Ecology research within the School has a broad focus on understanding the impact of natural and anthropogenic processes on the abundance, dynamics and distribution of individuals, populations and species.

Our research extends from genes to landscapes with an emphasis on long-term, large-scale field studies of birds and mammals to provide a real-world understanding of how ecological and evolutionary processes affect natural populations, and time-series data to identify population responses to environmental change. This approach is supported by strong theoretical research and novel statistical, modelling and laboratory-based tools.

We ensure recursive interaction and collaboration with a broad range of end-user, stake-holder and policy-making groups such that our research excellence translates into management and conservation policy and has real impact and influence.

Population dynamics and trophic interaction

Trophic relationships are key processes structuring ecological communities. We are renown for our use of large-scale field studies with birds and mammals to explore the implications of predator-prey, parasite-host, and plant-herbivore interactions on the population dynamics and co-evolutionary processes affecting animal and plant species in a wide range of ecosystems.

Our research on trophic interaction focuses on the functional linkages between oceanographic processes and the life history traits and population dynamics of top marine predators such as whales, seals and seabirds. We identify the critical life history stages and marine habitats where predator and prey species overlap, focusing on the biotic and abiotic processes that can enhance or destroy these linkages.