Metadata
Title
Berndt Janse Van Rensburg
Category
general
UUID
bd95843686a149b390ea3bf067c46e30
Source URL
https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2769
Parent URL
https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1246
Crawl Time
2026-03-11T07:37:52+00:00
Rendered Raw Markdown 
# Berndt Janse Van Rensburg

**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2769
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1246

Dr

# Berndt Janse Van Rensburg

Email:
:   [b.vanrensburg@uq.edu.au](mailto:b.vanrensburg@uq.edu.au)

Phone:
:   [+61 7 336 58382](tel:+61 7 336 58382)

## Positions

Affiliate of Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science
:   Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science
:   Faculty of Science

Coordinator: Master of Conservation
:   School of the Environment
:   Faculty of Science

## Overview

### Background

My research interests span a broad range of topics, including biogeographic and macroecological studies, spatial ecology, invasion biology and the integration of these fields. I therefore have a general interest to understand the mechanisms, both biological and anthropogenic, that account for changes in environmental variables and that translate into altered patterns in the distribution of biodiversity. Understanding such patterns at different spatial scales while considering different taxonomic groups is in my opinion an important component of efficient conservation planning. I also have a major interest in topics related to conservation focusing on the identification of bioindicator species that may reflect some measure of the character of the habitat within which they are found. As coordinator of the Masters of Conservation Biology course, I will be responsible for the development and running of the course. I hold an Extra-ordinary Professor position with the University of Pretoria (Dept. Zoology & Entomology).

Read more
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### Availability

Dr Berndt Janse Van Rensburg is:
:   Available for supervision

### Fields of research

[Biological Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4771)

### Qualifications

- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Pretoria

### Research interests

- #### Terrestrial ecology

  My research interests span a broad range of topics, including biogeographic and macroecological studies, spatial ecology, invasion biology and the integration of these fields. I therefore have a general interest to understand the mechanisms, both biological and anthropogenic, that account for changes in environmental variables and that translate into altered patterns in the distribution of biodiversity. Understanding such patterns at different spatial scales while considering different taxonomic groups is in my opinion an important component of efficient conservation planning. I also have a major interest in topics related to conservation focusing on the identification of bioindicator species that may reflect some measure of the character of the habitat within which they are found. As coordinator of the Masters of Conservation Biology course, I will be responsible for the development and running of the course. I hold an Extra-ordinary Professor position with the University of Pretoria (Dept. Zoology & Entomology).

  Read more
  Read less

## Works

[Search Professor Berndt Janse Van Rensburg’s works on UQ eSpace](http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list/author_id/92636)

[All
(93)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2769/all)
[Journal Article
(85)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2769/4748)
[Other Outputs
(2)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2769/4749)
[Conference Publication
(4)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2769/4751)
[Book Chapter
(2)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2769/4752)

2026

Journal Article

##### Implementing the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Targets

Gittleman, John L., Pimm, Stuart L., Van Rensburg, Berndt J., Van Houtan, Kyle S. and Roberts, Callum M. (2026). Implementing the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Targets. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 123 (2) e2514761123. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2514761123

[Implementing the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Targets](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:9a00b14)

2025

Journal Article

##### Artificial light influences urban habitat use by insectivorous bats

Davis, Rani, Van Rensburg, Berndt J., Haddock, Joanna, Blomberg, Simone, Dayanandra, Buddhi, Buelow, Christina, Ford, Greg and Reside, April E. (2025). Artificial light influences urban habitat use by insectivorous bats. Landscape Ecology, 40 (8) 161, 1-18. doi: 10.1007/s10980-025-02176-z

[Artificial light influences urban habitat use by insectivorous bats](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5eb08d0)

2025

Journal Article

##### Feeding habits of leopards and leopard cats in the fragmented forests surrounding the Kathmandu Valley

Manandhar, Prajwol, Pereira, Keren S., Kusi, Naresh, Joshi, Jyoti, Levin, Noam, Chaudhary, Hemanta K., Wultsch, Claudia, Lamichhane, Sandesh, Bhandari, Suman, Guragain, Laba, Rajbhandari, Rajesh M., Rensburg, Berndt J. V., Kark, Salit and Karmacharya, Dibesh (2025). Feeding habits of leopards and leopard cats in the fragmented forests surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. Ecology and Evolution, 15 (2) e70927, 1-17. doi: 10.1002/ece3.70927

