PhD research scholarship: Effects of animal foraging on ecological processes
School of BEES
University of NSW, Sydney.

 

A PhD scholarship is available for a student to work on the ecosystem effects of foraging by bilbies and echidnas in semi-arid Australia. The work is part of a larger study examining the importance of reintroduced native animals for the restoration of degraded rangelands.

 

This study will focus on the effects of animal foraging pits on soil and ecological processes. It will involve assessment of rates of litter fall in eucalypt woodlands, litter decomposition in foraging pits, soil and litter nitrogen and carbon dynamics, and the role of micro-arthropods in the litter decomposition process.

 

The successful applicant will be based at the School of BEES, UNSW and field work will be carried out at Australian Wildlife Conservancy's (AWC) Scotia Sanctuary.

 

The APAI stipend, is $25,000 (tax free) per annum and available for 3 years, and includes a travel budget for field-work and conferences. The scholarship is funded by the ARC, in collaboration with UNSW and the AWC.

 

This scholarship is available in Australia for those who have achieved Honours I or equivalent, or Honours 2a or equivalent in ecology, botany, soils or environmental sciences.  The scholarship is available only to Australian citizens or those who hold permanent residency.

 

 

For further details