Prof. Randall Davis from Texas A&M University paid a visit to IHB during May 3 and 13.

Prof. Randall Davis from Texas A&M University paid a visit to Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences during May 3 and 13, 2013. Accompanied by researchers from the Research Group of Conservation Biology of Aquatic Animals at IHB, Prof. Davis visited Baiji Dolphinarium where the Yangtze finless porpoises are rearing and interacted with researchers on issues related to the energetics of Yangtze finless porpoises. 

On May 10th, Prof. Davis gave a presentation entitled “Animal-borne video and data recorders as a method of studying marine life” in the institute. In his presentation, Prof. Davis introduced the development and use of animal-borne instruments (video and data recorders) and its application in the study of behavior of marine animals. While presenting some sharp and striking images of large marine animals such as pinnipeds, cetaceans and sperm whales captured by the recorder, Prof. Davis analyzed the data obtained through monitoring the behavior and prey of the marine animals and discussed the energetic strategy of the behavior of marine animals. In closing, Prof. Davis had an in-depth discussion with researchers of IHB on the application of the recorder in the energetic study of large rare and endangered aquatic life in the Yangtze River.  

Prof. Davis is an expert in the energetic study of the behavior of marine life. His research fouses on the physiology, behavior and energetics of marine birds and mammals, especially species inhabiting polar water. Over the past 36 years, he has conducted 75 field studies on 6 continents in polar, temperate and tropical marine ecosystems. He has published over 100 articles and 2 books.