Tropical Island Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation (TIBEC)?
TIBEC is a research group of the University of Mauritius which aims to inform the conservation of biodiversity and ecological function in tropical insular settings through applied science.
What does our research cover?
Research by the TIBEC team is focused around three main areas:
1. Documentation of biodiversity and threats
2. Study of the spatial and temporal distribution of biodiversity and functioning
3. Assessment of the effectiveness of conservation efforts
kkkkkkkk
Meet our researchers
Dr F.B. Vincent Florens – Associate Professor of Ecology at the University of Mauritius
Vincent’s research interest is in the conservation of biodiversity in tropical terrestrial systems with a particular emphasis on the impact of invasive alien species on the biodiversity of tropical forests. He also have an interest in restoration ecology, taxonomy of Mascarene flowering plants and land molluscs, and collaborate on palaeoecology and molecular ecology research projects.
kkkkkkkk
Dr Chandani Appadoo – Associate Professor at the Department of Biosciences and Ocean Studies, University of Mauritius
Chandani’s research is focused on aquaculture, environmental science and forestry with specific interests in Mangrove ecosystems, Marine coastal ecosystems; Freshwater and riverine ecosystems.
kkkkkkkk
Prishnee Bissessur – PhD student at the University of Mauritius
Prishnee’s research focuses on island plant conservation, especially plant-animal interactions, impacts of biological invasions and plant population genetics. She currently uses a Mauritius endemic, endangered mono-specific genus, Roussea (Rousseaceae) as a model island plant to understand the drivers of its continuous decline through controlled, quantitative experiments and molecular tools so as to propose effective conservation management measures to protect the species.
Ashmi Yogishah Bunsy – MPhil/PhD student at the University of Mauritius
Ashmi’s research focuses on island bat ecology and conservation with a particular emphasis on the impact of anthropogenic activities on cave fauna. Her current thesis is entitled “Ecology of the endemic and endangered Mauritius Free-tailed bat (Mormopterus acetabulosus) and implications for conservation management”. She is using this specific endemic and endangered insectivorous bat as a model insular bat to unravel the drivers of its rapid and unknown decline so as to propose effective conservation management measures to protect the species and associated biodiversity.
Vashist Seegobin – Forthcoming MPhil/PhD student at the University of Mauritius
Vashist’s research interest revolves around the impact of invasive alien species in tropical terrestrial ecosystems and the implications for biodiversity conservation. . In previous research projects, he has studied the impact of alien plant invasion on the community composition of wet native forests and implications on the Mauritian flying fox (Pteropus niger). For his forthcoming MPhil/PhD study, he will build up on this past work and further investigate the impact of invasive alien species on the ecological role of the Mauritian flying fox.
Geetika Bhanda – Forthcoming MPhil/PhD student at the University of Mauritius
Geetika’s research will be focused on the growing human-wildlife conflict emanating from the Mauritian Flying Fox feeding on commercial fruits. She will investigate the major determinants of fruit production and will assess various bat deterrent methods on fruit trees in order to identify win-win solutions for producers and biodiversity conservation.
Tropical Island Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation 