Research Interests
I am a PhD student in the Franklin lab in my final year of research. My broad research interests include effects of environmental factors on the physiology of animals, particularly reptiles. I have worked on thermoregulation in crocodiles but I am now focussing on diving behaviour on an aquatic snake.

Current Research
My PhD research is on the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on the diving behaviour of a fully aquatic snake – the Arafura filesnake (Acrochordus arafurae). Dive duration is determined by metabolic rate and oxygen stores, therefore, factors which change these will impact diving behaviour. I tested the effect of temperature, aquatic oxygen levels and digestion on the diving behaviour of the filesnakes. All factors tested demonstrated a significant effect on dive times. Future research will look at the effects of aerial and aquatic predators on diving behaviour.

Contact Kirstin Pratt