The Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology of Amphibians

I propose to empirically test behavioural factors influencing evolutionary fitness in several amphibian species in which vital information required for conservation applications is currently missing from the existing scientific literature. The understanding of a species' phenotypic behavioural traits and their flexibility with reference to other biological and environmental factors is more important than ever given the current state of biodiversity globally and the rate at which species - and, in particular, amphibians - are declining due to anthropogenic threats to their environment which underpins the integral processes of survival and reproduction. My approach will utilise a broad range of methodologies, including the use of machine learning, to understand key evolutionary processes - namely the expression of predator avoidance behaviours in Alytes muletensis larvae and courtship behaviours in Ichthyosaura alpestris. The application of these findings in designing in-situ conservation measures and optimising ex-situ management of captive animals has the potential to increase the overall welfare of individuals, facilitate the operation of natural processes, and mitigate the devastating declines in amphibian populations observed globally.