Nesting Biology of Sea Turtles

Details

Turtles are unique among vertebrates living their lives inside a box – their shell – which influences every aspect of their biology. Turtles are vital to the health of marine ecosystems and we aim to collect data on the biomechanics and energetics of their movements at a critical juncture in their lives, when nesting, to better understand how these keystone species influence the structure and dynamics of their environment. Sea turtle populations have suffered substantial declines linked to anthropogenic pressures, with 85% of extant species now at population levels well below their historical abundance levels. Human activities threaten sea turtle populations at a multitude of levels from the impact of human encroachment for the development of ocean view land, to increased mortality associated with fishing bycatch, direct harvesting of turtles for food and the wide-ranging effects of human-driven climate change. Changes in global temperature and ocean warming are particularly pertinent for sea turtles given their temperature dependent sex determination, which will influence their genetic health. Monitoring reproductive activity and assessing the overall health of populations of these species is necessary for developing effective conservation strategies. Globally, six of the seven sea turtle species are listed as being threatened or endangered meaning increasing our knowledge of the factors influencing the success of their nesting biology and the genetic health of their populations is becoming ever more critical.

Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum 2:1 Bachelors Degree with Honours (or equivalent) in Biology or Zoology. Candidates with experience in whole animal biology or with an interest in biomechanics, animal physiology and field work are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility 

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline.

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

How to Apply

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Environmental Biology Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester

If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester

Funding Notes

Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 2 (med) fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/fees/

References

Ewart HE, Tickle PG, Nudds RL, Sellers WI, Crossley II, DA & Codd JR (2022) Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) have optimal speeds at which they can minimise the metabolic cost of transport. Biology, 11, 1052: 1-13. (https://doi.org/10.3390/biology/11071052) IF 5.1, Rank Q1 Multidisciplinary.

Costello, L, Garcia-Perraga, D, Crespo-Picazo, JL, Codd, JR, Shiels, HA & Joyce W. (2022) Absence of atrial smooth muscle in the heart of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta): a re-evaluation of its role in diving physiology. J. Exp. Biol. 225, jeb244864. (doi:10.1242/jeb.244864)

Ewart HE, Tickle PG, Sellers, WI, Lambertz, M, Crossley II DA & Codd JR (2022) The metabolic cost of turning right side up in the Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca). Nature Sci. Reports. 12:431. (https://doi.org/10./1038/s41598-021-04273-w). IF 5.133, Rank 17/72 Multidisciplinary

Ruhr IM, Rose KAR, Sellers WI, Crossley II DA & Codd JR (2021) Turning turtle: scaling relationships and self-righting ability in Chelydra serpentina. Proc. R. Soc. B. 288: No 1946 20210213 (https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2021.0213). IF 5.349 Rank 13/93 Biology.

Sellers WI, Rose KAR, Crossley II DA & Codd JR (2020) Inferring cost of transport from whole-body kinematics in three sympatric turtle species with different locomotor habits. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. A. 247: 110739 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.110739). IF 2.069 Rank 185/266 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.