The Lesser night gecko Nactus coindemirensis (LNG) was once widespread throughout Mauritius and its offshore islands but underwent a catastrophic decline following human induced predator and competitor introductions from the 16th Century. By the latter half of the 20th Century, the species became restricted to small areas on four offshore islands: Flat Island, Gunner’s Quoin and Pigeon House Rock in the north and Ilot Vacoas in the southeast. In 2006, 30 LNGs were translocated to Ilot Chat from Ilot Vacoas to reduce extinction risk, but the translocated population was eradicated due to the invasion of a single rat in 2007. In 2010, the invasion of shrews to Flat Island caused the localised extinction of the LNG population by 2011. In 2011, 75 LNGs were released onto Ile Marianne: 30 from Ilot Vacoas and 45 that were captive bred by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust at Jersey Zoo. Fortunately, this population became established, but it is clear that the global population of LNGs are extremely vulnerable to stochastic events. In 2020, the bulk carrier MV Wakashio ran aground on the reef to the southeast of Mauritius, spilling oil into the ocean and contaminating the southeast islets, in a highly publicised catastrophic event. In response, the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and their partners evacuated 30 LNGs from two southeast islets to establish a captive population at Jersey Zoo and preserve genetic information retained in the southeast populations should the oil spill adversely affect the species. This PhD will use genomics and demographic modelling to reconstruct the history of LNG and test how inferred fluctuations align with key drivers of population change and ultimately to understand what genetic diversity has been retained in the managed (including rescued) populations and its implications for their long-term viability. We aim to fully integrate population-level ecological and genomic data into the conservation management of this species, which includes assessing previous conservation translocations, monitoring changes in genomic diversity at the present time and guiding future movement of animals between wild and captive populations.
Project Aims and Methods: This project will be conducted on the offshore islands of Mauritius. Museum specimens of the LNG collected as early as the 1980s and 100 recent/present day samples from Durrell’s archive are available. This will allow the student to establish baseline estimates of genomic diversity using SNP markers available from a medium-coverage (20X) genome sequence already produced by us. The project will use genome resequencing to measure changes in genome-wide diversity, inbreeding (runs of homozygosity) and population structure within and among offshore islands both northeast and southeast of the island of Mauritius. LNGs are cryptic and fossorial, so a priori, we don't know how much ‘natural’ population structure is present: this spatial component of LNG genetic diversity will need to be investigated alongside temporal changes.
The overall aim of the project is to integrate and understand the drivers and extent of past LNG population fluctuations with the effect this had on genetic diversity. Genomic tools will be used to monitor previous translocations, plan future translocations, and inform husbandry of captive populations. This work will not only provide crucial information for the management of this species, but provides an exemplar for others, being integrated into the G-Bike (Genomics and Biodiversity Knowledge) COST Action, for which Bruford leads Work Package 2 on genomic monitoring, and into guidance produced through IUCN via the Conservation Genetics Specialist Group. The project will consist of four Work Packages (WP): (WP1) Establish baseline estimates of genomic diversity using archived samples; (WP2) Assess genomic diversity through space and time, to include field sampling and field-based laboratory protocols; (WP3) Inferring demographic history (ABC modelling); (WP4) Population viability analysis (Vortex), which will include LNG life history data of which some will be collected from the captive population.
Candidate requirements
The student should have expertise relevant to this project, including GIS and bioinformatics. Molecular Ecology expertise and experience with Big data is desirable. Must be able to work in the field on rugged tropical islands for extended periods. Possession of a clean driving licence would be an advantage for accessing mainland sites on Mauritius.
Candidates must meet the Cardiff University PhD entry requirements - visit 'Institution Website' for details.
Project partners
The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation can provide support with logistics and permits, site access, boat and road transport, and training in field-based sampling and data collection.
Training
Specific training in the skills required for this project will be provided by Prof Bruford and Dr Russo (population genomics, bioinformatics, GIS skills), and Dr Cole and Dr Moorhouse-Gann (animal handling, sample collection and storage, field identification skills). More generally, training in presentation and grant writing will be provided by Cardiff University. As part of the DTP+, the student will have access to statistical analysis and R training courses. The student will be encouraged to attend and present at conferences.
How to Apply
The start date of this studentship is October 2022. To submit a formal application to Cardiff University, click the 'Institution Website' button on this advert; in the ‘Apply’ box at the top-right of the page, select Qualification (Doctor of Philosophy), Mode of Study (Full Time) and Start Date (October 2022). This will take you to the application portal.
Candidates must submit:
• Supporting statement
• CV
• Qualification certificates
• Proof of English language (if applicable)
In the research proposal section, specify the project title and supervisors. In the funding section, select “I will be applying for a scholarship/grant” and specify advertised funding from NERC GW4. If you are applying for more than one Cardiff University project, please note this in the research proposal section as the form only allows you to enter one title.
The application deadline is Monday 10 January 2022 at 2359 GMT. Interviews will take place from 23rd February to 9 March 2022. For more information about the NERC GW4+ Doctoral Training Partnership please visit https://www.nercgw4plus.ac.uk.
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