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Paul LintottPhD Research Student
BSc Biological Sciences (Honours in Ecology), University of Edinburgh (2003-07)
Supervisors: Prof. Dave Goulson, University of Stirling
Start Date: 1st October 2010
3B156, Cottrell Building Biological & Environmental Sciences
tel: +44 (0)1786 467787 fax: +(44) 1786 467843 |
Research Project
Ecology and conservation of urban bats
Although urbanisation by expanding human populations can reduce native biological diversity by reducing the amount and quality of habitat available for wildlife, green spaces (e.g. parks, gardens) within urban areas can hold relatively rich wildlife communities.
Previous studies have highlighted the importance of green space to human health and well-being as well as wildlife conservation and the issue of urban biodiversity is moving up political and environmental agendas. Urban areas are important for wildlife, however, they are often threatened by development. Understanding how different species use urban environments and how habitat management and urban planning can promote population persistence is therefore critical to their conservation.
Many bat species in Europe have undergone large population declines during the 20th century, and the expansion of urban development is thought to be a contributory factor. The impact of urbanisation appears to vary between bats, for example, Pipistrellus spp. are thought to be relatively well adapted to urbanisation, while Myotis spp. are not. There is currently relatively little information on bat ecology within British urban areas; the purpose of my research is to identify habitat use, species-specific trends, and behavioural adaptations of bats to urbanisation within several of Britain’s large conurbations.
Research Interests
I have conducted previous research on the Mauritius kestrel, New Zealand falcon, and the hen harrier. I have also contributed to the formation of the Sampled Red List Index through work with the Institute of Zoology. I am particularly interested in the adaptation of wildlife to anthropogenically disturbed habitats and the creation of conservation strategies to mitigate the impact of urbanisation on these species.
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