Healthier landscapes for a stronger better safer future.

Background

RESTOREID’s Helsinki part of the project focuses on the use of microcosm experiments to test objectives related to density-dependence and habitat complexity on contact rates.

We use a common garden experiment design consisting of 16 enclosures (35 × 40 m), with four replicates per treatment combination. Enclosures were code as; [1] low habitat complexity with low vole density; [2] low complexity with high density; [3] high complexity with low density; and [4] high complexity with high density.  Habitat complexity was classified as low when vegetation was mowed to a height of 5–10 cm, and as high when vegetation was left unmowed and exceeded 100 cm in height. Whereas density was defined as low with 4 (1-5) voles per enclosure, and high with 10 voles per enclosure. Each enclosure was randomly assembled to allow for a mixture of demographic traits (age class, sex, and live stage). Once the target densities were reached, the trapping protocol began, and each enclosure was checked twice daily, in the morning and evening, for N consecutive trap nights. Nine Ugglan traps were placed in each enclosure within a grid formation (3 x 3) and baited with sunflower seeds and cut apples. Each vole was fitted with a PIT-tag and individual ID number to obtain contact rates per vole across treatments.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Assist with statistical protocols of  contact networks, and  mixed effect modelling.

2. Provide additional support with project design, planning and  manuscript construction.

Publications

Appear once published.