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Project properties |
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| Title | Cooperation, dispersal, and climate adaptation in Australian fairy-wrens |
| Group | Behavioural Ecology |
| Project type | thesis |
| Credits | 36 |
| Supervisor(s) | Niki Teunissen |
| Examiner(s) | Marc Naguib |
| Contact info | niki.teunissen@wur.nl |
| Begin date | 2023/01/01 |
| End date | 2024/01/01 |
| Description | MSc thesis projects are available to study purple-crowned fairy-wrens in the Kimberley, Australia. Project topics can include cooperative breeding, dispersal, parental care, brood parasitism, and climate change, but are not limited to these, and we are open to discussing other topics. Projects can be based on existing data from this long-term project and/or new data collected in the field.
Fieldwork can take place during the late dry season (Oct-Nov), or during the wet season, when the birds are actively breeding (Jan-Apr), or during the early dry season (May-June). The field site is located at a remote sanctuary an 8-hour drive from Broome, Western Australia. The cost of accommodation (mostly camping in tents) at the field site, and local travel expenses (from Broome) will be covered by the project. |
| Used skills | - fieldwork experience
- data collection and analysis - bird handling |
| Requirements | The fieldwork best suits students who are able to work independently in the field, are comfortable with living in a remote location, and who have good interpersonal skills. Being flexible and willing to work long days in hot conditions is a must. Full colour-vision is also essential for identifying birds (who are individually recognisable by a unique set of coloured leg bands). Previous experience living in similar conditions is advantageous. |