A5056978063- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Avian ecology and behavior
- Peatlands and Wetlands Ecology
- Botany and Plant Ecology Studies
- Rangeland and Wildlife Management
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Rangeland Management and Livestock Ecology
- Forest Management and Policy
- Ecology and biodiversity studies
- Plant and animal studies
- Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management
- Soil erosion and sediment transport
- Plant Ecology and Soil Science
- Lichen and fungal ecology
- Bird parasitology and diseases
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Pasture and Agricultural Systems
- Conservation, Ecology, Wildlife Education
- Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Studies
- Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
- Hydrology and Sediment Transport Processes
- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Tree-ring climate responses
The Nature Conservancy
2022
Meredith College
2022
Scottish Natural Heritage
2008-2020
A better, more effective dialogue is needed between biodiversity science and policy to underpin the sustainable use conservation of biodiversity. Many initiatives exist improve communication, but these largely conform a 'linear' or technocratic model communication in which scientific "facts" are transmitted directly advisers "solve problems". While this can help start dialogue, it is, on its own, insufficient, as decision taking complex, iterative often selective information used. Here, we...
Sexual selection theory predicts that sex roles will be determined by the operational ratio (OSR), among individuals searching for mates at any given time. There are two predictions: (i) which is in 'excess' more competitive with respect to access mates; and (ii) of there a 'shortage' choosy potential partners. We examine second prediction find current OSR does not consider an important factor affects mate choice. This differences variation quality. Hence, we develop new model choice shows...
Summary Horizon scanning is an essential tool for environmental scientists if they are to contribute the evidence base Government, its agencies and other decision makers devise implement policies. The implication of not foreseeing issues that foreseeable illustrated by contentious responses genetically modified herbicide‐tolerant crops in UK, challenges surrounding biofuels, foot mouth disease, avian influenza climate change. A total 35 representatives from organizations involved policy,...
We review the conservation issues facing migratory shorebird populations that breed in temperate regions and use wetlands non‐breeding season. Shorebirds are excellent model organisms for understanding ecological, behavioural evolutionary processes often used as indicators of wetland health. A global team experienced researchers identified 45 these populations, divided them into three categories (natural, current anthropogenic future issues). The natural included megatsunamis, volcanoes...
Abstract Questions Is there evidence for biotic homogenization of upland vegetation? Do the magnitude and nature floristic compositional change vary between vegetation types? What can be inferred about drivers responsible observed changes? Location Upland heath, mire grassland communities northwest H ighlands S cotland, UK. Methods We re‐survey plots first described in a phytosociological study 1956–1958 to assess changes plant species composition over last 50 yr five major types. Using...
Summary Edge effects of native forest fragmentation have been well studied, but there are few studies open‐ground habitats fragmented by plantation forests. We measure forestry edge on breeding birds, following one Europe's biggest and most controversial land‐use transformations. The ‘Flow Country’ northern Scotland is the world's greatest expanses blanket bog. It became conifer forests planted in late 20th century, these now adjoin open peatlands protected under European conservation...
Summary Growing pressure on natural resources is leading to more conservation conflicts. Governments and their statutory agencies devote increasing financial human this subject, but tend adopt reactive, ad hoc approaches management. We combined theory empirical data about five conflicts in a transdisciplinary collaboration co‐develop novel decision‐making tool. This tool uses systematic stepwise approach with six distinct decision stages: (i) establishing whether there conflict or an impact;...
We examined the pattern of territory settlement and its consequences for breeding success in Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe on Bardsey Island, Wales, during seasons 1991‐93. Males returned earlier than females, older males first‐year breeders. Although their boundaries shifted between years, general location territories was consistent three‐year study. There a high degree fidelity to area years both sexes. The order settlement, from which rank calculated, highly irrespective individual...
Predictive models of animal distributions based on habitat can be used to assess the likely effects changes in landuse a species. In this study we developed model distribution buzzard nests part Argyll, Scotland. The was tested further site. Habitat described terms vegetation cover, derived from satellite imagery, and topography, using digital terrain classify altitude, slope, aspect ruggedness. This data base incorporated into Geographical Infonnation System. Environmental data, form areas...
Background: Re-visitation studies are often based on phytosociological survey data where the precise location of original plots is unknown. Attempts to evaluate error associated with relocation uncertainty rare, yet this important in interpreting results any degree confidence. Aims: Using a 50-year re-visitation study upland vegetation Scottish Highlands, we aim assess potential for, and implications of, relocating plots. Methods: At nine sites, three five replicate were surveyed within...
Conservation biologists have drawn up a range of guidelines for the conservation genetic diversity—to maximise chances that populations threatened species persist, and to conserve this variation its potential utility. However, our understanding effectiveness maintaining diversity in situ is limited. Furthermore, we lack information on how species-level mating system affects these strategies. We used British geographical ranges eight widespread but declining plant species, varying breeding...
On the basis of pollen analysis 210 Pb-dated lake and loch sediment cores from across upland Britain Ireland we show that heather cover has declined in c. 90% sites over last 200 years. Our covers time AD 1400 to present with a resolution decades. Major losses commenced during seventeenth nineteenth centuries, were greatest regions high grazing pressures sheep. Subsequently, extensive afforestation 1920s caused further significant Calluna moorland. Adverse effects due acidic deposition...