Dr Blake Morton
@drblakemorton.bsky.social
University lecturer in animal & human psychology. Inspired by biodiversity & conservation. Head of the #BritishCarnivoreProject 🦊🦡🧠🧩🌍 Check out my group's latest research: https://www.blakemorton.co.uk/
Pinned
Dr Blake Morton | Animal Behaviourist
www.blakemorton.co.uk
Interested in the #biodiversity crisis and how it links to #animal and #human #psychology? Check out my research group's website for updates on our latest work! 🦊🦡🧠🧩🌍 Link here: www.blakemorton.co.uk
#BritishCarnivoreProject @uniofhull.bsky.social
#BritishCarnivoreProject @uniofhull.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
New study shows that historical #deforestation has substantially altered regional #precipitation over the southern #Amazon basin, with #climate models underestimating this effect. www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Historical deforestation drives strong rainfall decline across the southern Amazon basin - Nature Communications
The authors find that historical deforestation has substantially altered regional observed precipitation over the southern Amazon basin through inter-regional atmospheric moisture transport, which is ...
www.nature.com
February 16, 2026 at 10:02 AM
New study shows that historical #deforestation has substantially altered regional #precipitation over the southern #Amazon basin, with #climate models underestimating this effect. www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
🚨Not one, but two papers now out on response inhibition (also called motoric self-regulation or inhibitory control in the field of animal cognition). Many studies find no link between individual performance on different tasks supposedly measuring response inhibition.
1/6
1/6
February 12, 2026 at 7:42 AM
🚨Not one, but two papers now out on response inhibition (also called motoric self-regulation or inhibitory control in the field of animal cognition). Many studies find no link between individual performance on different tasks supposedly measuring response inhibition.
1/6
1/6
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
Oh hey, it's my book! Due out next week!!
From walkable wetlands to coastal wildlife reached by rail, Where to Watch Wildlife in Britain proves sustainable travel and great wildlife watching go hand in hand.
Available to pre-order now for eco-conscious explorers!
@MeganShersby @feraheather @beccaonthewing @DanERouse
Available to pre-order now for eco-conscious explorers!
@MeganShersby @feraheather @beccaonthewing @DanERouse
February 13, 2026 at 7:22 PM
Oh hey, it's my book! Due out next week!!
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
Fantastic opportunity to work with us at Shark Bay Dolphin Research 👇🏻
Two PhD positions in dolphin genomics and behavioral ecology are available at the University of Zurich, starting May/June 2026. Applicants must have relevant degrees and experience. More info: www.michaelkruetzenlab.org. #phd
Evolutionary Genetics Group
Evolutionary Genetics Group
www.michaelkruetzenlab.org
February 15, 2026 at 7:10 PM
Fantastic opportunity to work with us at Shark Bay Dolphin Research 👇🏻
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
Fixed that headline for you:
‘One (1) farmer who farms 1,000 acres doesn’t like rewilding, we’ve made that the basis of our headline in a classic example of false balance.
PS everyone else in the story loves the idea of the Wildlife Trusts buying the Rothbury Estate’
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
‘One (1) farmer who farms 1,000 acres doesn’t like rewilding, we’ve made that the basis of our headline in a classic example of false balance.
PS everyone else in the story loves the idea of the Wildlife Trusts buying the Rothbury Estate’
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
'Bid to buy Rothbury Estate as divisive as Brexit'
Funds are being raised to buy the Northumberland estate - but the plans have split opinion.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 15, 2026 at 10:48 PM
Fixed that headline for you:
‘One (1) farmer who farms 1,000 acres doesn’t like rewilding, we’ve made that the basis of our headline in a classic example of false balance.
PS everyone else in the story loves the idea of the Wildlife Trusts buying the Rothbury Estate’
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
‘One (1) farmer who farms 1,000 acres doesn’t like rewilding, we’ve made that the basis of our headline in a classic example of false balance.
PS everyone else in the story loves the idea of the Wildlife Trusts buying the Rothbury Estate’
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
This recognition means a great deal as does being nominated by colleagues I respect. May we make inroads towards human-wildlife coexistence, land stewardship, retention of women in science, reimagined borders that uphold dignity & connectivity. scientistswarning.forestry.oregonstate.edu/AWS_award
AWS Planet Earth Award | Alliance of World Scientists
scientistswarning.forestry.oregonstate.edu
February 15, 2026 at 8:20 PM
This recognition means a great deal as does being nominated by colleagues I respect. May we make inroads towards human-wildlife coexistence, land stewardship, retention of women in science, reimagined borders that uphold dignity & connectivity. scientistswarning.forestry.oregonstate.edu/AWS_award
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
To repeat, rewilding and restoration are different activities,
Both are relevant for nature recovery, and can be used in combination to achieve wider benefits
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
Both are relevant for nature recovery, and can be used in combination to achieve wider benefits
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
Restore or rewild? Implementing complementary approaches to bend the curve on biodiversity loss
We discuss the benefits of integrating restoration and rewilding in conservation projects and highlight how such integration could increase the amount of space available for nature recovery; boost kn...
