Behavioural Ecology Conservation Biology Urban Ecology Human-wildlife conflict and coexistence
B.Sc. with Distinction, University of Alberta 1988
M.Sc. with Distinction, University of Canterbury 1990
Ph.D. University of Oklahoma 1995
Movement Behaviour in Fragmented Habitats. Several graduate students and I have studied how animals move through and select habitat in landscapes that have been altered by humans with a particular focus barriers and corridors. These studies have addressed birds, small mammals, wolves, ungulates, carnivores and other species in urban, rural, and natural areas. Study sites have ranged from local (Edmonton's river valley and the Canadian Rockies), to distant (Costa Rica and India).
Human-wildlife conflict. A consequence of successful use by wildlife of human-dominated landscapes is conflict with people. We've studied human-wildlife conflict in birds and large mammals. Avian emphases include adaptations by urban birds and waterfowl protection in the oil sands region. Other work has focused on urban-adapting and habituated mammals, including coyotes, cougars, bears, and elk. Current projects include the Edmonton Urban Coyote Project and several other projects described here.
More generally, I'm interested in the interface between Behavioural Ecology and Conservation Biology. I especially enjoy exploring novel ways of advancing conservation practice with empirical methods and theory from animal behaviour. Research publications are available here.
Recent Courses
Biology 367 Conservation Biology
Biology 603 Advanced Ecology
Seminar and reading course dealing with current problems in conservation biology. Prerequisites: BIOL 367 or REN R 364 and consent of instructor.
Winter Term 2021