Phd. Study Research
My PhD. research is focused on the recognition of heterospecific alarm calls and predator vocalizations in ungulates, specifically impala (Aepyceros melampus) that represents a model species.
During my master studies I was working on recognition of heterospecific alarms in taxa of temperate zone, in particular in the area of Czech Republic. Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) represented a model ungulate which was tested for responses to alarm call of Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius). Beside that, also other species such are, for instance, the European hare (Lepus europaeus) and the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) were exposed to jay's alarms. The Eurasian jay is a known for its "loud and harsh'' call, that the jay emitts once encounters a predator, a man including. I found out that all species mentioned recognize the alarm call of jay from non-alarm calls of selected birds.
The knowledge of prey-predator interactions in terms of acoustics may be theoretically important in conservation efforts, in particular in repatriation initiatives of both, prey and predator species. Specifically, when we know that some species are life-dependent on other species alarm calls.
However, the studies reporting about the ability of ungulates to acoustically recognize heterospecific alarms and predator vocalizations are rather scarce. In order to fill this gap in knowledge and as follow up on results of my Master thesis we initiated the research of this problematics in the Kruger National Park (KNP) in South Africa in 2011 and 2012. The research was enabled by support of Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, grant CIGA 51120/1313/3104 and South African National Parks. In the KNP by using playback experiments we tested impala (Aepyceros melampus) and other ungulate species for responses to alarm calls of Helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) and Greater kudu (Tragilaphus strepsiceros) and vocalizations of three predator species: lion (Panthera leo), Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocucta) and Black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas). We predicted that impala could differentiate among vocalization of jackal and hyena and lion, because while hyena and lion represent apex predators the jackal as mesopredator should not represent a high predation risk for the impala as it hunts adult impalas rarely. We found out that this hypothesis is valid. For example, the impala scanned the environment significantly longer after exposed to howling of jackal than after lion roars. Other results and diving deeply into this problematics are subjects of my PhD. thesis.
Work experience
2013-2015
Nutritional Data Specialist
Hill´s Pet Nutrition Manufacturing, s.r.o., EU Division, Rohanské nábřeží 678/23, Praha 8 - Karlín, 18600
Main responsibilities included development of English Master label copies for packaging of veterinary pet food for dogs and cats: product description, feeding instructions, feeding guide, etc. in compliance with EU and FEDIAF organization regulations; development, administration and coordination of central product database the Hill's Product Database and development of English Master copy and coordination of development of product catalogue the Key to Nutrition.
2011-2012
Coordinator of Animal Behaviour Research Project in South Africa: Prey-predator interactions in context of acoustics CIGA 51120/1313/3104
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500, Praha 6
Major duties and competencies included project proposal, the whole project organization, research team coordination and own research followed by scientific report preparation.
2009
Researcher in European Wildcat Behaviour Project in Switzerland
KORA, Cat Specialist Group IUCN, Thunstrasse 31, CH-3074, Muri, Switzerland
Investigation of European Wildcat behaviour by means of VHF telemetry, work with camera traps, GIS analysis and final reports writing.
Other Work Experience
2012-2007 Cabin Crew in United Arab Emirates and Czech Republic
Emirates Airline, Travel Service a.s
Securing the safety on board of airplane, medical first aid and gastronomic service.
