Researchers at the University of East Anglia are launching a research project on urban foxes, and are looking for pest controllers who would be able to provide samples for DNA analysis.
By analysing the DNA of urban foxes using state-of-the-art genome sequencing technology, the project aims to understand how urban environments shape the evolution, movement and genetic diversity of animals.
Understanding urban wildlife and evolution
The research is led by Dr. Anders Bergström, Lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. The project has recently received funding from the Leverhulme Trust and will run over five years.
Dr. Bergström commented: “Urban areas are increasingly points of contact and conflict between humans and wildlife, but we know little about how animals evolve to adapt to urban life.”
“Understanding how foxes so successfully spread and adapt to life in cities will hopefully also contribute to future control strategies.”
Contributing samples for DNA analysis
In order to carry out DNA analyses, the researchers just need the top half of an ear of a fox, and information on where the fox lived. Pest controllers who would be able to provide such ear samples from urban areas in the UK are invited to contribute to the research.
If you are involved in fox control in the UK and would be interested in helping out, please get in touch using the details below:
Dr. Anders Bergström, University of East Anglia
Email: A.Bergstrom@uea.ac.uk
Tel: 07761461102