Dr Becky Heath, Museum of Zoology, writes:

In my research, I explore how tropical agriculture can benefit both people and the environment. I focus on oil palm plantations—one of the most important crops in Southeast Asia and a vital source of income for millions of people. My work is all about finding ways to make these landscapes more sustainable without compromising the livelihoods of the farmers who depend on them. I specifically work on restoring riparian areas—the zones along rivers and streams—within oil palm plantations. These areas are essential for keeping ecosystems healthy, but they’ve often been degraded. My project is an experimental restoration treatment, testing different ways to enrich these spaces. The goal is to see how restoration affects biodiversity, ecosystem processes, and ultimately, the sustainability of farming in the region.

Plantations aren’t just farms; they’re ecosystems. Enhancing natural processes can benefit farmers too. For example, having more predators like eagles and leopard cats helps control pests such as rats, reducing crop losses without the need for chemical pesticides. This makes plantations more resilient while promoting healthier ecosystems. Oil palm is an efficient crop, requiring much less land than other oil crops like soybean or sunflower to produce the same amount of oil. Since oil palm trees live for over 30 years, they create stable habitats where diverse communities of plants and animals can establish over time—especially when combined with better management practices.

A big part of my work involves using innovative technology to monitor how these ecosystems respond to restoration. I spend almost half my time in the tropics, collecting data in the field. One method I love is acoustic monitoring. We use special sensors to record the soundscape—everything from insect hums to bird songs and even the calls of macaques. These recordings tell us a lot about how healthy the ecosystem is.  We also use laser scanners to map vegetation and camera traps to capture wildlife activity when no one is around. One of the best parts of fieldwork is reviewing the footage and spotting animals like kingfishers, owls, macaques, golden orb-weaver spiders, and loads of colorful butterflies. It’s a constant reminder of how rich these ecosystems can be.

Ultimately, my goal is to help farmers and policymakers develop management strategies that work for both people and nature. Conservation isn’t about working against agriculture—it’s about finding smart solutions that balance productivity with protecting the environment. When done right, these ecosystems can thrive alongside farming, creating healthier landscapes for everyone.