Eivin Røskaft
Born (1951-02-16) February 16, 1951
Namsos, Norway
NationalityNorwegian
Occupation(s)Evolutionary biologist, academic and author
Academic background
EducationPhD. in Ethology/Sociobiology
Alma materUniversity of Trondheim
Academic work
InstitutionsNorwegian University of Science and Technology

Eivin Røskaft is a Norwegian evolutionary biologist, academic, and author. He is a professor emeritus in evolutionary biology at the department of biology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway.[1] Røskaft's research is focused on the application of evolutionary biology to conservation, which has led to projects in Asia and Africa that pertain to human-wildlife conflict, animal population dynamics, and animal behaviour in relation to human activities.[2] He has authored or co-authored several publications, including the books Conservation of Natural Resources: Some African & Asian Examples, and Northern Serengeti Road Ecology, and is an honorary professor at Hainan University, Haikou, China, and Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic. He is also an elected member of Royal Norwegian Scientific Society, and the recipient of their Scientific Award.[3]

Education

Røskaft was born on February 16, 1951, in Namsos, Norway. He completed his PhD in 1984 in zoology (ethology/sociobiology) under the supervision of Yngve Espmark from University of Trondheim.[4] He then worked at the University of Trondheim from 1978 to 1982 as a research assistant before getting appointed as a scientific researcher there in 1985. Additionally, he conducted research in sociobiology as a postdoctoral researcher at the Burke Museum, University of Washington under Sievert Rohwer from 1984 to 1985, and later joined the faculty of his alma mater in 1988.

Career

Røskaft started his academic career as an associate professor in the Program for Applied Ecology at the University of Trondheim in 1988, and was promoted to professor there in 1991. As of 1999, he has been serving as a professor in evolutionary biology in the department of biology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.[5]

Between 1989 and 1993, he held brief appointments as the dean of faculty of natural sciences, and the director of Center for Environment and Development at the NTNU. During 1993–1999, he served as the director at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA). Later, he was appointed as the head of the department of biology for the 2002–2009 term.[6][7]

Research

Most known for research works spanning the fields of conservation biology, ecology, and ethology, Røskaft has authored more than 300 papers, including articles in peer-reviewed journals.[8]

Avian ecology

Røskaft has conducted research on the behavior and ecology of birds, with a particular focus on avian brood parasitism, and has been leading a coevolutionary project between avian brood parasites and their hosts since 1984.[9] His early work on parasitism by the common cuckoo invalidated the hypothesis that their egg removal behaviour evolved to prevent hosts, such as meadow pipits from detecting an increase in egg counts, determining that meadow pipit can detect parasitism if cuckoo has been spotted nearby.[10] Having studied the cuckoo hosts' rejection behaviour towards artificial brood parasite eggs, he presented supporting evidence some birds, that are better able to withstand being ejected by small host species, had thicker egg shells than others.[11] One of his highly cited papers on this subject lending support to the hypothesis showed that varied degrees of host species responses to cuckoo parasitism represent distinct stages in a continuous coevolutionary arms race.[12] Furthermore, his research focused on the coevolutionary arms race between the cuckoo and among other European hosts, European passerines, resulting into variance in their egg colour and marking pattern.[13] His studies on host preference in the common cuckoo revealed statistically significant relationships between the volume, ground colour, size, and spot coverage of cuckoo eggs and host eggs, supporting the "nest site hypothesis" which argues that cuckoo female tends to parasitize a group of host species with comparable eggs or nest site.[14]

Ecosystem conservation projects in Africa/Asia

With his work in Africa and Asia, Røskaft's research to better understand the drivers of human-wildlife conflicts, such as livestock predation, crop damage, and human injury or fatalities caused by wildlife has had implications in the fields of conservation biology, ethology, and ecology. He examined the effectiveness of various interventions, such as incentives for coexistence, education programs, and fencing,[15] to mitigate conflicts and promote conservation of wildlife in these areas. In addition to his research, he has contributed to capacity building efforts, such as training local communities, and other stakeholders in wildlife conservation and management.[16]

