Spatial and temporal alterations in bird movement patterns with climate change
Rebecca Stirnemann
Supervisor: Dr Alison Donnelly
Phenological changes at high trophic levels may be direct or indirect. Direct phenological changes occur when species are affected by changes in temperature resulting in a shift in the timing of life cycle events. Indirect effects in contrast may arise from changes in the timing of phenophases in lower trophic levels. These may result in a mismatch in the timing of phenophases between predators and prey. Many bird phenological phases (timing of arrival, breeding etc) have been shown to be affected by changes in climate. We are exploring temporal and spatial shifts in bird distributions in regard to climatic variables determining how aspects of the migration have changed, and how these alterations may be linked to climate change and dynamics at the population and landscape level. The interaction between direct and indirect feed back loops and the timing of biological events will also be investigated.
Publications:
Merwe, M.Van der and Stirnemann, R. L.(2007) Reproduction of the banana bat, Neoromicia nanus, in the Mpumalanga province, South Africa, with a discussion on sperm storage and latitudinal effects on reproductive
strategies. The South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 37,(1), 53-60
Stirnemann, R. L. (2008) Adult moulting during breeding in the New Zealand Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa fuliginosa. Corella, 32, (1),1
Stirnemann, R. L. (2008) Early fledging in the New Zealand fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa fuliginosa). Corella. 32, (2), 38.