Xiaotong MAI

My journey into ecology began somewhat serendipitously, but throughout my Bachelor’s and Master’s studies, I became increasingly fascinated by the richness and beauty of biodiversity. During my undergraduate years, I participated in research on illegal wildlife trade and citizen science, which sparked my interest in understanding and improving human-wildlife coexistence. For my master’s degree, I conducted field surveys and experiments in the Northeast China Tiger Leopard National Park, investigating how mammals respond to anthropogenic activities, focusing on aspects such as antipredator behavior, activity patterns, and diet.

From studying human behavior to exploring animal behavior, these experiences have deepened my awareness of the immense threats biodiversity faces in this human-shaped world. This realization has inspired me to embark on a new research chapter in one of the most intensely human-dominated environments—the urban ecosystem. My PhD project will focus on the behavior and population dynamics of butterflies in cities. Using these fascinating and environmentally sensitive insects as a model system to explore how wildlife adapts to our complex and rapidly changing world.

Feel free to contact me at xiaotong.mai@connect.hku.hk if you would like to talk about research, movies, bands and music.