Alan McElligott
@amcell.bsky.social
Associate Prof, Animal Behaviour & Welfare-Hong Kong https://www.alanmcelligott.co.uk/ Animal behaviour, cognition, welfare; research ethics & integrity; environment; science; higher education; Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) advocate. 🌈🇮🇪 he/him 🐂 🐃🐐🐥 🦆
Pinned
Alan McElligott
@amcell.bsky.social
· Dec 2
New from us. 2025. Adaptive behavioural strategies to seasonal challenges by a semiurban feral ungulate. (Water buffalo) Led by @debottam1991.bsky.social www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Alan McElligott
Reposted by Alan McElligott
Our preregistered systematic review & meta-analysis published in Nature Mental Health shows that nature exposure is linked to small-to-moderate reductions in self-reported pain (SMD = .53; N = 4,439). But high heterogeneity and moderate-to-high risk of bias call for a cautious interpretation (1/5)
Nature exposure reduces self-reported pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Nature Mental Health
The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 62 studies, including more than 4,400 participants across 21 countries, to investigate the effects of nature exposure on self-reported pa...
www.nature.com
January 6, 2026 at 10:17 AM
Our preregistered systematic review & meta-analysis published in Nature Mental Health shows that nature exposure is linked to small-to-moderate reductions in self-reported pain (SMD = .53; N = 4,439). But high heterogeneity and moderate-to-high risk of bias call for a cautious interpretation (1/5)
Reposted by Alan McElligott
Veronika does not only scratch her body. She may also scratch at our assumptions about the cognitive limits of livestock.
January 19, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Veronika does not only scratch her body. She may also scratch at our assumptions about the cognitive limits of livestock.
Reposted by Alan McElligott
I had the honour of working to bring @auersperga.bsky.social’s baby to life. It’s a VERY heavy baby - over 200 references (and yes I read them all) - but necessary to do justice to our new hypothesis of combinatory tool use origins 📝👶🛠️
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
The flexible, the stereotyped and the in‐between: putting together the combinatory tool use origins hypothesis
Tool use research has long made the distinction between tool using that is considered learned and flexible, and that which appears to be instinctive and stereotyped. However, animals with an inherite...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
December 31, 2025 at 9:16 AM
I had the honour of working to bring @auersperga.bsky.social’s baby to life. It’s a VERY heavy baby - over 200 references (and yes I read them all) - but necessary to do justice to our new hypothesis of combinatory tool use origins 📝👶🛠️
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Reposted by Alan McElligott
Veronika is 13 years old and has been kept as a pet rather than for production by the farmer and baker Witgar Wiegele. She has never been trained to use tools. Since the age of four, she has spontaneously picked up natural twigs from her pasture and has since markedly refined her technique.
January 19, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Veronika is 13 years old and has been kept as a pet rather than for production by the farmer and baker Witgar Wiegele. She has never been trained to use tools. Since the age of four, she has spontaneously picked up natural twigs from her pasture and has since markedly refined her technique.
2026. Refining Capture and Collaring Protocols for Red Foxes. #AnimalWelfare #AnimalBehaviour onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Refining Capture and Collaring Protocols for Red Foxes
Animal capture is an important aspect of ecological studies, required for fitting tags and collecting biological samples. Capture success can be increased while ensuring high welfare standards throug...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
January 20, 2026 at 2:33 AM
2026. Refining Capture and Collaring Protocols for Red Foxes. #AnimalWelfare #AnimalBehaviour onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Reposted by Alan McElligott
She uses the bristled end of a deck brush on her back and hindquarters, using repeated place-and-pull motions. For more sensitive areas such as the belly flap, udder, and anal region, she switches to the stick end, using careful, repeated poke-and-lift movements. See video link: youtu.be/bAk4PFEuWKQ
Flexible use of a multi-purpose tool by a cow
YouTube video by Antonio Jose Osuna Mascaró
youtu.be
January 19, 2026 at 4:09 PM
She uses the bristled end of a deck brush on her back and hindquarters, using repeated place-and-pull motions. For more sensitive areas such as the belly flap, udder, and anal region, she switches to the stick end, using careful, repeated poke-and-lift movements. See video link: youtu.be/bAk4PFEuWKQ
Reposted by Alan McElligott
Our new paper (with @biotay.bsky.social) is out and on the cover story of @currentbiology.bsky.social !!!! Veronika, a Carinthian mountain cow flexibly uses a “multi-purpose tool” to scratch herself. A video and more information will follow in the comments.
www.cell.com/current-biol...
www.cell.com/current-biol...
January 19, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Our new paper (with @biotay.bsky.social) is out and on the cover story of @currentbiology.bsky.social !!!! Veronika, a Carinthian mountain cow flexibly uses a “multi-purpose tool” to scratch herself. A video and more information will follow in the comments.
www.cell.com/current-biol...
www.cell.com/current-biol...
