14/12/2020
The common raven (Corvus corax) is an intelligent, generalist scavenger and omnivore that has thrived in transformed landscapes by capitalising on predictable and abundant human food resources. From bird feeders to garbage dumps, these resources are supporting the growth and spread of raven populations across the global north. Increasing numbers raises both ecological and conservation concerns, such as in cases where ravens predate on other threatened species and come into conflict with farmers.
In her project, Veera () will be analysing existing GPS movement data from a population of ravens in Austria to better understand how they are using human food resources across time and space. Individuals in this population exploit resources in distinct ways, such as in the time they spend at resources, the ones they prefer and the number of foraging sites they visit. This study will provide a better understanding of the extent to which individuals themselves, their traits, the food resources and other environmental conditions affect movement patterns. Learning how ravens behave and adapt to resources will better inform how to manage them.
Veera is supervised by Dr Petra Sumasgutner (.raptors) & Prof. Dr. Thomas Bugnyar from the Konrad Lorenz Research Centre (.lorenz.research.center), University of Vienna, and Dr Susan Cunningham from the FitzPatrick Institute (), UCT.
1. Veera in the field (not Austria but one day she’ll have a photo there!)
2. GPS backpack on a raven
3-4. Ravens foraging and competing for food at a wild boar enclosure
Photo credits: The Corvid Lab
