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Current projects
ERT undertakes a range of wide ecological research to underpin conservation action, management and planning. We work at all biotic levels from single species through to habitats and ecosystems, and at all geographic scales from local to global. We use the very latest statistical tools to identify the best methods for collecting field data and for subsequent data analyses. We publish our work in scientific journals and are engaged in a range of activities aimed at knowledge transfer between scientists and practitioners. We have strong links with the university, statutory and NGO sectors, and collaborate with a wide range of partner organisations.
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Maio species distribution models
ERT has supervised the development of distribution models for a variety of bird spacies on Maio Island in the Cape Verde group. The results and recomendations will feed into a programme of systematic conservation planning currently being developed by local NGOs and government organisations. |
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Achieving research identified within Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs)
ERT has been awarded five years funding from Wessex Water to enhance research capacity in organisations involved in delivering BAP targets in the southwest region of England. Many research and monitoring targets have been identified within BAPs, and this project will provide the support and capacity to achieve the stated aims. A range of training events will be developed and delivered over the five years, and these will be made freely available to relevant staff in organisations that are LBAP partners. The project will also provide a web-based inventory of research expertise in the region, particularly in relation to universities and research institutes. See the project website: http://www.bapscience.org.uk/.
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Habitat suitability modelling for Hispaniola’s endemic land mammals
The moist and dry forests in the Dominican Republic and Haiti play a vital role in delivering ecosystem services for humans, but also contain globally significant biodiversity. Native Hispaniolan wildlife is severely threatened by deforestation and by a range of invasive species including mammals. There are only two surviving native Hispaniolan mammals: the Solenodon Solenodon paradoxus and Hutia Plagiodontia aedium. These are poorly studied and highly endangered mammals, and research is urgently needed to evaluate the effectiveness of existing protected area networks for meeting conservation requirements. A collaborative project is now underway funded by the Darwin Initiative to provide evidence and capacity to conserve these species. The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) will work with a local Dominican NGO (SOH) and the government body responsible for protected areas (OPNRD). Their collaborative research will: (1) investigate Solenodon and Hutia ecology and phylogenetics, (2) identify correlates of threat associated with human activities, (3) develop monitoring methods, (4) conduct surveys to quantify natural resource use by local communities, and understand perceptions of the endemic land mammals. See also ZSL’s EDGE programme. In the project’s final year, the group will develop Species Action Plans through workshops held in the Dominican Republic, and consultation with local communities. A number of training initiatives are also planned. As part of this work, ERT will develop species habitat suitability models and provide training in their development, use and interpretation. |
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Building conservation science capacity in Central & South America
Central America and the northern Andes region of South America are recognised as biodiversity hotspots. Currently there is a considerable need to build conservation science capacity within these regions to allow within-country organisations to support their own conservation actions. This capacity is needed by Government agencies, NGOs and academic institutions. With partners in Honduras and Colombia, ERT has started the development of a Moodle based masters course in conservation science. This will be implemented through distance learning in regional universities and involve a range of course modules and practical field events. If successful, the project will be rolled out to other countries in the region |
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Conservation capacity building 2012
ERT is currently organising a major conference on building capacity in conservation organisations. The international meeting will take place in Colombia in 2012, and involve Colombian partners from CONSERVA and the Humboldt Institute. The meeting will cover best practice and opportunities from a range of initiatives around the world, and include a range of workshops on key conservation tools and issues. Website to follow soon.....
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Modelling impacts of habitat modification on globally threatened species
Tourism development is one of the main causes of habitat loss and fragmentation within the Caribbean Islands biodiversity hotspot. In St Lucia, the construction of a tourist resort within coastal dry forest is directly threatening the largest known sub-population of the globally Endangered White-breasted Thrasher Ramphocinclus brachyurus. ERT recently co-supervised a masters research project (with Imperial College and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust), that modelled the impacts of the tourist development on the abundance and distribution of White-breasted Thrashers. Satellite data were also used to develop a habitat suitability model for the St Lucian sub-species. A paper has just been completed and will shortly be submitted.
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ERT Ltd, 4 Peghouse Rise, Uplands, Stroud, Gloucestershire. GL5 1RT. UK |
Registered Company No.7076719 |
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