a coupled plant-herbivore model. Journal of Applied Ecology 42, 70-79

Huwer RK, Briese DT, Dowling P, Lonsdale WM, Michalk DL, Kemp, D, Neave M, Sheppard AW, Woodburn TL. (2005) Can an integrated management approach provide a basis for long-term prevention of weed dominance in Australian pasture systems? Weed Research 45, 175-192

Sheppard, AW, Raghu S (2005). Working at the interface of art and science: how best to select an agent for classical biological control? Biological Control 34 233-235

Shea K, Kelly D, Sheppard AW, Woodburn T (2005) Context-dependent biological control of an invasive thistle Ecology (“Empirically Motivated Theory” special feature article) 86 3174-3181

Sheppard AW, van Klinken R, Heard T (2005) Scientific advances in the analysis of direct risks of weed biological control agents to nontarget plants. Biological Control 35, 215-226.

Sheppard AW, & Raghu S, (2005) Special theme: Working at the interface of art and science: How best to select an agent for classical biological control. Biological Control 34, 231

Caruthers R, D’Antonio C, Charudattan R, Sheppard AW (2005) Special theme: Science and Decision-Making in Biological Control of Weeds: A Conference on the Benefits and Risks of Biological Control. Biological Control 35 181-182

Grace BS, Sheppard AW, Whalley RDB & Sindel BM (2004) Recent news about saffron thistle (Carthamus lanatus L.). Plant Protection Quarterly, 19, 36-39

Mateille T, Sforza R, Sheppard A, Kreiter S, & Coutinot D. (2004) Coup de projecteur sur la lutte biologique en région méditerranéenne. Phytoma 569, 8-12.

Paynter Q, Downey P, Sheppard A (2003) Age structure and growth of the woody legume weed Cytisus scoparius in native and exotic habitats: implications for control. Journal of Applied Ecology 40, 470-480.

Buckley YM, Downey P, Fowler SV, Hill R, Memmott J, Norambuena H, Pitcairn M, Shaw R, Sheppard AW, Winks C, Wittenberg R & Rees M (2003) Are invasives bigger? A global study of seed size variation in two invasive shrubs. Ecology 84, 1434-1440

Paynter QE, Csurhes SM, Heard TA, Ireson J, Julien MH, Lloyd J, Lonsdale WM, Palmer WA, Sheppard AW & van Klinken RD (2003) Worth the risk? Introduction of legumes can cause more harm than good: an Australian perspective. Australian Systematic Botany, 16, 81-88

Sheppard AW, Hill R, DeClerck-Floate RA, McClay A, Olckers T, Quimby PC, Zimmermann HG (2003) A global review of risk-benefit-cost analysis for the introduction of classical biological control agents against weeds: a crisis in the making? Biocontrol News & Information, 24, 91N-108N.

Grace BS, Sheppard AW, Whalley RDB, Sindel BM. 2002. Seedbanks and seedling emergence of saffron thistle (Carthamus lanatus) in eastern Australian pastures. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 53, 1327-1334.

Grace BS, Whalley RDB, Sheppard AW, Sindel BM. 2002 Managing Saffron Thistle in Pastures with Strategic Grazing. Rangeland Journal 24 313-325.

Sheppard AW, Hodge P., Paynter Q. & Rees M.. 2002 Factors affecting invasion and persistence of broom, Cytisus scoparius, in Australia. J. Applied Ecology 39, 721-734

Norblom T, Smyth M, Swirepik A, Sheppard A and Briese D (2002) Paterson's curse, a A$100m-a-year weed, faces biocontrol in Australia. Biocontrol News and Information 23: 378

Nordblom T, Smyth M, Swirepik A, Sheppard A & Briese D (2002). Spatial economics of biological control: investing in new releases of insects for earlier limitation of Paterson's curse in Australia. Agricultural Economics, 27, 403-424.

Vitou J, Briese D, Sheppard AW, Thomann T (2001) Comparative biology of two rosette crown-feeding flies of the genus Botanophila (Dipt., Anthomyiidae) with potential for biological control of their thistle hosts. Journal of Applied Entomology 125: 89-96

Sheppard AW, Smyth M, and Swirepik A. (2001) The impact of Mogulones larvatus and pasture competition on Echium plantagineum. J. Applied Ecology 38:291-300

Grigulis K, Sheppard AW, Ash JE, Groves RH (2001) The comparative demography of the pasture weed Echium plantagineum between its native and invaded ranges J. Applied Ecology .38: 281-290

Fowler SV, Memmott J, Paynter Q, Sheppard AW & Syrett P (2001) The scope and value of extensive ecological studies in the broom biocontrol programme. In: Evaluating Indirect Effects of Biological Control (eds E Waijnberg, JK Scott & PC Quimby) CAB International pp.229-248.

