Michael Crawley is a global leader in studies of the ecological relationship between plants and the animals that feed on them. His field studies and experimental models have explored the impact of herbivores on the diversity, distribution and abundance of plants, and the reciprocal changes in populations of grazing animals.

These insights have particular relevance to the conservation of endangered habitats, and Michael has shown how the introduction of alien herbivores such as pigs and goats can promote the spread of alien plant species. He has also analysed the risks and benefits of introducing insect predators to control weeds.

Michael has also advised on the risks associated with the introduction of genetically modified (GM) plants, and allayed fears about ‘superweeds’ through a ten-year study showing that existing GM crops were no more likely to flourish in the wild than conventional crops. Michael is the Editor of the definitive textbook, Plant Ecology (1986).