Assessing mammal distribution and habitat associations in a rewilding field laboratory using traditional and innovative monitoring methods

Rewilding is one of the key tools currently adopted for addressing the twin biodiversity and climate crises globally. With many large landscape-scale projects underway or planned there is an urgent need to understand how ecological communities respond to terrestrial rewilding and restoration approaches, as well as for effective long-term monitoring tools.

Mammal communities are central to many aspects of rewilding, from the ecosystems services they provide, their role in nature-based tourism, to managing their potential impacts on developing habitats such as reforested native woodland. Yet mammals can be challenging to monitor and require a particularly diverse array of survey tools that differ widely depending on taxa and habitat, ranging from traditional methods based on field signs, hair tubes, trapping or bait marking, to technologies including camera-traps, night vision aids, thermal drone surveys, acoustic detection and eDNA. The diversity and speed of development of methods presents a challenge for planning long-term monitoring programmes to assess the distribution and dynamics of mammal communities in response to rewilding and habitat restoration. 

This interdisciplinary PhD project forms part of the ambitious research programme of Edinburgh Napier University’s Centre for Conservation and Restoration Science, offering an exciting opportunity for science within an applied context, through partnership with the Kilchoan Melfort Trust. The overall aim of the project is to advance our understanding of wild mammal community responses to rewilding, and what methods/approaches to take to facilitate adequate long-term monitoring, particularly in remote locations as exemplified by a Scottish Highland rewilding context. The student will be supported by an experienced supervisory team with expertise in mammal ecology, habitat assessment, and the application and development of monitoring technologies and data analyses.

The student will have the opportunity to develop expertise in mammal monitoring methods via an initial literature review of techniques, followed by multi-method field data collection at rewilding sites and build a baseline mammal community dataset. The student will also collect and collate a range of vegetation and land management data to describe developing habitats across a spectrum of rewilding practices, such as peatland restoration, conservation grazing, and active reforestation. There will be the opportunity to collect habitat data using both traditional and modern approaches and apply advanced modelling techniques to understand mammal-habitat relationships. Finally, the student may use experience of monitoring approaches developed during the PhD, working with engineering/computing experts on the supervisory team, to innovate long-term monitoring of mammals and other taxa at rewilding sites. This could range from developing new sensors, combining existing sensors in novel ways, finding new approaches to deployment, or developing new data analysis approaches

The findings of this PhD project could serve as a blueprint for mammal monitoring at other rewilding sites across Scotland or internationally. As well as generating new, critically important knowledge of endangered mammal species / communities, their dynamics, conservation and monitoring in the context of rewilding, the prospective student will gain expertise in traditional and modern monitoring skills. These are in high demand and will increase employment potential across a range of different environments/disciplines and sectors (e.g. academic, industry, regulatory) and benefit careers and employment potential in both research and conservation.

You will be based at our Sighthill Campus at Edinburgh Napier University, with frequent visits to the Scottish Highlands for field work. You will be part of Edinburgh Napier’s thriving PhD community and supportive Doctoral College environment.

Academic qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in ecology or conservation science related fields. We may also consider applicants from a computing/engineering background if they have interest and work experience relating to ecology or conservation. 

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy[RB1]  are available online. Note – this studentship is available for UK home students only. We may consider overseas applicants but the funding only covers UK home fees, so international students would need to pay the difference between home and international fees, c. £14,000 per annum.  

Essential attributes:

·        Excellent written and oral communication skills

·        Strong motivation, curiosity-driven, with evidence of research skills relevant to the project

·        Good time management

·        Field data collection experience

·        Competent in data management, analysis, statistical modelling

Desirable attributes:

MSc or MRes degree in in ecology or conservation science related fields.

Clean UK driving license

Experience of field work in challenging terrain or conditions

Coding experience in R or Python

TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK ON THE ‘INSTITUTION WEBSITE’ LINK ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THIS PAGE.

When applying, please quote the application reference SAS0211 on your form.

 APPLICATION CHECKLIST

·        Completed application form 

·        CV

·        2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (Found on the application process page)

·        A personal research statement (This should include (a) a brief description of your relevant experience and skills, (b) an indication of what you would uniquely bring to the project and (c) a statement of how this project fits with your future direction.)

·        Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)