Integrating Environmental DNA into National Biodiversity Datasets to Explain Drivers of Biodiversity Loss
Explore how environmental DNA can transform biodiversity monitoring by integrating it with traditional data sources. Investigate data coverage and ecological responses to improve ecosystem health assessment across spatial and temporal scales.
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Project Description
Project Overview
Biodiversity monitoring is crucial for understanding ecological responses to disturbance and progress towards conservation targets. Existing biodiversity data focus primarily on charismatic species, limiting our view of ecosystem health. This project explores environmental DNA (eDNA) as a complementary tool to enhance biodiversity datasets, using joint modelling of observation and DNA-based data across spatial and temporal scales.
What You Will Do
You will investigate airborne eDNA data from air quality networks and combine this with autonomous monitoring systems, while also exploring open source eDNA datasets. Research focus areas include assessing data coverage and uncertainties, evaluating ecological perturbation responses, and using eDNA to assess progress towards biodiversity targets. You will develop skills in data handling, statistical modelling, and gain knowledge of diverse biodiversity data types.
Expected Outcomes
The project will improve understanding of broad-scale biodiversity trends by integrating multiple data sources. It will provide new insights into ecosystem health at underrepresented trophic levels and inform conservation efforts. The student will gain advanced quantitative ecological skills valuable for research, governmental, NGO, or industry roles.
Why This Matters
Biodiversity loss is a pressing global issue driven by human activities. Current monitoring is biased towards vertebrates, missing important ecosystem components. Using eDNA to fill these gaps provides a more comprehensive picture of biodiversity, aiding efforts to meet conservation targets and maintain ecosystem resilience.
Entry Requirements
How to Apply
Eligibility
Supervisor Profile
Dr Joanne Littlefair is a molecular ecologist at University College London specializing in biodiversity monitoring using environmental DNA. Her research combines innovative molecular techniques with statistical modelling to study ecosystem health and function. She leads projects integrating airborne eDNA with autonomous monitoring systems, contributing to cutting-edge biodiversity data science.