Date & Time

Time: 10:00-11:00 am (CST), March 24th

Location: IB 3106(preferred)

Zoom ID: 715 337 7467 

*Light refreshments will be provided

Speaker

Prof. Chi Yeung(Jimmy) Choi

Assistant Professor of Environmental Science from the Division of Natural and Applied Sciences

Abstract

Populations of many migratory waterbird species along the East-Asian Australasian Flyway have declined substantially over the last few decades. Through systematic investigations on their population dynamics, distribution and behaviour patterns, it became clear that habitat loss and degradation, hunting and pollutant contaminations could be the key drivers behind the population decline. Combining the latest technology in wildlife tracking and remote sensing with field observations, there has been an improved understanding on the habitat requirements, activity pattern, foraging behaviour and diet of migratory waterbirds and these laid the foundation for evidence-based conservation management actions. This seminar will provide an overview on the latest development in waterbird conservation along the flyway.

BIO

Jimmy is an applied ecologist with expertise in animal ecology, conservation biology and wetland ecology. He studies the relationship between animals and their environment. Current study systems include the ecology of migratory birds, with a focus on their foraging and movement ecology within and between coastal intertidal wetlands. This requires extensive fieldwork in many places ranging from Alaska and East Asia to Australia and New Zealand. The work has led to investigations of diet, habitat use, local movement, population dynamics as well as migration phenology and strategies, often using the latest technology in wildlife tracking and remote sensing. Based on the findings from these studies, long-term habitat quality monitoring, protected area boundary adjustment and integrated natural and artificial management are proposed to improve the habitats for migratory waterbirds. These efforts not only contribute to nature conservation, but also to the restoration of wetland ecosystems on which humans depend.