Supervisory Team:
Dr Frances Orton – Heriot-Watt University
Dr Michelle Jackson – University of Oxford
Dr Andrew Smart – Froglife
This is an exciting project at the intersection of ecotoxicology and ecology to investigate the impacts of multiple stressors. A range of anthropogenic stressors will be investigated for their effects on UK native amphibian species, both in the context of single species exposures and as part of amphibian communities. These charismatic organisms are integral to wetland ecosystems, relying on both aquatic and terrestrial compartments to complete their life-cycle. The project will encompass both mesocoms and field-based approaches to answer fundamental questions central to developing a better understanding for the real-world impacts of multiple stressors. The supervisory team comprises: Multiple stressor/amphibian ecotoxicologist (Orton, Heriot-Watt), freshwater ecotoxicologist (Henry, Heriot-Watt), mesocosm/multiple stressor aquatic ecologist (Jackson, Oxford) and expertise in amphibian conservation and habitat restoration (Smart, Froglife).
Amphibians are declining globally, with 40% of species threatened with extinction, which is higher than for any other vertebrate taxa. The pattern of declines are also observed in the UK, where three species out of the seven native species (i.e. 43%): (natterjack toad [Epidalea calamita], common toad [Bufo bufo], great crested newt [Triturus cristatus]) have experienced considerable declines over the past 50 years (and are legally protected). Therefore, there is a need to better understand the role of multiple anthropogenic stressors in driving these declines.
The student will work across disciplines, and therefore, will gain a wide range of knowledge and skills. From the experimental design perspective, they will learn both the theory and practical application of designing and conducting multiple stressor experiments. Further, they will learn how to set-up and run mesocosm experiments effectively, in order to carry out these exposures, as well as the application of associated research questions using field-based approaches. Laboratory skills include: amphibian husbandry, molecular biology (eDNA, rt-qPCR) and analysis of behavioural responses.
Essential Skills:, Field-based skills, Laboratory skills, Data analysis