[Feeding habits of leopards and leopard cats in the fragmented forests surrounding the Kathmandu Valley](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8bde442)

2025

Other Outputs

##### Nocturnal soundscapes - updated version

Jorge, Felipe and Janse Van Rensburg, Berndt (2025). Nocturnal soundscapes - updated version. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/0b5f944

[Nocturnal soundscapes - updated version](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0b5f944)

2025

Other Outputs

##### Nocturnal soundscapes - superseded version

Jorge, Felipe and Janse Van Rensburg, Berndt (2025). Nocturnal soundscapes - superseded version. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/ff2e9ab

[Nocturnal soundscapes - superseded version](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ff2e9ab)

2024

Journal Article

##### Context-dependent directional effects of termite mounds on soil nutrients, vegetation communities, and mammalian foraging

Davies, Andrew B., Levick, Shaun R., van Rensburg, Berndt J., Robertson, Mark P. and Parr, Catherine L. (2024). Context-dependent directional effects of termite mounds on soil nutrients, vegetation communities, and mammalian foraging. Ecosphere, 15 (9) e4978, 1-11. doi: 10.1002/ecs2.4978

[Context-dependent directional effects of termite mounds on soil nutrients, vegetation communities, and mammalian foraging](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f7e03d0)

2024

Journal Article

##### Effective ecological monitoring using passive acoustic sensors: recommendations for conservation practitioners

Teixeira, Daniella, Roe, Paul, van Rensburg, Berndt J., Linke, Simon, McDonald, Paul G., Tucker, David and Fuller, Susan (2024). Effective ecological monitoring using passive acoustic sensors: recommendations for conservation practitioners. Conservation Science and Practice, 6 (6) 13132, 1-15. doi: 10.1111/csp2.13132

[Effective ecological monitoring using passive acoustic sensors: recommendations for conservation practitioners](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:c4fbaf5)

2024

Journal Article

##### Challenges and possible conservation implications of recolonizing dholes Cuon alpinus in Nepal

Ghimirey, Yadav, Acharya, Raju, Yadav, Kaushal, Rai, Jeevan, Baral, Rishi, Neupane, Utsav, Basnet, Binod, Gilbert, Martin, Poudel, Shashank and van Rensburg, Berndt J. (2024). Challenges and possible conservation implications of recolonizing dholes Cuon alpinus in Nepal. Oryx, 58 (3), 1-9. doi: 10.1017/s003060532300073x

[Challenges and possible conservation implications of recolonizing dholes Cuon alpinus in Nepal](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8fbe7d5)

2023

Journal Article

##### Alien vs. predator: Impacts of invasive species and native predators on urban nest box use by native birds

Rogers, Andrew M., Lermite, Françoise, Griffin, Andrea S., van Rensburg, Berndt J. and Kark, Salit (2023). Alien vs. predator: Impacts of invasive species and native predators on urban nest box use by native birds. Animals, 13 (11) 1807, 1-14. doi: 10.3390/ani13111807

[Alien vs. predator: Impacts of invasive species and native predators on urban nest box use by native birds](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ba3d45b)

2022

Journal Article

##### Distributional overlap and potential competition between a threatened habitat specialist and generalist frog species in coastal wallum habitats of South East Queensland, Australia

Filer, Alannah, Meyer, Edward A. and van Rensburg, Berndt J. (2022). Distributional overlap and potential competition between a threatened habitat specialist and generalist frog species in coastal wallum habitats of
South East
Queensland, Australia. Austral Ecology, 47 (7), 1-6. doi: 10.1111/aec.13236

[Distributional overlap and potential competition between a threatened habitat specialist and generalist frog species in coastal wallum habitats of
South East
Queensland, Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:20aad83)

2022

Journal Article

##### Fledge or fail: Nest monitoring of endangered black-cockatoos using bioacoustics and open-source call recognition

Teixeira, Daniella, Linke, Simon, Hill, Richard, Maron, Martine and van Rensburg, Berndt J. (2022). Fledge or fail: Nest monitoring of endangered black-cockatoos using bioacoustics and open-source call recognition. Ecological Informatics, 69 101656, 101656. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2022.101656