Sheppard AW, Hodge P, Paynter Q (2000) Factors affecting broom regeneration in Australia and their management implications. Plant Protection Quarterly 15: 156-161

Sheppard AW and Vitou J. (2000) Effects of a rosette-crown fly, Botanophila turcica on growth and reproduction of the thistle Carthamus lanatus. Acta Oecologica 21 : 337-347

Sheppard AW, Hosking, J. Leys A. (2000) Broom population management strategies. Plant Protection Quarterly 15: 134-138

Atkinson I, Sheppard AW, (2000) Broom biocontrol: conflicts of interest with the Australian Nursery Industry. Plant Protection Quarterly 15: 176-178

Paynter Q., Fowler S.V., Memmott J., Shaw R.H. & Sheppard AW(2000) Determinants of broom (Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link) abundance in Europe, Plant Protection Quarterly 15: 149-155

Shea K, Smyth M, Sheppard A, Morton R, Chalimbaud J. (2000) Effect of patch size and plant density of Paterson’s curse (Echium plantagineum) on the oviposition of a specialist weevil, Mogulones larvatus. Oecologia 124 : 615-621

Memmott J, Fowler SV, Paynter Q, Sheppard, AW and Syrett, P (2000) The invertebrate fauna on broom, Cytisus scoparius, in two native and two exotic habitats. Acta Oecologica. 21: 213-222

Sheppard AW & Hosking JR (eds) (2000) Broom management: Proceedings of Weeds CRC workshop. Plant Protection Quarterly Vol 15. 134-186.

*Sheppard AW (2000) Weed ecology and population dynamics. In: Australian Weed Management Systems. B. Sindel (ed.) RG and FJ Richardson Press, Melbourne Victoria Australia pp. 39-60.

*Rees M,, Mangel M., Turnbull L., Grubb P., Sheppard AW, and Briese DT. (2000) The effects of heterogeneity on dispersal and colonisation in plants. In: Ecological consequences of environmental heterogeneity. M.J. Hutchings (ed.) Blackwell, Oxford. Pp.237-265.

Syrett P., Fowler SV, Coombs EM, Hosking JR, Markin GP, Paynter QE, Sheppard AW (1999). The potential for biological control of Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius(L.) Link) and related weedy species. Biocontrol News and Information 20:17-34.

Rees M, Sheppard AW, Briese DT. Mangel M. (1999). Evolution of size dependent flowering in Onopordum illyricum: A quantitative assessment of the role of stochastic selection processes. American Naturalist. 154: 628-651

*Sheppard AW (1999) Which test? A mini review of test usage in host specificity testing. In: Host specificity testing in Australasia: Towards improved assays for biological control, pp. 60-69. (Eds. T.M. Withers, L. Barton Brown, J. Stanley), Centre for Tropical Pest Management, Brisbane.

Paynter Q., Fowler S. V., Memmott, J. Sheppard AW (1998). Factors affecting the establishment of Cytisus scoparius in southern France: implications for its control. Journal of Applied Ecology 35: 582-595.

*Hosking J, Smith J, Sheppard AW (1998) In: F.D. Panetta, RH Groves, RCH Shepherd, The Biology of Australian Weeds Vol. 2. : Cytisus scoparius L., Scotch Broom. RG and FJ Richardson, Melbourne pp 77-88.

Smyth MJ, Sheppard AW, Swirepik A (1997) The effect of grazing on seed production in Echium plantagineum L. Weed Research 37: 63-70

Sheppard AW (1996) Impact of seed reducing natural enemies on weediness of thistles. Plant Protection Quarterly 11: 243-245.

Woodburn TL, Sheppard AW (1996) The demography of Carduus nutans as a native and an alien weed. Plant Protection Quarterly 11: 236-238.

Brun LA, Sheppard AW, Lopes V (1996) Variation in pathology of isolates of Cercospora spp. attacking Heliotropium spp. Annals of Applied Biology 128:565-570

Hosking J, Smith J, Sheppard AW (1996) Biology of Australian Weeds: Cytisus scoparius L., Scotch Broom. Plant Protection Quarterly 11: 102-108

*Sheppard AW (1996) The Cardueae: Weeds and the impact of natural enemies for biological control. In: Compositae Biology and Utilization Hind DJN (ed.-in-chief) Proceedings of the International Compositae Conference, Kew, 1994. Vol. 2 (vo. eds PDS Caligari and DJN Hind) Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew pp. 291-306.

