My research interests mainly involve the temporal dynamics of large mammal populations in relation to the environmental variables likely to affect them. Most notable among these are landscape structure, area size, soil properties, and climate. Temporal fluctuations in resource availability are closely tied to the above factors but also depend on how closely consumer densities track food availability. Qualitatively, population responses to climatic variations depend on the specific demography of the species during resource limitations. Therefore, my interest lies in understanding the specific demographic responses that drive temporal dynamics. Mega herbivore demography is central to the research mandate of CERU. Our key research focus is to interpret the temporal dynamics of populations, informed by demographic signals, i.e., age structure data. While we have a reasonable understanding of elephant demography where resources are not limiting, knowledge of elephant demography under harsh conditions is still limited. Demographic responses, including increased mortality rates and the instability in age structures that follow, present challenges for interpreting population dynamics and therefore remain a key research focus.

Position: Research Assistant
Academic / Support: Academic Department
Faculty/Department: Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Building: Zoology
Office Number: 3-31

• Contact: (012) 420-3111
• Email: [email protected]