Background: Most tropical forests have been logged. A major limitation on recovery is the growth of epiphytic lianas, which comprise ~20% of biomass in logged forests. While lianas inhibit tree growth, prevent seedling recruitment, and increase tree mortality, they provide vital resources for fauna including fruits, foraging opportunities, and shelter. To facilitate forest recovery, large-scale liana cutting has been initiated, but the long-term effectiveness is poorly understood.
In 2019, we initiated a liana cutting experiment in ~350 hectares of logged forest in Borneo. Our experiment is the first globally to apply liana cutting at a range of intensities (plus uncut controls) and monitored pre-cutting plant, dung beetle and acoustic (including bird) diversity. This ACCE PhD project will utilize this unique experiment to understand the consequences of liana cutting for carbon stocking and biodiversity.
Objectives:
- Determine how carbon stocks, tree growth, recruitment, and survival change following cutting.
- Quantify how acoustic and faunal diversity change following cutting.
- Quantify carbon-biodiversity synergies and trade-offs under different liana cutting intensities.
Novelty and Timeliness: This area is extremely timely given global targets to restore 350 million hectares by 2030 and that liana cutting programs are expanding across the tropics. The conceptual basis of this project is inspired by several recent papers revealing the potential for major tradeoffs between outcomes of restoration initiatives. Working with in-country partners, this research will inform their liana cutting protocols to balance carbon recovery goals with needs to protect wildlife.
Person specification: The project has a significant field component in tropical forests, so we are looking for someone who enjoys spending time in the field. We are looking for a background in ecology, conservation, and ideally with some training in statistics and/or specific taxonomic expertise. Training will be provided in field techniques and analysis relevant to the project.
Start date: 1st October 2023
This PhD project is part of the NERC funded Doctoral Training Partnership “ACCE” (Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment. ACCE is a partnership between the Universities of Sheffield, Liverpool, York, CEH, and NHM, for more information about ACCE and how to apply please visit the website: https://accedtp.ac.uk/
The ACCE DTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith or religious belief, pregnancy or maternity, parental or caring responsibilities or career pathway to date. We understand that a student’s potential can be shown in many ways and we strive to recruit students from all backgrounds, and support them on their scientific journey.
We have designed our application systems to identify candidates who are likely to be successful in research regardless of what opportunities may have been available to them prior to their application.
How to apply:
All applicants to ACCE must complete the ACCE personal statement proforma. This is instead of a normal personal/supporting statement/cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. The proforma and more information on the ACCE application process can be found here: https://accedtp.ac.uk/how-to-apply-to-acce-dtp/.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview to take place in the w/c 20th February 2023.
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