Research interests
I am interested in the effects of ecological and anthropogenic factors on the behavioural evolution of wild ungulates. In particular, my research interests encompass the adaptive significance of antipredator behaviour, and the effects of human disturbance on predator-prey interactions, with particular attention to African savannah ecosystems. I am also interested in the spatial ecology of African herbivores and vegetation.
For my PhD project, under the supervision of Dr Jakob Bro-Jørgensen, I will investigate the evolutionary ecology of antipredator communication systems in ungulates. Combining both comparative analyses and field methods, the study aims at understanding the evolution and phenotypic plasticity of mammalian communication by investigating the structure and function of antipredator signals.
Education and career
- BSc (with Honours) in Natural Sciences, Università di Roma “La Sapienza”, Italy (2010-2013)
- MSc (dissertation) with Distinction, Centre for African Ecology, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa (2014-2016)
- NERC ACCE PhD studentship, Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, University of Liverpool. (2016-2020). Supervisor: Dr Jakob Bro-Jørgensen. Co-supervisors: Dr Daniel W. Franks (University of York), Professor Paula Stockley
Publications
Martini, F., Cunliffe, R., Farcomeni, A., de Sanctis, M., D'Ammando, G., & Attorre, F. (2016). Classification and mapping of the woody vegetation of Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe. Koedoe, 58(1), 10-pages.
D'Ammando, G., Parrini, F., Attorre, F., & Boitani, L. (2015). Observations on dry season grazing by eland in a Magaliesberg Nature Reserve, South Africa. African Journal of Ecology, 53(1), 112-115.
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