Ziel
Understanding mechanisms and patterns of population extinction is critical in order to predict and when possible remedy to the current biodiversity crisis. Conservation biologists now rely on stochastic population models to implement appropriate conservation strategies for endangered plant and animal populations. Yet, experimental tests that address the validity of stochastic models for critically endangered populations remain scant.
This experimental project will attempt to evaluate key predictions of stochastic population models by comparing the extinction dynamics of small populations of a model (non-endangered) species with those predicted by stochastic population models. To conduct this research, I will use a platform of large-scale experimental facilities established at the Ecological Research Station of Foljuif (France). The manipulations will involve semi-natural populations of a well-known vertebrate model species - the common lizard (Lacerta vivipara).
My experiments will be designed to quantify the effects of intrinsic mechanisms (demographic fluctuations), extrinsic mechanisms (environmental fluctuations and habitat quality) and spatial structure (fragmentation and dispersal) on extinction dynamics. My results will contribute to a better under standing of the mechanisms and patterns of population extinction, and thus fill a crucial gap between theory and facts in conservation biology.
Wissenschaftliches Gebiet
Schlüsselbegriffe
Aufforderung zur Vorschlagseinreichung
FP6-2004-MOBILITY-11
Andere Projekte für diesen Aufruf anzeigen
Finanzierungsplan
ERG - Marie Curie actions-European Re-integration GrantsKoordinator
Frankreich