Tom Bradfer-Lawrence

PhD student

tom.bradfer-lawrence@stir.ac.uk / @_EcologyTom

Autobiography:  Prior to beginning my PhD in 2014, I was employed in the conservation sector for several years, both in Scotland and overseas. Although I have worked with a range of taxa, the overarching research theme has been one of seeking opportunities to balance human needs with wildlife conservation.

Research Interests:  Over the last century much of the tropical forest biome has been converted to complex human-modified landscapes composed of degraded primary forest fragments, secondary forest, pasture and agricultural land. In contrast, less than 10% of the tropical forest biome is protected within strict reserves. Consequently, the long-term conservation of tropical forest biodiversity is increasingly dependent on whether human-modified landscapes can support viable populations of primary forest species. My PhD is focussed on bird assemblages in a human-modified landscape in central Panama. I am interested in how we can make small alterations to land management practices that translate into large improvements in the biodiversity value of these landscapes.

Publications

Bradfer-Lawrence, T., Gardner, N. & Dent, D. (2018).  Canopy bird assemblages are less influenced by habitat age and isolation than understory bird assemblages in Neotropical secondary forest. Ecology and Evolution, 8, 5586-5597.

Bradfer-Lawrence, T. & Rao, S. (2013). Counts of Dotterel and Ptarmigan on the Beinn a’ Bhuird plateau, Cairngorms between 2003 and 2012. Scottish Birds, 33 (3), 195 – 205.

Bradfer-Lawrence, T. & Rao, S. (2013). Living with fire; recovery by mature Scots pine from fire scorch. Scottish Forestry, 67 (1), 23 – 25.

Bradfer-Lawrence, T. & Rao, S. (2012). Deadwood fencing used to protect broadleaved trees from deer browsing in the Cairngorms, Scotland. Conservation Evidence, 9, 72 – 78.

Bradfer-Lawrence, T. & McCann, R. (2012). Wanted dead and alive; deadwood in the Caledonian pinewood. Scottish Forestry, 66 (1), 12 – 17.