Research Projects Showcased at World Wildlife Day

On Saturday 5^th April, our marine and environmental science PhD students engaged with the public during World Wildlife Day that was hosted by the Gibraltar Natural History Museum at Parson’s Lodge. In the morning, Amy Swift, whose PhD focuses on the monitoring and mapping of marine species, showcased the methods for assessing the health of coral species, which are vital for maintaining marine biodiversity. These methods included the use of quadrats, which were demonstrated to the public, and underwater cameras that enable image analysis to provide an accurate assessment of the health of marine species. In addition, Samantha Slisarenko, whose research focuses on Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, highlighted an element of her work concerning the diet of tuna in Gibraltar. She interacted with attendees, giving them the opportunity to participate in identifying typical fish species that might be found in the stomachs of these tuna. Bethany Gadd, whose research focuses on the Barbary macaques in Gibraltar, presented a poster alongside Darwin Fellow Lillianne Hawkins, highlighting their important work with Barbary macaques.

In the afternoon, Tasmin Griffith interacted with attendees and presented her research, which focuses on wetlands. She demonstrated using a combination of soil and water how moisture is detected in soil and discussed the contributions of various plant species to overall moisture content. Tasmin’s creative approach captured the interest of all attendees, making her research relatable and enjoyable for people of all ages. She was joined by Darwin Plus Local Project Lead Caroline Moss-Gibbons and Project Assistant Nell Cava, who showcased their work on the Gibraltar Biodiversity Portal.

A huge thank you to Amy, Samantha, Bethany, Tasmin, Lillianne, Caroline, and Nell for their enthusiasm and dedication to sharing their work with the community! Their research is crucial for advancing our understanding of marine and environmental sciences.