All Staff Members | Mic Mayhew | University of Cumbria

Biography

2011-2013: University of Cumbria

MSc Conservation Biology (Graduated with distinction)

1987-1992: Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh

Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVM&S MRCVS)

Mic grew up in Brussels before attending the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh. During the following 20 years he worked in equine and farm animal practice across the UK from the Scottish Highlands to the Southwest of England and gained experience of tropical medicine in Australia. From 2007 Mic managed his own small animal practice in Carlisle before pursuing his parallel interest in natural history and completing a Masters programme in Conservation Biology at the UoC in 2013.

In 2015 he joined the University as a lecturer in Zoology with extensive experience of teaching veterinary graduates and nursing staff. Despite taking an unconventional route to academia, Mic believes the University has much to gain from professionals who have acquired transferrable skills in other work sectors and combines his experience of field based research, practical conservation projects and veterinary medicine to engage and inspire the students.

Qualifications and memberships

MSc BVM&S MRCVS
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Academic and research interests

Reintroduction of native species
Emerging infectious diseases in West African primates
Vertebrate and Invertebrate anatomy and physiology
Animal Behaviour

Publications

Mayhew, M., Convery, I., Armstrong, R. and Sinclair, B. (2016) ‘Public perceptions of a white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla L.) restoration program’. Restoration Ecology, 24, pp. 271–279.

Recent external roles

Lynx reintroduction: Site level cost-benefit analysis in Kielder Forest (ECR Grant 2016)

This research proposes a collaboration between the UoC and AECOM to quantify the following impacts based on the collection of primary data:

Livestock populations within and around Kielder Forest and predation rates from foxes (Vulpes vulpes).
Stakeholder attitudes towards lynx based recreation within the potential visitor catchment.
Current Deer populations in Kielder Forest and potential lynx related population reductions.

Non-invasive sampling techniques to establish baseline data for an ongoing disease monitoring programme of Temminck’s red colobus (Piliocolobus badius temminckii) monkeys in Bijilo Forest Park, The Gambia (April 20116).

A range of diagnostic methods were used on faecal samples to establish rapid, cost effective screening tools to diagnose disease in symptomatic and asymptomatic carrier individuals. An individual photographic identification (photo-ID) data base will support the monitoring programme by documenting the regulatory role of infectious diseases on primate populations.

Investigation of a novel dermatosis in green monkeys (Chlorocebus sebaeus), Bijilo Forest Park, The Gambia.

Research lead in 2014 to diagnose a skin disease affecting a population of green monkeys at a UoC field studies site in Bijilo Forest Park. Tissue samples were analysed through a collaboration with the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin and whole genome sequencing was utilised to identify the infectious agent.

Investigation of a novel dermatosis in green monkeys (Chlorocebus sebaeus), Bijilo Forest Park, The Gambia.

A feasibility study to evaluate a proposed reintroduction of white-tailed eagles into Cumbria.

Between 2012-2013 secured funding from the Research and Development Fund at the UoC, to evaluate the perceptions of the public and regional stakeholder groups to a proposed reintroduction of white-tailed eagles into the county.