Metadata
Title
Rod Fensham
Category
general
UUID
c3fc4ff599d84d7eb39d8e5abfeb07e1
Source URL
https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1089
Parent URL
https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1246
Crawl Time
2026-03-11T07:37:47+00:00
Rendered Raw Markdown 
# Rod Fensham

**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1089
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1246

Professor

# Rod Fensham

Email:
:   [r.fensham@uq.edu.au](mailto:r.fensham@uq.edu.au)

Phone:
:   [+61 7 334 67737](tel:+61 7 334 67737)

## Positions

Professor
:   School of the Environment
:   Faculty of Science

## Overview

### Background

In 2020 I formed the Fellowship of the Spring, an international consortium of people concerned with understanding dryland springs and securing their preservation. We are about 40 people spanning 25 countries from a broad range of disciplines, who collaborate with particular attention to fostering work in countries with disadvantage. This platform, focussed on the concept of an 'oasis' provides for multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary exchange. The Felloship of the Spring has its foundation in quantitative field ecology in Queensland. I have ongoing research interest in threatened plant species assessment, and other interests relating to avoiding extinction and better managing our natural resources. I have far more ideas than capacity to fulfil them, so welcome committed post-grads to discuss potential projects.

Research themes:

**Artesian springs**

Artesian springs are isolated oases in a sea of arid-lands containing weird and wonderful endemic creatures including snails, crustacea, plants and fish. The springs provide a focus for research relating to their hydrological function, cultural significance conservation, optimum management and biogeographic history.

**Threatened species**

Applied ecology relating to the ecology of threatened species generates insights into their habitat and leads to tangible conservation outcomes.

Read more
Read less

### Availability

Professor Rod Fensham is:
:   Available for supervision

### Fields of research

[Ecology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4872)
[Environmental Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4773)
[Plant biology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4799)

## Works

[Search Professor Rod Fensham’s works on UQ eSpace](http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list/author_id/2172)

[All
(259)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1089/all)
[Book
(3)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1089/4747)
[Journal Article
(226)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1089/4748)
[Other Outputs
(19)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1089/4749)
[Conference Publication
(4)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1089/4751)
[Book Chapter
(7)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1089/4752)

2025

Journal Article

##### Vegetation flammability contributes to alternative stable states in arid Australia

Wright, Boyd, Curran, Timothy and Fensham, Roderick J. (2025). Vegetation flammability contributes to alternative stable states in arid Australia. International Journal of Wildland Fire WF25252. doi: 10.1071/wf25252

[Vegetation flammability contributes to alternative stable states in arid Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:783a7d6)

2025

Journal Article

##### Myrtle rust continues to blight subtropical rainforest trees: Strategies for resurrecting the living dead

Fensham, Roderick J., Butler, Damian, Espe, Brandan, Paxton, Isabella J., Radford-smith, Julian and Shaw, Spencer (2025). Myrtle rust continues to blight subtropical rainforest trees: Strategies for resurrecting the living dead. Austral Ecology, 50 (12) e70155, 1-11. doi: 10.1111/aec.70155

[Myrtle rust continues to blight subtropical rainforest trees: Strategies for resurrecting the living dead](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:824f8f0)

2025

Journal Article

##### Oases of the world: Urgent call to save key archives for cultural and biological diversity

Bretzke, Knut, Sanz, Nuria, Falkenhahn, Mechthilde, Alsaif, Sarah S. A., Cantonati, Marco, Dalton, Matthew, Li, Feng, Fensham, Rod, Hernández-Agüero, Juan A., Hohberg, Karin, Jeschke, Jonathan M., Jeuthe, Clara, Kindermann, Karin, McCorriston, Joy, Purdue, Louise, Saber, Abdullah A., Schmitt, Thomas, Stevens, Lawrence E., Wesche, Karsten, Zarfl, Christiane, Conard, Nicholas J. and Tockner, Klement (2025). Oases of the world: Urgent call to save key archives for cultural and biological diversity. npj Heritage Science, 13 (1) 563. doi: 10.1038/s40494-025-02118-7

[Oases of the world: Urgent call to save key archives for cultural and biological diversity](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8df9e10)

2025

Journal Article

##### Before and after aquifer development: A rare history of a large spring complex in the Great Artesian Basin, Australia

Fensham, R.J. and Laffineur, B. (2025). Before and after aquifer development: A rare history of a large spring complex in the Great Artesian Basin, Australia. Journal of Hydrology, 661 (Part C) 133726, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.133726

[Before and after aquifer development: A rare history of a large spring complex in the Great Artesian Basin, Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:34eaa49)

2025

Journal Article

##### Reply to: National-scale datasets underestimate vegetation recovery in Australian human-induced native forest regeneration carbon sequestration projects

