Research Projects
Mutualism Origins and Organismal Characteristics
Mutualisms are fascinating interactions between different organisms that likely have impacts on other aspects than merely survival. The ecology of these organisms can be tightly linked to their mutualisms and particular characteristics of each organism may be dictated by their mutualisms. Here we examine the potential for physical aspects of anemonefishes to be related to their anemone hosts. We also bring in some phylogenetic analyses to investigate such work.
Collaborators: Benjamin M. Titus
Linking Animal Behaviour, Mutualisms and Environmental Change
As environmental disturbances become more intense and frequent, there are many changes that have been documented at population levels and ecosystem levels. We have yet to uncover how such disturbances affect the behaviour of animals, which is critical for the maintenance of many populations and could prove detrimental to particular species or even groups of species. Importantly, many animal relationships exist among different organisms, and mutualistic relationships are key for the maintenance of several ecosystems. Accordingly, changes to animal behaviours and ecological relationships may have flow-on effects on ecosystems. For my research, I aim to delve deeper into the potential environmental consequences on animal behaviour for mutualistic organisms. I use a combination of observational, manipulative, and phylogenetic approaches to link animal behaviour, habitat use, and environmental change for coral-dwelling gobies, which live exclusively in some of the corals most susceptible to coral damage and death from cyclones and bleaching-induced heatwaves.
Collaborators: Marian Y.L. Wong, O. Selma Klanten, Siobhan J. Heatwole, Martin L. Hing, Mark Dowton
Fisheries Management and Animal Behaviour
Over decades and centuries, fisheries have changed fish populations and we are only beginning to understand the degree of these impacts. Management agencies have used available monitoring data to attempt to remove overfishing stress for many taxa, yet many species are continuing to experience excessive fishing pressure. Many fish are exhibiting behavioural changes, size truncations and lower reproductive capacity from fishing pressure, which have detrimental consequences on population maintenance and conservation. Accordingly, my research aims to understand how fish movement, size and growth, and reproduction are affected by fisheries, and to provide suggestions to improve management of these fisheries. I have particular experience with red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus.
Collaborators: Richard J. Kline, Andres Garcia, Carlos E. Cintra-Buenrostro, Adam M. Lee, Ramiro Oquita, David W. Hicks, J. Dale Shively, J. Brooke Shipley
Artificial Reef Research
Artificial reefs (i.e., man-made reefs) are critical habitat for many marine taxa that live in environments with limited natural habitat and/or degraded habitat. Although artificial reefs have been deployed or accidentally created (e.g. through shipwrecks) for decades and centuries, we have yet to understand the optimal arrangements and structural characteristics necessary for artificial reefs to mimic natural habitat. Accordingly, my research aims to identify optimal habitat characteristics and formations for the deployment of artificial reef habitat that effectively mimics natural habitat.
Collaborators: Richard J. Kline, Andres Garcia, Carlos E. Cintra-Buenrostro, Adam M. Lee, Rachel N. Arney, Ramiro Oquita, David W. Hicks
Wildcat Ecology, Animal Movement, Habitat Use and Road Mortality Ecology
Wildcats tend to move extensively throughout their life, and young males are especially known for huge migrations. Due to habitat fragmentation, and conflict within males for female breeding rights, wildcats often cross roads unsuccessfully and become road kill. Projects I assisted with investigated how wildcats use their habitat and what ways can we improve our roads to limit road mortality. We worked closely with government officials to manage road construction and reduce road mortality. Our particular focus was on ocelots and bobcats, their ecology, and the level of competition between them.
Collaborators: Richard J. Kline, Tiffany Cogan.
Image from camera traps.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
None of this could be done without the helpful team of collaborators, colleagues, field assistants, boat captains, volunteers, reef station managers, local help, and our support system. Thank you everyone!
Social Behaviour of Marine Animals
Animals often live in groups temporarily or permanently for a variety of ecological, social, and life history reasons. For several marine fishes, size hierarchies are established to maintain the peace in which the two biggest individuals breed and the rest control their growth and forgo reproduction to maintain group membership. I aim to uncover key evolutionary mechanisms for the maintenance of group membership and size hierarchies in such animals. Two fish groups that are of particular focus for my research are coral-dwelling gobies and anemonefishes. I am also applying similar sociality theory to mud shrimps using phylogenetically controlled analyses.
Collaborators: Marian Y.L. Wong, O. Selma Klanten, Siobhan J. Heatwole, Martin L. Hing, Theresa Rueger, Peter M. Buston, Rebecca Branconi, Renae Kirby