Glenn Iason

Senior Scientist
Ecological Sciences
E: glenn.iason@hutton.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)344 928 5428 (*)

Glenn Iason is an ecologist with 30 years experience of research, mainly in plant-herbivore interactions. He has experience of work with a broad range of animal species (hares and rabbits, African buffalo, deer, moose and domestic ruminants and invertebrates species) in a range of ecosystems including the Arctic, Boreal forests, moorland, African savanna and agricultural environments.

Glenn's current work focuses on woodland ecology an conservation, particularly the factors that determine the resilience of Scots pine woods against pests and diseases and climate change. This research uses inductive monitoring approaches but also draws upon a complementary national transplant experiment, in which seed from widely distributed native pinewoods are planted into contrasting climatic zones. This allows measurement of the genetic and environmental effects on the trees’ traits such as growth, chemical defenses against pests and diseases, as well as their associated biodiversity and function.

Glenn has served as a  member of Scottish Natural Heritage's Scientific Advisory Committee nad a sub-committee of the Scottish Tree Health Advisory Group. He has contributed to the editorial boards of the Journal of Applied Ecology, Forest Ecology and Management and Wildlife Biology, has been awarded a DSc degree and elected Fellow of the Society of Biology. He has chaired the Biodiversity Consultative Group, the main stakeholder knowledge exchange network for Scottish Government-funded biodiversity research.

Research

Glenn’s interests include the role of plant secondary metabolites in species interactions, community and ecosystem function and how variation in PSMs is underpinned by genetic and environmental factors. He aims to apply this knowledge to how the ecology of dominant and foundation species in ecosystems can be used to focus conservation effort and predict system responses to environmental change. He is currently working in native woodland ecosystems but is open to use any system appropriate to answer relevant scientific questions.