Macintosh, Andrew, Evans, Megan C., Butler, Don, Larraondo, Pablo, Waschka, Marie, Eldridge, David, Lindenmayer, David, Gibbons, Philip, Fensham, Rod and Ansell, Dean (2025). Reply to: National-scale datasets underestimate vegetation recovery in Australian human-induced native forest regeneration carbon sequestration projects. Communications Earth & Environment, 6 (1) 803, 1. doi: 10.1038/s43247-025-02726-y

[Reply to: National-scale datasets underestimate vegetation recovery in Australian human-induced native forest regeneration carbon sequestration projects](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a1ef9c0)

2025

Journal Article

##### Reversal of rainforest invasion and recovery after drought in Australian savanna

Fensham, R. J., Drimer, J. and Macdermott, H. (2025). Reversal of rainforest invasion and recovery after drought in Australian savanna. Austral Ecology, 50 (10) e70132, 1-7. doi: 10.1111/aec.70132

[Reversal of rainforest invasion and recovery after drought in Australian savanna](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:40c3e3b)

2025

Journal Article

##### Rhodamnia zombi I.J.Paxton, Fensham & Guymer (Myrtaceae), a new species of rainforest tree from south-east Queensland

Paxton, Isabella J., Fensham, Roderick J. and Guymer, Gordon P. (2025). Rhodamnia zombi I.J.Paxton, Fensham & Guymer (Myrtaceae), a new species of rainforest tree from south-east Queensland. Austrobaileya, 15, 42-51.

[Rhodamnia zombi I.J.Paxton, Fensham & Guymer (Myrtaceae), a new species of rainforest tree from south-east Queensland](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:b5167b0)

2025

Journal Article

##### Surface-temperature silica springs of the eastern Great Artesian Basin – Hydrogeology and hydrochemistry

Webb, J. A., Fensham, R. J. and Laffineur, B. (2025). Surface-temperature silica springs of the eastern Great Artesian Basin – Hydrogeology and hydrochemistry. Journal of Hydrology, 659 133311, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.133311

[Surface-temperature silica springs of the eastern Great Artesian Basin – Hydrogeology and hydrochemistry](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:226f29d)

2025

Journal Article

##### Spatially variable recruitment response to fire severity in golden-top wattle (Acacia mariae, family: Fabaceae), a thicket-forming shrub of semi-arid forests

Wright, Boyd R., Andrew, Damien D., Hewins, Michael, Hewitt, Claire and Fensham, Roderick J. (2025). Spatially variable recruitment response to fire severity in golden-top wattle (Acacia mariae, family: Fabaceae), a thicket-forming shrub of semi-arid forests. Australian Journal of Botany, 73 (1) BT24023, 1-12. doi: 10.1071/bt24023

[Spatially variable recruitment response to fire severity in golden-top wattle (Acacia mariae, family: Fabaceae), a thicket-forming shrub of semi-arid forests](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:55ea7a9)

2025

Book Chapter

##### Groundwater: an important resource of urban water supply in Libya

Hamad, Salah and Fensham, Rod (2025). Groundwater: an important resource of urban water supply in Libya. Water resources of Libya: challenges and management. (pp. 41-66) edited by Hamdi A. Zurqani. Cham, Switzerland: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-80920-0\_3

[Groundwater: an important resource of urban water supply in Libya](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:86bcc0a)

2024

Journal Article

##### Unsafe havens: the meaning and use of springs in the central region of Afar province in Ethiopia

Fensham, Roderick, Bil’a, Ali Ahmed, Idris, Adem Mohammed, Gebrehiwot, Kflay, Fetahi, Tadesse and Estifanos, Getacher Beyene (2024). Unsafe havens: the meaning and use of springs in the central region of Afar province in Ethiopia. Water, 16 (24) 3698, 3698. doi: 10.3390/w16243698

[Unsafe havens: the meaning and use of springs in the central region of Afar province in Ethiopia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:e73a49d)

2024

Journal Article

##### The fire environment of five Australian cities

Fensham, R. J., Dowdy, A., Grice, Z. C. and Laffineur, B. (2024). The fire environment of five Australian cities. Natural Hazards, 121 (5). doi: 10.1007/s11069-024-06975-6

[The fire environment of five Australian cities](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7b6663d)

2024

Journal Article

##### Springs of the Arabian Desert: hydrogeology and hydrochemistry of Abu Jir Springs, Central Iraq

Webb, John A., Jotheri, Jaafar and Fensham, Rod J. (2024). Springs of the Arabian Desert: hydrogeology and hydrochemistry of Abu Jir Springs, Central Iraq. Water, 16 (17) 2491, 1-18. doi: 10.3390/w16172491

[Springs of the Arabian Desert: hydrogeology and hydrochemistry of Abu Jir Springs, Central Iraq](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:95081f6)