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
February 15, 2026 at 8:58 AM
To repeat, rewilding and restoration are different activities,
Both are relevant for nature recovery, and can be used in combination to achieve wider benefits
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
Both are relevant for nature recovery, and can be used in combination to achieve wider benefits
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
The jaguar duo keeping us on our toes this #ValentinesDay. 💘
After being sighted multiple times on WWF-Peru's camera traps, its yet to be confirmed but it seems likely that these two big cats could be courting. 👀
After being sighted multiple times on WWF-Peru's camera traps, its yet to be confirmed but it seems likely that these two big cats could be courting. 👀
February 14, 2026 at 1:29 PM
The jaguar duo keeping us on our toes this #ValentinesDay. 💘
After being sighted multiple times on WWF-Peru's camera traps, its yet to be confirmed but it seems likely that these two big cats could be courting. 👀
After being sighted multiple times on WWF-Peru's camera traps, its yet to be confirmed but it seems likely that these two big cats could be courting. 👀
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
WAI is hiring! If you know anyone who's great at building communities, coordinating programs, & supporting researchers—but doesn't want to be a PI themselves—send them our way. Remote, mission-driven, & a chance to help build a growing scientific field.
www.wildanimalinitiative.org/services-coo...
www.wildanimalinitiative.org/services-coo...
Careers: Services Coordinator 2026 — Wild Animal Initiative
Work at Wild Animal Initiative
www.wildanimalinitiative.org
February 9, 2026 at 2:41 PM
WAI is hiring! If you know anyone who's great at building communities, coordinating programs, & supporting researchers—but doesn't want to be a PI themselves—send them our way. Remote, mission-driven, & a chance to help build a growing scientific field.
www.wildanimalinitiative.org/services-coo...
www.wildanimalinitiative.org/services-coo...
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
You are absolutely stunning, Chaos!
I was in there...
I forgot the sd card for my Canon, I went home in the huff🤭
#chaos #pinemartens #trailcameras
I was in there...
I forgot the sd card for my Canon, I went home in the huff🤭
#chaos #pinemartens #trailcameras
February 14, 2026 at 5:31 PM
You are absolutely stunning, Chaos!
I was in there...
I forgot the sd card for my Canon, I went home in the huff🤭
#chaos #pinemartens #trailcameras
I was in there...
I forgot the sd card for my Canon, I went home in the huff🤭
#chaos #pinemartens #trailcameras
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
Join our Angus and Dundee Group for a 'Balancing the Scales' documentary screening and Beaver Trust Q&A.
📅 Date: Friday 20 February
📍 Location: Montrose Playhouse
⏰ Time: 7.30pm
For more info and booking ➡️ buff.ly/B2l55Cj
📅 Date: Friday 20 February
📍 Location: Montrose Playhouse
⏰ Time: 7.30pm
For more info and booking ➡️ buff.ly/B2l55Cj
February 13, 2026 at 10:09 AM
Join our Angus and Dundee Group for a 'Balancing the Scales' documentary screening and Beaver Trust Q&A.
📅 Date: Friday 20 February
📍 Location: Montrose Playhouse
⏰ Time: 7.30pm
For more info and booking ➡️ buff.ly/B2l55Cj
📅 Date: Friday 20 February
📍 Location: Montrose Playhouse
⏰ Time: 7.30pm
For more info and booking ➡️ buff.ly/B2l55Cj
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
Huge win for California mountain lions: Today they were granted protection under the state #EndangeredSpeciesAct 🙌🐾
Now, six populations within Southern #California and the Central Coast will receive much-needed protections under the Act.
More info on this win for the wild ➡️ bit.ly/4tzC4FI
Now, six populations within Southern #California and the Central Coast will receive much-needed protections under the Act.
More info on this win for the wild ➡️ bit.ly/4tzC4FI
February 12, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Huge win for California mountain lions: Today they were granted protection under the state #EndangeredSpeciesAct 🙌🐾
Now, six populations within Southern #California and the Central Coast will receive much-needed protections under the Act.
More info on this win for the wild ➡️ bit.ly/4tzC4FI
Now, six populations within Southern #California and the Central Coast will receive much-needed protections under the Act.
More info on this win for the wild ➡️ bit.ly/4tzC4FI
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
How do we know our research results are REAL? We replicate them! Most folks agree but lament on how hard it is to publish these replications.
