top of page
This site was designed with the
.com
website builder. Create your website today.Start Now

Dr Ryan Blanchard

 

Ryan completed his BSc, BSc hons, MSc at the University of Cape Town and PhD at Stellenbosch University. During this time he developed a general interest in ecology, but more specifically focusing on the impacts of invasive alien plants on biodiversity and ecosystem services. He has worked on riparian systems in the Western Cape and assessed the recovery of fynbos vegetation following fire on Table Mountain.

 

Ryan's recent work has focused on the potential for bioenergy crops to become invasive as well as to determine the impacts of landuse change associated with biofuel production. This work explores the links between landscape structure and function, biodiversity and ecosystem services and human development. The techniques he uses include spatial analysis, biodiversity indicators and ecosystem service models. 

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

 

  • Blanchard R., O’ Farrell P.J., Richardson D.M. (2015). Anticipating potential biodiversity conflicts for future biofuel crops in South Africa: incorporating spatial filters with species distribution models. GCB Bioenergy, 7(2):273-287.

 

  • Blanchard, R., Richardson, D.M., O’Farrell, P.J. (2011). Biofuels and biodiversity in South Africa. South African Journal of Science, 107(5/6):19-26.

 

  • Richardson, D,M., Blanchard, R. (2011). Learning from our mistakes: minimizing problems with invasive biofuel plants. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 3:36-42.

 

  • Le Maitre D.C., Gaertner, M., Marchante, E., Ens, E.J., Holmes, P.M., Pauchard A., O’Farrell, P.J., Rogers, A.M., Blanchard, R., Blignaut, J., Richardson, D.M. (2011). Impacts of invasive Australian acacias: implications for management and restoration. Diversity and Distributions, 17(5): 1015-1029.

 

  • Blanchard, R. and Holmes, P.M. (2008). Riparian vegetation recovery after invasive alien tree clearance in the Fynbos Biome. South African Journal of Botany, 74 (3): 421-431.

 

CURRENT PROJECTS

 

I am currently working on programs for the government department of Natural Resource Management. This work aims to facilitate the Working for Water program to better manage invasive alien plant species both in and out of protected areas in South Africa.

 

NETWORKS

 

 

RESEARCH TOPICS

 

  • Ecosystem service modeling and mapping

  • Degradation and restoration

  • Risk and Resilience

 

 

bottom of page