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William F. Laurance

William F. Laurance

James Cook University
Australia

Award Badge
Ecology and Evolution
Australia
2026

D-Index & Metrics

Ecology and Evolution

D-Index
147
Citations
96408
World Ranking
34
National Ranking
3

William F. Laurance publication distribution in Ecology and Evolution in 2026

The chart shows the distribution of publications by all Research.com ranked scientists in the field of Ecology and Evolution in 2026. The highlighted bar marks where William F. Laurance sits on this spectrum.

37–41 publications: 2 scientists 42–46 publications: 9 scientists 47–51 publications: 10 scientists 52–56 publications: 31 scientists 57–61 publications: 56 scientists 62–66 publications: 91 scientists 67–71 publications: 92 scientists 72–76 publications: 127 scientists 77–81 publications: 173 scientists 82–86 publications: 236 scientists 87–91 publications: 227 scientists 92–96 publications: 240 scientists 97–101 publications: 333 scientists 102–106 publications: 280 scientists 107–111 publications: 300 scientists 112–116 publications: 285 scientists 117–121 publications: 305 scientists 122–126 publications: 287 scientists 127–131 publications: 278 scientists 132–136 publications: 289 scientists 137–141 publications: 273 scientists 142–146 publications: 262 scientists 147–151 publications: 246 scientists 152–156 publications: 235 scientists 157–161 publications: 205 scientists 162–166 publications: 199 scientists 167–171 publications: 174 scientists 172–176 publications: 164 scientists 177–181 publications: 173 scientists 182–186 publications: 189 scientists 187–191 publications: 170 scientists 192–196 publications: 139 scientists 197–201 publications: 128 scientists 202–206 publications: 117 scientists 207–211 publications: 115 scientists 212–216 publications: 107 scientists 217–221 publications: 124 scientists 222–226 publications: 81 scientists 227–231 publications: 82 scientists 232–236 publications: 85 scientists 237–241 publications: 75 scientists 242–246 publications: 66 scientists 247–251 publications: 81 scientists 252–256 publications: 69 scientists 257–261 publications: 70 scientists 262–266 publications: 55 scientists 267–271 publications: 64 scientists 272–276 publications: 49 scientists 277–281 publications: 48 scientists 282–286 publications: 44 scientists 287–291 publications: 45 scientists 292–296 publications: 36 scientists 297–301 publications: 39 scientists 302–306 publications: 38 scientists 307–311 publications: 30 scientists 312–316 publications: 34 scientists 317–321 publications: 25 scientists 322–326 publications: 22 scientists 327–331 publications: 28 scientists 332–336 publications: 30 scientists 337–341 publications: 22 scientists 342–346 publications: 30 scientists 347–351 publications: 26 scientists 352–356 publications: 22 scientists 357–361 publications: 29 scientists 362–366 publications: 21 scientists 367–371 publications: 12 scientists 372–376 publications: 18 scientists 377–381 publications: 17 scientists 382–386 publications: 13 scientists 387–391 publications: 21 scientists 392–396 publications: 13 scientists 397–401 publications: 10 scientists 402–406 publications: 15 scientists 407–411 publications: 8 scientists 412–416 publications: 9 scientists 417–421 publications: 8 scientists 422–426 publications: 4 scientists 427–431 publications: 10 scientists 432–436 publications: 10 scientists 437–441 publications: 5 scientists 442–446 publications: 4 scientists 447–451 publications: 10 scientists 452–456 publications: 2 scientists 457–461 publications: 4 scientists 462–466 publications: 7 scientists 467–471 publications: 7 scientists 472–476 publications: 6 scientists 477–481 publications: 6 scientists 482–486 publications: 3 scientists 487–491 publications: 3 scientists 492–496 publications: 4 scientists 497–501 publications: 4 scientists 502–506 publications: 8 scientists 507–511 publications: 5 scientists 512–516 publications: 4 scientists 517–521 publications: 5 scientists 522–526 publications: 4 scientists 527–530 publications: 5 scientists 531+ publications: 100 scientists
37 publications 531+

This scientist: 572 publications — 99th percentile

99% of scientists in this discipline score the same or lower.

