Objective
The aim of this project is to first test, and then apply aspects of ecological theory pertaining to predator-prey metapopulation dynamics and to the interactions between alternative preys and predators, to an acute conservation issue. Impact of predation on aprey species can be enhanced by the presence of an alternative prey species if it sustains an increased predator density. Thus, predation may result in a negative association between the distributions of two prey species. The project will determine whether the spatial scale of impact of an invading alien predator, the American mink, over one of Britain's most endangered mammal, the water vole, can be predicted from the spatial distribution of alternative prey, including the European rabbit, itself an introduced species in Britain. We will test the impact of two factors potentially influencing the scale of mink activities in the upland areas of Scotland and hence their effects on the viability of water vole metapopulations : the availability of alternative prey (primarily European rabbits) and the density of conspecifics (reflecting prevailing mink control strategies and time since first invasion) . Analysis of trapping and GIS data, DNA microsatellites and GPS-radiocollars in areas with contrasting alternative prey density and patchiness will be combined to obtain the necessary demographic parameters. The findings will then be incorporated into spatially explicit predator-prey models and eventually management. Building on his extensive training with behavioral issues, the candidate will receive training on researching the impact of dispersal strategies on the outcome of predator-prey interactions .This will involve training in predator-prey theory, community dynamics, analysis of capture-recapture data with advanced statistics, building and parameterization of spatially explicit metapopulation models incorporating empirically derived relationships and ecological interpretation of DNA microsatellite data for estimating dispersal , an area in which the host group has a unique expertise. The applicant will gain the necessary skills to apply state-of-the-art population dynamics tools to ecological issues, such as impact of alien species on European fauna. The host will benefit from the contribution of a highly motivated researcher with proven track record in tackling behavioral issues to explore the impact of variation in predator behavior on the dynamics of well understood prey populations.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences physical geography cartography geographic information systems
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences biological sciences biological behavioural sciences ethology biological interactions
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology mammalogy
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
AB9 2TN Aberdeen
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.