The Western Centre for Animals on the Move (CAM) conducts research on how, why, and where animals move.
We explore how animal movement is influenced by the surrounding environment and human activities. Each year, around the globe, billions of birds, bats, fishes, sea turtles, marine and terrestrial mammals, and insects navigate hundreds to thousands of kilometers between specialized habitats required for breeding, over-winter survival, moulting, and other activities.
Designing effective conservation actions for migratory and non-migratory species in Canada is a major conservation challenge. Canada cannot be resilient to the effects of a changing climate and anthropogenic activities without the health and connectivity of its mobile animal species. The Centre for Animals on Move informs the way we measure, approach, communicate, and ultimately interact with mobile animal species.
Featured News
Teaming up with Birds Canada!
"A newly penned agreement between Western University and Birds Canada is being described by both parties as a big step forward for bird research and conservation in one of North America's most biodiverse locations".... Read more
Sweeping success at BGRF
Congratulations to CAM members: Amalie Hutchinson, Gabrielle Orfanides, and April Sharpe for their performances at BGRF! We are all so proud of you. Read more for tips and tricks from our winners on how to make the most of your next poster or presentation! Read more
Undergraduate by day, Superhero by night
Read more about one of our amazing members of CAM, Janelle Coultes, as she describes how she manages being both an undergraduate researcher, and a search-and-rescue volunteer!Read more
Bird safety now! Dr. Brendon Samuels on CTV news
Dr. Brendon Samuels, a recent PhD graduate from the S. MacDougall-Shackleton lab appeared on CTV news this month to discuss his current endeavours to bring the federal government's attention to our rapidly declining bird populations in hopes that our environmental ministers will actually feel compelled to do something about it.
Godspeed, Brendon!
Watch the interview!
Dr David Sherry AFAR Graduate Award
In honour of the late Dr. David Sherry, distinguished University Professor Emeritus in the Departments of Psychology and Biology, a new award offered to full-time graduate students conducting AFAR afiliated research has been established. The award will be given based on financial need, and preference will be given to those involved in avian research. The award is valued at one annual payment of $1000.
Applications will include a one-page statement that addresses the selection criteria for the award and a current CV. These should be submitted as a single PDF attachment by email to smacdou2@uwo.ca
Research Highlights
Occupancy Modeling for Rare Species Using Large Datasets
A new method for occupancy modeling leveraging citizen science and other irregular datasets.
Featured field photos
Learn how our research efforts drive important discoveries that address key research questions and inform our next steps.
