Mr Rhys Davies

(he/him)

Research

Thesis title: Phylogeography of Caribbean Herpetofauna

I am interested in how molecular tools, particularly genomics, can be used to understand questions concerning biodiversity and evolution, particularly of species and populations, and how this information can be applied to conservation. 

My PhD aims to provide a conservation genetics perspective to species that the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust has been working to conserve in the Caribbean over recent decades. In particular, my research focuses on two critically endangered reptiles in Saint Lucia: the Saint Lucia Racer Snake (Erythrolamprus ornatus) and the Saint Lucia Whiptail Lizard (Cnemidophorus vanzoi), whose remaining wild populations are restricted to small offshore islets.

Using genomic approches, including reduced representation methods such as ddRAD sequencing, target capture and potentially whole genome sequencing, I aim to investigate the genetic diversity, population structure and evolutionary history of these species. Where possible, I also hope to incorporate historical samples to explore how genetic diversity and population structure have changed over time. This research aims to provide genetic evidence that can help inform conservation management and contribute to the development of regional conservation strategies.

Supervisors

• Dr Pablo Orozco-terWengel
• Dr Frank Hailer

Funding

• NERC GW4+ Doctoral Landscape Training Partnership (DLTP)
• Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (CASE partner)

Additional Interests

Alongside my PhD research, I have a broader interest in environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and the applications of this to studying biodiversity.

During my Master's (MRes) research, I gained experience in eDNA metabarcoding through the generation of microbiome and dietary metabarcoding data from small carnivore faecal samples collected in Borneo, in support of a wider PhD project. this included 16S metabarcoding to characterise microbial communities, alongside dietary metabarcoding targeting plants (trnL), vertebrates (12S) and invertebrates (COI).

I have also gained experience in sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) metabarcoding within the Cardiff Ancient DNA laboratory, extracting DNA and generating a dataset targeting plant communities using the trnL marker. This has provided practical experience of working with degraded environmental DNA and an understanding of laboratory protocols and contamination procedures associated with ancient DNA research. 

Conference Attendance

I have attended and presented at the following conferences:

• European Conference of Tropical Ecology 2026 - University of Passau, Germany

Biography

• Oct 2025 - present. NERC GW4+ DLTP PhD Researcher in Zoology. Thesis: Phylogeography of Caribbean Herpetofauna. School of Biosciences, Cardiff University.
• Sep 2024 - Sep 2025. Master of Research (MRes) in Biosciences. Awarded Distinction. School of Biosciences, Cardiff University.
• Sep 2019 - Jul 2024. BSc Biological Sciences (Zoology) with a Professional Training Year. Awarded First-Class Honours. School of Biosciences, Cardiff University.

Honours and awards

Professional memberships

Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution
Society for Tropical Ecology (gtö) 
Genetics Society 
Royal Society of Biology (AMRSB) 
British Ecological Society 

Committees and reviewing

Journal Peer Review:

• Conservation Genetics Resources (2025 - present)