Publications

Journals

Prior to appointment

Books / chapters

  • Iason, G.; Newey, S. (2017) Mountain Hare (Lupus timidus)., In: Littlewood, N., Chapman, P., Francis, I., Roberts, G., Robinson, A. & Sideris, K. (eds.). Mammal Atlas of North-East Scotland and Cairngorms. NESBReC, Aberdeen, pp56-57. ISBN 978-1-5262-0669-5
  • Newey, S.; Iason, G.; Potts, J.; Fletcher, K. (2016) Developing monitoring methods for mountain hares to improve the evidence base for decision-making., In: Irvine, R.J. (ed.). Biodiversity and Upland Management. The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Chapter 5, pp12-13.
  • Moore, E.; Pemberton, J.; Iason, G.; Pakeman, R.J. (2016) Managing habitat mosaics., In: Pakeman, R.J. (ed.). Grassland Biodiversity. The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, pp10-11.
  • Iason, G.; Sim, D.; Moore, B.; Campbell-Palmer, R.; Gaywood, M.; Hall, J.; Brewer, M. (2016) The effects of beavers on woodlands., In: Irvine, R.J. (ed.) Biodiversity and Upland Management. The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Chapter 13, pp28-29.
  • Robinson, E.J.H.; Stockan, J.A.; Iason, G.R. (2016) Wood ants and their interaction with other organisms., In: Stockan, J.A. & Robinson, E.J.H. (eds.). Wood Ant Ecology and Conservation. Cambridge University Press, Chapter 8, pp177-206.
  • Iason, G.R.; Dicke, M.; Hartley, S.E. (2012) Preface to – The ecology of plant secondary metabolites: from genes to global processes., In: Iason, G.R., Dicke, M. & Hartley, S.E. (eds.). The Ecology of Plant Secondary Metabolites: from Genes to Global Processes. Ecological Reviews,Cambridge University Press.
  • Iason, G.R.; Moore, B.D.; Lennon, J.J.; Stockan, J.A.; Osler, G.H.R.; Russell, J.R.; Campbell, C.D.; Sim, D.A.; Beaton, J.R. (2012) Plant secondary metabolite polymorphisms and the extended chemical phenotype., In: Iason, G.R., Dicke, M. & Hartley, S.E. (eds.). The Ecology of Plant Secondary Metabolites: from Genes to Global Processes. Ecological Reviews, Cambridge University Press. Chapter 13, pp247-268.
  • Iason, G.R.; Dicke, M.; Hartley, S.E. (2012) The integrative roles of plant secondary metabolites in natural systems : a synthesis., In: Iason, G.R., Dicke, M. & Hartley, S.E. (eds.). The Ecology of Plant Secondary Metabolites: from Genes to Global Processes. Ecological Reviews, Cambridge University Press. Chapter 1, pp1-8.
  • Iason, G.R.; Dicke, M.; Hartley, S.E. (eds.) (2012) The ecology of plant secondary metabolites: from genes to global processes., Ecological Reviews, Cambridge University Press.
  • Iason, G.R.; Hulbert, I.A.R.; Hewson, R.; Dingerkus, K. (2008) The mountain hare (Lepus timidus)., In: Harris, S. & Yalden, D.W. (eds.). The Handbook of British Mammals. 4th edition, The Mammal Society, 200-228.
  • Hester, A.J.; Lempa, K.; Neuvonen, S.; Hoegh, K.; Feilberg, J.; Arnthorsdottir, S.; Iason, G.R. (2006) Birch sapling responses to severity and timing of domestic herbivore browsing – implications for management., In: Plant Ecology, Herbivory and Human Impact in Nordic Mountain Birch Forests (eds. F.E. Wielgolaski). Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg, Germany, pp139-155.
  • Hester, A.J.; Bergman, M.; Iason, G.R.; Moen, J. (2006) Impacts of large herbivores on plant community structure and dynamics., In: Large Herbivore Ecology, Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation (eds. K. Danell, R. Bergstrom, P. Duncan and J. Pastor). Cambridge University Press, pp97-141
  • Iason, G.R.; van Wieren, S.E. (1999) Digestive and ingestive adaptations of mammalian herbivores to low-quality forage., In: Herbivores: between Plants and Predators, 38th Symposium of the British Ecological Society (eds. H. Olff, V.K. Brown and R.H. Drent). Blackwell Scientific, Oxford, pp337-369.

