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I’m Maddi, a PhD Candidate in the Rollins lab within the Ecology & Evolution Research Centre. I am researching associations between anti-predator behaviours and genetic variability in two threatened Australian birds. Outside of research, I enjoy being out in nature and settling down with a good book.

±Ê°ù´ÇÂá±ð³¦³Ù:ÌýEvolving escape: evaluating the role of natural selection on anti-predator behaviour in threatened birds

Supervised by: Lee Ann Rollins, Michael Kasumovic

Project Description: My project will assess the behaviour, genetics and fitness of two threatened Australian birds: the hooded plover and the helmeted honeyeater. I am looking at flight initiation distance (FID) as a measure of predator escape behaviour among birds, and will investigate the genetic basis of variation in this behaviour. Both bird species are subject to active conservation measures and impacted by human activities and/or predation, thus this research will provide insights into the evolutionary consequences of management initiatives.