Abstract
Part 1: Estimating red fox density using non-invasive genetic sampling and spatial capture–recapture modelling
Reliable information on animal population status, including population size and density, is crucial for wildlife research and management. However, estimating population size and density is challenging. This is especially true for predators, because they often occur at low densities, are elusive, and inhabit areas that may also be difficult to survey. Spatial capture–recapture modelling (SCR) is a powerful tool for estimating density, population size, and space use of elusive animals, and has recently become a popular tool to monitor wide-ranging carnivores at large scales. During my Masters project I applied Spatial capture–recapture modelling (SCR) in combination non-invasive genetic sampling (NGS) to estimate red fox (Vulpes vulpes) densities in two areas of boreal forest in central and southern Norway over a three year period, highlighting how SCR in combination with NGS can be used to efficiently monitor red fox populations, and simultaneously incorporate ecological factors and estimate their effects on population density and space use.
Part 2: Dynamics of tick-borne pathogens in small mammalian hosts
Climate warming is currently shifting the distribution of ticks to higher latitudes and altitudes, and the incidence of tick-borne diseases is increasing in Europe and North America. The tick-borne pathogens causing Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi spp.) and Anaplasmosis (Anaplasma spp.) have natural reservoirs in small mammals, but the epidemiological importance of the population dynamics in host populations are however still largely unknown. The direct and indirect effects of climate warming on tick-borne pathogens are also less well studied. Because climate change has markedly altered the population dynamics of small mammals in Europe, the link between climate and the host-vector-pathogen system is crucial for understanding and predicting the dynamics of tick-borne pathogens in the future. My PhD project aims to investigate how tick load and pathogen infestation levels are affected by host traits such as body size and sex, and how they vary as a function of climate and host density.
Speaker
Zoom
This talk will also be available on Zoom. The zoom link will be shared through the CEES seminar mailing list. Contact Tore Wallem if you would like to be forwarded the invitation e-mail.