I am currently a
PhD candidate at the
The slopes of the eastern Andes harbour
the most dynamic and ecologically diverse ecosystems in South America, with some of the
greatest biodiversity on earth and a high proportion of endemic species.
Recent studies suggest that tropical montane forests are the least studied and
most vulnerable to warming climates.
My PhD project aims to provide some insights into to the effects of climate change on tropical montane
forests. It will do so by examining the interactions between environmental factors (temperature, rainfall, light)
and key tropical montane forest ecosystem functions on a
transect ranging from 220m (12.6 deg C) to 3000m (26.4 deg C) situated in the Kosnipata valley and Tambopata,
Peru. The information obtained through this study will be used to provide impetus to
research and conservation of South American forests, in the face of the impending
threats caused by climate change.
Work Links:
http://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/teaching/doctoral/girardincecile.php
UpgradePresentation.ppt
BESPosterMarch2008.ppt
Other Links:
Illustrations
Family Photos
email: cecile.girardin(at)ouce.ox.ac.uk or gmail - cecilegirardin