Dóra Szobonya

Current Focus

My current research is part of the ÉLVONAL Shorebirds project, which investigates the role of environment, demography and genes in the evolution of sex roles. My work involves analysing incubation records of shorebirds (Vanellus indicus, Cursorius cursor, Charadrius marginatus, Charadrius pecuarius, Charadrius alexandrius, Turnix nigricollis). The data from my analyses may be useful for future studies on sex roles, nest predation and nest ecology, among other things, and may also aid in species (e.g. Cursorius cursor) management.

Previous Research and Other Interests

In my previous research, I have investigated the stability of the migration order of Przewalski's horses and its dependence on the individual characteristics of the mares; and the recognition of individuals by external characteristics. Research on their group behaviour revealed the temporal stability of their migration order. I also found that the position of mares in the harem was significantly influenced by previous calving and treatment with PZP contraceptive. Mares with offspring and those who treated with PZP were migrating at the front of the group compared to those without offspring and those not treated with PZP. These results contribute to research on the group behaviour of Przewalski's horses and the factors influencing migration order.

In my research on their individual recognition, I have developed a database based on individual characteristics that would facilitate the recognition of Przewalski's horses. My further aim was to determine the consistency of animal recognition and the proportion of each body compartment that could be correctly identified. I also examined the distribution of traits in the population. My work has shown that the recognition of individuals is not affected by whether an experienced or a trainee person is doing the identification. I have shown that some external features of Przewalski's horses (strength of swallow belly, contrast of nose, colour of interior mane, colour and height of exterior mane, body shape) help to successfully identify individuals, while other features (colour of head and neck, shape of mane) are difficult to determine. There are, however, rare characteristics that make the individual immediately recognisable. The analysis of the distribution of these traits in the population has revealed a sub-type of Przewalski's horses with lighter and darker colour. My findings from my database and its analysis may help future identification of Przewalski's horses and may also provide a basis for new methods of identification in case of this subspecies.

LINKS