Lucy Pecasse

Lucy studied a BSc Wildlife Conservation at the University of Kent. After graduating, she gained experience volunteering with the Island Restoration team of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation in Mauritius. She worked with reptiles such as the Gunther gecko, Round Island boa and Telfair skink on Ile aux Aigrettes, Gunner’s Quoin and Round Island. Lucy also took part in the monitoring of seabirds birds such as the red-tailed tropicbird and Round Island petrel. A rat eradication on Ile aux Aigrettes was also undertaken during her time in Mauritius which she was able to get involved with.

On return, she was lucky enough to continue working with seabirds as the seabird assistant for the season on Lundy. She started ringing passerines, Manx shearwaters and storm petrels whilst there and confirmed her passion for it. Since being back in Canterbury, she has been able to continue ringing at the Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory.  

Patterns of BFDV prevalence and effects on individula fitness in threatened island birds

Lucy’s research will look into the prevalence of Beak and Feather Disease Virus (BFDV) in the whole parrot family, specifically which species have been tested and which species have clinical symptoms. The ultimate aim is to identify what species could be at risk based on whether closely-related species have been found positive. This knowledge would be useful in determining whether BFDV should be a consideration in conservation measures and management plans. A bonus will be to pick out understudied species that may need more attention.

The second aspect of her research will be looking at how the different strains of BFDV affect the overall population fitness of the very well-studied Mauritius Parakeet. This will make use of the extensive data DICE and others have acquired over the years. Understanding which strain is most lethal using the viral genome could inform future management of the species.

Lucy's supervisor is Professor Jim Groombridge.