Reina Honours Projects

Reproduction and foraging of penguins

Mid-year start only

Background: Little penguins, Eudyptula minor, live and breed in a large colony at Phillip Island southeast of Melbourne. As part of an ongoing program of the Phillip Island Nature Park (PINP) studying the population dynamics and biology of these penguins, a project opportunity exists to study the reproductive biology, behaviour and/or foraging of the penguins in the colony. Studies of parenting and foraging success are possible to understand the relationships between allocation of time and resources to food acquisition and reproduction. Other topics may be negotiated depending on student interests.

Project Aims: To better understand the foraging and reproductive ecology of penguins.

Techniques: A variety of field techniques, including animal handling.  Analysis of a large automatically collected dataset.

*****

Project by negotiation

Background: I will consider projects suggested by students in the areas of ecological physiology of vertebrate animals in any environment. Let me know if you have your own project ideas.

Project Aims:  Dependent on project.

Techniques: Will vary with project.

*****