Synopsis
Subdominant or mesopredator predator populations may be directly suppressed by apex predators. Pre-encounter avoidance behaviours, using secondary cues and signals such as scent and sound, are less well studied and understood.
Aims
This project will use existing data to investigate whether signals from an apex predator, African lion, affect the movement of a subdominant predator, the African wild dog. Using high-resolution GPS data from African wild dogs in the Okavango delta Botswana, and known scent-mark and roaring bout locations of African lions, you will investigate the use of signals in a landscape of fear paradigm
Student benefits
This is a desk-based study. You will conduct research on movement ecology and interspecific communication and competition. Through this project you will learn how to:
- Carry out sophisticated data manipulation and extraction
- Carry out sophisticated statistical analysis
- Write a scientific paper
Supervisors: Dr Neil Jordan