Columbian Ground Squirrels
PhD research
The People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES)
co-ordinate the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme (NDMP), which collects phenotypic and phenological data on hazel dormouse populations across the UK. The PTES also run the National Dormouse Reintroduction programme, aimed at halting the population decline of dormice in the UK.
​
I collaborated with the PTES to assess how different aspects of climate might affect dormouse life-histories, with potential impacts on their population dynamics. I used data from the NDMP dataset on the timing of reproduction to investigate how weather might impact this important life-history trait in different areas of the UK.
​
My fieldwork on dormouse hibernation was also funded by the PTES' UK Mammal Research Grant.
​
​
​
The Woodland Trust Nature's Calendar project
co-ordinates a huge citizen science dataset that collects phenological recordings on plants and wildlife from across the UK.
​
I collaborated with the Woodland Trust and used data from the Nature's Calendar project to assess if the timing of events of different dormouse food plants, such as budding and fruiting, has changed over time.
Other projects
Between 2012 and 2014 I worked on the Sheep River Columbian ground squirrel project as part of the Lane Lab and the Mountain Mammal research group.
I began working as a field assistant, and progressed to field co-ordinator the following season.
​
We collected individual life-history data on Columbian ground squirrels throughout the active season, including phenological and physiological observations and genetic samples. This involved extensive fieldwork at multiple sites in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. As field co-ordinator, I was also responsible for selecting and training the team of field assistants and setting up a new research site.
I continue to collaborate on this project with Dr. Jeff Lane, which has led to one publication in The American Naturalist on phenotypic plasticity and maladaptation, and one forthcoming publication on ageing and hibernation emergence.
In 2016 and 2017 I worked for four months on the Urban Caracal project under the direction of Dr. Laurel Serieys. I was part of the field team, and took responsibility as the public point-of-contact when the PI was absent.
​
We collected movement and dietary data on caracals in the Cape Peninsula through GPS tracking, kill-site examination, camera trapping and scat analysis. This involved a variety of fieldwork, including in urban areas, and included lots of public interaction and promotion of the project.
In addition work on the field team, I created and maintain a project Twitter account to aid increasing public awareness and recordings of caracal sightings.
Rachel Findlay-Robinson
Behavioural ecology | Life-histories | Global change | Conservation