© Snapshot Serengeti
Phenology of births in large herbivores
Even if the study of phenological events has started centuries ago, it is now a major aspect of research, particularly since the 20th century and the first identifications of the impact of climate change on ecosystems. The range of concepts and methods of analysis related to this field has developed quickly, raising the need to provide overview and clarification.
The phenology of births corresponds to the study of the position and duration of the period of births during the year, related to its drivers and consequences on individuals and populations. Mainly regulated by environmental, biotic and internal factors through evolutionary processes and phenotypic adjustments, the date of birth has short- and long-term implications on individual survival and reproductive success. The phenology of births also affects population dynamics. However, numerous interrogations remain regarding the diversity of phenology of births encountered in natura and the modifications to which they are exposed due to climate change.
The aim of my thesis was to study the phenology of births, from the validation of sampling methods to the identification of the ecological and evolutionary processes associated, with large herbivorous mammals as a case study. I am now busy with exploring further these questions through various post-doctoral projects.
Source: PhD Thesis, Lucie Thel