The effects of forestry treatments on carabid movement patterns
The effects of forestry treatments on carabid beetles have been extensively studied at the community or assemblage level using taxon- or functional-based indices, yet the immediate behavioral responses of individual carabids to different forestry treatments remain mostly unexplored. The project focuses on novel investigations of the habitat use of carabids in a temperate oak-hornbeam forest under continuous cover forestry management. In particular, it seeks to examine in detail the impact of small-scale canopy gaps of two distinct sizes (small vs. large) and shapes (circular vs. elongated) on carabid movement patterns and predation pressure on them utilizing advanced methodological approaches, such as radio telemetry, self-mark-capture, and 3D-printed decoys mimicking real specimens. Understanding these individual-level responses is critical because patterns in carabid movement can serve as early warning signals for habitat alterations and potentially provide insight into the restructuring of community structures within a managed oak-hornbeam forest.
Environmental enrichment for captive bred Hungarian meadow vipers
Behavioural patterns that develop during ex situ breeding and rearing of endangered species greatly influence the success of reintroduction to nature. In cooperation with the Hungarian Meadow Viper Conservation Center (operated by MME BirdLife Hungary), we are studying how the various elements of the rearing environment affect the behavioural development of young Hungarian meadow vipers (Vipera ursinii rakosiensis) in ex situ conditions and later after release to the wild. Our study focus on direct and indirect effects of ecologically relevant variables (size/complexity of rearing site, type of wintering method, length of winter, prey availability, presence of predators) on individual behavioural and other traits relevant to survival. Our feed-back enables the fine-tuning of the rearing protocol of this strictly protected species, meanwhile helping the design and planning of similar species conservation programs in the future.