About
Jake Snaddon’s research interests are in biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and ecosystem services, with particular reference to entomology, tropical forest and conservation. His current research focuses on two board topics: 1) the detection and monitoring of biodiversity and cryptic forest disturbance (hunting) using acoustic monitoring systems and 2) maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in tropical forest and agricultural landscapes, with the dual goal at managing forest conservation and sustainable intensification of agricultural practices. He teaches applied quantitative methods and ecology and conservation modules at undergraduate level and supervises undergraduate and masters projects across a board range of topics relating to biodiversity and conservation.
Research
Research groups
Research interests
- Tropical forest ecology and conservation
- Acoustic monitoring of biodiversity and anthropogenic disturbances
- Managing tropical agricultural ecosystems for the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem functions
- Perception and attitudes towards nature and biodiversity
Current research
Acoustic ecology and acoustic monitoring of biodiversity and anthropogenic disturbances: With colleagues in School of Biological Sciences and at Open Acoustic Devices, Jake conducted the underpinning research in the development of AudioMoth, a low-cost acoustic detector for environmental monitoring. The initial project developed methodologies for monitoring anthropogenic disturbances in the tropical forests of Belize. Which has continued to develop further gunshot sound analysis and explore hunting pressure in Belize.
Maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in tropical forest and agricultural landscapes: To experimentally investigate the potential for management methods to benefit biodiversity and ecosystem functions, Jake established a collaborative initiative in Sumatra, Indonesia, with colleagues at the University of Cambridge and the oil palm industry, the BEFTA Programme. This built on his previous research in forest–plantation landscapes within the region and has been the foundation for further collaborations on sustainable oil palm landscapes in the region.
Tropical apiculture and meliponiculture: Resent research explores the impact of land use change on bees in the tropics, investigating impact on apiculture and meliponiculture and the potential negative implications of managed bees in native wild species.
Research projects
Active projects
Completed projects
Publications
Teaching
Jake has taught, creating and delivering modules and programmes in ecology and related topics, at undergraduate and graduate level for over 12 years.
Jake is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has been nominated for teaching awards at the University of Oxford and University of Southampton.
He has a particular interest in field based learning.
External roles and responsibilities
Biography
Career History
2017–present: Lecturer, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, UK.
2013–2017: Senior Research Fellow/Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, UK.
2011–2013: James Martin Research Fellow, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK
2009–2010: Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Switzerland
Academic Qualifications
2004–2008: PhD Ecology/Zoology, Department of Zoology, Clare College, University of Cambridge, CASE with Natural History Museum, London
1999–2003: BSc (Hons) Tropical Environmental Science, University of Aberdeen