My dearest gentle reader, lament no more! Delighted to unveil: Replication Studies, a new section of Behavioral Ecology 1/
academic.oup.com/beheco/artic...
My dearest gentle reader, lament no more! Delighted to unveil: Replication Studies, a new section of Behavioral Ecology 1/
academic.oup.com/beheco/artic...
Replication studies: a win-win for early-career training and behavioral ecology
Replicating previous research builds confidence that results are real and meaningful. But close replications are rare due to limitations in resources and d
academic.oup.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:42 PM
How do we know our research results are REAL? We replicate them! Most folks agree but lament on how hard it is to publish these replications.
My dearest gentle reader, lament no more! Delighted to unveil: Replication Studies, a new section of Behavioral Ecology 1/
academic.oup.com/beheco/artic...
My dearest gentle reader, lament no more! Delighted to unveil: Replication Studies, a new section of Behavioral Ecology 1/
academic.oup.com/beheco/artic...
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
From forests to reefs, biodiversity underpins the health & functioning of ecosystems, yet measuring biodiversity is not an easy task. Victoria's PhD research will compare different approaches & examine how they shape our interpretation of biodiversity trends. #IPBES12
www.york.ac.uk/anthropocene...
www.york.ac.uk/anthropocene...
Understanding the complexities of biodiversity change
From forests to coral reefs, biodiversity underpins the health and functioning of ecosystems worldwide.
www.york.ac.uk
February 6, 2026 at 9:09 AM
From forests to reefs, biodiversity underpins the health & functioning of ecosystems, yet measuring biodiversity is not an easy task. Victoria's PhD research will compare different approaches & examine how they shape our interpretation of biodiversity trends. #IPBES12
www.york.ac.uk/anthropocene...
www.york.ac.uk/anthropocene...
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
New paper out today on genetic connectivity of cougars in Utah🐈🧪🧬 link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Genomic diversity of cougars across Utah: evidence for latitudinal differentiation in a continuous population - Conservation Genetics
Genetic data on wide-ranging wildlife species can inform population structure, management decisions, and landscape connectivity. The genetic structure of a population can change over time, alongside c...
link.springer.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:12 PM
New paper out today on genetic connectivity of cougars in Utah🐈🧪🧬 link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
Halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox, life begins to stir 🌱 Today is #Imbolc, also known as Saint Brigid's Day - the #Gaelic festival marking the first signs of #spring and celebrating the return of light.
Have you noticed any signs of spring in your area? Share them below! 👇
Have you noticed any signs of spring in your area? Share them below! 👇
February 1, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
New blog post!!🚨
Michael Chimento gives an overview of the new R package STbayes, designed for creating, fitting and understanding Bayesian models of social transmission 🌍 🧪
Read the blog here 👇
Michael Chimento gives an overview of the new R package STbayes, designed for creating, fitting and understanding Bayesian models of social transmission 🌍 🧪
Read the blog here 👇
Studying social transmission using STbayes
Post provided by Michael Chimento. When studying animal culture, it’s important to establish whether novel behaviours or information have spread through social contact, or are rather innovated or p…
buff.ly
January 29, 2026 at 12:02 PM
New blog post!!🚨
Michael Chimento gives an overview of the new R package STbayes, designed for creating, fitting and understanding Bayesian models of social transmission 🌍 🧪
Read the blog here 👇
Michael Chimento gives an overview of the new R package STbayes, designed for creating, fitting and understanding Bayesian models of social transmission 🌍 🧪
Read the blog here 👇
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
Big win for Scotland’s nature! The Natural Environment Bill passed by MSPs will bring in legally binding targets to restore wildlife and habitats. Huge thanks to LINK’s members and supporters who helped make this happen! Let’s keep pushing for strong action and funding to restore Scotland’s nature.
January 30, 2026 at 9:38 AM
Big win for Scotland’s nature! The Natural Environment Bill passed by MSPs will bring in legally binding targets to restore wildlife and habitats. Huge thanks to LINK’s members and supporters who helped make this happen! Let’s keep pushing for strong action and funding to restore Scotland’s nature.
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
Amid the hype around prattling "AI" models, astonishing research into living minds gets overlooked. Wonderful piece by @yaseminsaplakoglu.bsky.social in @quantamagazine.bsky.social about bats navigating in a natural environment, decoding the sense of direction. www.quantamagazine.org/how-animals-...
How Animals Build a Sense of Direction | Quanta Magazine
Researchers documented the activity of neurons that shape directional navigation as bats explored a remote island off the coast of Tanzania.
www.quantamagazine.org
January 29, 2026 at 2:53 AM
Amid the hype around prattling "AI" models, astonishing research into living minds gets overlooked. Wonderful piece by @yaseminsaplakoglu.bsky.social in @quantamagazine.bsky.social about bats navigating in a natural environment, decoding the sense of direction. www.quantamagazine.org/how-animals-...
