Human - Wildlife conflicts

Animal populations and predators in particular, have suffered from declines owing to their naturally low population densities and their role as consumers of other species important to human (e.g. game species, livestock etc). Understanding the mechanisms between predator-prey interactions may have implications for land use, biodiversity and sustainable use of resources. In this concept, I am interested to identify the potential of being harmful to species with socioeconomic value by studying the food habits of predators, including mammalian (Brown Bear Ursus arctos, Red Fox Vulpes vulpes, Stone Marten Martes foina), and avian (Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus, Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciata, Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus, Eagle Owl Bubo bubo, Barn Owl Tyto alba) predators.

Recently, wildlife mortality due to roadkill could be significant, particularly for small populations. On the other hand, roadkill has an impact on the human population, via accidents and insurance claims for wildlife-vehicle collisions. In this context, I would like to understand how wildlife roadkills will respond to large-scale infrastructures, such as motorways. This can help to suggest effectively mitigation measures in reducing the number and species of animal killing, both via changes to animal and human behavior.

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