Professor Richard Holland

Professor in Animal Behaviour / Director of Research

Contact info

Room: 531 Brambell

Email: r.holland@bangor.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0)1248 382344

Web: Bangor Animal Navigation Group  Google Scholar Researchgate

Director of research, School of Natural Sciences

My research and teaching interests fall broadly in the area of animal behaviour and sensory biology. I am the course co-ordinator for the Zoology with Animal Behaviour degree (C3D3) and teach on several animal behaviour focused modules, as well as ornithology. My research questions focus the cognitive processes and sensory mechanisms by which animals navigate and migrate. While my principle focus is at the level of the whole organism I also incorporate aspects of neurobiology, molecular biology, and physics to identify the  environmental cues, sensory pathways and mechanisms used by animals to decide how, when and where to move. My work also operates in a comparative framework as I compare and contrast across species, taxa, age class, spatial scale and sensory mechanisms to reveal how natural selection has acted to shape navigation behaviour in different animal groups.

Biography:

2020-current, Professor in Animal Behaviour

2017-2020, Senior Lecturer, Bangor University

2016-2017, Lecturer, Bangor University

2011-2016, Lecturer, Queen’s University Belfast

2009-2010, Research scientist, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology

2006-2008, Marie Curie Outgoing International fellow, Princeton University and University of Leeds

2002-2005, Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Leeds

1999-2002, Postdoctoral research fellow, University of Nebraska

1994-1998, DPhil, Oxford University

1990-1993, BSc (Hons), University of Nottingham

Research Area:

Animal Physiology, Behaviour and Conservation

  1. Review article › Research › Peer-reviewed
  2. Published

    Over 50 years of behavioural evidence on the magnetic sense in animals: what has been learnt and how?

    Schneider, W., Holland, R. & Lindecke, O., Mar 2023, In: The European Physical Journal Special Topics. 232, 2, p. 269-278 10 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

  3. Published

    Principles and patterns of bat movements: From aerodynamics to ecology

    Voigt, C. C., Frick, W., Holland, R., Holdereid, M., Kerth, G., Mello, M., Plowright, R., Swartz, S. & Yovel, Y., Sept 2017, In: Quarterly Review of Biology. 92, 3, p. 267-287 20 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

  4. True navigation in birds: from quantum physics to global migration

    Holland, R., May 2014, In: Journal of Zoology. 293, 1, p. 1-15

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

  5. Article › Research
  6. Published

    Nature’s GPS: how animals use the natural world to perform extraordinary feats of navigation

    Holland, R., 30 Dec 2021, The Conversation.

    Research output: Contribution to specialist publicationArticle

  7. Chapter › Research › Not peer-reviewed
  8. Blind as a bat? The sensory basis of orientation and navigation at night

    Holland, R., 2008, In the neurobiology of Umwelt: how animals perceive the world. Springer, p. 125-139

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

  9. Published

    Orientation and Navigation in Bats

    Holland, R., 2010, Encyclopedia of Animal Behaviour. Academic Press, Vol. 2. p. 177-185 9 p.

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

  10. Article › Research › Peer-reviewed
  11. Published

    A comparison of machine-learning assisted optical and thermal camera systems for beehive activity counting

    Morton Williams, S., Bariselli, S., Palego, C., Holland, R. & Cross, P., 1 Dec 2022, In: Smart Agricultural Technology. 2, 100038.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  12. Accepted/In press

    A conceptual framework on the role of magnetic cues in songbird migration ecology

    Karwinkel, T., Peter, A., Holland, R., Thorup, K., Bairlein, F. & Schmaljohann, H., 10 Apr 2024, (Accepted/In press) In: Biological Reviews.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  13. Published

    A functional role of the sky’s polarization pattern for orientation in the greater mouse-eared bat

    Greif, S., Borissov, I., Yovel, Y. & Holland, R., 2014, In: Nature Communications. 5, 4488.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  14. Published

    A magnet attached to the forehead disrupts magnetic compass orientation in a migratory songbird

    Packmor, F., Kishkinev, D., Bittermann, F., Kofler, B., Machowetz, C., Zechmeister, T., Zawadzki, L., Guilford, T. & Holland, R., Nov 2021, In: Journal of Experimental Biology. 224, 22, 10 p., 243337.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  15. A magnetic pulse does not affect homing pigeon navigation: a GPS tracking experiment

    Holland, R., Filannino, C. & Gagliardo, A., 29 May 2013, In: Journal of Experimental Biology. 216, 12, p. 2192-2200 9 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  16. A nocturnal mammal, the greater mouse-eared bat, calibrates a magnetic compass by the sun

    Holland, R., Borissov, I. & Siemers, B. M., 13 Apr 2010, In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA. 107, 15, p. 6941-6945 5 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  17. A strong magnetic pulse affects the precision of departure direction of naturally migrating adult but not juvenile birds

    Holland, R. A. & Helm, B., 6 Apr 2013, In: Journal of the Royal Society, Interface. 10, 81, 20121047.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  18. Published

