Martin Seltmann

Ph.D. student
Aronia, Coastal Zone Research Team
Raseborgsvägen 9
FI-10600 EKENÄS
FINLAND
+358(0)19 224 8419
+358 (0)44 204 3454
martin.seltmann@novia.fi
www.novia.fi/ejder

Research interests

My research interests cover different fields from evolutionary ecology, behavioural biology and animal physiology. Thereby, the impact of environmental as well as social factors on the behaviour and on the fitness consequences of birds and mammals is of special interest.

Ongoing projects

After hatching of their clutch, eider mothers choose between different strategies to care for their offspring. The question is: Do I care alone or do I join a group with other females? One reason for choosing one of these options may be the female's personality. In my study I analyse multiple state-dependent behavioural as well as endocrine (stress hormones from blood and faeces) traits to define different personalities (shy-bold). Furthermore, I investigate how the personality distribution in eider brood-rearing coalitions at Tvärminne may affect offspring survival. (PhD - Thesis)

Publications

Seltmann MW, Ruf T, Rödel HG (2009). Effects of body mass and huddling on resting metabolic rates of post-weaned European rabbits under different simulated weather conditions. Functional Ecology

Rödel HG, Starkloff A, Prager G, Seltmann MW, von Holst D (2009). Causes and predictors of nest mortality in a European rabbit population. Mammalian Biology 74: 198-209