Objective
This project will characterise saiga reproductive behaviour and the influence of human disturbance on reproductive success, and develop a non-invasive, scientifically based programme for monitoring fecundity. Field studies of individual behaviour during the rutting and birth periods will enable us to develop a model of saiga behaviour, and understand the complex interactions between human disturbance and reproductive success. We will carry out the study in two populations; one that appears to reproducing normally despite heavy hunting (Ustiurt) and the other that is displaying aberrant reproductive behaviour (Kalmykia).
We will also develop and test a non-invasive method for determining the pregnancy status of individual females, based on hormone levels in faecal samples. Pregnancy rate is a key factor in population dynamics, but so far has only been measured by killing heavily pregnant females, an unacceptable practice given the current conservation status of the species. Testing will be carried out first in controlled conditions using captive saigas. Having demonstrated the potential of the method we will then test it for feasibility in the field. This direct measure of fecundity will be compared to field data on population age structure collected at different points in the year, which can act as an indirect measure of fecundity. This comparison will enable us to evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of different fecundity measures and hence recommend a scientifically based monitoring programme.
The project meets the objectives of INTAS by carrying out original scientific research in the fields of ecology and nature conservation, that is of direct and urgent policy relevance for the three NIS countries concerned. The research will aim to meet the highest academic standards, and hence to be of wide interest to the international academic community in the fields of behavioural ecology and conservation. The project will have broad relevance beyond saiga antelopes, to policies for the conservation of hunted species in general.
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.
This project has not yet been classified with EuroSciVoc.
Be the first one to suggest relevant scientific fields and help us improve our classification service
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
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.
Data not available
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.
Data not available
Coordinator
SW7 2AZ London
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.