Dissertation: Ecological impacts of free-roaming dogs on native biodiversity in Singapore. 

​

The domestic dog is the most abundant carnivore in the world and yet scientific information on the potential impacts of free-roaming dogs on wildlife and biodiversity remains relatively scarce. In the absence of an apex predator, Dajun (DJ) examines the different interpretations of movement patterns and behaviours through machine learning algorithms and GPS-based movement analyses to explore the relative role of the free-roaming dog and their associated impacts on native biodiversity in the nature areas of Singapore. With movement as a key research interest, DJ hopes to continue expanding his knowledge and contributing to the local wildlife conservation and movement scene by examining more local species. Outside of research, DJ enjoys basketball, spending time with his family and walking his dog. 

Dissertation: Impacts of Anthropogenic Developments on Ranging Behaviour, Habitat Selection and Activity Cycle of Sunda Colugo, Galeopterus variegatus, in Singapore

​

RA Research: Improving Habitat Connectivity for Sunda Colugo at Mandai 

​

When you encounter someone staring up at the trees, into the bushes, squatting by the roadside, or taking the path less travelled, that’s probably Gina. Gina’s main research interests lie in animal behaviour and applied ecology, particularly in endangered and understudied wildlife, as well as genomics and molecular biomechanics. Currently investigating on the habitat connectivity of Sunda Colugo at Mandai, Gina looks at the possible impacts of anthropogenic developments on the habitat connectivity, ranging behaviour and activity cycle of the nocturnal mammal, through the use of animal-borne telemetry equipment for data analyses and machine learning. Through her studies, the findings could be useful in understanding the impacts of habitat disturbances on movement patterns of Sunda Colugo, which could inform existing mitigation measures to improve habitat connectivity for the arboreal gliding species. Prior to her current research, Gina was examining the habitat selection and population estimate of Sunda Colugos in Mandai using a model selection approach. In her own time, Gina is involved in nature-related initiatives and voluntary works, and she enjoys Nature exploration, photography and basketball. Gina is also a member of the Singapore Pangolin Working Group. 

Dissertation: Predicting habitat selection of ground-dwelling mammals using environmental data. 

​

Most studies on habitat selection focus on individual species, especially in the context of Singapore. With an interest in ecological forecasting, Joejyn seeks to use the physical environment as cues to predict the spatial distribution of co-existing species, giving insight to community structure in our tropical forests. Joejyn aims to do so by utilising the recent trend of big data in the ecological field, and applying computational methods traditionally used in other science disciplines to ecology. When not in the field or coding in front of the computer, Joejyn can be found searching for his next adventure – be it scuba diving, night cycling, or skiing. 

Research: Habitat selection of Singapore's forest mammals and their impacts to native flora seed dispersal

​

The ecology of several species of small- and medium-sized ground-dwelling forest mammals in Singapore remains understudied. Through this project, Rachel hopes to contribute to the understanding of their habitat usage and ecological roles as primary/secondary seed disperser or seed predator. Rachel is a felid lover at heart and her main research background is in landscape and community ecology, with three years of research experience at the National University of Singapore on the flora and fauna in Singapore's urban landscape. Constantly fascinated and curious about the natural world, she also dips her hands into other research projects of the lab e.g. examining the ecoacoustics of birds and examining the interaction between ultrasonic katydids and bats. Besides doing research, Rachel also contributes to wildlife conservation through scientific communication and community engagement. She is a happy plant mama who enjoys exploring the natural habitats in other countries, a good cup of tea and digital illustration. 

​