#Floyd RB, Sheppard AW, DeBarro PJ (1996). Frontiers of Population Ecology CSIRO Publications, Melbourne

*Sheppard AW, Woodburn TL (1996) Population regulation in insects used to control thistles: can we predict effectiveness. In: RB Floyd, AW Sheppard PJ De Barro, Frontiers of Population Ecology CSIRO Publications 277-290

Sheppard AW (1995) Ophthalmomyasis: a shot in the eye. Medical Journal of Australia 162:560.

Sheppard AW, Aeschlimann J-P, Sagliocco J-L, Vitou J (1995). Below ground herbivory in Carduus nutans (Asteraceae) and the potential for biological control. Biocontrol Science & Technology 5:261-270

Briese DT, Sheppard AW, Reifenberg JM (1995) Open-field host-specificity testing for potential biological control agents of Onopordum thistles. Biological Control 5: 158-166

Brun LA, Sheppard AW, Hasan S, Jourdan M, Delmotte E (1995). Development of Cercospora blight epidemics and effect on the summer annual weed Heliotropium europaeum L. in the field. Annals of Applied Biology 127: 137-150.

Hasan S, Jourdan M, Brun L, Sheppard AW (1995) Axenic culture and Influence of wetness period and inoculum concentration on infection and development of cercospora blight of Heliotropium europaeum. European Journal of Plant Pathology 101:491-496

*Piggin CM, Sheppard AW (1995). Echium plantagineum L. In: RH Groves, RCH Shepherd, RG Richardson, (eds) The Biology of Australian weeds, Vol 1. RG and FJ Richardson, Melbourne pp 87-110.

Sheppard AW, Cullen JM, Aeschlimann J-P (1994) Predispersal seed predation on Carduus nutans (Asteraceae) in southern Europe. Acta Oecologica 15: 529-541

Briese DT, Sheppard AW, Zwölfer H, Boldt PE (1994) The phytophagous insect fauna of Onopordum thistles in the northern Mediterranean basin. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 53: 231-253.

Brun LA, Sheppard AW, Carrara A (1993). Host range of Pachycerus cordiger Germar (=P. scabrosus Brulle) (Col.: Curculionidae). Entomophaga 38: 537-539

Michalakis Y, Sheppard AW, Noel V, Olivieri I (1993). Population structure of an insect herbivore and its host plant on a microgeographic scale. Evolution 47: 1611-1616

Michalakis Y, Briese DT, Sheppard AW (1993) The taxonomic status of Larinus cynarae F. and L. latus Herbst (Col. Curculionidae), and its implications for the biological control of Onopordum (Asteraceae: Carduae) in Australia. Biocontrol Science & Technology 2: 275-280

Sheppard AW (1992) Predicting biological weed control. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 7:290-291

Smyth MJ, Moorhouse J, Sheppard AW, Swirepik A (1992). Factors effecting the dominance of Echium plantagineum in annual pastures. Australian Weeds Research Newsletter 41: 11-14

Sheppard AW, Aeschlimann J-P, Sagliocco J-L, Vitou J (1991) Natural enemies and population stability of the winter-annual Carduus pycnocephalus L. in Mediterranean Europe. Acta Oecologica 12:707-726

Sheppard AW (1991). A Biological Flora: Heracleum sphondylium L. Journal of Ecology 79:235-258

Refereed conference papers, CRC and other technical report chapters:

Strive T, Sheppard AW (2015) Review of biocontrol for cats (Biological control options for feral cats in Australia). In Proceedings National Feral Cat Management Workshop Proceedings, Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, 91-93.

Virtue J, Sheppard A, Tracey J, Allan C, Young K, Thompson J (2014) Coordinated weeds RD&E in Australia: despair or opportunity? In Proceedings of 19th Australasian Weeds Conference," Science, Community and Food Security: the Weed Challenge", Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 1-4 September 2014, pages 92-95

Melland R, Virtue J, Sheppard AW et al. (2014) CAWS Discussion Panel Future weed research needs. In: Proceedings of 19th Australasian Weeds Conference, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 1-4 September 2014 Page 91.

Palmer WA, McLaren D, Sheppard AW (2014). Australia's present scientific capacity to progress the biological control of weeds. In: Proceedings of the XIV International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, Kruger National Park, South Africa, 2-7 March 2014 (pp. 183-186). University of Cape Town.

Sheppard AW (2013) Using integrated weed management to minimize production and environmental impacts in grasslands: Australian perspective. In: Proceedings of the 22nd International Grassland Congress – keynote conference paper published on Congress CD.

