Research

Research at the Institute of Zoology is organised into five Research Themes:

Each Research Theme group comprises of several research fellows, post-doctoral research assistants and PhD students, and is lead by a senior research fellow (or reader). Most Institute staff work across several Research Themes in broad internal and external collaborations

Biodiversity & Macroecology

Biodiversity is the variation of life at all levels of biological organisation. Macroecology deals with the study of relationships between organisms and their environment at large spatial scales to characterise and explain statistical patterns of abundance, distribution and diversity.

This research theme is led by Chris Carbone and brings together researchers who believe that an understanding of the evolutionary and ecological basis of biodiversity is necessary in order to conserve it effectively.

Read more about: Biodiversity & Macroecology

Reproductive Biology

The value of reproductive biology is in understanding the diverse and wondrous ways that animals self-perpetuate. This knowledge then becomes valuable for improving management and conservation programmes in zoos and
in nature. Especially important is the integration of reproductive data with new knowledge about genetics, nutrition, behaviour and environmental toxicants.

Behavioural & Population Ecology

Our research in behavioural ecology and population ecology has two major interlinked aims:

To test fundamental hypotheses in behavioural and population ecology
To use our knowledge of the behavioural and population ecology of wild species, and the human populations that interact with them, to inform conservation policy and management.

Read more about: Behavioural & Population Ecology

Genetic Variation, Fitness & Adaptability

The work of the genetics group, led by Bill Jordan,uses genetic methodology to address basic questions in evolutionary biology. We also use genetic approaches to better understand how the evolutionary potential of threatened species can be maintained and how genetic tools can be applied in the formulation of conservation strategies.

Wildlife Epidemiology

This theme, led by Andrew Cunningham, involves the identification and investigation of wildlife diseases (both infectious and non-infectious); ranging from basic studies on pathogens through to the assessment of their likely impacts on human health and biodiversity conservation.