Effect of species interactions in changing species distributions as a response to environmental change

Unprecedented rates of global environmental change make it imperative that we understand and address the challenges this poses for wildlife conservation. It is well-established that species distributions are determined both directly by their physical environment and by their interactions with other species. However, predictions of change invariably fail to consider the knock-on biotic effects caused by interacting species such as competitors and predators. This simplification risks major underestimation of the true total impact of environmental change on species distributions. There are no studies to date that evaluate the magnitude and conservation management implications of this risk. This PhD aims to address this need by evaluating the integrated effect of abiotic and biotic impacts in determining long-term change in species distributions. It will focus on coastal dune-heath ecosystems and consider the implications of its findings for long term conservation management of these ecosystems.

Specific objectives will include to:
1. Examine the respective roles of abiotic and biotic agents in causing species distribution change over time.
2. Determine the extent to which shifts in plant and associated insect distributions in response to environmental change are moderated or magnified by plant-animal species interactions.
3. Integrate understanding created through objectives 1&2 to inform UK and European management protocols.

To achieve this current and historic species distributions will be compared at a range of sites across Europe and in a detailed case study of a particularly valuable local site, the Studland Peninsula. This site is owned and managed by the National Trust, is one of Britain’s highly valued wildlife sites and is also special because the distributions of many species across the site were recorded in a major survey coordinated by Mr Cyril Diver in the 1930s. A repeat survey is currently underway under the auspices of the National Trust’s Citizen Science “Cyril Diver project” which is producing a well-organised extensive database of current records. This studentship would have full access to both sets of data and will be able to carry out comparative analyses to investigate change over time. Datasets from other sites will be accessed through collaborative arrangements established through the European Heathland Network. Management recommendations made as a result of the data analysis undertaken during this project will have impact both at the local scale by being assimilated directly into the National Trust's management plan for the Studland Peninsula and at wider scales through, for example, the European Heathland network.

The successful candidate will join a large, vibrant staff and PhD student research community and benefit from comprehensive academic training on plant and invertebrate identification skills, GIS methods and statistical methods. The successful candidate will also gain an understanding of how to increase impact of their research in a professional practice context through mentoring from the lead National Trust advisor on this project. All these skills have been highlighted by NERC as key skill priorities for environmental scientists (http://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/available/postgrad/skillsreview/summary) and are also very transferable so this training also develops excellent scope for wider future employment prospects.

How to apply: Applications are made via our website at http://microsites.bournemouth.ac.uk/graduate-school. If you have an enquiry about this project please contact us via the email now button below, however your application will only be processed once you have submitted an application form as opposed to emailing your CV to us.