Technical / contract reports

  • Newey, S.; Fletcher, K.; Potts, J.; Iason, G.R. (2018) Developing a counting methodology for mountain hares (Lepus timidus) in Scotland., Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No.1022, 104pp.
  • Brooker, R.; Mitchell, R.J.; Iason, G.; Stone, D. (2017) The application of resilience to conservation of the natural environment., Resilience 2017 Edinburgh Workshop, Silvan House, Edinburgh, 26 October 2017. Final meeting notes circulated to Workshop attendees and also made available via Theme 1 web pages.
  • Blackstock, K.L.; Brooker, R.; Pakeman, R.J.; Ellis, C.; George, T.; Iason, G.; Gilbert, L.; Artz, R,.R.E.; Irvine, R.J.; McVittie, A.; Newey, S.; Mitchell, R.; Gimona, A.; Fischer, A.; Begg, G.; Maxwell, J. (2017) Ecosystems and Land Use Stakeholders Engagement Group (ELSEG) Workshop Report., Workshop, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, 20 November 2017.
  • Iason, G.R.; Sim, D.A.; Moore, B.D. (2014) Scottish Beaver Trial: Woodland monitoring 2012 report., Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report.
  • Iason, G.R.; Sim, D.A.; Brewer, M.J.; Moore, B.D. (2014) The Scottish beaver trial: woodland monitoring 2009-2013, final report., Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 788.
  • Littlewood, N.A.; Campbell, R.D.; Dinnie, L.; Gilbert, L.; Hooper, R.; Iason, G.; Irvine, R.J.; Kilshaw, L.; Kitchener, A.; Lackova, P.; Newey, S.; Ogden, R.; Ross, A. (2014) Survey and scoping of wildcat priority areas., Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No 768.
  • Mitchell, R.J.; Broome, A.; Harmer, R.; Beaton, J.K.; Bellamy, P.E.; Brooker, R.W.; Duncan, R.; Ellis, C.J.; Hester, A.J.; Hodgetts, N.G.; Iason, G.R.; Littlewood, N.A.; Mackinnon, M.; Pakeman, R.J.; Pozsgai, G.; Ramsey S.; Riach, D.; Stockan, J. A.; Taylor, A.F.S.; Woodward, S. (2014) Assessing and addressing the impacts of ash dieback on UK woodlands and trees of conservation importance (Phase 2)., Natural England Report.
  • Littlewood, N.A.; Dinnie, E.; Gilbert, L.; Hooper, R.J.; Iason, G.R.; Irvine, R.J.; Lackova, P.; Newey, S. (2013) Scoping and survey of wildcat priority areas: interim report., Unpublished Report to Scottish Natural Heritage, November 2013.
  • Mitchell, R.J.; Bailey, S.; Beaton, J.K.; Bellamy, P.E.; Brooker, R.W.; Broome, A.; Chetcuti, J.; Eaton, S.; Ellis, C.J.; Farren, J.; Gimona, A.; Goldberg, E.; Hall, J.; Harmer, R.; Hester, A.J.; Hewison, R.L.; Hodgetts, N.G.; Hooper, R.J.; Howe, L.; Iason, G.R.; Kerr, G.; Littlewood, N.A.; Morgan, V.; Newey, S.; Potts, J.M.; Pozsgai, G.; Ray, D.; Sim, D.A.; Stockan, J.A.; Taylor, A.F.S.; Woodward, S. (2013) Ash dieback: impacts on other species and understanding the ecology of ash., Report to JNCC.
  • Moore, B.D.; Sim, D.A.; Iason, G.R. (2013) The Scottish beaver trial: woodland monitoring 2011., Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 525.