2024

Journal Article

##### The cultural ecohydrogeology of Mediterranean-climate springs: a global review with case studies

Pascual, Roger, Piana, Lucia, Bhat, Sami Ullah, Castro, Pedro Fidel, Corbera, Jordi, Cummings, Dion, Delgado, Cristina, Eades, Eugene, Fensham, Roderick J., Fernández-Martínez, Marcos, Ferreira, Verónica, Filippini, Maria, García, Guillermo, Gargini, Alessandro, Hopper, Stephen D., Knapp, Lynette, Lewis, Ian D., Peñuelas, Josep, Preece, Catherine, Resh, Vincent H., Romero, Estela, Samraoui, Boudjéma, Samraoui, Farrah, Segadelli, Stefano, Skoulikidis, Nikolaos Th., Solak, Cüneyt N., Solé, Jaume, Villholth, Karen G., Wani, Huma Khurshid ... Stevens, Lawrence E. (2024). The cultural ecohydrogeology of Mediterranean-climate springs: a global review with case studies. Environments, 11 (6) 110, 110. doi: 10.3390/environments11060110

[The cultural ecohydrogeology of Mediterranean-climate springs: a global review with case studies](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:90d5be5)

2024

Journal Article

##### Surface water catchment deformation-toward a conceptual model: the case study of Zarqa river catchment, Jordan

Odeh, Taleb, Mohammad, Alsharifa Hind, Fensham, Rod and Webb, John (2024). Surface water catchment deformation-toward a conceptual model: the case study of Zarqa river catchment, Jordan. Environmental Earth Sciences, 83 (9) 268, 1-12. doi: 10.1007/s12665-024-11577-3

[Surface water catchment deformation-toward a conceptual model: the case study of Zarqa river catchment, Jordan](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7e11669)

2024

Journal Article

##### Australian human-induced native forest regeneration carbon offset projects have limited impact on changes in woody vegetation cover and carbon removals

Macintosh, Andrew, Butler, Don, Larraondo, Pablo, Evans, Megan C., Ansell, Dean, Waschka, Marie, Fensham, Rod, Eldridge, David, Lindenmayer, David, Gibbons, Philip and Summerfield, Paul (2024). Australian human-induced native forest regeneration carbon offset projects have limited impact on changes in woody vegetation cover and carbon removals. Communications Earth and Environment, 5 (1) 149, 1-11. doi: 10.1038/s43247-024-01313-x

[Australian human-induced native forest regeneration carbon offset projects have limited impact on changes in woody vegetation cover and carbon removals](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7d35581)

2024

Journal Article

##### Fuel dynamics and rarity of fire weather reinforce coexistence of rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest

Fensham, R. J., Laffineur, B. and Browning, O. (2024). Fuel dynamics and rarity of fire weather reinforce coexistence of rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest. Forest Ecology and Management, 553 121598, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.foreco.2023.121598

[Fuel dynamics and rarity of fire weather reinforce coexistence of rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:9f8d01b)

2024

Journal Article

##### Evaluating groundwater storage variations in Afghanistan using GRACE, GLDAS, and in-situ measurements

Jawadi, Hussain Ali, Farahmand, Asadullah, Fensham, Roderick and Patel, Nilanchal (2024). Evaluating groundwater storage variations in Afghanistan using GRACE, GLDAS, and in-situ measurements. Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, 10 (4), 5669-5685. doi: 10.1007/s40808-024-02084-2

[Evaluating groundwater storage variations in Afghanistan using GRACE, GLDAS, and in-situ measurements](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:16e0d2e)

2023

Journal Article

##### The secret life of oases

Fensham, Rod (2023). The secret life of oases. New Scientist, 260 (3464), 40-43. doi: 10.1016/S0262-4079(23)02106-1

[The secret life of oases](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:eb1faaf)

2023

Journal Article

##### Fellowship of the Spring: an initiative to document and protect the world's oases

Fensham, Roderick J., Adinehvand, Rouhollah, Babidge, Sally, Cantonati, Marco, Currell, Matthew, Daniele, Linda, Elci, Alper, Galassi, Diana M. P., de la Hera Portillo, África, Hamad, Salah, Han, Dongmei, Jawadi, Hussain Ali, Jotheri, Jaafar, Laffineur, Boris, Mohammad, Alsharifa Hind, Naqinezhad, Alireza, Navidtalab, Amin, Nicoll, Kathleen, Odeh, Taleb, Re, Viviana, Sanjuan, Bernard, Souza, Valeria, Stevens, Lawrence E., Tekere, Memory, Tshibalo, Ernest, Silcock, Jennifer, Webb, John, van Wyk, Braam, Zamanpoore, Mehrdad and Villholth, Karen G. (2023). Fellowship of the Spring: an initiative to document and protect the world's oases. Science of The Total Environment, 887 163936, 163936. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163936

[Fellowship of the Spring: an initiative to document and protect the world's oases](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:cd8860d)

