Dr Rebecca K. Smith
Research Associate
Tel: +44 (0)1223 769018
Email: r.k.smith@zoo.cam.ac.uk
I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate working in the Conservation Evidence group and funded by Synchronicity Earth.
Research Interests
My work is in evidence-based conservation, which focuses on summarising and disseminating scientific evidence about the effects of conservation interventions for habitats and species. The aim is to provide accessible information to enhance decision making for more effective conservation management.
I am currently developing a synopsis of global evidence for the effects of conservation interventions for amphibians. This will be available as a searchable database and a book on the Conservation Evidence website. I have also worked on the synopsis for wildlife conservation in European farmland. Prior to that I completed a systematic review investigating the effectiveness of predator control for enhancing bird populations.
Previously my research focussed on population monitoring and ecological studies relating to conservation issues and resulting in the development of management strategies for declining and endangered species, particularly mammals. My work included managing a Darwin Initiative project Capacity building in mammal management for Western Cape nature reserves. I have also worked as a Senior Ecological Consultant in the UK. I completed my doctorate and undergraduate degree at the University of Bristol and a Masters degree in Applied Ecology and Conservation at the University of East Anglia.
Publications
- Smith, R.K., Ryan, E., Morley, E. and Hill, R.A. (2011) Resolving management conflicts: could agricultural land provide the answer for an endangered species in a habitat classified as a World Heritage Site? Environmental Conservation, 38, 325-333.
- Smith, R.K., Pullin, A.S., Stewart, G.B. and Sutherland, W.J. (2011) Is nest predator exclusion an effective strategy for enhancing bird populations? Biological Conservation, 144,1–10.
- Smith, R.K., Pullin, A.S., Stewart, G.B. and Sutherland, W.J. (2010) The effectiveness of predator removal for enhancing bird populations: a systematic review. Conservation Biology, 24, 820-829.
- Smith, R.K., Pullin, A.S., Stewart, G.B. and Sutherland, W.J. (2009) Is Predator Control an Effective Strategy for Enhancing Bird Populations? Systematic Review No. 38, http://www.environmentalevidence.org/Library.htm
- Smith, R.K., Marais, A., Chadwick, P., Lloyd, P.H. and Hill, R.A. (2008) Monitoring and management of the endangered Cape mountain zebra Equus zebra zebra in the Western Cape, South Africa. African Journal of Ecology, 46, 207-213.
- Jennings, N.V., Smith, R.K., Hackländer, K., Harris, S. and White, P.C.L. (2006) Variation in demography, condition, and dietary quality of hares Lepus europaeus from high-density and low-density populations. Wildlife Biology, 12, 179-190.
- Smith R.K., Jennings, N.V., Tataruch, F., Hackländer, K. and Harris, S. (2005) Vegetation quality and habitat selection by European hares Lepus europaeus in a pastural landscape. Acta Theriologica, 50, 391-404.
- Smith, R.K., Jennings, N.V. and Harris, S. (2005) A quantitative analysis of the abundance and demography of European hares Lepus europaeus in relation to habitat type, intensity of agriculture and climate. Mammal Review, 35, 1-24.
- Smith, R.K., Jennings, N.V., Robinson, A. and Harris, S. (2004) Conservation of European hares Lepus europaeus in Britain: is increasing habitat heterogeneity in farmland the answer? Journal of Applied Ecology, 41, 1092-1102.
- Clutton-Brock, T.H., Brotherton, P.N.M., Smith, R., McIlrath, G.M., Kansky, R., Gaynor, D., O'Riain, M.J. and Skinner, J.D. (1998) Infanticide and expulsion of females in a cooperative mammal. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B Biological Sciences, 265, 2291-2295.