  • Pakeman, R,J.; Beale, C.; Brooker, R,; Chamberlain, D.; Demars, B.O.L.; Iason, G.R.; McLeod, J.; Littlewood, N.; Lisewski, V.; Taylor, A.F.S. (2011) Prioritising species and habitat actions by Local Biodiversity Action Partnerships in Scotland., Report to Scottish Natural Heritage.
  • Moore, B.D.; Sim, D.; Iason, G.R. (2011) The Scottish beaver trial: woodland monitoring 2010., Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No. 462.
  • Newey, S.J.; Potts, J.; Baines, D.; Castillo, U.; Duncan, M.; Harrison, A.; Ramsay, S.; Thirgood, S.J.; Iason, G.R. (2011) Development of a reliable method for estimating mountain hare numbers., Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No.444.
  • Moore, B.D.; Iason, G.R.; Sim, D. (2010) The Scottish beaver trial: Woodland monitoring 2009., Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No 393.
  • Newey, S.J.; Potts, J.M.; Iason, G.R.; Baines, D.; Harrison, A.; Ramsay, S.; Duncan, M.; Castillo, U.; Thirgood, S.J. (2009) Development of a reliable method for estimating mountain hare numbers., Scottish Natural Heritage Interim Report.
  • Pakeman, R.J.; Beale, C.M.; Britton, A.J.; Brooker, R.W.; Iason, G.R.; Langan, S.J.; Littlewood, N.A; Westaway, S. (2008) Evaluation of UK Biodiversity Action plan revised targets for Scotland., Report to Scottish Natural Heritage.
  • Kinrade, V.; Ewald, J.; Smith, A.; Newey, S.J.; Iason, G.R..; Thirgood, S.J.; Raynor, R. (2008) The distribution of mountain hare (Lepus timidus) in Scotland (2006/07)., Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report No.278 (ROAME No. F05AC701).
  • Newey, S.J.; Iason, G.R.; Raynor, R. (2008) The conservation status and management of mountain hares., Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report, No. 287, 33pp. (ROAME No. F05AC316).
  • Moberg, L.; Mayes, R.W.; Iason, G.R. (1999) An integrated approach to radionuclide flow in semi-natural ecosystems underlying exposure pathways to man., Final Report to EC DGXI, Radionuclide Protection Programme. Swedish Radiological Protection Institute.
  • Hester, A.J.; Iason, G.R.; Stolte, A.; Sim, D. (1998) 1997 Vegetation survey; Abernethy Forest RSPB Nature Reserve., Contract Report to RSPB.
  • Iason, G.R. (1997) Introduction of rabbit calcivirus into New Zealand: Report on the issues, Report to the Chief Veterinary Officer, MAF, New Zealand.
  • Iason, G.R. (1996) Introduction of rabbit calicivirus into New Zealand : comments on import impact assessment and application., Report to the Chief Veterinary Officer, MAF, New Zealand.
  • Iason, G.R. (1996) Introduction of rabbit calcivirus into New Zealand: comments on revision no.1. of import impact assessment., Report to the Chief Veterinary Officer, MAF, New Zealand.
  • MacFarlane Smith, W.; Tapper, S.C.; Sibbald, A.M.; Iason, G.R.; Reynolds, J.C.; Boag, B. (1991) The Feeding Behaviour of Wild Vertebrates in Relation to the Glucosinolate and SMCO Content of Oilseed Rape., Report to the EEC Technical Experts Group, Brussels.