The last bar groups every scientist with 531 publications or more.

William F. Laurance D-index placement in Ecology and Evolution in 2026

The chart shows the D-index (discipline H-index) distribution of Ecology and Evolution scientists ranked by Research.com in 2026. The highlighted bar marks where William F. Laurance sits on this spectrum.

30 D-Index: 95 scientists 31 D-Index: 123 scientists 32 D-Index: 191 scientists 33 D-Index: 245 scientists 34 D-Index: 252 scientists 35 D-Index: 244 scientists 36 D-Index: 249 scientists 37 D-Index: 244 scientists 38 D-Index: 254 scientists 39 D-Index: 254 scientists 40 D-Index: 280 scientists 41 D-Index: 274 scientists 42 D-Index: 266 scientists 43 D-Index: 233 scientists 44 D-Index: 248 scientists 45 D-Index: 208 scientists 46 D-Index: 201 scientists 47 D-Index: 213 scientists 48 D-Index: 207 scientists 49 D-Index: 172 scientists 50 D-Index: 209 scientists 51 D-Index: 199 scientists 52 D-Index: 153 scientists 53 D-Index: 169 scientists 54 D-Index: 163 scientists 55 D-Index: 148 scientists 56 D-Index: 120 scientists 57 D-Index: 146 scientists 58 D-Index: 137 scientists 59 D-Index: 140 scientists 60 D-Index: 104 scientists 61 D-Index: 119 scientists 62 D-Index: 118 scientists 63 D-Index: 99 scientists 64 D-Index: 77 scientists 65 D-Index: 100 scientists 66 D-Index: 86 scientists 67 D-Index: 83 scientists 68 D-Index: 75 scientists 69 D-Index: 94 scientists 70 D-Index: 57 scientists 71 D-Index: 68 scientists 72 D-Index: 59 scientists 73 D-Index: 63 scientists 74 D-Index: 66 scientists 75 D-Index: 60 scientists 76 D-Index: 42 scientists 77 D-Index: 49 scientists 78 D-Index: 39 scientists 79 D-Index: 37 scientists 80 D-Index: 43 scientists 81 D-Index: 41 scientists 82 D-Index: 45 scientists 83 D-Index: 34 scientists 84 D-Index: 40 scientists 85 D-Index: 35 scientists 86 D-Index: 55 scientists 87 D-Index: 24 scientists 88 D-Index: 24 scientists 89 D-Index: 30 scientists 90 D-Index: 23 scientists 91 D-Index: 25 scientists 92 D-Index: 27 scientists 93 D-Index: 27 scientists 94 D-Index: 13 scientists 95 D-Index: 23 scientists 96 D-Index: 12 scientists 97 D-Index: 14 scientists 98 D-Index: 19 scientists 99 D-Index: 16 scientists 100 D-Index: 14 scientists 101 D-Index: 5 scientists 102 D-Index: 21 scientists 103 D-Index: 16 scientists 104 D-Index: 10 scientists 105 D-Index: 7 scientists 106 D-Index: 7 scientists 107 D-Index: 7 scientists 108 D-Index: 6 scientists 109 D-Index: 9 scientists 110 D-Index: 11 scientists 111 D-Index: 12 scientists 112 D-Index: 9 scientists 113 D-Index: 7 scientists 114 D-Index: 3 scientists 115 D-Index: 8 scientists 116 D-Index: 5 scientists 117 D-Index: 11 scientists 118 D-Index: 4 scientists 119 D-Index: 2 scientists 120 D-Index: 5 scientists 121+ D-Index: 100 scientists
30 D-Index 121+

This scientist: 147 D-Index — 100th percentile

100% of scientists in this discipline score the same or lower.

The last bar groups every scientist with 121 D-Index or more.

Research.com Recognitions

  • 2026 - Research.com Ecology and Evolution in Australia Leader Award
  • 2025 - Research.com Ecology and Evolution in Australia Leader Award
  • 2023 - Research.com Ecology and Evolution in Australia Leader Award
  • 2022 - Research.com Ecology and Evolution in Australia Leader Award
  • 2015 - Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science
  • 2010 - Australian Laureate Fellowship
  • 2008 - BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award
  • 2003 - Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Overview

William F. Laurance is affiliated with James Cook University in Australia and has contributed extensively to the field of environmental science. Their research focuses primarily on environmental conservation, global change, and ecology.

