Sample interview questions: How would you approach studying the impact of invasive species on native mammal populations?
Sample answer:
1. Conduct baseline surveys:
- Establish monitoring protocols to collect data on native mammal populations before the introduction of invasive species.
- Determine species distribution, abundance, habitat use, and genetic diversity.
2. Identify potential invasive species:
- Research and identify invasive mammal species that have the potential to establish in the study area.
- Consider their ecological traits, dispersal mechanisms, and impact on native species in other regions.
3. Monitor invasive species establishment:
- Implement early detection and rapid response systems to track the presence and spread of invasive species.
- Use camera traps, field surveys, and molecular techniques to identify invasive individuals and estimate population size.
4. Study niche overlap and competition:
- Determine the niche breadth and resource overlap between native and invasive mammals.
- Conduct behavioral observations, resource utilization studies, and stable isotope analysis to assess competition for food, habitat, and breeding sites.
5. Investigate indirect effects:
- Assess the potential indirect impacts of invasive species on native mammal populations.
- Examine changes in preda… Read full answer