Project Description:
Freshwater environments are losing biodiversity at a rate of 6 times higher than marine or terrestrial environments. A key driver of this change are biological invasions which disrupt and rewire ecological communities. Understanding the ecological impacts of biological invasions helps develop legislation to protect areas against damaging species. During the course of this placement you will complete multiple tasks in the lab, field as well as a systematic literature review. You will be integrated into the lively group of students in the South Aquatic Interactions Laboratory and have the opportunity to get involved in all ongoing projects, giving you plenty of skill development in ecological disciplines. All tasks have the capacity to lead to a publication.
Main tasks:
1. Systematic literature review of biological invasions in peat swamps. Peat swamps are threatened habitats and rarely protected, we hypothesise that the high acidity of peat swamps make them rarely invaded. (Independent)
2. Complete field sampling to understand ecological impact of invasive crayfish on native species. (With field team)
3. Design and complete an experiment to understand non-consumptive effects of invasive crayfish on native macroinvertebrates. (Independent with support)
Pre-requisites:
Supervisory Team:
Josie South
Contact:
Josie South: j.south@leeds.ac.uk
How to apply:
- Complete the online REP application form one for each project of interest.
- Email a copy of your CV to yes-dtn@leeds.ac.uk (only once is needed).
- Complete the EDI Form (only one is needed). Although this is optional, if places are over-subscribed, preference will be given to under-represented groups, as defined above.