Sagliocco J-L, Sheppard A, Hosking J, Hodge P, Paynter Q, Gourlay H, Ireson J (2013) Host specificity testing, release and successful establishment of the broom gall mite Aceria genistae in Australia and New Zealand for the biological control of broom (Cytisus scoparius) in: Proceedings of the XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. (Eds Wu Y, Johnson T, Sing S, Raghu S, Wheeler G, Pratt P, Warner K, Center T, Goolsby J, & Reardon R) Sept 11-16 2011 Waikoloa, Hawaii, USA pp. 409-412

Sheppard A, Olckers T, McFadyen R, Morin L, Ramadan M, Sindel B (2013) Biological control of Senecio madagascariensis (fireweed) in Australia– a long-shot target driven by community support and political will. In: Proceedings of the XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. (Eds Wu Y, Johnson T, Sing S, Raghu S, Wheeler G, Pratt P, Warner K, Center T, Goolsby J, & Reardon R) Sept 11-16 2011 Waikoloa, Hawaii, USA pp. 123-127.

Sheppard A, Ramadan M (2013) Workshop summary: Biological Control of Fireweed; Past, Present, and Future Directions In: Proceedings of the XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. (Eds Wu Y, Johnson T, Sing S, Raghu S, Wheeler G, Pratt P, Warner K, Center T, Goolsby J, & Reardon R) Sept 11-16 2011 Waikoloa, Hawaii, USA pp. 502-504.

Sheppard A, Warner K, Hill M, McEvoy P, Fowler S, Hill R (2013) Workshop summary: Is classical biological control a 20th Century "old science" paradigm that is losing its way? In: Proceedings

of the XIII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. (Eds Wu Y, Johnson T, Sing S, Raghu S, Wheeler G, Pratt P, Warner K, Center T, Goolsby J, & Reardon R) Sept 11-16 2011 Waikoloa, Hawaii, USA pp. 488-492

Sheppard A, Low T, Glaznig A. 2010 Interactions between invasive species and climate change in a Kakadu context and national priorities for their management. Chapter 13 Proceedings of the Kakadu Climate Change Symposium eds Winderlich S. Atkins S-A. & Webb A. DEWHA (in press)

Sheppard A. (2010) Classical biological control of Miconia: ecological and historical perspectives. In: Loope, L.L., J.-Y. Meyer, B.D. Hardesty and C.W. Smith (eds.), Proceedings of the International Miconia Conference, Keanae, Maui, Hawaii, May 4-7, 2009, 11p. Maui Invasive Species Committee and Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, University of Hawaii at Manoa. http://www.hear.org/conferences/miconia2009/proceedings/

Sheppard AW, Catford JA, Daehler CC, Hardesty D, Murphy HT, Pergl J, Rejmanek M, Westcott DS, Bellingham PJ (2010) Are transformer weeds ecological rule breakers? Proceedings of the 17th Australian Weeds Conference 26-30 September 2010. Proceedings edited by S.M. Zydenbos. Published by New Zealand Plant Protection Society, Christchurch New Zealand, pp. 158-161

Wandrag EM, Sheppard AW, Duncan RP, Hulme PE (2010) Do mutualists matter? The significance of pollinators, seed dispersers and rhizobia on the differential success of Acacia species in New Zealand. Proceedings of the 17th Australian Weeds Conference 26-30 September 2010. Proceedings edited by S.M. Zydenbos. Published by New Zealand Plant Protection Society, Christchurch New Zealand, p. 463

Sheppard AW, Briese DT, Cullen JM, Groves RH, Julien MH, Lonsdale WM, Scott JK & Wapshere AJ (2008) 40-year anniversary review of the CSIRO European Laboratory: does native range research provide good return on investment? In Proceedings of the XII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds (eds Julien, M.H., Sforza, R., Bon, M.C., Evans, H.C., Hatcher, P.E., Hinz, H.L. & Rector, B.G.), pp. 91 - 100. CAB International Wallingford, UK.

Sheppard AW (2006) How to best select an agent for weed biological control. Proceedings of the Californian Conference on Biological Control – V (ed Hodder M.). University of California Citrus Research Center and Agricultural Experiment Station, Riverside, USA pp. 55-65.

Sheppard AW, Hosking JR, Sagliocco J-L, Thomann. T, Downey PO, Kwong RM. (2006) Biological control of brooms in Australia: an update. Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference (ed Preston C.), Adelaide, Australia 573-576.

Downey PO, Sheppard AW (2006) Site- versus species-based approaches to weed management in Australia. Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference (ed Preston C.), Adelaide, Australia pp. 264-267.

