Elizabeth Weldon
e.weldon.1@research.gla.systa-s.com
Research title: The Role of Habitat Mosaics on Local Scale Distribution of the Critically Endangered Flapper Skate (Dipturus intermedius)
Research summary
My project focuses on the conservation ecology of elasmobranchs, using the critically endangered flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius) as a model species. Understanding fine-scale habitat use, site fidelity, and key life-history stages is vital for developing protection measures that reflect how the flapper skate use their environment, yet these aspects of their ecology remain poorly understood. To address this, my research will investigate habitat use, short-term movements, life-history stages, and public perceptions to inform effective, evidence-based conservation strategies.