2026 version. "Guidelines for the ethical treatment of nonhuman animals in behavioural research and teaching" via @asab.org cc @asabeducation.bsky.social - #AnimalEthics #AnimalWelfare - www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Guidelines for the ethical treatment of nonhuman animals in behavioural research and teaching
www.sciencedirect.com
January 20, 2026 at 12:40 AM
2026 version. "Guidelines for the ethical treatment of nonhuman animals in behavioural research and teaching" via @asab.org cc @asabeducation.bsky.social - #AnimalEthics #AnimalWelfare - www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Cow tool use - www.sciencefocus.com/news/cow-too...
A cow has been filmed using tools for the first time ever, stunning scientists | BBC Science Focus Magazine
A very clever cow has learned to use sticks to scratch herself, the first time sophisticated tool use has been seen in livestock
www.sciencefocus.com
January 20, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Cow tool use - www.sciencefocus.com/news/cow-too...
Outstanding in her field: cow recorded using tool for first time www.thetimes.com/article/8e48...
Outstanding in her field: cow recorded using tool for first time
Scientists have long thought cattle lacked the brains for problem-solving. An Austrian cow called Veronika has forced a rethink
www.thetimes.com
January 19, 2026 at 11:10 PM
Outstanding in her field: cow recorded using tool for first time www.thetimes.com/article/8e48...
Reposted by Alan McElligott
How can AI help translate research into real-world impact without compromising research integrity?
Strong endorsement for @ukrio.bsky.social's guidance in @hepi-news.bsky.social's latest policy note, setting out recommendations for researchers and organisations on how to harness AI responsibly.
Strong endorsement for @ukrio.bsky.social's guidance in @hepi-news.bsky.social's latest policy note, setting out recommendations for researchers and organisations on how to harness AI responsibly.
New Post: New HEPI Policy Note: Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Advance Translational Research www.hepi.ac.uk/2026/01/08/n...
January 15, 2026 at 2:59 PM
How can AI help translate research into real-world impact without compromising research integrity?
Strong endorsement for @ukrio.bsky.social's guidance in @hepi-news.bsky.social's latest policy note, setting out recommendations for researchers and organisations on how to harness AI responsibly.
Strong endorsement for @ukrio.bsky.social's guidance in @hepi-news.bsky.social's latest policy note, setting out recommendations for researchers and organisations on how to harness AI responsibly.
Reposted by Alan McElligott
After a period of inactivity, we are reactivating this account as a primary channel for connecting with the research community.
We'll be sharing new outputs, our latest guidance, and commentary on all things research integrity. Give us a follow and join the conversation💬
We'll be sharing new outputs, our latest guidance, and commentary on all things research integrity. Give us a follow and join the conversation💬
January 15, 2026 at 2:50 PM
After a period of inactivity, we are reactivating this account as a primary channel for connecting with the research community.
We'll be sharing new outputs, our latest guidance, and commentary on all things research integrity. Give us a follow and join the conversation💬
We'll be sharing new outputs, our latest guidance, and commentary on all things research integrity. Give us a follow and join the conversation💬
Reposted by Alan McElligott
📜 "Nature descriptions in folksongs, myths, and legends can help in understanding ecological histories of tropical savannas"
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/AhnI4Se
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/AhnI4Se
December 2, 2025 at 1:01 PM
📜 "Nature descriptions in folksongs, myths, and legends can help in understanding ecological histories of tropical savannas"
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/AhnI4Se
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/AhnI4Se
Reposted by Alan McElligott
🐾 "Good news for Hyena! 9/10 Namibian conservancy members don’t intend to kill them, even if they attack cattle. But people inside conservancies (90%) are more likely to intend to report #humanwildlifeconflicts than communal farmers outside (78%) - governance context matters!"
➡️ buff.ly/95P4Meo
➡️ buff.ly/95P4Meo
December 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM
🐾 "Good news for Hyena! 9/10 Namibian conservancy members don’t intend to kill them, even if they attack cattle. But people inside conservancies (90%) are more likely to intend to report #humanwildlifeconflicts than communal farmers outside (78%) - governance context matters!"
