Modelling habitat use of red deer for improved wildlife management in protected areas
PhD position (University of Bayreuth)
Description
The Biogeographical Modelling group is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to take part in a research project on modelling studies for wildlife management in protected areas, funded by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt DBU.
Environmental conditions for red deer in the Bavarian Forest National park have changed substantially in recent years, through e.g. large scale bark beetle disturbances or removal of the border fence to the Czeck Republic. Further research needs arise from initiatives of the Bavarian Forest National park to bring its wildlife management closer in line with its philosophy of "let nature be nature".
This project aims at (1) an improved understanding of the factors determining habitat use of red deer in the Bavarian Forest National park, (2) a process-based description of the spatial distribution of red deer activities, e.g. browsing, and (3) the development and evaluation of alternative management strategies. The project is part of a larger research program that integrates studies on the dynamics of forest succession, ungulates and lynxes.
The PhD student will analyze existing telemetry and land cover data with statistical methods like state space models, and develop a dynamic simulation model for the habitat use of red deer. There will be opportunities to develop and follow up on own ideas.
The project is conducted in close collaboration with partners from the Bavarian Forest National Park Administration (Dr Marco Heurich) and the ETH Zurich (Dr Lorenz Fahse).
Qualification
Applicants should hold an MSc or Diploma degree in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Geoinformatics, Physics, or related disciplines. A strong interest in wildlife biology, quantitative ecology and computational methods is essential. Knowledge in the fields of ecological modelling, spatial ecology, GIS, programming (R, C++), and statistics is advantageous.
Salary and conditions
Salary and benefits are according to a public service position in Germany (Tv-L 13/2). Preferred starting date is 1 May 2009. The position is available for three years.
Applications
The deadline for applications is 15 March 2009, although the position will remain open until filled. Applicants should send the following documents (preferably as a single pdf file) to the email address provided below: a CV, including the names and contact details (email address and telephone number) of two reference persons, copies of certificates, and a short summary of research interests.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Björn Reineking (bjoern.reineking@ uni-bayreuth.de), Biogeographical Modelling, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth (http://www.biomod.uni-bayreuth.de)
Website link:
http://www.biomod.uni-bayreuth.de/biomod/de/stellen/gru/html.php?id_obj=67922
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