Dr Ronda Joy Green is a research ecologist, sustainable wildlife tourism specialist, author and ecotourism proprietor with over four decades of experience spanning research, education, consultancy and conservation leadership. She holds a BSc (Honours) in Zoology from the University of Adelaide and a PhD in Zoology from Monash University, with postdoctoral research at Griffith University focusing on rainforest seed dispersal by avian frugivores.
Her research interests include avian foraging behaviour, habitat selection, seed dispersal, wildlife responses to habitat alteration, primate behaviour, and the ecological and social dimensions of wildlife tourism. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, books and international reports, and has co-edited major volumes on wildlife tourism and conservation. Her work has contributed significantly to understanding both the impacts of tourism on wildlife and its potential role in conservation.
Ronda has taught and convened courses across multiple universities and institutions in Australia and internationally, including Griffith University, the University of Queensland, Southern Cross University, Central Queensland University and the University of Lucerne (Switzerland). Her teaching spans ecology, conservation biology, wildlife tourism, interpretation and citizen science, alongside long-term mentoring of students and early-career scientists.
She is the founder and proprietor of Araucaria Ecotours, established in 1996 and specialising in educational wildlife tourism, and Green Publications, which focuses on wildlife-related books and resources. She also works as an environmental consultant, conducting fauna surveys, environmental impact assessments and conservation planning for councils, NGOs and private organisations.
Ronda currently serves as Chair of Wildlife Tourism Australia, the Scenic Rim branch of Wildlife Queensland, and the Biodiversity Working Group of IUCN’s Tourism and Protected Areas Specialist Group (TAPAS). In these roles, she has led international conferences, workshops, webinars and policy initiatives, and has been actively involved in developing best-practice guidelines for sustainable wildlife tourism globally.
An invited speaker at conferences and workshops across Australia, Asia, the Pacific, Europe and South America, Ronda has also been commissioned by the UN World Tourism Organization, conservation organisations and tourism operators to contribute to international reports, guide training programmes and educational materials. She lives on a forested property adjacent to Mt Chinghee National Park, protected under a Vegetation Conservation Covenant, where she is developing an educational Wildlife Ecology Centre and nature trails.
Most recently, Ronda collaborated with Dr. David Newsome to develop a comprehensive Guide Training Module for Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. This innovative two-year project equips local guides and naturalists with in-depth knowledge of the region's environment, flora, and fauna, empowering them to deliver richer, more engaging interpretations that enhance visitor experiences while fostering appreciation for Borneo's remarkable biodiversity.
In recognition of Ronda’s efforts towards environmental protection and conservation, Sukau Rainforest Lodge honours her as one of our Conservation Fellows.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge honours Ronda’s contribution by dedicating Deluxe Room No. 11 in her name.
