Mapping ecosystems in tropical mountains of the world

Synopsis

Ecosystems in tropical mountains range from dry forests to alpine environments and glaciers. They have an outstanding diversity of species and function but remain under-explored and poorly understood in many areas of the world. These ecosystems are experiencing increasing pressures due to climate change, obnoxious invasive species and land use transformation. Some rare ecosystem types might disappear before we are even able to understand their unique characteristics.

A global approach to the conservation of these unique landscapes requires an assessment of their diversity and their response to threats and conservation actions. A first step towards this goal is to fill the knowledge gap about their distribution: where are they? How do they differ between continents and regions?

Aims

The aim is to understand how environmental drivers affect the distribution of these ecosystems along the world’s tropical mountain ranges. What are the most important variables along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients? How do disturbance regimes affect these relationships?

Objectives of this project are to:

• Develop conceptual models that distinguish structural and functional properties and drivers of tropical mountain ecosystems,
• Translate conceptual model(s) into statistical models of potential distribution of tropical mountain ecosystem types
• Test and validate the predictions of these models

Student benefits

This project will give you opportunities to:

• learn about fascinating ecosystem types from other parts of the world,
• develop useful skills in Geographical Information Systems, 
• learn how to use statistical models and machine learning for spatial prediction,
• learn about the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the Red List of Ecosystems and their impact in global and national policy,
• connect with national and global networks of researchers and conservationists

The project will provide experience relevant to careers in biological conservation, conservation planning and management, ecological research and environmental consulting. 

Supervisors: Dr. José R. Ferrer-Paris and Prof. David Keith