Main objective
The main goal of this topic is to explore the trophic ecology of European Shag that breed in Berlengas archipelago and Arrábida. Using direct observations of nest and stomachal contents, we intend also to assess effects of diet on breeding success and other demographic parameters. Students are needed to have a connection with a university or other organization with own lab facilities to support the processing of pellets. Students will take part in the monitoring and pellet collection. They will also have the opportunity to join other initiatives of fieldwork lead by our team, in case they desire to.
Available data
>10 years’ time series of data on population size, breeding success and diet. Also, the entire dataset will be made available for analysis. This topic is developed within the SPEA Programme for Monitoring and Conservation of Berlengas and project LIFE RestoreSeaGrass.
Proposed tasks
- Join the monthly fieldwork sessions (8 days each session)
- Collect pellets and data on demographic parameters
- Pellets processing on lab
- Data analysis
- Submit the work in a peer-reviewed journal (e.g. Airo)
Framework of the topic
- Is the topic part of an ongoing project/study? Yes – funded project
- Is there any financial support? Yes: fieldwork/material
Supervisor/tutor
Nuno Oliveira (Marine Conservation Department) | nuno.oliveira@spea.pt
