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
I'm interested in the interface between Behavioural Ecology and Conservation Biology in the growing discipline of Conservation Behaviour. My students and I try to solve specific problems in wildlife conservation and management by applying behavioural principles and methods, often by understanding or manipulating habitat cues, individual motivation, or animal learning. Research publications are available here and most of these studies address the two main themes below.
Movement Behaviour in Fragmented Habitats. We study how animals move through and select habitat in landscapes that have been altered by humans with an emphasis on features that impede movement (barriers) and facilitate it (corridors). These studies have addressed birds, small mammals, ungulates, and carnivores 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 frequent consequence of successful use by wildlife of human-dominated landscapes is conflict with people. We've studied sources of and solutions for HWC in several species of birds and mammals. Avian examples 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 and recent projects include the Edmonton Urban Coyote Project and several other projects described here.
Recent Courses
Biology 367 Conservation Biology
Biol 468 Topics in 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 2022