    Anosmic migrating songbirds demonstrate a compensatory response following long-distance translocation: a radio-tracking study

    Kishkinev, D., Anashina, A., Ishchenko, I. & Holland, R. A., Jan 2020, In: Journal of Ornithology. 161, 1, p. 47-57

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  19. Bats use magnetite to detect the earth's magnetic field

    Holland, R., Kirschvink, J. L., Doak, T. G. & Wikelski, M., 27 Feb 2008, In: PLoS ONE. 3, 2

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  20. Published

    Corneal sensitivity is required for orientation in free-flying migratory bats

    Lindecke, O., Holland, R., Petersons, G. & Voigt, C. C., 5 May 2021, In: Communications Biology. 4, 1, 522.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  21. Differential effects of magnetic pulses on the orientation of naturally migrating birds

    Holland, R., 6 Nov 2010, In: Journal of the Royal Society, Interface. 7, 52, p. 1617-1625 9 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  22. Echolocation signal structure in the Megachiropteran bat Rousettus aegyptiacus Geoffroy 1810

    Holland, R., Waters, D. A. & Rayner, J. M. V., Dec 2004, In: Journal of Experimental Biology. 207, 25, p. 4361-4369 9 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  23. Echolocation signals and pinnae movement in the fruitbat Rousettus aegyptiacus

    Holland, R. & Waters, D. A., 2005, In: Acta Chiropterologica. 7, 1, p. 83-90 8 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  24. Emergence time and foraging activity in Pallas' mastiff bat, Molossus molossus (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in relation to sunset/sunrise and phase of the moon

    Holland, R. A., Meyer, C. F. J., Kalko, E. K. V., Kays, R. & Wikelski, M., Dec 2011, In: Acta Chiropterologica. 13, 2, p. 399-404 6 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  25. Evidence for a navigational map stretching across the continental US in a migratory songbird

    Thorup, K., Bisson, I. A., Bowlin, M. S., Holland, R., Wingfield, J. C., Ramenofsky, M. & Wikelski, M., 13 Nov 2007, In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA. 104, 46, p. 18115-18119 5 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  26. Evidence for repeated independent evolution of migration in the largest family of bats

    Bisson, I. A., Safi, K. & Holland, R., 21 Oct 2009, In: PLoS ONE. 4, 10

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  27. Published

    Experienced migratory bats integrate the sun's position at dusk for navigation at night

    Lindecke, O., Elksne, A., Holland, R. A., Petersons, G. & Voigt, C. C., 22 Apr 2019, In: Current Biology. 29, p. 1369-1373

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  28. Published

    Fish learn collectively, but groups with differing personalities are slower to decide 1 and more likely to split

    Kareklas, K., Elwood, R. W. & Holland, R., 2018, In: Biology Open. 2018, 7, bio033613.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  29. Flexibility of Continental Navigation and Migration in European Mallards

    van Toor, M. L., Hedenstrom, A., Waldenstrom, J., Fiedler, W., Holland, R. A., Thorup, K. & Wikelski, M., 30 Aug 2013, In: PLoS ONE. 8, 8, e72629.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  30. Published

    Flexibility of habitat use innovel environments: Insights from a translocation experiment with Lesser Black-backed Gulls

    van Toor, M., Arriero, E., Holland, R., J. Huttunen, M., Juvaste, R., Müller, I., Thorup, K., Wikelski, M. & Safi, K., 18 Jan 2017, In: Royal Society Open Science. 4, 160164.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  31. Further evidence for visual landmark involvement in the pigeon's familiar area map

    Burt, T., Holland, R. & Guilford, T., Jun 1997, In: Animal Behaviour. 53, p. 1203-1209 7 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  32. Published

    Grouping promotes risk-taking in unfamiliar settings

    Kareklas, K., Elwood, R. W. & Holland, R. A., 1 Mar 2018, In: Behavioural Processes. 148, p. 41-45

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  33. Published

    Homing pigeons use olfactory cues for navigation in England

    Guilford, T., Gagliardo, A., Chappell, J., Bonadonna, F., De Perera, T. B. & Holland, R., 1998, In: Journal of Experimental Biology. 201, 6, p. 895-900 6 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  34. How and why do insects migrate?

    Holland, R., Wikelski, M. & Wilcove, D. S., 11 Aug 2006, In: Science. 313, 5788, p. 794-796 3 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  35. Published

    Is There Visual Lateralisation of the Sun Compass in Homing Pigeons?

