Research

Earth, Atmosphere & Environment Sciences

Title :

The impacts of climate change and habitat degradation on interaction networks and population dynamics of Eastern Himalayan birds

Area of research :

Earth, Atmosphere & Environment Sciences

Focus area :

Ecology, Biodiveristy

Principal Investigator :

Dr Umesh Srinivasan, Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru

Timeline Start Year :

2022

Contact info :

Associated Programme / Scheme :

Core Research Grant (CRG)

Details

Executive Summary :

This project aims to answer two broad questions: First, how does heterogeneity in climate-driven upward shifts in the elevational ranges of Eastern Himalayan birds: (a) assemble novel bird communities at different elevations, (b) lead to novel species interactions such as competition and facilitation, (c) influence resource use and the dietary niches of species, and (d) have an impact on species’ population viability? Second, how do the joint impacts of climate change and habitat degradation influence the availability of resources and resource-mediated species interactions such as competition, and what influence does this have on the survival, reproduction and movement of species? The results will serve as a benchmark for predicting the responses of biodiversity to climate change and habitat loss globally, and for planning appropriate conservation initiatives in a rapidly warming and more degraded world.

Total Budget (INR):

68,45,200

Organizations involved