## Funding

### Current funding

- 2022 - 2026

  Cryobiotechnology innovations to help fight the Myrtle rust pandemic (ARC Linkage Project administered by Curtin University)

  Curtin University

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/56148)
- 2017 - 2026

  Collaborative Research in Aquatic Toxicology

  Queensland Government Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/33121)
- 2014 - 2026

  Lake Eyre Basin Springs Assessment

  Queensland Government Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/23595)

### Past funding

- 2023

  Springs monitoring in relation to bore capping

  Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/63528)
- 2021 - 2024

  Hydrogeological drivers and fate of spring flow in a semi-arid setting (ARC Linkage Project led by Flinders University)

  Flinders University

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/48126)
- 2020 - 2022

  Springs monitoring in relation to bore capping

  DC Solutions Ltd

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/41565)
- 2017 - 2020

  Factors determining the spread and impact of the exotic grass Bothriochloa pertusa (Indian couch) into native pastures.

  The Ecological Society of Australia Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/33476)
- 2014 - 2021

  NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub

  National Environmental Science Program

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/23636)
- 2014 - 2019

  Grassland Research Project

  Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/22352)
- 2014 - 2017

  Predicting the consequences of drought-induced mortality for tree species in a changing climate

  ARC Discovery Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/21051)
- 2013 - 2014

  Taroom wetlands flora survey

  Fitzroy Basin Association Inc.

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/15966)
- 2012 - 2015

  Ecological & hydrogeological survey of Great Artesian Basins

  UniQuest Pty Ltd

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/14991)
- 2011 - 2014

  The biological diversity and carbon sequestration of rainforest regrowth in tropical Queensland (ARC Linkage Project adminstered by James Cook University)

  James Cook University

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/16012)
- 2009 - 2010

  Water remote grazing management

  South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/11960)
- 2009 - 2013

  Trioncinia Retroflexa (Asteraceae) Reintroduction Project

  Rio Tinto Coal Australia Pty Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/10632)

View all 12 past funded projects
View less

## Supervision

### Availability

Professor Rod Fensham 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

- Master Philosophy

  ##### The Gibson Desert Bushfoods Diet Intervention Study for Type 2 Diabetes

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Brooke Devlin](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/38711)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### The Microneurae group of the genus Acacia Mill. (Fabaceae Lindl., Acacia Sect. Plurinerves): phylogenetics and species delimitation

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Lyn Cook](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1764)

#### Completed supervision

- 2024

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Systematics of Eriocaulon L. (Eriocaulaceae Martinov.) in Australasia - phylogenomics, historical biogeography, and landscape genomics](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1e8ebcc)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Lyn Cook](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1764)
- 2023

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Restoration of Australian Subtropical Grasslands](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a3ea2c4)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr John Dwyer](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1246)
- 2021

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Factors determining the spread and impact of the exotic grass indian couch (Bothriochloa pertusa) into native ecosystems](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ec69492)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr John Dwyer](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1246)
- 2015

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Degraded or just dusty?: 150 years of ecological change in inland eastern Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:347740)

  Principal Advisor
- 2025

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Boom, bust or persist? Mapping resource availability over time to support conservation management in the low-predictability, heterogeneous drylands of Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:2d69bd6)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Stuart Phinn](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/56)
- 2025

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The Botanic Practice of Frederick Manson Bailey: Science through a Historical Lens](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a45de1e)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Geoff Ginn](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/166)
- 2018

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The ecology of narrow-range endemic macro-invertebrates of Great Artesian Basin springs](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:715229)

  Associate Advisor
- 2015

  Master Philosophy

  ##### [Evaluating the rarity and history of population of the endangered Australian endemic plant Trioncinia retroflexa (Asteraceae): potential consequences for management and conservation](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:354467)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Daniel Ortiz-Barrientos](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1819)
- 2013

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Exotic pasture grass invasion in fragmented ecosystems: a Brigalow case study](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:292488)

  Associate Advisor
- 2010

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Dynamics of tree growth and mortality and implications for restoration and carbon sequestration in Australian agricultural landscapes](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:194256)

  Associate Advisor
- 2007

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### CULTURAL LANDSCAPES: A HISTORY AND ANALYSIS OF THE DRIVERS OF LANDSCAPE CHANGE IN THE SOUTHERN BRIGALOW BELT, QUEENSLAND, 1840-2004

  Associate Advisor

View all 11 completed supervisions
View less

## Media

### Enquiries

For media enquiries about Professor Rod Fensham'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/0000-0003-3658-5867)
- [ResearcherID](https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/G-7342-2012)
- [Scopus](https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=7003689075)

## Personal links

- [Personal profile](http://ecologyforoutcomes.wordpress.com/)

Log in to Academic Portal to update your profile

[Update my profile](https://academicportal.app.uq.edu.au/profile/)