Profile
I use a combination of methodologies including visual observations, bioacoustics, statistical modelling, and GIS techniques to establish a baseline of the population size of cetaceans in the region and investigate factors that influence habitat preferences of these animals. These baselines are important to inform conservation and management of cetaceans – especially with growing threats from fisheries bycatch, habitat degradation and climate change.
The Central Indian Ocean may be one of the last tropical refuges where cetaceans remain protected from human impacts, yet we know very little of their populations. Understanding what they do and why they do it is key for protecting these amazing animals!
Biography
Other Interests
I am also working on behaviour and acoustics of marine mammals, focusing on acoustics of dolphin species. I am also interested in studying mixed-species interactions of animals and the drivers behind such associations.