Sheppard A, Julien M (2006) Australian biosecurity policies and applications for emerging plant pathogens. In: Actes du Colloque Emergences 2006 “Méthodes et stratégies d’analyse épidémiologique des maladies émergentes chez le végétal, l’animal et l’homme”. FIAP Paris 2-4 October 2006 (Eds Barnouin J and Sache I). INRA Paris France pp. 55-60.

Harrison L, Moeed A, Sheppard A, (2005) Regulation of the release of biological control agents of arthropods in New Zealand and Australia. 2nd International Symposium on Biological Control of Arthropods, Davos, Switzerland, September 2005, pp. 715-725, USDA US Forest Service, FHTET 2005-08, Morgantown, West Virginia

Meyer J-Y, Loope LL, Sheppard AW, Munzinger J, Jaffre T (2005) Les plantes envahissantes et potentiellement envahissantes dans l’archipel néo-calédonien : première évaluation et recommandations de gestion. In : IRD Expertise collégiale « Espèces envahissantes en Nouvelle Calédonie »

Sheppard AW, Loope LL (2005) Les éléments d’un système de détection et de surveillance pour les espèces envahissantes après l’introduction. In : IRD Expertise collégiale « Espèces envahissantes en Nouvelle Calédonie »

Sheppard AW, Loope LL, Pascal M, Jourdan H (2005) Les mesures d’éradication contre les espèces envahissantes et l’efficacité de ces mesures. In : IRD Expertise collégiale « Espèces envahissantes en Nouvelle Calédonie ».

Sheppard AW, Loope LL, Meyer J-Y, Delos M (2005) Analyse de la pertinence des systèmes de biosécurité des espèces envahissantes : caractéristiques techniques, juridiques, organisationnelles. In : IRD Expertise collégiale « Espèces envahissantes en Nouvelle Calédonie »

Delos M, Sheppard AW (2005) Analyse des dispositifs de Biosécurité du pacifique sud – cas particulier du dispositif Néo calédonien : aptitudes à appréhender les espèces envahissantes. In : IRD Expertise collégiale « Espèces envahissantes en Nouvelle Calédonie »

Vitou J, Scott JK, and Sheppard AW. (2004) The patterns of harvester ant removal of wild radish seeds in the native range: the importance of generalist seed predators to weed management. In: Cullen JM et al. (eds) Proc. XIth Int. Symp Biol Contr Weeds, CSIRO Entomology, Canberra, Australia p. 188-192

Sheppard AW and Thomann T (2004) Quantitative field surveys for the selection of biological control agents for Genista monspessulana based on host range and efficacy assessment. In: Cullen JM et al. (eds) Proc. XIth Int. Symp Biol Contr Weeds, CSIRO Entomology, Canberra, Australia. Pp. 162-174.

Galway KE, Duncan RP, Syrett P, Emberson RM, Sheppard AW (2004). Insect performance and host-plant stress: a review from a biological control perspective. In: Cullen JM et al. (eds) Proc. XIth Int. Symp Biol Contr Weeds, CSIRO Entomology, Canberra, Australia. 394-399.

Day M, Briese, DT, Grace BS, Holtkamp RH, Ireson, JE, Sheppard, AW, Spafford Jacob H. (2004) Improving release strategies to increase the establishment rate of weed biocontrol agents. In Sindel BM, Johnson SB (Eds) Proc. 14th Australian. Weeds Conf. Weed Soc of NSW, Sydney p.369-373

Smyth M, Sheppard A, Huwer R (2004) The population and impact of Longitarsus echii Koch (Coleoptera: chrysmelidae), a root-feeding beetle on Echium plantagineum L (Boraginaceae) (Paterson’s curse) under field grazing conditions. In Sindel BM, Johnson SB (Eds) Proc. 14th Australian Weeds Conf. Weeds Conf. Weed Soc of NSW, Sydney p.349-352

Fort N, Brunel S, Maillet J, Sheppard AW (2004) Etudes préliminaires à l’utilisation du puceron Aphis jacobaeae Schrank comme agent de lutte biologique contre une plante envahissante : le Séneçon du Cap, Senecio inaequidens DC. In Annalles XIIeme Colloque International sur la biologie des Mauvaises Herbes, 31 August - 2 September, Dijon, France. INRA Dijon p. 1- 8

Briese D T, Heard T A, McFadyen R E, Sheppard AW, & Spafford Jacob (2003) The selection, testing and evaluation of weed biological control agents: is there still room for improvement. CRC for Australian Weed Management Technical Series 7. p. 1-4

Sheppard AW (2003) Prioritising agents based on predicted efficacy: beyond the lottery approach. In: Improving the selection, testing & evaluation of weed biological control agents. CRC for Australian Weed Management Technical Series 7. p. 11-22.

