Penny Beaver
Current research
I am currently investigating the links between habitat use and diet variations through the use of light geolocators, direct diet samples and stable isotope analysis of a small procellariiform, the wedge-tailed shearwater (Ardenna pacifica) in south-eastern Australia.
What my project involves
I have been working with spatial data (light geolocators) to determine the habitat selection during the breeding and non-breeding periods to identify if individuals from a temperate colony is utilising different areas compared to the sub-tropical colony. I have obtained direct prey samples and feathers between 2016 and 2018 which have been analysed for two types of isotopes (carbon and nitrogen), which are an indicator of the type of diet they are consuming and whether diet varied between the two colonies and years.
Fun trivia about my research
Wedge-tailed shearwaters migrate to the Philippines Sea,Taiwan and south of Japan during the Australian winter.
Research project in a haiku
Research-related interests
I have a research interest in the conservation and challenges in managing marine resources with a specialisation in the biology and conservation of seabirds and small-scale fisheries.
