Author | Lightnews

Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · 2d

Our house only got 3 trick-or-treaters last night :(

It's so sad to see the tradition die.

a group of cartoon characters dressed as ghosts are walking down the street

ALT: a group of cartoon characters dressed as ghosts are walking down the street

media.tenor.com

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Reposted by Chris Banotai, PhD

Natalia Jagielska @nataliajagielska.bsky.social · 7d

Highlighting fantastic palaeoartists:

渔火 on xiaohongshu, a mixed-medium artist from China. Magical depictions of theropods. Pictures are panels from their Spinosaurus comic.

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Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · 6d

Science Magazine @science.org · 7d

Talk about an in-flight meal.

For the first time, researchers have captured rats hunting bats by grabbing them from the sky. Learn more: https://scim.ag/3Jqldmn

Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · 6d

After reviewing my dataset over the #NHL, 2 trends have emerged thus far.

Teams that hit more report fewer injuries.

Teams that hit more score more goals.

Now, I'm diving into the fight database--can't wait to see the trends there!

#data #analytics #HockeyStats

Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · 12d

Diving into some #NHL #DataAnalysis re. safety over time and how toughness influences team performance.

Interesting stuff.
#hockey

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Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · 12d

Diving into some #NHL #DataAnalysis re. safety over time and how toughness influences team performance.

Interesting stuff.
#hockey

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Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · 13d

Can't wait to share these studies with you all once they're approved/published.
Some pretty neat results.
#ConservationResearch #WildlifeScience #Ecology #Conservation #Fieldwork #PhDLife #WildlifeConservation #NatureStories #ThinkingWild #ScienceForConservation #ResearchJourney #Elephants #Marula

Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · 13d

Announcement:

On September 25th, 2025 I successfully defended my dissertation titled "Investigating Decline in a Keystone Bushveld Savanna Tree Species"--earning title of Doctor.

This is something I never believed I would accomplish and constitutes the hardest thing I've ever done.

a man in a red suit and tie is holding a piece of paper that says breaking news on it

ALT: a man in a red suit and tie is holding a piece of paper that says breaking news on it

media.tenor.com

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Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · 13d

Finally, we performed social interviews in local communities to elucidate the socio-economic values held towards marula trees, their products, and local protected areas.

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Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · 13d

Indeed!

We combined rodent feeding trials of bushveld tree species' seeds and seedlings with intensive camera trapping and in-situ seedling sampling to investigate the multiple recruitment bottlenecks faced.

We also monitored >100 adult marula trees for elephant impact to determine drivers.

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Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · 13d

Thank you so much! It doesn't feel real yet.

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Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · 13d

Announcement:

On September 25th, 2025 I successfully defended my dissertation titled "Investigating Decline in a Keystone Bushveld Savanna Tree Species"--earning title of Doctor.

This is something I never believed I would accomplish and constitutes the hardest thing I've ever done.

a man in a red suit and tie is holding a piece of paper that says breaking news on it

ALT: a man in a red suit and tie is holding a piece of paper that says breaking news on it

media.tenor.com

1 2

Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · Aug 13

Today is #WorldElephantDay 🐘

A century ago, millions roamed Africa.
Today, fewer than 415,000 remain.

Here are a few of my favorite captures, shared as a reminder that they need our voices, our choices, and our protection.

#AfricanElephant #Conservation #WildlifePhotography #ThinkingWild

Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · Aug 9

If you like what you see, check out my #instagram:

www.instagram.com/chrisbanotai...

Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · Aug 9

I don't know when it will be, but I know each day is one closer til I'm back in Africa....

Here are some of my favorite sunsets from the field station--I've been lucky enough to experience this incredible phenomenon a handful of times over the years.

#SunsetPhotography
#LandscapePhotography

Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · Aug 9

I don't know when it will be, but I know each day is one closer til I'm back in Africa....

Here are some of my favorite sunsets from the field station--I've been lucky enough to experience this incredible phenomenon a handful of times over the years.

#SunsetPhotography
#LandscapePhotography

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Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · Mar 24

My panther crab (Parathelphusa pantherina) decided to come out while the aquarium light was still on today!

I love keeping these guys, they're so cool!

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Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · Mar 20

Calling the store and asking "what's your shrimp situation righnow??".

Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · Mar 5

Thank you so much! 😎

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Chris Banotai, PhD @seacow.bsky.social · Jan 30

Ancient design, modern attitude. Ostriches may not fly, but they still move through Kruger like the last living dinosaurs they are. A reminder that nature’s past is never too far behind. #KrugerNationalPark #Ostriches #LivingDinosaurs