PhD Student Vacancy - Peatlands, plants, and pollinators - An informatics approach to protecting natural capital

Background

To effectively protect natural habitats and biodiversity, accurate and up-to-date information is required on species and ecosystems to allow data driven evidence-based strategies for managing habitats and conserving species. Peatlands are a globally scarce yet highly valuable habitat in terms of carbon storage and biodiversity. Scotland consists of more than 20% peatland and stores approximately 1620 Mt of carbon. Peatlands are also home to a host of taxa adapted to the wet and acidic conditions. One such peatland specialist is Coenonympha tullia (the Large Heath butterfly). This species has undergone a 58% decrease in its distribution since the 1970s due to habitat loss. Two key habitat factors predictors C. tullia population presence: the abundance and depth of Eriophorum vaginatum tussocks (Hare’s-tail Cotton-sedge), the caterpillar food source, and the number of Erica tetralix (Cross-leaved Heather) flowers, the main nectar source for adults. Other strong predictors of C. tullia populations are areas with high peat water content, low oxygen, and low nutrient levels, as such, C. tullia could act as a proxy for peatland health.

Project Overview

This study will use population genetics to examine diversity and gene flow of these peatland species, use drone imagery to map habitats, and combine genetic and landscape information to evaluate the impact of landscape on C. tullia and its resources across Scotland's peatlands aiming to informing conservation management strategies.

This PhD will combine field, laboratory, and desk research, offering training in ecology, bioinformatics, and geoinformatics, alongside stakeholder engagement skills. The University of Plymouth and The James Hutton Institute will provide academic supervision, and Butterfly Conservation who will provide key guidance and stakeholder engagement throughout the PhD.

This project presents an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic recent graduate to undertake an exciting and timely conservation research project as well as develop advanced skills in genetic and landscape data analysis. For enquiries or questions please contact .

This project is funded by the University of Plymouth’s NERC-funded Centre for Research Excellence in Intelligent and Sustainable Productive Systems (CRISPS), The James Hutton Institute Joint Studentship Awards, and Butterfly Conservation.

This 4yr PhD project is a competition jointly funded by The James Hutton Institute, the University of Plymouth and Butterfly Conservation. This opportunity is open to UK students and will provide funding to cover a stipend and UK level tuition. International students may apply, but must fund the difference in fee levels between UK level tuition and international tuition fees. Students must meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the UKRI guidance on UK and international candidates. Applicants will have a first-class honours degree in a relevant subject or a 2.1 honours degree plus Masters (or equivalent) and a full clean driving license.