The main fields of study covered by their work include:

  • Environmental Science

Within this broader field, Laurance has specialized in several subfields, such as:

  • Nature and Landscape Conservation
  • Global and Planetary Change
  • Ecology
  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Ecological Modeling

The topics Laurance investigates are diverse but with a clear focus on ecological patterns and conservation issues. These topics include:

  • Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
  • Plant and animal studies
  • Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management
  • Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation
  • Species Distribution and Climate Change
  • Land Use and Ecosystem Services
  • Forest ecology and management

Some recent papers authored or co-authored by William F. Laurance demonstrate their ongoing research interests and contributions to ecological science. Notable publications include:

  • "Scientists' warning on climate change and insects" (2022), published in Ecological Monographs
  • "Anthropogenic modification of forests means only 40% of remaining forests have high ecosystem integrity" (2020), published in Nature Communications
  • "Taking the pulse of Earth's tropical forests using networks of highly distributed plots" (2021), published in Biological Conservation
  • "Tree mode of death and mortality risk factors across Amazon forests" (2020), published in Nature Communications
  • "Competition influences tree growth, but not mortality, across environmental gradients in Amazonia and tropical Africa" (2020), published in Ecology

Laurance has frequently published in recognized scientific journals, with the most common venues including:

  • Nature Communications
  • Nature Ecology & Evolution
  • Science
  • Nature
  • Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

Collaboration appears significant in Laurance's body of work. Frequent co-authors have included:

  • Susan G. W. Laurance
  • José Luís Camargo
  • Oliver L. Phillips
  • Beatriz Schwantes Marimon
  • Ben Hur Marimon

William F. Laurance has received various awards and recognitions over their career, encompassing fellowships and prestigious honors such as:

  • Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (2015)
  • Australian Laureate Fellowship (2010)
  • BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award (2008)
  • Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) (2003)

Best Publications

  • Habitat fragmentation and its lasting impact on Earth’s ecosystems

    Nick M. Haddad;Lars A. Brudvig;Jean Clobert;Kendi F. Davies

  • Ecosystem Decay of Amazonian Forest Fragments: a 22-Year Investigation

    William F. Laurance;William F. Laurance;Thomas E. Lovejoy;Heraldo L. Vasconcelos;Emilio M. Bruna

  • Primary forests are irreplaceable for sustaining tropical biodiversity

    Luke Gibson;Tien Ming Lee;Tien Ming Lee;Lian Pin Koh;Lian Pin Koh;Barry W. Brook

  • Landscape moderation of biodiversity patterns and processes - eight hypotheses

    Teja Tscharntke;Jason M. Tylianakis;Tatyana A. Rand;Raphael K. Didham;Raphael K. Didham;Raphael K. Didham

  • Drought sensitivity of the Amazon rainforest.

    Oliver L. Phillips;Luiz E. O. C. Aragão;Simon L. Lewis;Joshua B. Fisher

  • Sixteen years of change in the global terrestrial human footprint and implications for biodiversity conservation

    Oscar Venter;Oscar Venter;Oscar Venter;Eric W. Sanderson;Ainhoa Magrach;Ainhoa Magrach;James R. Allan

  • Agricultural expansion and its impacts on tropical nature

    William F. Laurance;Jeffrey Sayer;Kenneth G. Cassman

  • World Scientists’ Warning to Humanity: A Second Notice

    William J. Ripple;Christopher Wolf;Thomas M. Newsome;Thomas M. Newsome;Mauro Galetti

  • Hyperdominance in the Amazonian Tree Flora

    Hans Ter Steege;Hans Ter Steege;Nigel C.A. Pitman;Daniel Sabatier;Christopher Baraloto

  • Tropical Forest Remnants: Ecology, Management, and Conservation of Fragmented Communities

    Gregory O. Vigle;W. F. Laurance;R. O. Bierregaard

  • Impacts of roads and linear clearings on tropical forests.