Sheppard AW, Heard T A, Briese D T (2003) What is needed to improve the selection, testing and evaluation of weed biological control agents. In: Improving the selection, testing & evaluation of weed biological control agents. CRC for Australian Weed Management Technical Series 7. p. 87-98.

Kriticos DJ, Dowling PM, King WMcG, Sheppard AW and Jones RE (2002) 4SPaM: a process-based and weather-driven population model for managing weeds in temperate pastures. Proc. 13th Australian Weeds Conf. (Eds Spafford Jacob H, Dodd J, Moore J H) Plant Protection Society of WA Inc pp. 244-247.

Sheppard AW, Rees M, Smyth M, Grigulis K and Buckley Y (2002) Modelling the population interactions between the crown weevil Mogulones larvatus and its host plant Echium plantagineum. Proc. 13th Australian Weeds Conf. (Eds Spafford Jacob H, Dodd J, Moore J H) Plant Protection Society of WA Inc pp. 248-251.

Smyth M and Sheppard A (2002) Longitarsus echii and its impact on Echium plantagineum (Paterson’s curse) : the insect for the Mediterranean rainfall range of the weed? Proc. 13th Australian Weeds Conf. (Eds Spafford Jacob H, Dodd J, Moore J H) Plant Protection Society of WA Inc pp. 422-425.

Grace BS, Sheppard AW, Vitou J, Whalley RDB and Sindel BM (2002) The ecology of saffron thistle in France and eastern Australia. Proc. 13th Australian Weeds Conf. (Eds Spafford Jacob H, Dodd J, Moore J H) Plant Protection Society of WA Inc pp. 529-532.

Sheppard A and Smyth M (2002) Predicting seedbank decay rates: the effects of field conditions on seed longevity and seedling recruitment in Echium plantagineum L. Proc. 13th Australian Weeds Conf. (Eds Spafford Jacob H, Dodd J, Moore J H) Plant Protection Society of WA Inc pp. 541-544.

Huwer RK, Neave MJ, Dowling PM, Lonsdale WM, Sheppard AW, Briese DT & Michalk DL (2002) Integrated weed management (IWM) in perennial pasture using pasture and grazing management, herbicide strategies and biological control. Proc. 13th Australian Weeds Conf. (Eds Spafford Jacob H, Dodd J, Moore J H) Plant Protection Society of WA Inc pp. 727-730.

Nordblom TL, Smyth MJ, Swirepik A, Sheppard AW, and Briese DT (2002) Benefit-cost analysis for biological control of Echium spp. (Paterson’s curse and related species) in Australia, 1972-2050. Proc. 13th Australian Weeds Conf. (Eds Spafford Jacob H, Dodd J, Moore J H) Plant Protection Society of WA Inc pp. 753-756.

Nordblom TL, Smyth M, Swirepik A, Sheppard A & Briese D (2001) Benefit-cost analysis for biological control of Echium weed species. In Weed Management Systems: an impact assessment (Centre for International Economics). Technical series No. 6. Weeds CRC, University of Adelaide. Pp. 35-43

Huwer RK, Briese DT, Sheppard AW, Woodburn TL, Lonsdale WM, Kemp D, Dowling P, Michalk D, and Jacobs B (2000) IWM- The key to sustainable management of pasture weeds. . Proc. Xth Int. Symp Biol Contr Weeds, Bozeman Montana, USA.

Smyth MJ, Sheppard AW, Huwer R and Dowling P. (2000) The effect of grazing and herbicides on rosette and root feeding insects for the biological control of Paterson’s curse. NSW Agriculture Sheep Meat and Wool Conference, Yanco.

Sheppard AW, Smyth M, Swirepik A (1999) Impact of the root-crown weevil (Mogulones larvatus) and other biological control agents on Paterson’s curse in Australia: an update. Proc.12th Australian Weeds Conf. (Eds. Bishop AC, Boersma M, Barnes CD) Tasmanian Weed Society Devonport, Tasmania pp 343-346.

Grace B, Sindel BM, Sheppard AW, and Whalley RDB (1999) Ecology and management of saffron thistle (Carthamus lanatus L.) in New South Wales pastures. Proc.12th Australian Weeds Conf. (Eds. Bishop AC, Boersma M, Barnes CD) Tasmanian Weed Society Devonport, Tasmania pp 13-15.

Sheppard AW (1997) How can surveys contribute to CRC weed control assessment? Lessons from evaluating biological control success. Surveying weeds workshop proceedings. Plant Protection Quarterly supplement 12: 283-287.

