Andrew Ryan

PhD student
 Andrew.Ryan@research.atu.ie

I am a PhD candidate at the MFRC, Atlantic Technological University Galway funded by the Breeding Waders EIP. I received an MRes from University College Dublin researching SARS-CoV-2 and Toxoplasma gondii in wild fallow deer. This project developed my skills in field work and data analysis. I also gained experience working in a dissection lab and a molecular lab. After finishing my MRes, I went traveling around New Zealand for a year. Now that I am back in Ireland my project is focused on looking at wading bird conservation using a molecular toolbox to achieve a wide variety of aims. I am using DNA metabarcoding to examine the diets of both the wading birds and the predators that are culled to protect them. I am also carrying out analysis on the population health of Dunlin with samples collected during a head-starting programme. Finally I’ll be looking at the population dynamics of the culled predators to examine the effectiveness of culling operations at the population level.

Bluesky: @andrew-ryan.bsky.soci

Project Title
Genetic monitoring of Irish breeding waders
Supervisors
ORCiD
Photo by John Smith
Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership
Ireland’s breeding wader populations have suffered dramatic declines in population size and national breeding range. Remaining breeding populations are teetering on the brink of extirpation, functional extinction, or both. The primary objective of this EIP-Agri project is to tackle the multifaceted causes behind the significant declines in breeding wader populations, including changes in land use practices and policy. Central to achieving the project’s goals is the enhancement of productivity within these populations. The project will establish connections with landowners, stakeholders and communities to foster a comprehensive understanding of the breeding waders’ requirements within the landscape. By recognising, valuing, and protecting these species, the EIP-Agri project is promoting a range of ecosystem services that are of benefit to the whole of society.
Contact: Dr Ian O’Connor, Dr James Moran
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