Science and drones - Dr Craig Morley
Associate Professor Craig Morley is a leading academic in environmental management and conservation biology at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, within the Faculty of Health, Education and Environment. With a PhD in Ecology from the University of Canterbury, he brings extensive expertise in ecological modelling, conservation biology, biodiversity, environmental monitoring, sustainability, and bio-economics.
Craig's career spans both academic and applied conservation roles. He has worked as a conservation biologist at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji and served as a biodiversity and threats programme manager for New Zealand’s Department of Conservation in Northland. His collaborative conservation efforts in Fiji, particularly in protecting the endangered ground frog, earned him and his students the BP Gold Conservation Award.
At Toi Ohomai, Craig leads innovative research projects addressing pressing environmental challenges. His recent work includes developing precision pest control methods using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and novel bait pod technology to manage invasive species in complex landscapes. Additionally, he co-authored a significant policy paper advocating for a global ban on asbestos and promoting sustainable management practices to eliminate asbestos-related diseases.
Craig's research contributions are widely recognised, with more than 1,600 citations. He is actively involved in the global conservation community, having served as President of the Society for Conservation Biology's Oceania Section and as a board member. He is also a member of the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group and the World Commission on Protected Areas.
Recent publications include:
Aryal, A., & Morley, C. (2024). Mitigation of contamination and health risk: Asbestos management and regulatory practices. Sustainability, 16 (22), 9740.
Morley, C.G., Solaris, P., Quinn, G.O., Ross, K.E., & Peterson, B.J. (2024). Precision pest control using purpose-built uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology and a novel bait pod system. Drone systems and applications, 12, 1-13.
Morley, C.G., & Day, T. (2023, 16 June). Final Report - Testing the efficacy of novel baitpods as a bait delivery mechanism for Dama wallabies. Report to Ministry of Primary Industries.