Røskaft has coordinated multiple research programs and initiatives with Tanzanian scientists in Tanzania.[17] One of his primary areas of focus has been how climate change and population growth affect the dynamics of population, behavior, and disease prevalence[18] in wildlife, such as wildebeest,[19] impala,[20][21] and African wild dogs[22] within Serengeti National Park, a World Heritage Site in Tanzania.[23][24]

Røskaft also coordinated an EU-funded four-year project, AfricanBioServices, under the Tanzania-NTNU Conservation Research Group (TNCRG), focused on understanding the relations and relationships between humans and ecosystems, and analyzed how biodiversity and human well-being are impacted by ongoing climate change, human rising population, and land use change[25] in the Greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in Eastern Africa.[26]

Human-wildlife conflict

Røskaft has conducted research on human-wildlife interactions near protected areas in Africa and Asia. Much of his work on this subject has examined the impact of human activities on large carnivore populations, and explored strategies for reducing human–wildlife conflicts. In his studies focused on human attitudes towards large carnivores, he assessed the self-reported fear of carnivore species in Norwegian population, and discussed how factors such as gender, age, human population density and activities related to experience with or knowledge about these animals affect this fear.[27] Additionally, his work refers to the importance of educational initiatives that facilitate learning of these species' biology and habits while promoting credible advice for first-hand outdoor encounters with them in their habitats. He also suggested that information systems be set up for large carnivore conservation efforts as well as other issues pertaining to these topics while addressing concerns for human safety in large carnivore conservation.[28] Afterwards, in a 2007 joint study, it was emphasized that it is crucial to take into account the complex but generally more negative opinions that humans have towards such animals, while developing conservation programs for wolves and bears.[29]

Røskaft has looked into the factors that contribute to human-wildlife conflict, and has investigated ways to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife. In an effort to explore areas related to human-wildlife conflicts, he analyzed the characteristics of HWC in western Serengeti, Tanzania,[30] and presented a 17-year overview of (HWC) in Narok County, Kenya.[25] He also studied livestock depredation by carnivores, particularly in the Serengeti Ecosystem, Tanzania, indicating that distance from the protected area, carnivore species involved and methods used to protect livestock all have an effect on depredation rates. This collaborative work proposed encouraging communities’ initiatives to build better enclosures, creating educational initiatives, and properly staffing veterinary hospitals with skilled employees and resources. In related research, he evaluated the effectiveness of pastoralists' herding techniques in relation to cattle depredation since wild predators frequently engage in conflicts with humans and offered insights into how defensive tools like knives and spears can lessen carnivore attacks.[31]

Awards and honors

  • 1985 – Scientific Award, Royal Norwegian Scientific Society[3]
  • 2007 – International Award by Palacký University, Olomouc, The Czech Republic
  • 2008 – NTNU's International Prize
  • 2008 – Guest professor at Hainan University, Haikou, China
  • 2019 – Awarded the 1st Prize in recognition of outstanding human capacity building on Wildlife Research in Tanzania

Bibliography

Books

  • Conservation of Natural Resources: Some African & Asian Examples (2010) ISBN 9788251926010
  • Northern Serengeti Road Ecology (2017) ISBN 9788245023596