➡️ buff.ly/95P4Meo
➡️ buff.ly/95P4Meo
Reposted by Alan McElligott
Learn more about the need for effective management of native and non-native deer species in Scotland in our latest blogpost 🦌🌲
Scotland’s iconic Red deer threatened by invasive ‘super Sika’
Calum Brown and his team share their findings on managing native and non-native deer species in Scotland and discuss potential solutions. Scotland’s deer numbers are thought to be at an all-time hi…
buff.ly
December 3, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Learn more about the need for effective management of native and non-native deer species in Scotland in our latest blogpost 🦌🌲
Reposted by Alan McElligott
🍖 New research by Sackey et al. They analyze bushmeat preferences & consumption in northern Ghana using household surveys; species consumed & factors shaping preferences and protein intake #Bushmeat #Conservation
➡️ buff.ly/CCGmDNY
➡️ buff.ly/CCGmDNY
December 8, 2025 at 1:02 PM
🍖 New research by Sackey et al. They analyze bushmeat preferences & consumption in northern Ghana using household surveys; species consumed & factors shaping preferences and protein intake #Bushmeat #Conservation
➡️ buff.ly/CCGmDNY
➡️ buff.ly/CCGmDNY
Reposted by Alan McElligott
💡"First nationally representative survey of night-time light & dark: New-Zealanders rate safety/orientation benefits higher than benefits of darkness, depending on where they live. Findings call for balanced policy that recognises both"
📖 Read here ➡️ buff.ly/hqIGt55
📖 Read here ➡️ buff.ly/hqIGt55
December 9, 2025 at 11:01 AM
💡"First nationally representative survey of night-time light & dark: New-Zealanders rate safety/orientation benefits higher than benefits of darkness, depending on where they live. Findings call for balanced policy that recognises both"
📖 Read here ➡️ buff.ly/hqIGt55
📖 Read here ➡️ buff.ly/hqIGt55
Reposted by Alan McElligott
🐜"A large-scale survey across Japan shows that people who strongly dislike insects are less willing to buy organic vegetables, less supportive of pesticide-free farming, and more supportive of pesticide use"
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/dQxKQmk
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/dQxKQmk
December 10, 2025 at 11:01 AM
🐜"A large-scale survey across Japan shows that people who strongly dislike insects are less willing to buy organic vegetables, less supportive of pesticide-free farming, and more supportive of pesticide use"
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/dQxKQmk
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/dQxKQmk
Reposted by Alan McElligott
🐦 New research - 'Bird-basin' Hunting: Yao people, an ethnic minority in Guangxi, China, used the bird-basin hunting that had been practiced for 500 years, indirectly maintaining local bird diversity.
📖 Read the full paper here➡️ buff.ly/5V5CJzJ
📖 Read the full paper here➡️ buff.ly/5V5CJzJ
December 15, 2025 at 1:02 PM
🐦 New research - 'Bird-basin' Hunting: Yao people, an ethnic minority in Guangxi, China, used the bird-basin hunting that had been practiced for 500 years, indirectly maintaining local bird diversity.
📖 Read the full paper here➡️ buff.ly/5V5CJzJ
📖 Read the full paper here➡️ buff.ly/5V5CJzJ
Reposted by Alan McElligott
"Experts assessed how a reverse listing (RL) under CITES could affect the exotic pet trade. Uncertainty remains, especially on legal trade & livelihoods. Clearer RL goals & criteria are vital for better decisions" #WildlifeTrade #CITES
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/6NhvhAN
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/6NhvhAN
January 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM
"Experts assessed how a reverse listing (RL) under CITES could affect the exotic pet trade. Uncertainty remains, especially on legal trade & livelihoods. Clearer RL goals & criteria are vital for better decisions" #WildlifeTrade #CITES
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/6NhvhAN
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/6NhvhAN
Reposted by Alan McElligott
💧 Hydropower resettlement reshapes human–nature relationships: Insights from Southwestern China
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/cGfpHdP
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/cGfpHdP
January 7, 2026 at 11:01 AM
💧 Hydropower resettlement reshapes human–nature relationships: Insights from Southwestern China
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/cGfpHdP
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/cGfpHdP
Reposted by Alan McElligott
🌍 "Our Murcia (Spain) study shows 3 in 4 pupils have Nature Experience Deficit (<1 h/day outdoors). Connection drops with age, is higher in girls, and tracks inequality. Prioritise outdoor lessons and greener neighbourhoods now" #NatureConnection
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/xLaLsoF
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/xLaLsoF
January 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM
🌍 "Our Murcia (Spain) study shows 3 in 4 pupils have Nature Experience Deficit (<1 h/day outdoors). Connection drops with age, is higher in girls, and tracks inequality. Prioritise outdoor lessons and greener neighbourhoods now" #NatureConnection
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/xLaLsoF
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/xLaLsoF
Reposted by Alan McElligott
🎁 Deeper sociological insight needed for behaviour change: A systematic review of Chinese ivory consumption
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/SIwUAAw
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/SIwUAAw
January 14, 2026 at 11:01 AM
🎁 Deeper sociological insight needed for behaviour change: A systematic review of Chinese ivory consumption
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/SIwUAAw
📖 Read the full paper here ➡️ buff.ly/SIwUAAw