PhD, Natal FRSSAf, PrSciNat
South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology (National Zoological Garden) Professor in Zoology
Office: 3-14.2, First Floor, Zoology Building Phone: +27 (0)12 420-5343 Email: [email protected] Researcher ID: E-4398-2010 |
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My research programme investigates the evolutionary physiology of birds and mammals, and seeks to understand the ways in which physical environments drive the evolution of physiological processes. Current focus areas include the: i) sources and significance of avian metabolic diversity, ii) heat tolerance and evaporative cooling capacity in arid-zone birds, iii) ecology and evolution of heterothermic responses such as torpor, and iv) use of stable isotopes to trace nutrient and water fluxes between animals and their environments. Much of this work is taking place in the context of developing physiologically-informed, mechanistic models of the responses by arid-zone birds to climate change.
Along with Dr. Susan Cunningham (UCT), I am a principal investigator of the Hot Birds Project, a multidisciplinary research group involving ornithologists at UP, the University of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, and the University of New Mexico.
Dr Zenon Czenze. Joint NZG-UP postdoc
Dr Samantha Naidoo. Joint NZG-UP postdoc
Dr Matthew Noakes. Joint NZG-UP postdoc
Ms Shannon Conradie
Mr Ryno Kemp
Ms Celiwe Ngcamphalala
Ms Michelle Thompson
Ms Sekgwari Malematja
Ms Anne Ankermann
Ms Emma Jepsen
Ms Monique van Dyk
Dr Matthew Noakes. PhD in Zoology (2019), MSc in Zoology (2015)
Dr Darren Pietersen. PhD in Entomology (2018), MSc in Zoology (2013)
Dr Ryan O'Connor. PhD in Zoology (2017)
Dr Ben Smit. PhD in Zoology (2014)
Mr Barry van Jaarsveld (co-supervisor Prof. Nigel Bennett), MSc in Zoology (2019)
Mr Ryno Kemp. MSc in Zoology, BScHons in Zoology (2014)
Mr Corneile Minnaar. MSc in Zoology (2015)
Ms Maxine Whitfield. MSc in Zoology (2015)
Ms Ingrid Minnaar. MSc in Zoology (2014)
Ms Michelle Thompson. MSc in Zoology (2014)
Mr Addisu Mitiku. MSc in Zoology (2014)
Ms Dawn Cory Toussaint. MSc in Zoology (2012)
Mr Kinesh Chetty. MSc (2007)
Ms Sekgwari Malematja. BScHons in Zoology (2017)
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