What Faculty do you work in?
Science and Engineering
What is your main area of research?
Ecology, Conservation and Biodiversity
Why is your research important?
I use genetic and behavioural data to understand how animals respond to environmental change (both natural and anthropogenic). My main study species is the banded mongoose in Uganda. Here, we have demonstrated that changes in rainfall and temperature impact on foraging behaviour, cooperative behaviour, reproduction, growth and survival. We have also found that anthropogenic modifications to the habitat (e.g. adding buildings and roads) impact the thermal environment of the mongooses. These results help us to understand how equatorial species respond to anthropogenic change, and can help to devise future conservation strategies.
I also have an interest in using genetic data to inform conservation and reintroduction programs, and have worked on understanding the impact of the landscape (including natural features such as cliffs and anthropogenic features such as roads) on dispersal and movement of the Asiatic wild ass in Israel and the hedgehog in the UK. I am also working with conservation organisations to use genetics to enhance the reintroductions of the pool frog and pine marten in the UK.
What SDG is your research most closely aligned with?
15 – Life on land
What do you hope to accomplish with your research?
I hope that my research will help us to understand the impacts of anthropogenic change on animal species, and will aid in the development of strategies to mitigate negative impacts.
Is there a cross-disciplinary element to your research? If so, who else at the University is involved?
Yes. Any conservation work requires understanding human knowledge, attitudes and practices. I am working with Dr Jess Mitchell at the University of Edinburgh on social sciences in relation to human-wildlife conflict in Uganda.
Are there any external collaborators involved?
My main collaborators on the banded mongoose project are Prof Mike Cant at the University of Exeter, and Francis Mwanguhya in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.
In the UK, I work with conservation organisations such as the Vincent Wildlife Trust, the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, National England, the Institute of Zoology, and the Gower Bird Hospital.
What is next for your research?
I want to maximise the impact of my research through boosting collaborative partnerships with organisations that are doing on-the-ground conservation work. I’d also like to extend my work on human-wildlife conflict in Uganda.