Trinity College Dublin, Ecology and Evolution
Indonesia is a constellation of islands, big and small and many-shaped, born out of volcanism or coral build-up or sheared from the ground of continents, each its own world. The complex geography of this region begat an equally complex biogeography, with evolution working enthusiastically to populate it, and the staggering biodiversity that resulted will surely …
This post is based on the paper ‘The avifauna of the forest mosaic habitats of the Mariarano region, Mahajanga II district, north-west Madagascar’, just published open-access in Bothalia: African Biodiversity and Conservation. The header image by Jamie Grant-Fraser shows White-faced Whistling Ducks (Dendrocygna viduata) responding to the appearance of a Madagascar Harrier-hawk (Polyboroides radiatus).
A big draw for those who study the natural world is the search for adventure – the chance to make a novel discovery, and to explore regions unknown to science. Despite that, in today’s world, such an opportunity rarely presents itself, and it is exceedingly rare to truly break new ground. However, in the summer …
Almost as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a Zoologist. Growing up on a steady diet of Attenborough documentaries, I dreamed of exploring new lands, discovering weird and wonderful species. I wanted to be the next Darwin. The next Wallace. In a lot of ways, my PhD research has been the fulfilment …
Continue reading “PhD Retrospective: Finding new bird species in Sulawesi”
This blog was first published on #theBOUblog. Check it out at https://www.bou.org.uk/blog-oconnell-two-new-white-eye-species-sulawesi/ The Wallacea region has always been known to be home to many unique species, with birds of paradise, giant reptiles and marsupial versions of sloths found among its many islands! The region takes its name from Alfred Russel Wallace, who along with Darwin, developed …
Continue reading “Two new bird species from the unique and understudied Sulawesi region”
Darren O’Connell on his recent paper showing competition between males and females of the Olive-backed Sunbird in Sulawesi, Indonesia
Biodiversity monitoring work can often be disheartening. Typically, we end up documenting a decline in whatever species we are working with. So it’s always a pleasure to have the opportunity to deliver some positive news. A stroll with my collaborator Adi Karya around his university campus in Kendari city provided an unexpected opportunity to do …
Continue reading “Range extension for the Dwarf Sparrowhawk”
Most of us start off in ecological research for the fieldwork. I always dreamed of following in the footsteps of Darwin or Wallace, discovering species and exploring new lands. While I haven’t quite reached the level of my august peers (yet!), my PhD has allowed me to take a step on the road towards following …
Studying island bird biogeography in the tropics for my PhD has presented me with many weird and wonderful opportunities. None more so than accidentally becoming a mammologist along the way. My study region of Sulawesi, Indonesia, is home to the westernmost marsupial species in Asia, the Cuscus. Cuscus are like marsupial sloths, living life in …
Ah the summer, how I miss it! In mid-June I departed (on the horrendously long journey) to the beautifully sunny, tropical islands off the south-eastern coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia. No, I wasn’t on holidays; I am fortunate enough to call this part of the world my study site. During the six week visit, I aimed …