Department of Zoology, University of Otago, New Zealand

Research

The Department of Zoology has a maintained a tradition of high quality research into the unique animals and habitats of New Zealand for over 125 years. Today the Department is one of New Zealand's leading centres for zoological research in a variety of areas including animal evolution, aquatic ecology, behavioural ecology, conservation biology, environmental physiology, neurobiology, parasitology, population genetics and wildlife management.

Staff and students conduct their research in a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial habitats around the mainland and offshore islands of New Zealand, as well as elsewhere within the Pacific and Antarctic Regions. A diverse range of organisms are studied including native birds and fish, weta, whales and dolphins. Many staff are actively involved in projects aiming to conserve New Zealand's endangered native fauna or controlling various pest organisms that continue to threaten native wildlife.

The Department effectively blends the achitecture and traditions of a long-established university with up-to-date research facilities. Modern laboratories and equipment provide access to animal holding facilities, research photomicroscopes, automatic chemical analysers, equipment for isozyme electrophoresis and mitochondrial DNA analysis, histology and radioisotope analyses, photographic and video facilities. Access to a wide range of field sites is possible using the Department's range of field equipment including seven 4WD vehicles, a mobile research lab and a variety of small boats. A highly skilled technical staff of 15 can provide advice and assistance with animal handling, computing, photography, chemical and histological analyses, and the design, building and maintenance of equipment.

For further information on the specific research interests and projects of the staff, please consult the individual staff web pages