Dr Wayne Linklater

:same:1:--> Dr Wayne Linklater Senior Lecturer Biology Phone: 0-4-463 5233-extn-8575 Fax: 0-4-463 5331 Email: address Room 617, New Kirk Building, Kelburn Pde, Kelburn Campus

Senior Lecturer

Research interests

My research interests focus on the ecology, behaviour and management of wildlife, and human-wildlife relationships in urban landscapes.

Large mammal conservation and management:
The rhinoceros research project in South Africa began in 2001 and aims to better understand the behaviour and ecology of rhinoceros, particularly as it might benefit meta-population management by translocation. The programme collaborates with a concurrent conservation initiative by WWF-SA and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, called the Black Rhinoceros Range Expansion Project, to investigate rhinoceros biology during translocation and the dynamics of source and reintroduced populations and their habitat.

Scent-broadcasting experiments are being conducted to test the efficacy of rhino dung to manage habitat-use and social interaction after rhinos are released into new sites or removed from source populations. Investigations include understanding the role of stress and diet, and therefore management and husbandry, as the cause of male-biased rhinoceros birth sex ratios in captivity and after translocation in collaboration with the International Rhino Foundation.

Urban wildlife and adaptation in modified landscapes:
Current research focuses on avian biodiversity and habitat-use in urban landscapes. Collaborative work with Dr. Michael Gavin (School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences) is examining the relationship between urban biodiversity and human ecological knowledge. The objective is to understand how to better manage wildlife in urban settings, and design urban landscapes for wildlife and humans alike.

View publications here