ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Range expansion, density and population estimates of an introduced population of Red-vented Vulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) in Houston, Texas

Conducted under the guidance of Dr. Daniel M. Brooks (Houston Museum of Natural Science), this research investigated the spatial distribution and population density of invasive Red-vented Bulbuls in Houston Heights. The study involved 40 line-transect surveys and found lower bulbul density than in New Caledonia. The findings were presented in an AP Research paper, Spatial Occupancy, which concluded that ecological impact in Houston may be limited based on population density. The project was recognized as the Outstanding AP Research Project (May 2024). Further work with Dr. Brooks included analyzing population expansion using eBird and Texas Invasive Bird Project data, resulting in a co-authored manuscript submitted to The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. Invited to present at the Rice University Biodiversity Symposium (Spring 2025) as the only high school or undergraduate presenter.