Selected articles

  • Moksnes, A., Røskaft, E., Braa, A. T., Korsnes, L., Lampe, H. M., & Pedersen, H. C. (1991). Behavioural responses of potential hosts towards artificial Cuckoo eggs and dummies. Behaviour, 116, 64–89. doi:10.1163/156853990X00365
  • Moksnes, A., & Røskaft, E. (1995). Egg-Morphs and Host Preference in the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus-Canorus) – an Analysis of Cuckoo and Host Eggs from European Museum Collections. Journal of Zoology, 236, 625–648. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1995.tb02736.x
  • Clarke, A. L., Sæther, B. E., & Røskaft, E. (1997). Sex biases in avian dispersal: A reappraisal. Oikos, 79(3), 429–438. doi: 10.2307/3546885
  • Røskaft, E., Bjerke, T., Kaltenborn, B. P., Linnell, J. D. C., & Andersen, R. (2003). Patterns of self-reported fear towards large carnivores among the Norwegian public. Evolution and Human Behavior, 24(3), 184–198. doi:10.1016/S1090-5138(03)00011-4
  • Holmern, T., Nyahongo, J. W., & Røskaft, E. (2007). Livestock loss caused by predators outside the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Biological Conservation, 135(4), 534–542. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2006.10.049
  • Kideghesho, J. R., Røskaft, E., & Kaltenborn, B. P. (2007). Factors influencing conservation attitudes of local people in Western Serengeti, Tanzania. Biodiversity and Conservation, 16(7), 2213–2230. doi:10,1007/s10531-006-9132-8
  • Røskaft, E., Händel, B., Bjerke, T., & Kaltenborn, B. P. (2007). Human attitudes towards large carnivores in Norway. Wildlife Biology, 13(2), 172–185. doi:10.2981/0909-6396(2007)13[172:HATLCI]2.0.CO;2