    William F. Laurance;William F. Laurance;Miriam Goosem;Susan G.W. Laurance;Susan G.W. Laurance

  • Averting biodiversity collapse in tropical forest protected areas

    William F. Laurance;William F. Laurance;D. Carolina Useche;Julio Rendeiro;Margareta Kalka

  • Changes in the carbon balance of tropical forests: evidence from long-term plots

    Oliver L. Phillips;Yadvinder Malhi;Niro Higuchi;William F. Laurance

  • The Future of the Brazilian Amazon

    William F. Laurance;Mark A. Cochrane;Scott Bergen;Philip M. Fearnside

  • Long-term decline of the Amazon carbon sink

    R J W Brienen;O L Phillips;T R Feldpausch;T R Feldpausch;E Gloor

  • The exceptional value of intact forest ecosystems

    James E. M. Watson;James E. M. Watson;Tom Evans;Oscar Venter;Brooke Williams;Brooke Williams

  • Matrix habitat and species richness in tropical forest remnants

    Claude Gascon;Thomas E Lovejoy;Richard O Bierregaard;Jay R Malcolm

  • The fate of Amazonian forest fragments: A 32-year investigation

    William F. Laurance;William F. Laurance;José L.C. Camargo;Regina C.C. Luizão;Susan G. Laurance;Susan G. Laurance

  • RAIN FOREST FRAGMENTATION AND THE DYNAMICS OF AMAZONIAN TREE COMMUNITIES

    William F. Laurance;Leandro V. Ferreira;Judy M. Rankin-de Merona;Susan G. Laurance

  • Variation in wood density determines spatial patterns in Amazonian forest biomass

    Timothy R. Baker;Timothy R. Baker;Oliver L. Phillips;Yadvinder Malhi;Samuel Almeida

Frequent Co-Authors

Susan G. Laurance
Susan G. Laurance James Cook University
Timothy R. Baker
Timothy R. Baker University of Leeds
Oliver L. Phillips
Oliver L. Phillips University of Leeds
Ana Andrade
Ana Andrade National Institute of Amazonian Research
Yadvinder Malhi
Yadvinder Malhi University of Oxford
Simon L. Lewis
Simon L. Lewis University College London
Nigel C. A. Pitman
Nigel C. A. Pitman Field Museum of Natural History
David A. Neill
David A. Neill Missouri Botanical Garden
John Terborgh
John Terborgh Duke University
Hans ter Steege
Hans ter Steege Naturalis Biodiversity Center

External Links

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Related Online Degrees & Career Pathways

Studying Ecology and Evolution opens up diverse paths, but many students also explore complementary fields through online degrees. For those interested in people-focused roles, an online master's degree in counseling can provide skills in mental health support and guidance. This is especially useful if you’re passionate about community outreach or environmental education.

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Best Scientists Citing William F. Laurance

David B. Lindenmayer

David B. Lindenmayer

Australian National University

Publications: 193

Yadvinder Malhi

Yadvinder Malhi

University of Oxford

Publications: 184

Oliver L. Phillips

Oliver L. Phillips

University of Leeds

Publications: 182

James E. M. Watson

James E. M. Watson

University of Queensland

Publications: 167

Carlos A. Peres

Carlos A. Peres

University of East Anglia

Publications: 166

Jos Barlow

Jos Barlow

Lancaster University

Publications: 152

Simon L. Lewis

Simon L. Lewis

University College London

Publications: 132

Luiz E. O. C. Aragão

Luiz E. O. C. Aragão

National Institute for Space Research

Publications: 126

Gregory P. Asner

Gregory P. Asner

Arizona State University

Publications: 122

Hugh P. Possingham

Hugh P. Possingham

University of Queensland

Publications: 116

Patrick Meir

Patrick Meir

University of Edinburgh

Publications: 110

Philip M. Fearnside

Philip M. Fearnside

National Institute of Amazonian Research

Publications: 94

Timothy R. Baker

Timothy R. Baker

University of Leeds

Publications: 94

Michael Keller

Michael Keller

US Forest Service

Publications: 87

Robert M. Ewers

Robert M. Ewers

Imperial College London

Publications: 85

Marcelo Tabarelli

Marcelo Tabarelli

Federal University of Pernambuco

Publications: 85

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