Aeroecology: challenges, opportunities and its societal relevance

University of Amsterdam Professor Judy Shamoun-Baranes shares insights from her study of Aeroecology and its relevance in society.

Join us for the first in our Visiting Scholar Lecture Series as Professor Judy Shamoun-Baranes presents her insights on Aeroecology: challenges, opportunities and its societal relevance.

Presentation abstract

Aeroecology is the study of life in the air. During flight, animals use an aerial habitat whose properties are highly dynamic in 3D space and time. Intrinsic traits, abiotic properties of the aerial environment, biotic interactions and human activities will shape where, when and how animals fly. Studying these complex interactions requires and interdisciplinary approach which integrates an understanding of the aerial environment, the study system and the tools needed to measure behaviour in places and times we cannot observe directly. In this talk, I will showcase some of our research and developments in the field. We use bio-telemetry to study fine-scale flight behaviour of birds, daily energy expenditure and individual movement throughout the annual cycle. Whereas radar is generally used to study mass movements of aerial communities at different scales in space and time. While each provides a different perspective and has it’s own technical challenges, ultimately the techniques can provide valuable complementary information of life in the air. Through several examples of long-term collaboration and societal engagement, I will demonstrate how we have used aeroecological research to support aviation safety, the energy transition and inspire fascination and appreciation for life in the air.

About the Presenter

Judy Shamoun-Baranes is a Professor of Animal Movement Ecology at the University of Amsterdam where she leads interdisciplinary research and the development of scientific infrastructure. Her research focuses on understanding how intrinsic and environmental factors influence animal movement at different scales in space and time and the consequences of movement strategies. Through fruitful long-term collaborations, the team at UvA has developed and improved techniques for studying avian movement using high-resolution GPS tracking and different radar technologies. Fundamental knowledge about avian movement is also used to better understand human wildlife interactions and help develop solutions for (aerial) conflicts impacting aviation safety, wind energy and avian conservation. Judy was involved in the development of the UvA Bird Tracking System (UvA-BiTS) and vice-chair of the European Network for RAdar monitoring of Animal Movement (ENRAM) and continues to foster international collaboration in aeroecology.

Event details

Venue: Boola Katitin Innovation Hub, room 002, Level 3, Boola Katitjin Building (360), Discovery Drive, Murdoch University. Visit Murdoch Maps for location and directions.

Transport: Murdoch University is conveniently located close to Murdoch train station and along major bus routes (visit www.transperth.wa.gov.au). It also accommodates a network of pedestrian and cycle paths, as well as bike racks and lockers.

Parking: Car parks 8 and 7are located closest to Boola Katitjin. Visit Murdoch Maps for a detailed campus map.