Behaviour, Ecology & Conservation
Global change is occurring at an unprecedented rate. We need to understand how animals use their environments, and are affected by environmental change, in order to protect species and develop conservation strategies.
Mark Whittingham studies the behaviour and ecology of farmland birds, at field sites both here and abroad, with the specific aim of developing sustainable farming systems that enable these birds to thrive alongside modern agricultural practices.
One current project is to investigate the influence of organic farming on foraging behaviour of granivorous birds, and to assess the impact of organic farming on populations. Richard Bevan’s research focusses on the interaction between behaviour and physiology in a wide range of different animals, from diving seabirds to cattle. Using modern state-of-the-art techniques, such as satellite telemetry, stable isotopes and heart-rate monitors, it is possible to remotely monitor spatial movements and energy expenditure of animals in their natural environments, which can inform conservation policies and practices.
In collaboration with other researchers working on avian cognition and neuroscience, the Centre has recently been successful in attracting funding from the BBSRC for a suite of climate-controlled laboratories for behavioural and physiological studies on birds. This will allow us to further integrate our research interests to study the impact of climate change on bird behaviour and physiology.
Staff Profiles:
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Dr Richard Bevan
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Dr Mark Whittingham
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