Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/J017019/1
Understanding mechanisms of climate change impact on dotterel - an alpine specialist in decline
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Professor R van der Wal, University of Aberdeen, College of Life Sci and Med Graduate Sch
- Grant held at:
- University of Aberdeen, College of Life Sci and Med Graduate Sch
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Global Change
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- Alpine species are predicted to be particularly vulnerable to climate change; yet, potential mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. A unique opportunity has arisen to address this generic issue, by conducting a PhD study focussed on the potential impacts of climate change on the UK population of Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus), a mountain specialist of high conservation value. This species is an ideal model for which to develop a mechanistic understanding of climate change impacts on alpine birds. The recent completion (2011) of the third national Dotterel survey and associated environmental monitoring to understand the fate of this flagship species makes this study timely and will allow the critical evaluation of Dotterel range and population change and the role of climatic drivers therein. This includes investigation of how variation in climate affects demographic parameters, and the consequences of potential temperature-mediated declines in prey abundance for Dotterel. Besides generating generic insights in the mechanisms through which climate change influences alpine bird species, the new findings will be used to construct a demographic model to derive robust predictions on future range changes of Dotterel in the UK, and provide a framework to test different adaptation strategies. This work would be an important step towards providing a robust scientific underpinning for conservation management interventions that seek to make Dotterel (and other montane birds) more resilient in the face of climate change.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/J017019/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- DTG - directed
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Open CASE
This training grant award has a total value of £83,770
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Fees | Total - RTSG | Total - Student Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| £13,812 | £21,674 | £48,285 |
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