Zenon Czenze

Dr. Zenon Czenze is a Senior Lecturer in Vertebrate Zoology at the School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England. His research focuses on comparative ecophysiology, examining how natural history traits and ecological factors influence thermoregulation in mammals and birds through field and laboratory studies.

Education:

• B.Sc. (Honors) - Saint Mary's University (2011)
• M.Sc. - University of Winnipeg (2013)
• Ph.D. - University of Auckland (2018)

Research explores three primary themes: impacts of heatwaves on small endotherms; thermal roost preferences in captive and free-ranging species; and natural pest control by bats in agricultural systems. His work integrates physiological measurements with ecological observations to understand climate change impacts on species like bats, birds, and marsupials.

Recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on thermal adaptations across taxa, with emphasis on evaporative cooling mechanisms, heat tolerance limits, and seasonal thermoregulation strategies in arid-adapted species. Studies frequently employ innovative field techniques to measure physiological responses under natural conditions.

Dr. Czenze leads a research group focused on vertebrate thermal ecology and welcomes new students interested in physiological ecology and conservation biology.