PhD student
I am a PhD student researching the role of sex ratios, ecology, and demography in the evolution of vertebrate reproductive systems.
Research Focus
My doctoral work at the University of Pannonia (HUN-REN–PE Evolutionary Ecology Research Group) focuses on:
- Comparative demographic analysis of zoo populations (Species360 database) and available wild population datasets
- Examining how biological, ecological, and management-related drivers influence adult sex ratios (ASR) across taxa
- Investigating the association between ASR patterns and genetic sex determination systems (e.g., XY vs. ZW systems)
- Identifying potential sex-specific biases introduced by captivity (e.g., mortality, breeding skew, management practices)
- Developing recommendations to optimise population viability, welfare, and reproductive outcomes in managed populations
- Contributing to broader discussions on how ASR shapes mating systems, reproductive strategies, and social organisation
Apart from this, I participate in social network studies on African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) and other zoo-related topics (e.g. the connection between zoo branding and biodiversity).
Professional Role (Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden, 2017–present)
Research Fellow, coordinating and conducting zoo-based research, engaged in both applied and collaborative conservation science:
- Vice Chair, European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s (EAZA) Parrot TAG
- Facilitating international collaboration and strategic collection planning
- Supporting best practices in welfare, husbandry, and conservation planning for psittacine species
- Promoting interdisciplinary dialogue among scientists, conservationists, and zoo professionals
- EAZA Ex-situ Program (EEP) Coordinator – Western crowned pigeon (Goura cristata)
- Overseeing genetic and demographic sustainability of the managed population
- Providing guidance on education messaging and species relevance within zoo collections
- Advocating for lesser-known species and addressing taxonomic bias toward more charismatic birds
- Studbook Keeper – King bird-of-paradise (Cicinnurus regius)
- Monitoring involvement – other taxa, including:
- Members of the Paradisaeidae (birds-of-paradise) family
- Golden-shouldered parrot (Psephotellus chrysopterygius)
- Contributor to IUCN conservation planning processes, including:
- Hungarian meadow viper (Vipera ursinii rakosiensis) conservation strategy workshops
- Member of the IUCN Pigeon and Dove Specialist Group, contributing expertise to global species assessments and prioritisation discussions
Academic Background
MSc in Environmental Biology (Behavioural Ecology track)
Utrecht University, Netherlands | 2014–2018
- Developed a strong academic foundation in behavioural ecology, animal welfare, and conservation physiology
- Research internship 1 – Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University:
- Welfare study on African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus)
- Investigated their motivation for social enrichment using consumer-demand testing
- Provided insights into behavioural needs
- Research internship 2 – Amersfoort Zoo:
- Evaluated the behavioural impact of training as environmental enrichment on Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica)
- Developed and tested a non-invasive fur collection technique
- Initiated standardisation efforts for hair cortisol analysis as a welfare assessment tool
- MSc thesis: Historical analysis of great bustard (Otis tarda) occurrences in western Hungary (1830–1979), exploring shifts in distribution trends and possible drivers of population change
BSc in Biology
Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary | 2006–2012
- Specialisation in ethology
Thesis topic: Nesting behaviour in closely related Mus species, exploring ecological influences on reproductive strategies
Publications:
Papers:
Tóth, T., Géczy, C., Beloberk, P., Sušić, G., Komlós, N., Kocsis, B., Gál, J., Marosán, M., Deres, I., Kertész, P. & Varga, N. (2023) Review of the occurrences of monk seals Monachus monachus (Hermann, 1779) on the East coast of the Adriatic Sea (Croatia and Montenegro) between 1800 and 1980. Spixiana 46: 137-159.
