Research Interests

My research interests are covering a broad range of animal ecology focussing on animal behaviour, behavioural ecology, population biology, evolutionary ecology and conservation. My main interest is in understanding individual differences in behaviour and ecology. In my current research on Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus) and Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) I study the evolution of different mating systems and mating tactics as well as life-history trade-offs leading to individually optimised reproductive success in both sexes. To do so I connect my behavioural ecology based research with other research fields such as genetics, parasitology and behavioural endochrinology. Some specific topics: animal personalities, mate choice, reproductive success, mating tactics, parasite – host interactions, hormones stress and reproduction, population dynamics and global warming

 

Courses Taught

Selected publications

• Willisch, C. & P. Neuhaus (2009): Evolutionary and ecological aspects of male mating tactics in Alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex). Journal of Mammology 90: 1421-1430
  Ruckstuhl K. E. & P. Neuhaus (2009). Activity budgets and sociality in a monomorphic ungulate: the African oryx (Oryx gazella). Canadian Journal of Zoology 87 (2): 165-174
  Jones O. R., J-M. Gaillard, S. Tuljapurkar, J. S. Alho, K. B. Armitage, P. H. Becker, P. Bize, J. Brommer, A. Charpentier, M. Charpentier, T. H. Clutton-Brock, F. S. Dobson, M. Festa-Bianchet, L. Gustafsson, H. Jensen, C. G. Jones, B-G. Lillandt, R. McCleery, J. Merilä, P. Neuhaus, M. A. C. Nicoll, K. Norris, M. K. Oli, J. Pemberton, H. Pietiäinen, T. H. Ringsby, A. Roulin, B-E. Saether, J. M. Setchell, B. C. Sheldon, P. M. Thompson, H. Weimerskirch, E. J. Wickings, T. Coulson (2008): Senescence rates are determined by ranking on the fast–slow life-history continuum. Biology Letters 11: 664-673
  Neuhaus P (2006). Causes and consequences of sex-biased dispersal in Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus). Behaviour 143: 1013-1031
  Neuhaus P, D. R. Broussard, J. O. Murie, F. S. Dobson (2004). Age of primiparity and implications of early reproduction on life history in female Columbian ground squirrels. Journal of Animal Ecology 73: 36-43
  Neuhaus P. & K. E. Ruckstuhl (2004). Can the activity budget hypothesis explain sexual segregation in desert bighorn sheep? Behaviour 141: 521-530
  Neuhaus P (2003). Parasite removal and its impact on litter size and body condition in Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus).
  Neuhaus P. & K. E. Ruckstuhl (2002). Foraging behaviour in Alpine ibex (Capra ibex): consequences of reproductive status, body size, age and sex. Ethology, Ecology & Evolution 14: 373-381
  Neuhaus P. & K. E. Ruckstuhl (2002): The link between sexual dimorphism, activity budgets, and group cohesion: the case of the plains zebra (Equus burchelli). Canadian  Journal of Zoology 80: 1437-141
  Ruckstuhl K. E. & P. Neuhaus (2002): Sexual segregation in ungulates: a comparative test of three hypotheses. Biological Reviews 77 (1): 77-96
  Ruckstuhl K. E. & P. Neuhaus (2001): Behavioural synchrony in ibex groups: effects of age, sex and habitat. Behaviour 138: 1033-1046
  Neuhaus P. & N. Pelletier (2001): Mortality in relation to season, age, sex, and reproduction in Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus). Canadian Journal of Zoology 79: 465-470
  Neuhaus P (2000): Weight comparisons and litter size manipulation in Columbian ground squirrel (Spermophilus columbianus) show evidence of costs of reproduction. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 48: 75-83
  Neuhaus P (2000): Timing of hibernation and molt in female Columbian ground squirrels. Journal of Mammalogy 81: 571-577
  Ruckstuhl K. E. & P. Neuhaus (2000): Causes of sexual segregation in ungulates: a new approach. Behavior 137: 361-377
  Neuhaus P., R. Bennett, A. Hubbs (1999): Effects of a late snowstorm and rain on survival and reproductive success in Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus). Canadian  Journal of Zoology 77: 879-884
  Neuhaus P. & B Mainini (1998): Reactions and adjustment of adult and young Alpine marmots Marmota marmota to intense hiking activities; Wildlife Biology 4: 119-123

  Raveh, S., D. Heg, F. S. Dobson, D. W. Coltman, J. C. Gorrell, A. Balmer, P.Neuhaus: Mating order and reproductive success in male Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus). Behavioral Ecology: in press
  Willisch, C. & P. Neuhaus (2009): Social dominance and conflict reduction in rutting male Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). Behavioral Ecology: in press

  Book and book-chapters
  Ruckstuhl K. E. & P. Neuhaus (2005): Sexual segregation in vertebrates: ecology of the two sexes. Edited book. Cambridge University Press.
  Neuhaus, P., K. E. Ruckstuhl, & L. Conradt (2005): Sexual segregation in vertebrates: conclusions and future directions for research. In Sexual segregation in vertebrates: ecology of the two sexes. Edited book. Cambridge University Press.
  Ruckstuhl K. E. & P. Neuhaus (2005): Activity asynchrony and social segregation. In Sexual segregation in vertebrates: ecology of the two sexes. Edited book. Cambridge University Press.