University of Exeter CEC

Photo credits: Andrew Whitworth

To read the full paper and learn more, visit: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...

#ExeterCEC #Vulture #WildlifeConservation

These apex scavengers have specialised and highly acidic digestive systems that can destroy many of the pathogens found in carrion, thus mitigating the spread of disease from carcasses to other wildlife, livestock and humans.”

“Unloved and unappreciated – even to the point of persecution – the importance of vultures is stark when you remove them from an ecosystem.

“This research underlines the unique and irreplaceable role that vultures play as nature’s ‘clean up crew’,” says Julia Grootaers, co-author and Behavioural Ecologist at the University.

Notably, other scavengers do not fill the void left by the absence of the birds, except for flies, whose numbers were seen to double with the reduced competition.

The study was led by scientists in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation, and OSA Conservation in Costa Rica.

Falling vulture numbers in the Americas could have serious implications for public health and ecosystems, new research has found.
A first-of-its-kind study in Costa Rica revealed that pig carcasses take twice as long to decompose if vultures are not present to provide their rapid recycling services.

Fay Kahane is our PhD student undertaking ecological and social fieldwork to investigate what ‘sustainable beekeeping’ means.
If you are a beekeeper, please do take the time to participate in her survey:
🐝 tinyurl.com/2n87j4x8 🐝

@cornwall.exeter.ac.uk @uniexecec.bsky.social @bbka.org.uk

🐈 Farmers views on wildlife conservation and wildcat reintroduction.
besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...

@uniexecec.bsky.social @cornwall.exeter.ac.uk

This is a follow-up from the highly successful 2022 edition of this meeting. Abstract submissions have now closed but registrations are open. The scientific organisers of this event are Stineke van Houte, Jamie Hall, Mike Brockhurst and Jenna Gallie.

@cornwall.exeter.ac.uk @uniexecec.bsky.social

New project crowdfunding to support tuna recovery in UK waters A new project aims to research the diet of bluefin tuna, using the data to support the comeback of this iconic animal in UK waters. Right now, Atlantic bluefin tuna are arriving off the UK

A new project aims to research the diet of bluefin tuna, using the data to support the comeback of this iconic animal in UK waters.

@uniexecec.bsky.social @twhorton.bsky.social

Offshore wind farms act as de facto marine reserves Marine biodiversity faces increasing threats, necessitating effective conservation strategies beyond just marine protected areas. As offshore wind far…

They argue for an approach that considers offshore wind farms as a possible tool to manage fishing pressure in targeted areas.

To learn more and read the full paper, visit: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

#OffshoreWindFarms #WindFarms #MarineEnergy #RenewableEnergy #MarineConservation

These findings are vital in understanding how the deployment of offshore wind farms will impact existing fishing, and highlights how offshore wind farms could promote marine biodiversity while also providing green energy.”

Benjamin said: “Our research shows that offshore wind farms act as a barrier to fishing. Interestingly, we demonstrate that this is the case not only inside the wind farms, but that the effect extends up to 4.2 km beyond their borders – considerably farther than any legal restrictions...

A new study from Exeter CEC researchers Benjamin Fitkov-Norris and Benno Simmons as well as Matthew Witt from Exeter Marine has found that offshore wind farms function as de facto marine reserves, limiting fishing without formal legal protections.

Looking for a job in conservation? Look no further!

Visit the organisation’s website for more information and remember you can contact the careers hub for help with your applications!

#ExeterCEC #Conservation #ConservationJobs #NatureJobs #UKConservation

poster for event at the university of exeter. the talk is titled 'chaning the soundtrack of the ocean' and is by professor steve simpson.

Join our CEC seminar for an exciting talk from Professor Steve Simpson, on 'Changing the Soundtrack of the Ocean'! 🐠🪸🔊

🗓️ Thursday 17th July 2025
📍 Exchange Lecture Theatre, Penryn Campus
⏰ 1pm, (in-person only)

@uniexecec.bsky.social @cornwall.exeter.ac.uk
🦑🧪🌐🌍

A wonderful first week with visiting marine biology students from the University of Khorfakkan!

We've explored the local area, learnt about marine research conducted at the UoE Centre for Ecology and Conservation and experienced both lab and field work.

#ExeterCEC #MarineBiology #Undergrad

Manufacture and use of allogrooming tools by wild killer whales Michael Weiss and colleagues report on wild orcas using kelp as a tool for social grooming.

To learn more and read the full paper, visit: www.cell.com/current-biol...

#ExeterCEC #AnimalBehaviour #Orca #KillerWhale #MarineMammal

"Allokelping is yet another piece of evidence of the southern residents’ uniqueness. If we lose them, we lose so much more than 73 individual animals or a genetic lineage. We lose a complex society and a deep, unique set of cultural traditions.” explained CWR research director Dr Michael Weiss.

But as kelp forests decline and these orcas face dwindling salmon stocks, pollution, and noise, their future hangs in the balance.⁠

Spotted in the critically endangered southern resident killer whale population, the whales were seen biting off pieces of kelp and rubbing them between their bodies — likely to strengthen social bonds, reduce stress, and maintain skin health.⁠

Killer whales are using kelp as tools — not just for play, but to massage each other!

This newly discovered behaviour, called allokelping, is the first evidence of tool-making in marine mammals.⁠

Drone footage revealed it’s not rare — it’s widespread and deeply social.

New Post Doc opportunity alert with the CGES!

This role will be working across two projects which have a focus on the climate and carbon: the Convex Seascape Survey and the European Space Agency!

Application deadline: 8th July 2025

jobs.exeter.ac.uk (ref: Q04845)

#ExeterCEC #MarineCarbon

Take part in survey about health risks of freshwater bathing!

To learn more and take the survey, visit: www.ecehh.org/news/health-...

#WildSwimming #RiverPollution #FreshwaterPollution #ExeterCEC

Join us for this week's CEC seminar!

This week's seminar speaker is Emma Cunningham from the The University of Edinburgh on "The impact of parasitism and disease in migratory seabird populations"

1PM, Thursday 19th June
Chapel Lecture Theatre

#Seabirds #ExeterCEC #WildlifeDisease

Want the opportunity to win £200 (and more!) for your Cornish bird research?

cbwps.org.uk/about/vic-si...

Good luck!

#ExeterCEC #Cornwall #BirdResearch #Ornithology #Birds #UKBirds

Participatory approaches to improving recreational fisheries management in a remote island system Marine recreational fisheries management is often impacted by data deficiencies and conflicting stakeholder views. Using participatory approaches can help to increase fisher engagement and identify t...

New paper on recreational fisheries in Diego Garcia (Chagos) led by Claire Collins: conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... Part of a SI I am putting together with @ricardonature.bsky.social in @conservationsp.bsky.social ! @zslofficial.bsky.social @uniexecec.bsky.social #conservationscience🌎

#WorldEnvironmentDay #BeatPlasticPollution

www.exeter.ac.uk/research/ins...

@cornwall.exeter.ac.uk @renewbiodiversity.bsky.social @exeter.ac.uk @exetergses.bsky.social @uniexecec.bsky.social @exetermarine.bsky.social @gsiexeter.bsky.social @idsaiexeter.bsky.social @uniofexeterhass.bsky.social