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
On Friday 6th Feb our guest speaker will be Keith Kirby from @wythamwoods.bsky.social, speaking about finding the answer to tomorrow's ecological questions by looking into the past.
Don't forget to register to join online- or in-person followed by a drinks reception. bookwhen.com/oxfordbiodiv...
Don't forget to register to join online- or in-person followed by a drinks reception. bookwhen.com/oxfordbiodiv...
January 27, 2026 at 10:13 AM
On Friday 6th Feb our guest speaker will be Keith Kirby from @wythamwoods.bsky.social, speaking about finding the answer to tomorrow's ecological questions by looking into the past.
Don't forget to register to join online- or in-person followed by a drinks reception. bookwhen.com/oxfordbiodiv...
Don't forget to register to join online- or in-person followed by a drinks reception. bookwhen.com/oxfordbiodiv...
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
A lot of deadlines this week! Abstract submission and conference travel grants for #ASABSpring2026 are due Feb 1, as are ASAB research grants and undergraduate scholarships! ✍️ 💰
Also #ECBB2026 symposia proposals are due Jan 31!
🏃 🏃🏻♀️ 🏃 🏃🏻♀️
Also #ECBB2026 symposia proposals are due Jan 31!
🏃 🏃🏻♀️ 🏃 🏃🏻♀️
ASAB
ASAB.org
January 27, 2026 at 10:44 AM
A lot of deadlines this week! Abstract submission and conference travel grants for #ASABSpring2026 are due Feb 1, as are ASAB research grants and undergraduate scholarships! ✍️ 💰
Also #ECBB2026 symposia proposals are due Jan 31!
🏃 🏃🏻♀️ 🏃 🏃🏻♀️
Also #ECBB2026 symposia proposals are due Jan 31!
🏃 🏃🏻♀️ 🏃 🏃🏻♀️
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
We’re still welcoming activity ideas for the Oxford Nature Festival (27th June). Submissions don’t need to be fully developed. We’ll begin reviewing and shaping ideas with participants in February, so early stage ideas are very much encouraged.
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/news/call-fo...
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/news/call-fo...
Call for activities for our inaugural Oxford Nature Festival
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk
January 26, 2026 at 2:03 PM
We’re still welcoming activity ideas for the Oxford Nature Festival (27th June). Submissions don’t need to be fully developed. We’ll begin reviewing and shaping ideas with participants in February, so early stage ideas are very much encouraged.
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/news/call-fo...
naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/news/call-fo...
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
Just like humans, many animal species have distinct cultures. From communication and social learning, animal culture shapes how they live and adapt. 🦍🐒🐳
Join an #IUCN introductory webinar and learn what animal culture is and how it can support biodiversity conservation and recovery.
Links below!
Join an #IUCN introductory webinar and learn what animal culture is and how it can support biodiversity conservation and recovery.
Links below!
January 22, 2026 at 1:33 PM
Just like humans, many animal species have distinct cultures. From communication and social learning, animal culture shapes how they live and adapt. 🦍🐒🐳
Join an #IUCN introductory webinar and learn what animal culture is and how it can support biodiversity conservation and recovery.
Links below!
Join an #IUCN introductory webinar and learn what animal culture is and how it can support biodiversity conservation and recovery.
Links below!
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
Three days left to apply! We're #hiring for a Managing Lawyer.
A great opportunity for an experienced & passionate litigator to shape, manage & deliver climate & nature litigation projects. Closes 22 Jan.
https://bit.ly/4scwYOQ
#environmentjob #climatelitigation #litigationfornature
A great opportunity for an experienced & passionate litigator to shape, manage & deliver climate & nature litigation projects. Closes 22 Jan.
https://bit.ly/4scwYOQ
#environmentjob #climatelitigation #litigationfornature
January 19, 2026 at 5:25 AM
Three days left to apply! We're #hiring for a Managing Lawyer.
A great opportunity for an experienced & passionate litigator to shape, manage & deliver climate & nature litigation projects. Closes 22 Jan.
https://bit.ly/4scwYOQ
#environmentjob #climatelitigation #litigationfornature
A great opportunity for an experienced & passionate litigator to shape, manage & deliver climate & nature litigation projects. Closes 22 Jan.
https://bit.ly/4scwYOQ
#environmentjob #climatelitigation #litigationfornature
Reposted by Dr Blake Morton
The art of scientific storytelling: framing stories to get where you want to go
January 17, 2026 at 1:06 PM
The art of scientific storytelling: framing stories to get where you want to go