Matthew Luskin: How Big Data and Tigers Can Teach Us to Rethink Conservation

In this episode, conservation ecologist Dr. Matthew Luskin takes us deep into the rainforests of Southeast Asia — a region where oil palm plantations, endangered tigers, and global supply chains collide. From trekking through the wild to building massive open-data projects, Matthew reveals how cutting-edge technology and community partnerships are reshaping the way we understand and protect biodiversity.We explore how camera traps, machine learning, and long-term field research are helping scientists uncover hidden patterns in wildlife behaviour — and how those insights can drive smarter, fairer conservation decisions. But beyond the science, Matthew shares a powerful message: that saving nature depends on how we share information, design solutions, and empower local people.Originally recorded as part of the UQ Sustainability Innovators Club’s Biodiversity Hackathon, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to turn innovation, data, and passion into real impact for the planet.