Terrestrial Ecology

Terrestrial Ecology is the study of animals that live on land, how they interact with one another and form part of the environment in which they live. Studies are highly diverse, focusing on anything from the microbiology of soil to elephant ecology.

Research in terrestrial mammal ecology at the Mammal Research Institute focuses on a diverse range of topics including the genetics, taxonomy and systematics, evolution, physiology, diseases and parasites, behaviour, population and community ecology and conservation of mammals. These studies encompass both pure and applied science that expands current understanding of mammals and provide scientific advice for their management and conservation. Species studied range literally from mice to elephants. To date, staff and students have carried out their research in South Africa, Botswana, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In addition, studies have taken place beyond the Africa continent in Australia, India, Saudi Arabia, and Spain.

This diverse theme encompasses research projects from many MRI staff and Associates and is led by Associate Professor Adrian Shrader. Assoc Prof. Shrader joined the MRI in 2018 and leads multiple projects with several international collaborators. He is also an Associate Editor for three journals - the African Journal of Wildlife Research, African Zoology, and Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution.