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Professor Robert HeinsohnAreas of expertise:
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Reseach Interest |
My primary research interests lie in conservation biology and evolutionary ecology of vertebrates, with a focus on birds. To date, I have completed several major field projects on the behavioural ecology and conservation biology of mammals (Serengeti lions), reptiles (e.g. green pythons), and birds (e.g. cooperative breeding in White-winged Choughs, colour dimorphism in Eclectus Parrots, waterfowl movements, tool use in Palm Cockatoos, conservation of Swift Parrots). Increasingly, I am directing my research at the landscape level as I seek to identify the broad-scale processes shaping conservation problems. The bird species I choose to work with are often large and wide-ranging, and make excellent tools for investigations of habitat use over large areas. My main research theme is the conservation biology of parrots, the bird order with the highest proportion of endangered species, but several other endangered non-parrot species come into the mix. I find this research particularly stimulating because it combines my strong background in behavioural and evolutionary ecology with my passion for conservation biology. See our Difficult Bird Research Group web site for further research interests.
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Current Major Research Projects |
Evolutionary and conservation implications of extreme predation on female critically endangered swift parrots
(ARC, MACHEnergy, Whitehaven Mining Offsets) Conservation biology of critically endangered regent honeyeaters
(MACHEnergy, Whitehaven Mining Offsets) Tool use and conservation biology of palm cockatoos
(Hermon Slade Foundation) Palm cockatoos are charismatic and emblematic of northern Australia yet our research suggests they are in steep decline. We aim to study the demography and dynamics of the meta-population on Cape York Peninsula and to find the cause of their decline. Palm cockatoos are possibly the only non-human species that manufacture and use a sound tool. They make drumsticks by breaking off a branch, stripping the foliage and trimming to appropriate length. They then grasp the drumstick in their foot and beat it against a hollow trunk. Our project also aims to explore the evolution of complex cognition through analysis of tool manufacture in palm cockatoos. On-ground habitat conservation for critically endangered swift parrots
(NSW Environmental Trust Saving Our Species grant) |
Some Previous Projects |
The endangered swift parrot as a model for managing small migratory birds
(ARC Linkage Project 2012-15) This project aims to adapt cutting-edge technologies for aerial-tracking of small migratory birds across vast landscapes, and provide multi-scale insights into the conservation needs of endangered swift parrots. Conservation of migratory species requires knowledge of the species’ ecology at multiple sites and the links between phases of the migratory cycle. Austral (within southern hemisphere) migrants such as swift parrots can be challenging to conserve because variable climatic conditions cause great plasticity in their movements. Knowledge of habitat requirements, reproductive success, and mortality, including disease prevalence and return rates from migration, will enable optimal conservation strategies and effective land management. Conservation biology of endangered swift parrots and regent honeyeaters
(Ravensworth Mine Offset grant 2014-2018) The impact of climate change on inter-specific interactions
(ARC Discovery Project with Drs Langmore (lead CI), Kilner, and Lacy 2011-16) An investigation of the phenological mismatch hypothesis for interactions between cuckoos, their hosts and their prey in south-eastern Australia Amongst wildlife, the most commonly documented response to climate change involves alterations of species phenologies. For example, many species show an advance in the timing of breeding with increasing temperatures. However, phenological shifts are often unequal across different trophic levels and between different life history strategies, which can result in phenological mismatches between closely interacting species, such as predators and prey or parasites and hosts. We aim to test the phenological mismatch hypothesis for interactions between cuckoos, their hosts and their prey in south-eastern Australia. |
