A5050252072- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Plant and animal studies
- Wildlife Conservation and Criminology Analyses
- Rangeland and Wildlife Management
- Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Studies
- Fire effects on ecosystems
- Peatlands and Wetlands Ecology
- Geographies of human-animal interactions
- Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation
- Forest Insect Ecology and Management
- Botany and Plant Ecology Studies
- Invertebrate Taxonomy and Ecology
- Rangeland Management and Livestock Ecology
- Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Avian ecology and behavior
- Environmental Conservation and Management
- Conservation, Ecology, Wildlife Education
- Ecology and biodiversity studies
- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Meta-analysis and systematic reviews
- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
- Forest Management and Policy
Scotland's Rural College
2020-2024
Royal Astronomical Society
2023-2024
James Hutton Institute
2011-2021
Conservation Leadership Programme
2019-2021
University of Cambridge
2019-2021
Newcastle University
2019
John Wiley & Sons (United Kingdom)
2018-2019
University of Aberdeen
2005-2008
Abstract Many insect species are under threat from the anthropogenic drivers of global change. There have been numerous well‐documented examples population declines and extinctions in scientific literature, but recent weaker studies making extreme claims a crisis drawn widespread media coverage brought unprecedented public attention. This spotlight might be double‐edged sword if veracity alarmist decline statements do not stand up to close scrutiny. We identify seven key challenges drawing...
The widely held assumption that any important scientific information would be available in English underlies the underuse of non-English-language science across disciplines. However, is expected to bring unique and valuable information, especially disciplines where evidence patchy, for emergent issues synthesising an urgent challenge. Yet such contribution communities application rarely quantified. Here, we show studies provide crucial informing global biodiversity conservation. By screening...
Livestock grazing is a major driver of land‐use change, causing significant biodiversity loss globally. Although the short‐term effects livestock on individual species are well studied, mechanistic understanding long‐term, cascading impacts lacking. We manipulated densities using unique, replicated upland experiment over 10‐year period and found treatment plant arthropod biomass; number Anthus pratensis breeding bird territories; amplitude Microtus agrestis population cycles activity top...
Entomology is key to understanding terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems at a time of unprecedented anthropogenic environmental change offers substantial untapped potential benefit humanity in variety ways, from improving agricultural practices managing vector-borne diseases inspiring technological advances.We identified high priority challenges for entomology using an inclusive, open, democratic four-stage prioritisation approach, conducted among the membership affiliates (hereafter...
Evidence-based decision-making is most effective with comprehensive access to scientific studies. If studies face significant publication delays or barriers, the useful information they contain may not reach decision-makers in a timely manner. This represents potential problem for mission-oriented disciplines where latest data required ensure actions are undertaken. We sought analyse severity of delay conservation science-a field that requires urgent action prevent loss biodiversity. used...
Abstract 1. To be effective, the next generation of conservation practitioners and managers need to critical thinkers with a deep understanding how make evidence‐based decisions value evidence synthesis. 2. If, as educators, we do not these priorities core part what teach, are failing prepare our students an effective contribution practice. 3. help overcome this problem have created open access online teaching materials in multiple languages that stored Applied Ecology Resources. So far, 117...
Abstract. 1. Grasslands are diverse and extensive but declining in extent some parts of the globe. Grassland invertebrates can be numerically abundant crucial to ecosystem functioning through their roles herbivory, nutrient cycling pollination. Most European grasslands modified agricultural practices. Indeed, semi‐natural grasslands, which often host most invertebrate assemblages, have suffered catastrophic losses over last century. 2. Much research exists on grassland management, mainly...
Abstract Small mammals, such as small rodents (Rodentia: Muroidea) and shrews (Insectivora: Soricidae), present particular challenges in camera trap surveys. Their size is often insufficient to trigger infra-red sensors, whilst resultant images may be of inadequate quality for species identification. The conventional survey method live-trapping, can both labour-intensive detrimental animal welfare. Here, we describe a using traps monitoring mammals. We show that by attaching the baited...
Abstract Marginal agricultural land, which in the UK refers to upland grazings particular, is going see changes management driven by markets, subsidies, grants and environmental change with implications for biodiversity. Using a large‐scale, long‐term grazing experiment uplands we assessed impact of intensification (tripling sheep numbers), abandonment (removal sheep) grazer diversification (partial replacement cattle) on vegetation composition heterogenous area grassland. Species benefiting...
Abstract. Livestock grazing is the most important direct management impact on grasslands in upland areas of UK. For phytophagous species, such as Lepidoptera, primarily through altering species composition and structure vegetation. However, specific impacts related to different regimes are not well understood for this group insects. Within a replicated controlled experiment, nocturnal adult moths were sampled by light trapping fifth year after establishment. Sampling effort was standardised...
Abstract Repeatability is the cornerstone of science, and it particularly important for systematic reviews. However, little known on how researchers’ choice database, search platform influence repeatability Here, we aim to unveil computer environment location where was initiated from hit results. We present a comparative analysis time‐synchronized searches at different institutional locations in world evaluate consistency hits obtained within each terms using platforms. revealed large...
Abstract. 1. Livestock grazing impacts on insect populations in a variety of ways. For phytophagous insects the impact is primarily result altering structure and species assemblage vegetation. However not all react similar ways even within an order there may be winners losers from different regimes. 2. A long‐term, replicated, controlled experiment, comprising four treatments, was established upland acid grassland area Scotland. Auchenorrhyncha were sampled by suction sampling sweep‐netting...
Abstract The widely held assumption that any important scientific information would be available in English underlies the underuse of non-English-language science across disciplines. However, is expected to bring unique and valuable information, especially disciplines where evidence patchy, for emergent issues synthesising an urgent challenge. Yet such contribution communities application rarely quantified. Here we show studies provide crucial informing global biodiversity conservation. By...
Abstract Semi‐natural grasslands are commonly managed as a grazing resource for domestic livestock but, due to their unique biodiversity, they also of conservation interest. Numerous drivers have impacted on the status these in recent decades, most importantly changing management strategies. These changes potential affect biodiversity associated with habitats, including some rich invertebrate assemblages. Responses, however, often dissimilar between different taxa. We investigated responses...