    Griffiths, C., Holland, R. & Gagliardo, A., 5 May 2020, In: Symmetry. 12, 5, 740.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  36. Published

    Juvenile Songbirds Compensate for Displacement to Oceanic Islands during Autumn Migration

    Thorup, K., Ortvad, T. E., Rabol, J., Holland, R., Tottrup, A. P. & Wikelski, M., 2011, In: PLoS ONE. 6, 3, e17903.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  37. Large-Range Movements of Neotropical Orchid Bees Observed via Radio Telemetry

    Wikelski, M., Moxley, J., Eaton-Mordas, A., Lopez-Uribe, M. M., Holland, R., Moskowitz, D., Roubik, D. W. & Kays, R., 2010, In: PLoS ONE. 5

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  38. Published

    Migratory Eurasian reed warblers can use magnetic declination to solve the longitude problem

    Chernetsov, N., Pakhomov, A., Kobylkov, D., Kishkinev, D., Holland, R. & Mouritsen, H., 11 Sept 2017, In: Current Biology. 27, 17, p. 2647-2651

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  39. E-pub ahead of print

    Migratory bats are sensitive to magnetic inclination changes during the compass calibration period

    Schneider, W. T., Holland, R. A., Keišs, O. & Lindecke, O., Nov 2023, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Biology letters. 19, 11, p. 20230181

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  40. Migratory navigation in birds: new opportunities in an era of fast-developing tracking technology

    Guilford, T., Akesson, S., Gagliardo, A., Holland, R. A., Mouritsen, H., Muheim, R., Wiltschko, R., Wiltschko, W. & Bingman, V. P., Nov 2011, In: Journal of Experimental Biology. 214, 22, p. 3705-3712 8 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  41. Published

    Navigation by extrapolation of geomagnetic cues in a migratory songbird

    Kishkinev, D., Packmor, F., Thomas, Z., Hans, W., Mouritsen, H., Chernetsov, N. & Holland, R., 12 Apr 2021, In: Current Biology. 31, 7, p. 1563-1569

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  42. Navigation: Bat orientation using Earth's magnetic field

    Holland, R., Thorup, K., Vonhof, M. J., Cochran, W. W. & Wikelski, M., 7 Dec 2006, In: Nature. 444, 7120, p. 702 1 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  43. Published

    Orientation and flight behaviour identify the Soprano pipistrelle as a migratory bat species at the Baltic Sea coast

    Lindecke, O., Elksne, A., Holland, R., Petersons, G. & Voigt, C. C., 1 May 2019, In: Journal of Zoology. 308, 1, p. 56-65

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  44. Orientation and navigation in bats: known unknowns or unknown unknowns?

    Holland, R., Mar 2007, In: Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. 61, 5, p. 653-660 8 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  45. Orientation of vagrant birds on the Faroe Islands in the Atlantic Ocean

    Thorup, K., Ortvad, T., Holland, R., Rabøl, J., Kristensen, M. & Wikelski, M., 1 Oct 2012, In: Journal of Ornithology. 153, 4, p. 1261-1265 5 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  46. Published

    Personality effects on spatial learning: comparisons between visual conditions in a weakly-electric fish

    Kareklas, K., Elwood, R. W. & Holland, R., 2017, In: Ethology.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  47. Place versus response learning in fish: a comparison between species

    McAroe, C. L., Craig, C. M. & Holland, R., Jan 2016, In: Animal Cognition. 19, 1, p. 153-161

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  48. Published

    Plasticity varies with boldness in a weakly-electric fish

    Kareklas, K., Arnott, G., Elwood, R. W. & Holland, R., 6 Jun 2016, In: Frontiers in Zoology. 13, 22

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  49. Polarized skylight does not calibrate the compass system of a migratory bat

    Lindecke, O., Voigt, C. C., Petersons, G. & Holland, R., 16 Sept 2015, In: Biology Letters. 11, 9, p. 1-4

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  50. Published

    Relationships between personality and lateralisation of sensory inputs

    Kareklas, K., Elwood, R. W., Arnott, G. & Holland, R., Jul 2018, In: Animal Behaviour. 141, p. 127-135

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  51. Published

    Repeated training of homing pigeons reveals age dependent idiosyncrasy and visual landmark use.

    Griffiths, C., Schiffner, I., Price, E., Charnell-Hughes, M., Kishkinev, D. & Holland, R., Jul 2021, In: Animal Behaviour. 177, p. 159-170

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  52. Published

    Satellite tracking of red-listed nominate lesser black-backed gulls (Larus f. fuscus): habitat specialisation in foraging movements raises novel conservation needs

    Juvaste, R., Arriero, E., Gagliardo, A., Holland, R., Huttunen, M. J., Mueller, I., Thorup, K., Wikelski, M., Penttinen, M-L., Hannila, J. & Wistbacka, R., Apr 2017, In: Global Ecology and Conservation. 10, p. 220-230

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  53. Published

    Sense of doubt: Inaccurate and alternate locations of virtual magnetic displacements may give a distorted view of animal magnetoreception ability

    Schneider, W., Holland, R., Packmor, F. & Lindecke, O., 20 Feb 2023, In: Communications Biology. 6, 1, 8 p., 187.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

  54. Sensory systems and spatial memory in the fruit bat Rousettus aegyptiacus

    Holland, R., Winter, P. & Waters, D. A., Aug 2005, In: Ethology. 111, 8, p. 715-725 11 p.

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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