References

  1. ↑ Walker, Leila. "Eivin Røskaft". British Ornithologists' Union.
  2. ↑ "Eivin Røskaft – NTNU Profile".
  3. 1 2 "Oversikt vitenskapelige priser | DKNVS". December 29, 2014. Archived from the original on December 29, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  4. ↑ "Members – NTNU".
  5. ↑ "Dramatic declines in Kenya's wildlife demand an urgent response". July 31, 2018.
  6. ↑ "BIODIVERSITY – ECOSYSTEM SERVICES – CONSERVATION & HUMANS IN THE SERENGETI ECOSYSTEM, NORTHERN TANZANIA". Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment. April 17, 2018.
  7. ↑ Straumsheim, Carl Fredrik (April 1, 2018). "Alumni Spotlight: Eivin Røskaft". CAS.
  8. ↑ "Eivin Røskaft". scholar.google.no.
  9. ↑ "Ecosystem Conservation – NTNU". www.ntnu.edu.
  10. ↑ Moksnes, A.; Røskaft, E. (January 1, 1989). "Adaptations of meadow pipits to parasitism by the common cuckoo". Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. 24 (1): 25–30. doi:10.1007/BF00300114. S2CID 33628180 – via Springer Link.
  11. ↑ "Rejection Behavior by Common Cuckoo Hosts Towards Artificial Brood Parasite Eggs".
  12. ↑ R∅skaft, Eivin; Korsnes, Lars; Pedersen, Hans Chr; Moksnes, Arne; Braa, Anders T.; Lampe, Helene M. (January 1, 1991). "Behavioural Responses of Potential Hosts Towards Artificial Cuckoo Eggs and Dummies". Behaviour. 116 (1–2): 64–89. doi:10.1163/156853990X00365 – via brill.com.
  13. ↑ "Evolution of variation in egg color and marking pattern in European passerines: adaptations in a coevolutionary arms race with the cuckoo, Cuculus canorus".
  14. ↑ Moksnes, Arne; ØSkaft, Eivin r. (August 28, 1995). "Egg‐morphs and host preference in the common cuckoo ( Cuculus canorus ): an analysis of cuckoo and host eggs from European museum collections". Journal of Zoology. 236 (4): 625–648. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1995.tb02736.x.
  15. ↑ "Land division, conservancies, fencing and its implications".
  16. ↑ Børresen, Solveig T.; Ulimboka, Rehema; Nyahongo, Julius; Ranke, Peter S.; Skjaervø, Gine Roll; Røskaft, Eivin (January 2, 2023). "The role of education in biodiversity conservation: Can knowledge and understanding alter locals' views and attitudes towards ecosystem services?". Environmental Education Research. 29 (1): 148–163. doi:10.1080/13504622.2022.2117796. S2CID 252096248.
  17. ↑ Bazilchuk, Nancy; Technology, Article from Gemini, NTNU Trondheim-Norwegian University of Science and (May 22, 2013). "Serengeti road divides biologists". partner.sciencenorway.no.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ↑ "Nasjonalparken Serengeti kan forsvinne". forskning.no. April 17, 2015.
  19. ↑ "Serengeti road divides biologists: Will a road across the northern tier of Serengeti National Park ruin it?". phys.org.
  20. ↑ Setsaas, T.; Hunninck, L.; Jackson, C. R.; May, R.; Røskaft, E. (October 1, 2018). "The impacts of human disturbances on the behaviour and population structure of impala (Aepyceros melampus) in the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania". Global Ecology and Conservation. 16: e00467. doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2018.e00467. hdl:11250/2586312. S2CID 135418423.
  21. ↑ "Consequences of climate-induced vegetation changes exceed those of human disturbance for wild impala in the Serengeti ecosystem".
  22. ↑ Jackson, Craig R.; Marnewick, Kelly; Lindsey, Peter A.; Røskaft, Eivin; Robertson, Mark P. (September 1, 2016). "Evaluating habitat connectivity methodologies: a case study with endangered African wild dogs in South Africa". Landscape Ecology. 31 (7): 1433–1447. doi:10.1007/s10980-016-0342-5. S2CID 254751881 – via Springer Link.
  23. ↑ Kideghesho, Jafari R.; Røskaft, Eivin; Kaltenborn, Bjørn P.; Tarimo, Thadeo M. C. (September 1, 2005). "'Serengeti shall not die': Can the ambition be sustained?". International Journal of Biodiversity Science & Management. 1 (3): 150–166. doi:10.1080/17451590509618089. S2CID 85015972 – via Taylor and Francis+NEJM.
  24. ↑ "Serengeti Park disappearing". ScienceDaily.
  25. 1 2 Mukeka, Joseph M.; Ogutu, Joseph O.; Kanga, Erustus; Røskaft, Eivin (April 1, 2019). "Human-wildlife conflicts and their correlates in Narok County, Kenya". Global Ecology and Conservation. 18: e00620. doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00620. hdl:11250/2619539. S2CID 146234342.
  26. ↑ "Human-wildlife conflict threatens protected reserves in East Africa | Research and Innovation". ec.europa.eu.
  27. ↑ Røskaft, Eivin; Bjerke, Tore; Kaltenborn, Bjørn; Linnell, John D. C; Andersen, Reidar (May 1, 2003). "Patterns of self-reported fear towards large carnivores among the Norwegian public". Evolution and Human Behavior. 24 (3): 184–198. doi:10.1016/S1090-5138(03)00011-4 – via ScienceDirect.
  28. ↑ Löe, Jonny; Röskaft, Eivin (2004). "Large Carnivores and Human Safety: A Review". Ambio: A Journal of the Human Environment. 33 (6): 283–288. doi:10.1579/0044-7447-33.6.283. PMID 15387060. S2CID 37886162.
  29. ↑ Røskaft, Eivin; Händel, Barbara; Bjerke, Tore; Kaltenborn, Bjørn P. (2007). "Human attitudes towards large carnivores in Norway". Wildlife Biology. 13 (2): 172. doi:10.2981/0909-6396(2007)13[172:HATLCI]2.0.CO;2. ISSN 0909-6396. S2CID 84796709.
  30. ↑ "Human-Wildlife Conflicts and Hunting in the Western Serengeti, Tanzania" (PDF).
  31. ↑ Lyamuya, Richard D.; Masenga, Emmanuel H.; Fyumagwa, Robert D.; Mwita, Machoke N.; Røskaft, Eivin (July 2, 2016). "Pastoralist herding efficiency in dealing with carnivore-livestock conflicts in the eastern Serengeti, Tanzania". International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Services & Management. 12 (3): 202–211. doi:10.1080/21513732.2016.1163735. S2CID 88847578.
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