Tóth, T., Varga, N., Gál, J., Kocsis, B. (2023) Expansion of the sharp-snouted rock lizard (Dalmatolacerta oxycephala) in the southern part of the island of Cres
Natura Croatica: Periodicum Musei Historiae Naturalis Croatici. 32(1): 121–126. https://doi.org/10.20302/NC.2023.32.7
Tóth T., Gál J., Varga N., Lukács A., Kocsis B. (2023) Data on the frog trade in the 20th century in Hungary. Biharean Biologist, 17(1), 39-44 [LINK]
Tóth, T., Varga, N., Kocsis, B., Marosán, M., Gál, J., & Géczy, C. (2020). A bird as food item of the Jayakar’s sand boa (Eryx jayakari Boulenger 1888) (Serpentes, Erycidae). Spixiana, 43(1), 160–160.
Conference presentations:
Kocsis, B. A pingvinektől a ZIMS-ig, Két vizsgálat, egy cél: jobban megérteni az állatkerti közösségeket; ZooDisputa, Budakeszi, Hungary, 2025.10.20.
Kocsis, B. Digitális Bestiárium – Hogyan segít a ZIMS az állatkertben és azon túl?; Fővárosi Állat- és Növénykert Szakmai Fórum, Budapest, Hungary, 2025.04.30.
Kocsis, B. Indirect EEP roles in the spotlight EDUCATION, Creating educational guidelines for Crowned-pigeon (Goura sp.) EEPs; European Association of Zoo and Aquaria 2024. Annual conference, Leipzig, Germany, 2024. 10.8-12.
Kocsis, B., Axelsen, H., Tritto, A. Goura species EEP updates; European Association of Zoo and Aquaria 2024. Annual conference, Leipzig, Germany, 2024. 10.8-12.
Kocsis, B., Pipoly, I., Fresneau, N., Székely, T., Colchero, F., Conde, D.A., Barta, K., Liker, A. Adult sex ratio in captive amniotes: Is it related to the sex-determination systems?; Species360 Research Symposium, online, 2024.08.14.
Kocsis, B., Pipoly, I., Fresneau, N., Székely, T., Colchero, F., Conde, D.A., Liker, A. Comparing the adult sex ratios of captive and wild animals using ZIMS data; European Association of Zoo and Aquaria 2023. Annual conference, Helsinki, Finnland, 2023.09.15.
Kocsis, B., Kollár, P., Kovács, B. Dominance and competition social networks of African penguins; Magyar Etológiai Társaság XXIV. konferenciája, Budapest, 2022.11.25-27.
Kocsis, B., Kollár, P., Kovács, B. Getting to know African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) better through their social networks in the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden; European Association of Zoo and Aquaria 2022. Annual conference, Albufeira, Portugal, 2022.09.30.
Kocsis, B. Blue crowned pigeon (Goura cristata) ESB. European Association of Zoos and Aquaria 2019. Annual conference, Athens, Greece, 2019.09.18.
Posters:
Kocsis, B., Barta, A. K., Kertész, P., Tóth T. Tails in the Details: Tracking the Beasts Behind Zoo Branding; European Association of Zoos and Aquaria 2025. Annual conference, Leipzig, Germany, 2025.09.9-14.
Kocsis, B., Liber, V., Benyó, A., Sárospataki, M., Bodnár, Á. & Kovács, B. A Hiss-terical appRoach: UV gel nail polish as a reliable method for individually marking Madagascar hissing cockroaches (Gromphadorhina oblongonata); Magyar Etológiai Társaság XXV. konferenciája, Debrecen, Hungary, 2023.10.26-28.
Kocsis, B., Pipoly, I., Fresneau, N., Székely, T., Colchero, F., Conde, D.A., Liker, A. Adult sex ratio in tetrapods: is it related to the sex‐determination systems?; Magyar Etológiai Társaság XXIV. konferenciája, Budapest, Hungary, 2022.11.25-27.
Kocsis, B., Bánszegi, O., Dúcs. A., Groó, Z., Kazi, A., Kopcsó. D., Szenczi, P. & Altbäcker, V. A nőstény fajtárs befolyása a fészeképítésre eltérő a házi és a güzü egérnél (poster). Magyar Etológiai Társaság XI. kongresszusa, Göd, Hungary, 2009.