Conference papers

  • Stockan, J.A.; Pakeman, R.J.; Baird, J.; Young, M.A.; lason, G.R. (2013) To fence or not to fence: effects of buffer strips on carabid functional traits and diversity., Royal Entomological Society Joint Sustainable Agriculture/Aquatic Insects, Special Interest Group Meeting, Newcastle, 23 October 2013.
  • Dennis, P.; Stockan, J.; Thoss, V.; Iason, G.R.; Lennon, J.J.; Beaton, J. (2004) Spatial heterogenity in monoterpene concentrations of native pine as a driver of insect herbivore distribution and abundance., Royal Entomological Society, Entomology 2004, University of York, 21-23 July 2004.
  • Iason, G.R.; Dennis, P.; Lennon, J.J.; Thoss, V.; Pakeman, R.J.; Campbell, C.D.; Saari, S.; Anderson, I.C.; Chapman, S.J.; Beaton, J.; Johnstone, J.; Sim, D.; Alexander, I. (2004) The role of variation between trees in phytochemistry in determining associated diversity in a natural Scots pine ecosystem., FC/SNH, Drumnadrochit, “Ecology and management of large native pinewoods: past, present and future”., 14-16 June 2004. Oral paper.
  • Dennis, P.; Stockan, J.; Thoss, V.; Beaton, J.; Lennon, J.J.; Iason, G.R. (2004) Spatial heterogeneity in monoterpene concentrations of native pine as a driver of insect herbivore distribution and abundance., British Ecological Society, Annual Meeting, Lancaster University, 7-9 September 2004. Oral paper.
  • Dennis, P.; Stockan, J.; Thoss, V.; Iason, G.R.; Lennon, J.; Beaton, J. (2004) Spatial heterogeneity in monoterpene concentrations of native pine as a driver of insect herbivore distribution and abundance., International Congress of Entomology, XXII, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 15-21 August 2004. Oral paper.
  • Mayes, R.W.; Iason, G.R.; White, N.; Palo, T. (2001) Measuring diet composition and food intake by moose in the Swedish boreal forest: integrating GPS and faecal marker technologies., In: Proceedings of GPS Conference, “Tracking Animals with GPS”, (eds. A.M. Sibbald and I.J. Gordon). Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Aberdeen, 12-13 March 2001, pp77-80.
  • Dumont, B.; Iason, G.R. (2000) Can we believe the results of grazing experiments? Issues and limitations in methodology., In: Grazing Management: The principles and practice of grazing, for profit and environemntal gain, within temperate grassland systems. BGS Occasional Symposium No.34. Proceedings of the British Grassland Society, Harrogate, 29 February – 2 March 2000. BBSRC IGER, Aberystwyth, pp171-180.
  • Frutos, P., Wright, I.A., Mantecon, A.R., Giraldez, F.J. and Iason, G.R. (1998) Seasonal variation in nutrition and supplementation in extensive sheep systems in North Central Spain., In: Goddard, P.J. (ed.) The Implications of Extensification for the Health and Welfare of Beef Cattle and Sheep. Proceedings of a Workshop, Aberdeen, 5-6 March 1998. Occasional Publication No. 5., Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Aberdeen, pp17-23.
  • Sibbald, A.R.; Hislop, A.M.; Dick, J.; Elston, D.A.; Iason, G.R.; Nwaigbo, L.C.; Hudson, G. (1997) Soil-plant-animal interactions in the establishment phase of a silvopastoral system in NE Scotland., L’Agroforesterie pour un Developpement Rural Durable. Agroforestry for Sustainable Land Use: Fundamental Research and Modelling, Temperate and Mediterranean Applications. International Workshop, Montpellier, France, 23-29 June 1997, pp365-368.
  • Sibbald, A.R., Elston, D.A., Dick, J. and Iason, G.R. (1996) Spatial analysis of sheep distribution below trees at wide spacing : a reappraisal., Agroforestry Forum, 7, 26-28.

