Alex is a behavioural ecologist interested in understanding the drivers of animal behaviour and applying this knowledge to improve the management and welfare of wildlife, particularly species managed as pests. She specialises in applying interdiscipoinary methods and multi-sensor biologgers to understand mammal behaviour.
In her current role, Alex is working with Cardiff University and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to identify natural chemical compounds in tree bark that can defend trees against squirrel damage. She also works with Swansea University to develop a machine-learning model to automatically classify squirrel movements and body positions linked to bark-stripping behaviour from biologging data. The CFP-funded project combines methods in chemical ecology and movement ecology to understand drivers of bark-stripping behaviour at the tree and squirrel levels.
Alex completed an MSci in Wild Animal Biology at the Royal Veterinary College. She then worked in ecological consultancy as an assistant ecologist, surveying for UK protected species. She completed her PhD research on the drivers of bark-stripping behaviour in invasive grey squirrels and how this can inform more targeted, effective and efficient management of squirrels in British woodlands.
