Lecturer in Conservation Biology and Course Leader BSc (Hons) International Wildlife Biology

University of South Wales

Biography

I am a Lecturer in Conservation Biology and course leader for BSc (Hons) International Wildlife Biology at the The University of South Wales. My work is broadly focussed on conducting research that increases our understanding of species ecologies and informs conservation and management processes.

I’m always open to new collaborations and speaking to prospective students. If there’s anything you’d like to discuss, please get in touch.

Interests
  • Conservation biology
  • Community & population ecology
  • Movement & spatial ecology
  • Invasive species
  • Threatened species
  • Human-wildlife interactions
Education
  • PhD in conservation biology and invasion ecology, 2016

    Queens University Belfast

  • MRes in Biodiversity and Conservation, 2011

    University of Leeds

  • BSc (Hons) in Zoology with Conservation, 2009

    Bangor University

Research

My research focuses on increasing our understanding of the various aspects of species-specific and community ecology.

I use field studies, remote-sensing and contemporary and historical data, along with R code and GIS software, to answer robust questions related to species distributions, community ecology, habitat selection, and anthropogenic impacts. My work has implications for and informs conservation and management processes, policy, and commercial enterprises.

I am the Editor of the journal Milvus:the Journal of the Welsh Ornithological Society, and Associate Editor of the journal Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation. I am also a member of the BES Welsh Policy Group, Gylfinir Cymru, CIEEM, and USW’s Athena SWAN committee.

Recent Publications

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(2022). Landscape and temporal influences on the winter diet of a threatened diurnal raptor, the Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus. Bird Study.

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(2022). Melanism in the Pantanal cat and range extension of the southernmost limit into the Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Cat News.

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(2022). The long and short of it: converting between maximum and minimum tarsus measurements in passerine birds. Ringing Migration.

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(2021). On the need for rigorous and robust standards for studies that involve the live-capture of large mammals: a response to de Araujo et al. Methods Ecol Evol.

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Teaching

As a teacher I aim to provide my students with skills, knowledge and confidence critical to their academic and personal development. I take an inclusive approach, developing strong relationships and encouraging discussion. I work to support my students in all aspects while respecting their individuality and independence.

Current postgraduate research students
Samantha Ball (PhD). Managing hares at Dublin airport. University College Cork. Co-supervised with Dr. Fidelma Butler, University College Cork.

Alan McCarthy (PhD). The importance of wintering ecology for the conservation management of Hen Harriers (Circus cyaneus) in Ireland. University College Cork. Co-supervised with Prof. John O’Halloran & Dr. Fidelma Butler, University College Cork.

Lynsey Devine (PhD). Impacts on freshwater invertebrates in UK uplands and the evaluation of monitoring and management techniques. University of South Wales. Co-supervised with Dr. David Lee, USW.

Giselle Bonney (MSc). Spatial variation of and factors relevant to avian casualties at wildlife care centres in western Canada. Co-supervised with Dr. Emma Higgins, USW.

Vikki Coombes (MSc). Felid co-existence and activity patterns following the depletion of water availability in Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. Co-supervised with Dr. Kathy Slater (Operation Wallacea).

Opportunities

Prospective Students
I am always interested in hearing from prospective students who are interested in joining the research group. I encourage women, queer, indigenous, and other minority group scholars to get in touch. I support flexible working hours and locations.

Contact me for information.

Current Opportunities

I have no projects available at present. However, I am always happy to discuss potential collaborations with students. If you have something you’re interested in and think we’d work well together, please do get in touch.

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