About the Laboratory of Ethology

Ethology is the study of animal behavior, and its major goal is to elucidate the function, mechanism, ontogeny, and evolution of animal behavior. In the Laboratory of Ethology, various kinds of animals, from invertebrates such as centipedes to terrestrial vertebrates such as snakes and birds are studied. Each staff and student member has his/her own focus, and research methods vary from experimental manipulation in the laboratory to observations in the field, encompassing areas from the campus of Kyoto University to tropical Madagascar. Direct observation is a basic approach, but studies with the aid of video cameras, data loggers, and radio telemetry are also conducted. Irrespective of these various subjects, methods, and specific goals, the laboratory emphasizes the importance of natural history of animals, which will help to create new ideas, and lead to an increase in our knowledge base regarding the science of ethology.

Study on the function and evolution of snake foraging behavior and anti-predator behavior (Prof. Akira Mori)

I am mainly studying the function and evolution of snake foraging behavior and anti-predator behavior on two topics. The first is about yamakagashi (also known as tiger keelback), which has the nuchal glands. The nuchal glands are unique organs for defense, and I study anti-predatory behavior of the snake and the structure and physiological mechanism of the nuchal glands in collaboration with Kyoto University Graduate School of Agriculture and overseas universities. In particular, with focusing on the fact that the nuchal gland toxins are sequestered from toads or fireflies consumed as food, we are engaging in behavioral and ecological studies related to the reuse of prey toxins. In addition, we are exploring the evolutionary process and diversification of the nuchal glands-dependent defensive system through comparative studies with species in foreign countries. The second topic is a long-term field study on the foraging ecology of Hime habu, also known as Okinawa pigmy pitviper, investigating the movement pattern to the foraging site and the fidelity of each individual to the ambush site for more than 20 years.

I am conducting a wide range of behavioral and ecological studies of reptiles and amphibians, with a main focus on gecko communication. Recent topics include inter- and intra- specific variation in reproductive traits of Gekko japonicus species group, the function of male-specific glands, and the ecological significance of the loss of species-specific patterns of courtship calls.

contact e-mail address: ethology[atmark]ethol.zool.kyoto-u.ac.jp