Behavioural Ecology Group
Our group studies the causes and consequences of decisions animals make with a focus on social contexts. We provide education in Behavioural Ecology and Applied Animal Behaviour.
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Research domains
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Behavioural ecology
Our research in behavioural ecology focuses on understanding how individual animals and populations function and how selection acts on fitness, using a range of different behavioural and life history traits. Our main study organisms are birds and fish.
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Conservation biology
Our research in conservation biology encompasses several projects. Part of our work includes the use of animal conditioning interventions to reduce human-wildlife conflicts, which can provide valuable insights for policy and management decisions.
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Companion animal behaviour
We are interested in the question how personality traits of an individual pet affects its (not so) social behaviour and ability to perform specific tasks, and how the humans to whom a pet is attached play a role. The objective assessment of mental states (feelings) and the traits that govern behaviour is one of the major challenges in our ongoing work. Research results aid the understanding of how companion animals cope with man-made living conditions and how the latter may be optimized to improve companion animal welfare.
Education
Our education covers the whole field of animal behaviour. Our courses are directed towards both Biology and Animal Science students.
Latest publications
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Lionfish (Pterois miles) in the Mediterranean Sea : a review of the available knowledge with an update on the invasion front
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The ecology of zebra finch song and its implications for vocal communication in multi-level societies
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The great tit HapMap project: A continental-scale analysis of genomic variation in a songbird