[Fledge or fail: Nest monitoring of endangered black-cockatoos using bioacoustics and open-source call recognition](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ef30878)

2021

Journal Article

##### A novel frog chorusing recognition method with acoustic indices and machine learning

Gan, Hongxiao, Zhang, Jinglan, Towsey, Michael, Truskinger, Anthony, Stark, Debra, van Rensburg, Berndt J., Li, Yuefeng and Roe, Paul (2021). A novel frog chorusing recognition method with acoustic indices and machine learning. Future Generation Computer Systems, 125, 485-495. doi: 10.1016/j.future.2021.06.019

[A novel frog chorusing recognition method with acoustic indices and machine learning](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1f2bbb7)

2021

Journal Article

##### The role of invasion and urbanization gradients in shaping avian community composition

Rogers, Andrew M, Griffin, Andrea S, Lermite, Françoise, van Rensburg, Berndt, Archibald, Carla and Kark, Salit (2021). The role of invasion and urbanization gradients in shaping avian community composition. Journal of Urban Ecology, 7 (1) juab030. doi: 10.1093/jue/juab030

[The role of invasion and urbanization gradients in shaping avian community composition](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7a132dd)

2021

Journal Article

##### The impact of fire on the quality of drooping sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) cones for the endangered Kangaroo Island glossy black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus)

Delzoppo, Nicholas A., Berris, Karleah, Teixeira, Daniella and van Rensburg, Berndt (2021). The impact of fire on the quality of drooping sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) cones for the endangered Kangaroo Island glossy black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus). Global Ecology and Conservation, 28 e01645, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01645

[The impact of fire on the quality of drooping sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) cones for the endangered Kangaroo Island glossy black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus)](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:36f2fee)

2021

Journal Article

##### Vocal signals of ontogeny and fledging in nestling black-cockatoos: implications for monitoring

Teixeira, Daniella, Hill, Richard, Barth, Michael, Maron, Martine and van Rensburg, Berndt J. (2021). Vocal signals of ontogeny and fledging in nestling black-cockatoos: implications for monitoring. Bioacoustics, 31 (4), 1-18. doi: 10.1080/09524622.2021.1941257

[Vocal signals of ontogeny and fledging in nestling black-cockatoos: implications for monitoring](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:b75f671)

2021

Journal Article

##### Assessing acoustic competition between sibling frog species using rhythm analysis

Filer, Alannah, Burchardt, Lara S. and Rensburg, Berndt J. (2021). Assessing acoustic competition between sibling frog species using rhythm analysis. Ecology and Evolution, 11 (13) ece3.7713, 1-17. doi: 10.1002/ece3.7713

[Assessing acoustic competition between sibling frog species using rhythm analysis](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:081c8c2)

2021

Journal Article

##### First report on Chenopodium quinoa Willdenow (Amaranthaceae) stem-boring damage by Athesapeuta dodonis (Marshall) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) with associated fungal spp. interactions in South Africa

Weeks, W. J. and van Rensburg, B. Janse (2021). First report on Chenopodium quinoa Willdenow (Amaranthaceae) stem-boring damage by Athesapeuta dodonis (Marshall) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) with associated fungal spp. interactions in South Africa. African Entomology, 29 (1), 289-295. doi: 10.4001/003.029.0289

[First report on Chenopodium quinoa Willdenow (Amaranthaceae) stem-boring damage by Athesapeuta dodonis (Marshall) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) with associated fungal spp. interactions in South Africa](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8ef2526)

2020

Journal Article

##### Data selection in frog chorusing recognition with acoustic indices

Gan, Hongxiao, Zhang, Jinglan, Towsey, Michael, Truskinger, Anthony, Stark, Debra, van Rensburg, Berndt J., Li, Yuefeng and Roe, Paul (2020). Data selection in frog chorusing recognition with acoustic indices. Ecological Informatics, 60 101160, 101160. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2020.101160

[Data selection in frog chorusing recognition with acoustic indices](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f719aa9)

2020

Journal Article

##### Carcass yields and physiochemical meat quality characteristics of Namibian gemsbok (Oryx gazella) as influenced by muscle, gender and age

