David Grant

David Grant

Mr

20072023

Research activity per year

Personal profile

Area of academic expertise - outline

I am an avian ecologist with an interest in gulls of the Laridae species and raptors.  My work involves the capture, colour marking and release of seabirds on islands within the Clyde Basin, with a special focus upon Lady Isle, near Troon. My raptor  surveillance work is primarily based within Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway. I also have considerable experience with a variety of wild birds from passerines to large gulls, using both traditional and novel methods of capture (as approved by the British Trust for Ornithology).  I am a licenced 'A' ringer and trainer for the BTO.  My work has involved the use of various survey methods within population dynamics and diseaese surveillance.  For the past ten years I have run a colour ringing scheme for gulls which use uses a citizen science type approach to gather records on sightings of colour ringed gulls.

Current research activities

One of my goals was to investigate prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) producing E.Coli within gulls, in the Clyde Basin area.  This is being developed to look at the resistance profile to antibiotics within gull species and location, with a specific focus upon the Herring Gull (Larus argentatus), a partial migratory species, and Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus), a species that undertakes full migration post breeding season.  Another focus for my work is on raptor surveillance during the breeding season within Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway with targeted species.

Desired research direction

One of the goals of my research was to investigate the potential relationship between antimicrobial resistance in wild birds and humans and livestock.  A greater understanding of the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in seabirds will potentially assist with future management strategies of seabird colonies and the interaction between wildbirds and humans/livestock.  My raptor work is focused upon developing an understanding of population dynamics for targeted species within Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

Target collaborative organisations

Glasgow University, SRUC (Scotland's Rural College)

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 13 - Climate Action
  • SDG 14 - Life Below Water
  • SDG 15 - Life on Land

External positions

Committee member, Ayrshire Birds Rarities Committee

2017 → …

Wetland Bird Survey Co-ordinator , British Trust for Ornithology

2003 → …

Keywords

  • QH301 Biology
  • Wild birds
  • Sea birds
  • Gulls
  • RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
  • Antimicrobial resistance
  • ESBL producing E.Coli

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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

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  • 9 Article
  • 3 Other report
  • 1 Book/Film/Article review
View all 13 research outputs
  • 1 Participation in workshop, seminar, course
  • 1 Types of External academic engagement - Contribution to the work of national or international committees and working groups