Conference posters / abstracts

  • Iason, G.R.; Beaton, J.K.; Reid, S.; Ellis, C.; Finger, A.; Newey, S.; Irvine, J.; McLeod, J.; Gilbert, L.; Fielding, D.; Dagleish, D.; McInnes, C.; Artz, R.; Miller, P.; Gimona, A.; Poggio, L.; Eastwood, A.; Fisher, A.; Skuce, P. (2018) RESAS Strategic Research Programme: Biodiversity and Ecosystems., Posters presented at The Wild North East – Scotland’s Natural Gem, organised by North East Scotland Biodiversity Partnership, James Hutton Institute, 13 April 2018.
  • Iason, G.R.; Cavers, S.; Ennos R. (2018) Promoting the resilience of UK tree species to novel pests and pathogens., Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative Stakeholder Workshop, London, 7 February 2018. (Poster)
  • Sherwood, P.; Wilson, E.; Moore, R.; Iason, G.R. (2017) Identifying resistance traits in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) to the pine tree lappet moth (Dendrolimus pini)., Innovations in Plant Biosecurity, Sand Hutton, York, 15-16 March 2017. Abstract.
  • Stockan, J.A.; Pakeman, R.J.; Baird, J.; Iason, G.R. (2017) Functional diversity and life-history traits of carabid beetles in riparian margins., Conference on Landscape Management for Functional Biodiversity, Dundee, 29-31 March 2017. Poster.
  • Stockan, J.A.; Stutter, M.I.; Iason, G.R.; Baird, J.; Young, M.R.; Langan, S.J.; Watson, H.; McNicoll, D.; Van de Weyer, R.; Humes, D.; Friberg, N.; Bergfur, J. (2017) Buffers for biodiversity: trade-offs and interactions., LuWQ 2017, International Interdisciplinary Conference on Land use and Water Quality, Effect of Agriculture on the Environment, The Hague, The Netherlands, 29 May – 1 June 2017. Abstract No. 84
  • Stockan, J.A.; Iason, G.R. (2015) What really drives invertebrate composition on Scot’s pine trees-tree chemistry or ants?, Ant Ecology and Conservation, Special Interest Group Meeting of the Royal Entomological Society, Rothamsted, 26 May 2015. Poster Presentation.
  • Iason, G.R.; Sim, D.A.; Moore, B.D. (2015) The Scottish Beaver Trial – The effects of beavers on woodlands., Public meeting, Lochgilphead, Argyle, 19 February 2015. Poster.
  • Stockan, J.A.; Pakeman, R.J.; Baird, J.; Young, M.R.; Iason, G.R. (2014) Functional diversity and life-history traits of carabid beetles in riparian margins., European Congress of Entomology, York, 3-8 August 2014.
  • Stockan, J.A.; Pakeman, R.J.; Baird, J.; Young, M.R.; Iason, G.R. (2013) Functional diversity and life-history traits of carabid beetles in agricultural systems., XVIth European Carabidologists Meeting, Prague, Czech Republic, 22-27 September 2013.
  • Wachowiak, W.; Salmela, M.J.; Ennos, R.E.; Iason, G.R.; Cotterell, J.; Cavers, S. (2010) Genetic diversity at nuclear loci in Scots pine (pinus sylvestris) in Scotland., Forest Ecosystem Genomics and Adaptation, San Lorenzo del Escorial (Madrid), Spain, 9-11 June 2010. Poster and abstract.
  • Iason, G.R.; Moore, B.D.; Russell, J.; Hollingsworth, P.; Ennos, J. (2009) Genetic conversation of Scots pine., Programme 3 KT event, Silvan House, Corstorphine, Edinburgh, October 2009. (Poster)
  • Moore, B.D.; Iason, G.R.; Foley, W.J.; Beale, C.M.; O’Reilly-Wapstra, J.M. (2009) Mapping trees’ susceptibility to herbivores: the importance of having good neighbours., European Society for Evolutionary Biology Conference, Turin, August 2009.
  • Salmela, M.J.; Cavers, S.; Cottrell, J.E.; Iason, G.R.; Ennos, R.A. (2008) Adaptive variation in Scots pine in Scotland (Pinus sylvestris)., Ecological Genetics Group, Annual Conference,University of Sheffield, 1-3 April 2008.
  • Hollingsworth, P.M.; Russell, J.; Iason, G.R. (2007) Conserving genetic diversity., Making Scotland’s Rural Environment More Sustainable, Royal Society of Edinburgh, 25 June 2007.
  • Iason, G.R.; Sim, D.A.; Beaton, J.K.; Mayes, R.W.; Summers, R.W.; Proctor, R. (2007) Chemical heterogeneity within a population of Scots pine influences tree selection by capercaillie., BES Annual Meeting, Glasgow, 10-12 September 2007. Abstract.
  • Stockan, J.A.; Dennis, P.; Iason, G.R. (2006) How do ants affect pine trees and their associated arthropods?, In: The Future of Biodiversity in the Uplands (ed. J.M. Milne). Battleby, Perth, 8 December 2006.
  • Osler, G.H.R.; Brooker, R.W.; Campbell, C.D.; Iason, G.R.; Gollisch, J. (2006) Individual pine trees as determinants of mite assemblages., International Congress of Acarology, Amsterdam, August 2006. Abstract.
  • Iason, G.R. (2005) Foraging interactions between wild and domestic herbivores., Wild Mammals and the Human Food Chain. Symposium of the Mammal Society, London, 25-26 November 2005.
  • Shaw, R.F.; Iason, G.R.; Pakeman, R.J.; Young, M.R. (2005) The effects of large mammal browsing on the pollination biology of the Mountain Willow, Salix arbuscula., British Ecological Society Annual Meeting 2005.
  • Pakeman, R.J.; Beaton, J.; Thoss, V.; Lennon, J.; Sim, D.; Iason, G.R. (2005) Phytochemistry of Scots pine contributes to understorey assemblage structure., 90th ESA Annual Meeting / IX Intecol Congress, Montreal, 8-12 August 2005.