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<\/a>Some of the Partula varia exploring their new environment<\/p><\/div>\n
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This species has been kept in captivity for a long period of time, in an environment far removed from that in which it evolved. As\u00a0\u00a0some individuals have traits that allow them to cope better in captivity, it is highly likely that, through the process of natural selection,\u00a0the population has become adapted to this different environment.\u00a0 In the wild, Partulid snails shelter during the day on the underside of a leaf 2-3m above the ground, climbing down at night to feed on decaying plant matter.\u00a0 In captivity, they are held in a sterile tank with a moist paper towel base because they are highly susceptible to disease. Adaptation to zoo conditions may significantly impact on\u00a0our ability to successfully reintroduce captive-bred\u00a0individuals into their natural environments, which is why I am conducting research into this important area.<\/p>\n
After a couple of challenges, firstly designing an experimental setup that tested the snails\u2019 climbing ability,\u00a0then determining\u00a0how to individually identify 90 snails(!), I was able to begin my data collection.\u00a0My three\u00a0tanks were monitored twice a day for three weeks, where I recorded several variables for each individual, including: height and\u00a0location in tank. The Herps\u00a0team\u00a0at Marwell\u00a0were incredibly helpful during this time and I\u2019m very grateful for their assistance.<\/p>\n
<\/a>One of the marked individuals sheltering on the underside of an artificial plant<\/p><\/div>\n
Now that I\u2019ve collected all of my data, I\u2019m beginning the task of statistical analysis. I also plan to look at the genetic diversity between individuals both from my experiment\u00a0 and from historic preserved specimens from the Zoological Society of London.<\/p>\n
<\/a>In the lab at the University of Southampton preparing a gel for electrophoresis<\/p><\/div>\n
I haven\u2019t just been working on my project though!\u00a0 Whilst some of the others have been away, I\u2019ve been assisting with observations\u00a0of the big cats at Marwell.\u00a0 I\u2019ve really enjoyed being able to get out into the zoo regularly and watch the cats, even when they’re sleeping!<\/p>\n
<\/a>Observing Milla, female Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), Marwell Wildlife<\/p><\/div>\n
More recently, I presented a poster at the university\u2019s post graduate symposium, which was quite daunting\u00a0but a very beneficial experience. I was able to talk to people who didn\u2019t have a conservation background and listen to their different viewpoints on my project.\u00a0 Some of the questions asked have definitely made me think, and I\u2019m sure the experience will be helpful when I present my work at the end of the course in September.<\/p>\n