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Dr Jessica E.M. van der Wal

By:   []

Date: 2022-06 

I am a behavioural ecologist intrigued by the profound variation in how different species specialise on resources. I research the ecology and evolution of the remarkable mutualism between human honey-hunters and greater honeyguides. Among the remaining parts of Africa where this mutualism still exists, there is substantial geographical variation in the behaviour and calls honey-hunters use to attract honeyguides to lead them to bee nests. I am interested in mapping the mosaic of mutualism between honeyguides and humans, by investigating the variation in human honey-hunting cultures, and understanding how the birds must adjust and the underlying learning process involved. I employ an interdisciplinary approach to address my research questions, integrating ideas and methodologies from a variety of academic disciplines such as biology, anthropology, linguistics, as well as citizen science.
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[1] URL: https://theconversation.com/profiles/dr-jessica-e-m-van-der-wal-878137
[2] URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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