Broadly, my research focuses on utilizing a variety of novel tools and analytical techniques to investigate species interactions and foraging ecology within The Hauraki Gulf – Tīkapa Moana – Te Moanaui-ā-Toi.
Multi-Species Foraging Assosications
Multi-species foraging associations (MSFAs) are characterised by the joining of two or more species to feed on ephemeral prey patches. Demographic analysis provides valuable insight into species interactions in MSFAs, with compositions and affinities highlighting the different costs and benefits of associating, such as kleptoparasitism, predation risk, and shifting prey availability through the scattering/dispersal and herding behaviours of other predators.
In my MSc thesis, we use a combination of demographic and activity budget analysis tools to investigate MSFA dynamics. Within MSFAs, eight unique clusters of species were found, with associations forming on the basis of prey type and movement and foraging ecology. Species exhibited distinct social affinities, reflecting foraging ecologies, seasonal prey availability and predator movements and migrations.
To further this work, we developed a proof-of-concept artificial intelligence (AI) tool to automate the detection and classification of animals and behaviours from imagery with human-like accuracy.
In my MSc thesis, we use a combination of demographic and activity budget analysis tools to investigate MSFA dynamics. Within MSFAs, eight unique clusters of species were found, with associations forming on the basis of prey type and movement and foraging ecology. Species exhibited distinct social affinities, reflecting foraging ecologies, seasonal prey availability and predator movements and migrations.
To further this work, we developed a proof-of-concept artificial intelligence (AI) tool to automate the detection and classification of animals and behaviours from imagery with human-like accuracy.