Estonian University of Life Sciences student Aleksandra Zarja achieved third place in the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) Undergraduate Thesis of the Year competition with her research on the impact of noise on the behaviour of the endangered European mink.

Aleksandra’s thesis, “Impact of Noise on European Mink (Mustela lutreola) Behaviour”, was recognised by the jury for its high scientific quality and the topical importance of the subject. The thesis was supervised by Professor David Richard Arney of the Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kairi Kiik, researcher at the University of Tartu, and Kristel Nemvalts, species conservation specialist at Tallinn zoo and doctoral student at the University of Tartu.

The results of the study show that human-induced noise at public events affects the behaviour and activity of the endangered European mink. Research carried out at Tallinn Zoo revealed that stereotypic behaviour initially decreased in response to noise, but the greatest reduction in activity occurred only in the days following the noise episode. This indicates both immediate and delayed effects on the animals. The findings provide an important starting point for further research aimed at species conservation.

The award includes the publication of a summary of the thesis in Fledgling Bytes, a BSAS publication for early career researchers. In addition, news of Aleksandra’s achievement will appear on the BSAS website, newsletter, and social media channels.

This is an international competition that showcases the best animal science theses from the United Kingdom and beyond. Congratulations to Aleksandra on this remarkable international recognition.