E-Thesis 142 views 48 downloads
The impact of climate change on the reproductive demography of the banded mongoose (Mungos mungos) / ANNABELLE HEALY
Swansea University Author: ANNABELLE HEALY
Abstract
Anthropomorphic activities such as burning of fossil fuels are causing an accelerated form of climate change which is increasing global temperature, altering rainfall patterns, and increasing rates of climatic instability. In tropical regions, temperatures are rising, and rainfall is becoming less p...
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Swansea
2022
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Master of Research |
| Degree name: | MRes |
| Supervisor: | Nichols, Hazel ; King, Andrew |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa59923 |
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| Abstract: |
Anthropomorphic activities such as burning of fossil fuels are causing an accelerated form of climate change which is increasing global temperature, altering rainfall patterns, and increasing rates of climatic instability. In tropical regions, temperatures are rising, and rainfall is becoming less predictable, with increases in flooding and droughts. However, we know little about the impacts of changes in temperature and rainfall on the demography of wild animals, particularly communally breeding species. Banded mongooses provide a good opportunity to understand climate change impacts as their prey abundance decreases when there is less rainfall, impacting the foraging behaviours of the species. However, there is little knowledge on the direct impacts of climate change on the reproductive demography of the species. Here I use reproductive data collected from a long-term field project on banded mongooses in Uganda, where there are two rainy seasons per year with relatively dry periods in between. I find that there is variation between rainy seasons in the amount of rainfall that occurs, but being equatorial, there is little seasonal change in temperature. I find that reproduction in banded mongooses follows seasonal changes, with breeding peaking during rainy seasons and at lower temperatures. Over the 19-year study period, the number of females giving birth and the number of pups produced are highest in rainy seasons with high rainfall but tend to decrease in rainy seasons with elevated temperature. My results demonstrate that reproduction in banded mongooses is likely responding to climate change, and with the risk of future temperatures rising further, the number of pups born into the population may decrease over time. Understanding exactly how climate change affects a population allows for better monitoring in seasons when climate conditions are predicted to be worse. |
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| Keywords: |
Climate change, banded mongoose, Uganda, rainfall, Temperature, Breeding demography |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |