SPUR Project

2012 winner (9 of 14)

Personality and reproductive success in House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) on the Brackenhurst estate
Supervisors: Dr Louise Gentle (Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences) and Dr Samantha Bremner-Harrison (Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences)

In the field of behavioural and evolutionary ecology there has been a recent expanse of interest in animal personalities (i.e. consistent behavioural differences between individuals) which has upset the traditional view that behaviours are flexible in order to adapt to a changing environment. Little is currently known about how different personalities might affect the fitness (i.e. number of offspring) of animals. The project will investigate house sparrow (Passer domesticus) fitness, measured by the number of chicks to fledge the nest, in relation to the helpfulness of the males, measured by the percent of food (in relation to the female) provided for the offspring. This will be investigated through camera and nest observations using the recently established bird monitoring scheme (set up in conjunction with the British Trust for Ornithology) at Brackenhurst campus. Student tasks will include contribution to the research design, undertaking of specific behavioural observations (either in situ or via the use of nest box cameras), data analysis and reporting on research findings.