School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UG.
phone: +44 (0)117 954586 (Internal 46386)
fax: +44 (0)117 331 7985
Predicting the distribution of threatened bats in Thailand, through the use of computer modeling
Overall project aims and objectives
To produce predictive models of the current distribution of the maximum number of Thai bat species within Thailand, and South-East Asia when sufficient data is available.
To review all relevant literature, and museum collections to find all records of Thai bat species throughout South-East Asia.
To produce extrapolative models of the distributions of these species under projected future climatic and landcover conditions (forecasting).
To produce predictions of the past distributions of these species (hindcasting) to look at glacial refugia, ancient seaways and migration routes, and attempt to explain or elucidate on the zoogeographic divide which exists around the Isthmus of Kra.
To establish the existence, and location of the Isthmus of Kra and whether this location holds constant across species.
To determine hotspots of bat diversity by combining the predictive maps generated for different species to allow overall biodiversity patterns to be seen and allow concentrated and effective targeted conservation efforts.
To form a more comprehensive compilation as to species locations and requirements throughout Thailand and South-East Asia and hopefully in this to aid conservation and influence development planning within key areas.
To train students and researchers in the techniques used, in order to facilitate future research.
To produce a call reference key, and protocol to allow the analysis of areas through acoustic transects; this may allow more rapid and comprehensive surveys of echolocating bats in area assessment. This will also allow the surveying of bats utilizing different strata of the forest, which are problematic to capture due to the conditions of the area.
This information will improve the available knowledge of Thai bat fauna, and primary factors effecting species distribution. It should show species requirements and high priority areas for conservation, and the response to habitat change within Thailand of the target species.
This will therefore allow targeted and more effective conservation measures, through the specific targeting of key threats, and influential factors. Increased bat survival will ensure a continuation the ecosystem services they are responsible for, thus better conditions for the survival of other species.
This will allow predictions to be made over future response to habitat change, and thus allow predictions to be made under future predictions and thus conservation planning to lessen the effect of future development.
Additionally it is possible that I will Expand the models to give predictions over a wider area of South-East Asia.
1988-1993: Abberly Hall Preparatory School 1993-1998: The Elms School 1998-2003: Rendcomb College ( art scholarship ) 2004-Compass course, Advanced animal Behavior-Distinction (South Hampton University) 2004-2007:Bristol University-Bachelor of science 2007- Bristol University, PhD Qualifications
GCSES: 2 As, 8Bs A-levels: A-Biology, A Chemistry, A-Geography, C-Art
Distinction in Advanced animal behaviour-as a Compass course from the university of Southampton.
At Bristol 2004-2007:Bristol University-Bachelor of science 1st class:)- Orielton fieldstation in Pembrokeshire where I performed a study on the usage of manmade and natural linear features as corridors for bat activity. This study indicated that the form of linear feature affected its usage by bats, and linear features are used for feeding in addition to acting as corridors. My library project was entitled A critical analysis of the arguments against the simultaneous conservation of lions and African wild-dogs within African reserves, this requires research into the biology and requirements of both species. In addition to this other sources of possible problems for each species and how these affect the image and viability of conservation procedures must be considered, in order to analyze arguments against the simultaneous conservation of both species. My research project was entitled An investigation to ascertain the extent to which the call frequency of Rhinolophus ferrumequinum is genetically determined. For this bat call frequency has been established form individual numbered bats over the past 16 years using recordings and Batsound software, and this data is being analysed to ascertain if there are heritable and learnt components in the call frequency of this species, through looking at similarity between bat call frequency in relation to the degree of relatedness between the callers.
I am currently studying for a PhD at the University of Bristol under the supervision of Gareth Jones, and in collaboration with Prince of Songlka University in Thailand. I will be producing predictive models into the distribution of Thai bat species, to provide a potential conservation tool and broaden the research base.
August 2007: Jones G, Rossiter S, Ransome R, Hughes AC, Taylor J, An investigation to ascertain the extent of heritability and learning on the acquisition of morphological and acoustic traits in the greater horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Abstract presented at the International Bat symposium in Mexico
In press: Using call structure to identify Thai bat species in species using constant frequency calls, Alice Hughes, Sara Bumrungsri, Chutamus Satasook, Gareth Jones, Pipat Soisook
Using call structure to identify Thai bat species in species using frequency modulated calls, Alice Hughes, Sara Bumrungsri, Chutamus Satasook, Gareth Jones, Pipat Soisook
Resident naturalist- San Luis ecolodge, 3.5 months during 2006.
2007-Librarian at the University of Bristol.
2003-2004 Teaching assistant Elms school.
2004-Present Bristol zoo volunteer 1- activity center at Bristol zoo, here (as well as aid children with activities) I give animal talks and encounters to the public and to school groups, and care for number of reptiles and invertebrates. 2004-2005 2-Keeper on the birds section at Bristol zoo.
Volunteer with the SCA (Student Community Action) . This is involved with helping a wide spectrum of the local community, including young carers and children with learning disabilities. A A Millennium volunteer award and an award for performing over 200 hours of volunteering have been attained through this work.I have also had a role on the executive committee in coordinating the organization.
I have also performed wildlife and conservation talks in a number of schools, and taken part in conservation activities such as building bat boxes and outreach at numerous science festivals. SEAs Volunteer(Ambassador for Science and Engineering). Travel and conservation
2002. Amazon rainforest near Iquitos in Peru 5 weeks) British Schools exploring society. Research undertaken:fish density and distribution surveys in the Rio Negro, and mammal and bird density and distribution surveys in the rainforest.
2003.1.5 months -Garonga game reserve in South Africa with the African Conservation Experience. Research :Mammal density within the reserve, hyenas offspring care and behavior , eradication of an invasive alien cactus species.
2004.1 month, Madagascar -Research: Biodiversity.
2005 3 months, Borneo. 2 months -in Sebangau reserve (Outrop). Research :gibbon territoriality, Orangutan movement patterns, phenology, butterfly diversity, and bird density and distribution within the area. 1 month I - Barito Ulu, Reasearch: aided a trapping survey into bat diversity, density and distribution throughout the reserve using harp traps, and bird distribution.
2006. 3.5 months. Costa Rica - Resident naturalist at the San Luis ecolodge (this is managed by the University of Georgia). Workshops and and teaching on: cloud forest ecology, insect and plant. Research: Nesting behavior in the yellow-faced grassquit, and the effect of shade grown coffee on the avian health. Assisted bat research with Dr Richard Laval (Where we found a species unknown to the area and only recorded 4 times in Costa Rica).
2007. 2 mounths. Paraguay.Ornithological survey for an eco-lodge owner near Conception in order to provide information for visitors, the study was then broadened to encompass a number of reserves.
2008. Thailand, March-April. Thai'bat workshops, Neural network workshops, and research at Prince of Songkla University.
Sept 16th 2008-12th Feb 2009: Thailand- Fieldwork and research at Prince of Songkla University.
5th May 2009-12th August 2009: Thailand-Fieldwork and research at Price of Songkla University.
Duke of Edinburgh awards bronze and gold.