Sheppard AW (1996) The interaction between natural enemies and interspecific plant competition in the control of pasture weeds. Proc. IXth Int. Symp. Biol. Contr. Weeds. (eds VC Moran JH Hoffmann), University of Capetown, South Africa. pp. 47-54.

Sheppard AW, Brun LA, Lewis RC. (1996) A demographic comparison of common heliotrope, Heliotropium europaeum L.: southern Australia and southern France. Proc. 11th Australian Weeds Conf. Weed Science Society of Victoria Inc. pp. 286-290

Smyth M, Sheppard AW (1996) The effect of simulated spray-grazing on the Paterson’s curse crown weevil, Mogulones larvatus, Schultze. Proc, 11th Australian Weeds Conf. Weed Science Society of Victoria Inc. pp. 291-293.

Swirepik A, Sheppard AW, Smyth S. (1996) Meligethes planiusculus (Nitidulidae): an inflorescence-feeding beetle of good potential for the biological control of Paterson’s curse. Proc. 11th Australian Weeds Conf. Weed Science Society of Victoria Inc. pp. 294-297

Fowler SV, Harman HM., Memmott J, Paynter Q, Shaw R, Sheppard AW, Syrett P (1996) Comparing the population dynamics of broom, Cytisus scoparius, as a native plant in the United Kingdom and France and as an invasive alien weed in Australia and New Zealand. Proc. IX Int.

Symp. Biol. Contr. Weeds (eds VC Moran JH Hoffmann), University of Capetown, South Africa. pp. 19-26.

Paynter Q, Fowler SV, .Hinz HL, Memmott J, Shaw R, Sheppard AW, Syrett P (1996). Are seed-feeding insects of use for the biological control of broom? Proc. IX Int. Symp. Biol. Contr. Weeds (eds VC Moran JH Hoffmann), University of Capetown, South Africa. pp. 495-502.

Sheppard AW, Briese DT, Michalakis Y (1995) Host choice in the field in the genus Larinus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) attacking Onopordum and Cynara (Asteraceae). In: Biological Control of Weeds, ES Delfosse, RR Scott (eds) Proc VIIIth Int Symp Biol Contr Weeds, CSIRO Publications, Melbourne, Australia p 605-614.

Chaboudez P, Sheppard AW (1995) Are particular weeds more amenable to biological control? - a reanalysis of mode of reproduction and life history. In: Biological Control of Weeds, ES Delfosse, RR Scott (eds) Proc VIIIth Int Symp Biol Contr Weeds, CSIRO Publications, Melbourne, Australia p. 95-102.

Straw NA, Sheppard AW (1995) The role of plant dispersion in the success and failure of biological control. In: Biological Control of Weeds, ES Delfosse, RR Scott (eds) Proc VIIIth Int Symp Biol Contr Weeds, CSIRO Publications, Melbourne, Australia p. 161-170.

Sheppard AW, Lewis RC, Delfosse ES (1993). The establishment of Uromyces heliotropii Sred., a biological control agent of Heliotropium europaeum L. In: Proc 10th Aust Weeds Conf / 14th Asian Pacific Weed Sci Soc Conf, Brisbane pp. 89-93

Briese DT, Chaboudez P, Jupp PW, Sheppard AW, Wapshere AJ, Woodburn TL (1993) Biological control of temperate weeds in CSIRO. In: Proc VII Biennial Noxious Plants Conference, Forster, NSW Australia, NSW Agriculture pp 129-136

Sheppard AW, Michalakis Y, Briese DT, Thomann T (1992). Spatial scale in the interaction between seed-head weevils and their host plants (Asteraceae, Cardueae), in a Mediterranean sheep-grazing system. In: CA Thanos (ed) Proc 6th Int Conf Medit Climate Ecosys, Crete, Greece pp 183-190

Briese DT, Sheppard AW (1992) Biogeography, host-choice and speciation in two Mediterranean species of the weevil genus Larinus. In: CA Thanos (ed) Proc 6th Int Conf Medit Climate Ecosys, Crete, Greece pp 307-314

Sheppard AW, Cullen JM, Aeschlimann J-P, Sagliocco J-L, Vitou J (1990). The importance of insect herbivores relative to other limiting factors in weed population dynamics: Carduus nutans a case study. Proc VII Int Conf Biol Contr Weeds, Rome, Italy pp 211-220

Client technical reports: Sheppard AW, Baker G, Thomann T, Jourdan M (2017) Sourcing effective control agents of conical

snails (Cochlicella acuta) in Europe for release in southern Australia. Final report GRDC DAS00034 var 2.

