Jacob C. Blokland

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I come from a rural area called Broadfields in Canterbury, New Zealand, with a background in geology and biological sciences which I studied at University of Canterbury. Upon completing my MSc there, which focused on the description, palaeobiology and evolution of Paleocene (62-60 million-year-old) fossil penguins from Chatham Island, I moved to South Australia in 2018 and joined the Palaeontology Research Group at Flinders University to further pursue avian palaeontology. There, I completed my PhD which focused on Oligocene-Miocene rail-like birds (Ralloidea) and assessing their relationships to modern groups.

I am interested in contributing to the understanding of bird evolution, especially the patterns and processes involved in flightlessness. To this end, I have experience investigating penguins, rails and allies, and waterfowl (including dromornithids), with attention to comparative anatomy, functional morphology, phylogenetics, systematics and taxonomy. I endeavour to continue learning about the evolution of these groups and others, and the diversity of extinct avifauna.

Experience

  • 2026–present
    Researcher, Flinders University

Education

  • 2026 
    Flinders University, Doctor of Philosophy (Vertebrate Palaeontology)
  • 2017 
    University of Canterbury, Master of Science - First Class Honours (Geology-Palaeontology)
  • 2013 
    University of Canterbury , Bachelor of Science (Biology and Geology)

Publications

  • 2022
    Geobios, A new species of Manuherikia (Aves: Anatidae) provides evidence of faunal turnover in the St Bathans Fauna, New Zealand
  • 2019
    Palaeontologia Electronica, Chatham Island Paleocene fossils provide insight into the palaeobiology, evolution, and diversity of early penguins (Aves, Sphenisciformes)

Contact Jacob for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision