PhD Studentship: Drivers and Consequences of Recent Changes in Bird Migration
University of East Anglia
Background: Migration enables species to cope with fluctuations in resource availability, but recently dramatic changes have been observed, including reductions in migratory distance, advancement of the migratory timing or abandonment of migratory behaviour. These changes are mediated by interactions between species traits and environmental variables. Recent changes in climate and in resource availability together with information from tracking technologies provide an opportunity to investigate the drivers and c...
Background: Migration enables species to cope with fluctuations in resource availability, but recently dramatic changes have been observed, including reductions in migratory distance, advancement of the migratory timing or abandonment of migratory behaviour. These changes are mediated by interactions between species traits and environmental variables. Recent changes in climate and in resource availability together with information from tracking technologies provide an opportunity to investigate the drivers and c...
Opportunity details
Background: Migration enables species to cope with fluctuations in resource availability, but recently dramatic changes have been observed, including reductions in migratory distance, advancement of the migratory timing or abandonment of migratory behaviour. These changes are mediated by interactions between species traits and environmental variables. Recent changes in climate and in resource availability together with information from tracking technologies provide an opportunity to investigate the drivers and consequences of changes in migratory behaviour across species. These can inform conservation strategies to protect migratory species. This project will advance understanding of the determinants of changes in migratory behaviour. Objectives and Methods: Remote sensing and long-term tracking datasets obtained by the supervisors3 and available on Movebank will be used to achieve the following objectives: Quantify changes in species migratory behaviour, including changes in migration timing, migratory distance and proportion of individuals that have become sedentary in different species and populations Determine the influence of environmental variables (e.g. resource availability, climate) to changes in migratory behaviour, accounting for species traits and phylogenetic history. Determine if individuals experiencing lower reductions in resource availability after breeding are less likely to migrate or migrate shorter distances. Determine the extent to which access to new foraging resources (e.g. predicted anthropogenic food sources) influences migratory behaviour comparing populations and individuals with different degrees of use of these new resources. Training: You will be part of a supportive and dynamic research environment at UEA and work with collaborators at...
Eligibility
predicted anthropogenic food sources) influences migratory behaviour comparing populations and individuals with different degrees of use of these new resources. This project will develop your critical thinking, programming, statistical and oral presentation skills. Relevant research experience will be advantageous. This project is available to highly numerate candidates.
Requirements
predicted anthropogenic food sources) influences migratory behaviour comparing populations and individuals with different degrees of use of these new resources. This project will develop your critical thinking, programming, statistical and oral presentation skills. Relevant research experience will be advantageous. This project is available to highly numerate candidates.
Funding and benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students. Funding amount: £21,805.
How to apply
For further details contact: a.franco@uea.ac.uk ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. We encourage applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. After submitting their application for the relevant ARIES project(s), applicants are expected to complete the ARIES Equality and Diversity Form Applicants - 2027 Entry – Fill in form. One form is required per application, so applicants applying to more than one project must complete separate form for each.
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Benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students. Funding amount: £21,805.
Eligibility summary
predicted anthropogenic food sources) influences migratory behaviour comparing populations and individuals with different degrees of use of these new resources. This project will develop your critical thinking, programming, statistical and oral presentation skills. Relevant research experience will be advantageous. This project is available to highly numerate candidates.
Requirements
predicted anthropogenic food sources) influences migratory behaviour comparing populations and individuals with different degrees of use of these new resources. This project will develop your critical thinking, programming, statistical and oral presentation skills. Relevant research experience will be advantageous. This project is available to highly numerate candidates.
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