Island environments often create distinct ecological conditions that influence how animals behave and use their habitats across different life stages. This study explores how life stage relates to behaviour and microhabitat use in the slow worm (Anguis fragilis) on...
Morphology versus realised niche: microclimatic associations of slow worms, lizards, and grass snakes
Morphological traits are often assumed to predict ecological function, yet morphological convergence does not always imply convergence in ecological niche use. Slow worms (Anguis fragilis) are limbless lizards that superficially resemble snakes, raising the question...
Assessing the Ecological Impact of Jersey’s First No Take Zone: Insights from Potting Trials and Diurnal/Nocturnal Surveys
There has been a global push to increase the protection of the world’s oceans with a particular interest in increasing the coverage of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs vary in level of protection, with No Take Zones (NTZ) serving as the highest level of protection...
The impact of Alder on Soil Carbon Storage in Agricultural Hedgerows.
Hedgerows are prominent features of Jersey’s arable landscape and important elements for climate-smart farming. Whilst recognised for their role in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation through soil carbon storage, little is known about how hedge...
Can eDNA Analysis Provide Insights into the Blue Carbon Contributions of Invasive Macroalgae in Jersey’s Marine Environment?
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a promising tool for investigating the role of macroalgae inblue carbon sequestration. This dissertation uses a newly designed rbcL primer to examine whether eDNA can provide insights into the organic carbon contributions of macroalgae in...
Purple Dewplant Management Techniques: The Effectiveness of Removal and Impacts on Native Flora Regrowth, in the Coastal Sand Dunes of Jersey, Channel Islands
Coastal sand dune systems are one of the most rare and natural remaining ecosystem types on Europe. The dynamism created by variable climate and influx of sand creates a diverse mosaic of habitat which favour a small diversity of specialised species. The British Isles...