Rewilding ecological interactions

Rewilding is a form of nature restoration that gives room for natural processes so as to regenerate self-sustaining resilient ecosystems. Most evaluations of rewilding success focus on common biodiversity metrics, paying less attention to species interactions and community assembly processes. On the other hand, the structure and intensity of species interactions determine the potential resilience of ecological communities against disturbances. Hence, understanding how rewilding affects and restores ecological interactions is a critical step towards evaluating rewiliding success.

What

In this project we will evaluate how rewilding impacts trophic interactions in riverine floodplain open-mosaic forests. Briefly we will:

• survey trophic interactions (pollination/seed dispersal, depending on student interest and skills) in a network of rewilded areas
• evaluate different properties of these interactions
• investigate how the these have changed over time as rewilding develops

The student will have the opportunity to interact with a larger team of students at NIOO working on “sister projects” trying to understand the impact of rewilding on biodiversity, climate change mitigation & adaptation.

When

For plant pollination interactions, the project will be developed over the coming 6 months (roughly April to September 2024), whilst for seed dispersal interactions, the project will be developed during the summer and autumn seasons (roughly June to Dec 2024)

Where

Gelderse Poort (a charismatic rewilding site close to Nijmegen)

For who

This project is suitable for an MSc thesis and/or internship, and involves fieldwork and data analyses. A good candidate must show:

• genuine interest in ecosystem restoration and trophic interactions
• enthusiasm for naturalism
• ability to conduct fieldwork independently and conduct and record observations during long hours
• taxonomic identification skills of flowering plants, pollinating insects and/or birds (depending on the project) is preferred but not essential if the candidate is willing to invest time in learning those before fieldwork starts