Explore the intricate dynamics of riparian ecosystems with a PhD project investigating the impact of Eurasian beaver reintroduction on river health. As beavers engineer new wetlands, potential stressors like temperature, eutrophication, and invasive species intersect with alterations to the processes that shape riparian habitats. This study aims to uncover the most relevant stressors in beaver-created wetlands, evaluating their implications for ecosystem health, particularly on indicator species like pearl mussels and salmonids. By identifying circumstances where beaver activity may conflict with conservation goals, the project guides decisions on licensing and management. Employing cutting-edge eDNA metabarcoding and field methods, this research analyses community diversity, species abundance, and stressor quantification using multi-stressor theory.
The student will have the opportunity to formulate a project on the timely topic of reintroducing a keystone species, exploring their potential to tolerate and alleviate stressors in freshwater ecosystems and contribute to resolving the biodiversity crisis. Engaging in the design of biodiversity surveys and experiments in natural settings, the candidate will untangle the complexities of multiple stressors while gaining valuable fieldwork experience.
