MSCA Fellow in the field of Long-term data on the ecosystem dynamics and interspecific interactions
- Your supervisor for your research through training project will be Al Vrezec, and here are links to his references;
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.si/citations?hl=sl&user=8eJUMegAAAAJ
We are searching for postdoctoral candidate interested and skilled in the field of analysis of long-term population data and ecological modelling. We are conducting long-term studies especially in forest ecosystems stratified over the altitudinal gradient taking into account apex predators (owls), higher trophic level consumers (small mammals, birds) and lower trophic level consumers (beetles). We are seeking analytical support in assessment of these data for identifying interaction patterns within and between different trophic levels and guilds and changes in ecosystem functions under climatic influences. During our 20-year study of forest stands with apex predators, namely sympatric forest owls of the genus Strix, we have found previously unknown effects of the coexistence of raptors, apparently due to intense competition between them. The Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) and the Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) are closely related and despite the moderate difference in size they appear to be very similar in many aspects of their ecological niche and consequently strong competitive interactions between them have been observed, leading to nest displacement, competitive exclusion and pronounced spatial segregation. Their diet consists mainly of mice and voles, which determine their population fluctuations and reproduction, but in different way. The simultaneous population increase of both species is still not fully understood, and especially not in a way if such increase reflects in ecosystem changes most probably driven by altered small mammal population dynamics. Therefore, the role of small mammals, namely mice, voles, and dormice, is aimed to be explored in terms of effects on higher (owls) and especially on lower trophic levels (insects). The candidate will join increasing research team at National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana with fieldwork options in pristine montane Beech forests characteristics for southern mountains in the Balkan Peninsula. The research team is referenced to the apex predator (owls) and insect ecology.