Sheppard AW, Morin L (2017) Biological control of Wandering Trad (Tradescantia fluminensis Vell.) Phase 2 Final Report Department of Environment & Energy National Environment Science Program.

Carwardine J, Kottege N, Borges P, Nicol S, Merz T, Bandyopadhyay T, Sheppard A (2016) Scoping study final report on the viability of robotics for the widespread management of prickly acacia. Mawson Robotics project final report.

Sheppard AW, Baker G, Thomann T, Jourdan M (2016) Sourcing effective control agents of conical snails (Cochlicella acuta) in Europe for release in southern Australia. Final report GRDC DAS00034 var 1.

Sheppard AW, Harvey K, Egli D, Olckers T (2016) Prioritized list of potential biological control agents from South Africa for fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) in Australia Contracted research report for Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Commonwealth of Australia

Wright J, Sheppard A, Gleeson P, Robinson R, Serin J (2015) Importation of 2 winter-spring active dung beetles for southern Australia. Final Report MLA project ERM.0123

Sheppard AW, Morin L (2015) Biological control of Wandering Trad (Tradescantia fluminensis Vell.) Phase 1 Final Report Department of Environment & Energy National Environment Science Program.

Morin L, Sheppard A, Paini D, Hinds L. (2014) National Environment and Community Biosecurity Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) Strategy. Department of Agriculture & Water Resources. Final draft.

Sheppard A & Olckers T (2012) Fireweed Control Research(DAFF 179/10) Final Report on investigation of potential biological control agents in South Africa, including the KwaZulu-Natal province and surrounding areas. Contracted research report for Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Commonwealth of Australia.

Sheppard A, Day M, Grice A, Neser A, Chikwenhere G & Mangosho E (2012). An assessment of the status, impact and management of weeds in Zimbabwe, with particular focus on biological control, in the context of food security and sustainable production from smallholdings and water use in lakes and rivers. Contracted research report for ACIAR & AusAid.

Sheppard A & Thomann T (2008) Importation, rearing and field release of the Cape broom psyllid, Arytinnis hakani Final Report for Land and Water Australia under Defeating the Weed Menace. Project No. SARDI1/SARD002240.

Henry K, Sheppard A, Virtue J, Thomann T, Ivory S, Lush A (2008) Application for the approval of the release of the Cape broom psyllid, Arytinnis hakani, a potential biological control agent for Cape broom, Genista monspessulana. Application to Biosecurity Australia, Commonwealth of Australia.

Sheppard A, Thomann T (2006) International Broom Initiative: Biological Control of French Broom: European Native-Range Studies. Phase III Final Report California Department of Food & Agriculture

Sheppard A, Thomann T (2005) European survey for potential root-feeding biological control agents of gorse (Ulex europaeus europaeus L.). A contracted research project for the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research under funding from the National Heritage Trust

Sheppard A, Thomann T (2003) International Broom Initiative: Foreign exploration & host specificity testing of biological control agents of French Broom in California Phase 2. Final report. Californian Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

Sheppard A, Thomann T, Noel V (2002) Final Report on Broom Insect testing for New Zealand in France year 2001-2002 (REF: LCR0102/44/214/ COM2002/00026)

Sheppard A, Thomann T (2002) International Broom Initiative: Foreign exploration & host specificity testing of biological control agents of French Broom in California. Final report. Californian Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

Sheppard A, Thomann T (2000) Survey and selection of agents for the biological control of Montpellier broom, Genista monspessulana. Final Report CRC Weed Management Systems.

Sheppard A, Hosking J (1998) Biological Control of Scotch broom. Grant 96/RR/GO2 NSW Agriculture on behalf of Barrington Tops Broom Council. Final Report for NSW Environmental Trusts

Sheppard A, Hosking J (1996) Biological Control of Scotch broom. Grant 1994/RR/GO1 NSW Agriculture on behalf of Barrington Tops Broom Council. Final Report for NSW Environmental Trusts

10+ CSIRO contracted research reports on the biological control of various Australian weeds from 1986 to 1995.

Media articles last 5 years

Robinson C, DeBarro P, Hansen D, Sheppard A (2016) Building total system health around northern Australian development. ECOS https://blogs.csiro.au/ecos/building-total-system-health-around-northern-australian-development/

Morin L, Sheppard AW, Strive T (2014) Explainer: how ‘biocontrol’ fights invasive species The Conversation article 31298 https://theconversation.com/explainer-how-biocontrol-fights-invasive-species-31298

Morton S, Sheppard AW, Lonsdale WM (2012) Explainer: what is biodiversity and why does it matter? The Conversation article 9798 http://theconversation.edu.au/explainer-what-is-biodiversity-and-why-does-it-matter-9798