Hoffman, Louwrens C., van Schalkwyk, Diana L., Muller, Magdalena, Needham, Tersia, van Rensburg, Berndt J. and McMillin, Kenneth W. (2020). Carcass yields and physiochemical meat quality characteristics of Namibian gemsbok (Oryx gazella) as influenced by muscle, gender and age. Meat Science, 169 108208, 108208. doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2020.108208

[Carcass yields and physiochemical meat quality characteristics of Namibian gemsbok (Oryx gazella) as influenced by muscle, gender and age](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:462d375)

2020

Journal Article

##### Nest-associated vocal behaviours of the south-eastern red-tailed black cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus banksii graptogyne, and the Kangaroo Island glossy black cockatoo, C. lathami halmaturinus

Teixeira, Daniella, Hill, Richard, Barth, Michael, Maron, Martine and van Rensburg, Berndt J. (2020). Nest-associated vocal behaviours of the south-eastern red-tailed black cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus banksii graptogyne, and the Kangaroo Island glossy black cockatoo, C. lathami halmaturinus. Austral Ecology, 45 (7), 990-1006. doi: 10.1111/aec.12921

[Nest-associated vocal behaviours of the south-eastern red-tailed black cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus banksii graptogyne, and the Kangaroo Island glossy black cockatoo, C. lathami halmaturinus](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:67c4444)

## Funding

### Past funding

- 2022 - 2025

  Assessing wetland restoration effectiveness for frogs using acoustic monitoring

  The Moreton Bay Foundation Members Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/55617)
- 2018 - 2019

  Smart Cities and Suburbs Grant SCS59465 - Engaging the community to preserve frogs through acoustic technology

  Smart Cities and Suburbs Program

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/34617)
- 2017 - 2024

  Acoustic observatory: A network to monitor biodiversity across Australia (ARC LIEF project administered by Queensland University of Technology)

  Queensland University of Technology

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/29820)
- 2016 - 2017

  A river runs through: bird communities of riparian corridors in exotic plantations

  Birds Queensland

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/30220)
- 2016 - 2021

  Minimising the impact of urban development on multi species metapopulations

  Stockland Development Pty Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/29581)
- 2016 - 2017

  Minimising the impact of urban development on multi species metapopulations

  Australian Wetland Consulting Pty Ltd

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/28759)
- 2014 - 2016

  The role of behavioural interactions in shaping invasion dynamics: A global synthesis using the common myna as a model system

  ARC Discovery Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/21026)

View all 7 past funded projects
View less

## Supervision

### Availability

Dr Berndt Janse Van Rensburg is:
:   Available for supervision

Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on [how to choose a supervisor](https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/how-to-choose-a-supervisor).

### Supervision history

#### Current supervision

- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### An analysis of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) population dynamics in its southern African stronghold ofBotswana

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Diana Fisher](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/397)

#### Completed supervision

- 2026

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Vocal diversity in an Australian open forest: insights from passive acoustic monitoring](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:d832c51)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Richard Fuller](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1992)
- 2023

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The Australian acid frogs: patterns, processes, and conservation](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5389ada)

  Principal Advisor
- 2022

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Monitoring vocal terrestrial species: Assessing and improving the effectiveness of acoustic monitoring methodologies](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:9368838)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr John Dwyer](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1246)
- 2020

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Bioacoustic monitoring of breeding behaviour in the endangered Kangaroo Island glossy black-cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus, and south-eastern red-tailed black-cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus banksii graptogyne](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8259dac)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Martine Maron](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2024)
- 2019

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The role of habitat variability and interactions around nesting cavities in shaping urban bird communities](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ee3a73e)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Salit Kark](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1793)
- 2017

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Implications of vegetation clearing biases for the interpretation of landscape-scale species-area relationships](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:598753)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Martine Maron](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2024)

View all 6 completed supervisions
View less

## Media

### Enquiries

For media enquiries about Dr Berndt Janse Van Rensburg's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

[communications@uq.edu.au](mailto:communications@uq.edu.au)

## External profiles

- [ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5274-5536)
- [ResearcherID](https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/A-4154-2009)
- [Scopus](https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=6701762058)
- [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=g7h_8boAAAAJ)

## Personal links

- [Personal profile](https://biological-sciences.uq.edu.au/profile/624/berndt-janse-van-rensburg)

## Social media

- [X](https://twitter.com/BerndtVan)

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