The study of factors leading animals to be solitary, aggregate, or to form different types of groups is central to an understanding of the evolution of sociality. What causes males and females to live in separate groups in many ungulate species (this is also termed sexual segregation), for example, is still poorly understood, despite much research. I am therefore particularly interested in what factors drive gregariousness, and how sexual segregation evolved and what is causing it.

I am interested in the social organization within groups, affinities and associations between group members, cost and benefits of group living, such as competition for food and mates, parasite and disease transmission, and cooperation, to name but a few aspects. My most recent efforts are focusing on understanding social network structures in different animal societies and the benefits/potential costs that could be associated with certain positions within a network. Students in my lab mainly study different vertebrate species in the field, with a focus on ungulates but we also collaborate with computer modellers and theoreticians to better understand these phenomena. Fore more details click “RESEARCH” at top of page.

                     

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