Aim: Pollinators species such as Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) are threatened by land-use change, invasive non-native species and climate change. This fellowship will enhance the knowledge of pollinators in the Sovereign Base Area of Akrotiri (in Cyprus) and will provide support for the implementation of citizen science schemes and the conservation of pollinators.
Goals: 1. Provide an updated baseline of pollinator species in the Akrotiri SBA 2. Promote innovative and distinctive citizen science as providing good value for money in monitoring of butterflies and moths, leaving a legacy for the SBA 3. Collaborate with leading researchers to assess the impacts of climate, land use change and invasive alien species on beneficial species such as moths and butterflies. Transfer of knowledge to the SBA, whilst achieving high quality science excellence 4. Propose conservation measures to improve the conditions of pollinators within the SBA. Contribute directly towards implementation of long-term strategic outcomes for the natural environment in the SBA as a UKOT.
Duration: 01/01/2022 - 31/12/2023
Location: Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) of Akotiri, Cyprus
Funded by: Darwin Plus
Coordinating partner: Open University of Cyprus
Direct partners: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH); Joint Services Health Unit (JSHU)