Research Interests:
My project is titled 'The seasonal
variation in body composition, energetics and physiology of the barnacle
goose', and aims to build on two keys studies by Butler et al. (1998,
2001). We hope to gain a better understanding of the relationship
between metabolic rate, body temperature and fat deposition in adult
barnacle geese, and in particular how these factors vary and interact
with each other throughout the seasons. To complement these core themes,
various endocrinological aspects are being studied to tie in with
seasonal variations, to determine what patterns exist and if they play a
mechanistic role in the seasonal variations observed.
Of particular interest is how these
variables interact with each other at potentially energetically
demanding times of year, such as during migration, breeding and moult.
Using satellite transmitters Butler
et
al., (1998) were able to characterise the autumn migration route of
barnacle geese. They were able to track six individuals from their
breeding area in Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, to the wintering grounds in
Caerlaverock, Scotland (a total of 2500-3000 km). Through the use of
heart rate loggers, Butler et al. (1998) established that the
geese did not fly continuously between Bear Island and Caerlaverock, but
stopped periodically, probably while travelling along the Norwegian
Coast. Data loggers were also used by Butler and Woakes in 2001 to test
the hypothesis that, just prior to the birds’ autumn migration, they
enter a state of anapyrexia when food is not scarce but the need to
store energy in the form of fat is of overriding importance. In total,
there was a mean decrease in 24 h abdominal temperature of 4.4 0C
over a total duration of 28 days.
