Download University of Chester Department of Biological Sciences For general

University of Chester
Department of Biological Sciences
For general enquiries please contact Dr Matt Hartley [email protected]
MRes Applied Science (Wildlife Behaviour and Conservation)
A Masters of Research (MRes) programme differs from a conventional MSc course in terms
of the balance between research and teaching. This particular MRes programme has been
designed to enable extended periods of data collection in the laboratory or in the field not
possible on our other postgraduate courses.
This gives you the opportunity to work on a project, potentially with one of our research
partners, either in the UK or overseas. Your work will contribute to ongoing research
programmes and will address currently relevant questions in Wildlife Behaviour and
Conservation, with peer-reviewed publication as a major focus. Students will spend between
one and six months in the field.
Wildlife Behaviour and Conservation is taught by staff who work with a diverse range of
study species, including mammals, birds, fish and amphibians, in ecosystems as diverse as
temperate woodlands, rainforests and coral reefs. They have close links with a variety of
zoos, conservation organisations and NGOs both in the UK and world-wide.
During Semester 1 (September to December) two taught modules will be delivered by our
academic staff in Chester. These modules are designed to equip you with the key skills
required for Masters level research. All MRes students will study a Wildlife Research
Methods module, which provides an overview of field techniques, biodiversity data analysis,
population models and research project management. Your second module will then focus
on either Conservation Genetics or Behaviour and Welfare in Wildlife Conservation,
depending on which is the most relevant area for your chosen research project.
Compulsory Module
BI1743 Wildlife Research Methods
BI7140 Dissertation Project
Optional Modules
BI7130* Conservation Genetics
BI7132* Behaviour and Welfare in Wildlife Conservation
*You will select the module most relevant to your research project.
From January until the following September, you will focus entirely on your research
project, working on an individual basis with close support from your academic supervisor(s).
Entry requirements: A minimum of 2:1 honours degree, which normally has a significant
content of Biological Science (e.g. Biology, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science,
Animal Behaviour etc), or substantial relevant working experience together with evidence of
recent study or writing at an appropriate level.
Overseas candidates should also be competent in English and have achieved, as a minimum,
IELTS-6.5
Fees for this course are £4126 plus field and/or laboratory research fees to be discussed with
the supervisor which will vary between project but average £3500.
Candidates for this programme will select their preferred project upon application; however,
in exceptional circumstances, we may consider students who wish to propose their own
project.
Applicants MUST apply for a specific project with a specific supervisor.
To apply please fill in the application form found here:
http://www.chester.ac.uk/research/degrees/mres
Projects Being Offered in 2016/7
Distribution and Ecology of Yellow Necked Mice in North West England
Dr Matt Hartley [email protected]
The Yellow Necked Mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) is expanding its distribution into the North
West of England. This study will examine distribution, population density and habitat
preferences in this under studied animal. Methods will include live-trapping, use of
population models and population mapping.
Conservation of Endangered Primates in Ghana’s Rainforests (Multiple Students Accepted)
[email protected]
Dr Matt Hartley and Dr Christina Stanley
Recent rainforest surveys have identified populations of endangered/critically endangered
primates including roloway monkeys (Cercopithecus diana roloway), white-naped
mangabeys (Cercocebus atys lunulatus), Geoffrey’s black & white colobus (Colobus
vellerosus) and olive colobus (Procolobus verus), as well as the more common Lowe’s
monkeys (Cercopithecus campbelli lowei) and lesser spot-nosed monkeys (Cercopithecus
petaurista). However, there are still vast areas of rainforest which desperately require
surveys, both to map the current distribution of these species and to identify their habitat
requirements, allowing the identification of priority conservation areas and potential
release sites. Community conservation projects are currently in operation which monitor
and report illegal hunting and logging in some areas; further data on the efficacy of these
schemes is also urgently required to ensure their success.
This project will require two students to spend around four months in Ghana where they
will carry out primate surveys in three rainforest regions using direct observations, primate
presence evidence and camera trapping. This will form part of a long-term project working
with West African Primate Conservation Action, a local NGO working in Ghana and Cote
d’Ivoire.
Conservation of Endangered Birds Species in Cambodia’s Dry Forests
Dr Matt Hartley [email protected]
The Bird Nest Protection Program was initiated by government partners, with support from
WCS, to locate, monitor and protect nesting sites of globally threatened birds. Under the
program, local people and contracted community rangers are rewarded with direct
conservation payments to locate nests with a bonus if the nest successfully fledges. From
2002 to 2014 this incentive-based approach has safeguarded a total of over 3,631 nests
consisting of ten globally threatened large waterbird species resulting in 6,481 fledglings. Data
collected by the Bird Nest Protection Program is the primary method of verifying biodiversity
indicators (nests identified each year and fledgling success) employed by WCS to monitor
population trends of globally threatened bird species and assess the conservation impact of
local livelihood schemes such as Ibis Rice. An MRes student would assist by working with
existing data sets to analyze historical trends in nesting locations of globally threatened water
bird populations by employing a nesting tree numbering system. They could also spend time
in the field collecting further data to develop the project. (This project could include an
optional period of 1-3 months in the field).
Social and Predatory Behaviour in the Chestnut Mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos
swainsonii) [email protected]
Dr Matt Hartley
There are few studies on the behaviour of toucan species. Anecdotal reports of social
behaviour and co-operative breeding exist but the drivers of this affiliative behaviour are
poorly understood. Toucans are generally considered frugivorous but have been seen feeding
on eggs, nestlings and small mammals. Co-operative hunting behaviour of small birds has also
been observed. This study will use citizen science survey techniques alongside field
observations to study the feeding, predation, social and breeding of this key rainforest
species. (Field work period 1-3 months to be discussed)
Conservation of Tapirs in Costa Rican Wildlife Corridors
Dr Matt Hartley [email protected]
The tapir population of the adjacent Corcovado National Park is one of the best studied
populations of the species providing comprehensive baseline population data to investigate
abundance, habitat usage, resource needs and ecology of the tapirs in a contrasting modified
environment. As the largest mammal in Costa Rica the tapir is an indicator species for the
health and effectiveness of the biological corridor. The study will utilise three key methods.
Firstly a comprehensive questionnaire study involving local communities will be conducted to
record sightings, movements and fates of tapirs in the corridor. This will be supplemented by
a web-based tool for tourist guides, officials and the public to record sightings This will identify
key areas in which to focus survey efforts using camera traps. This data will be analysed using
geographical and habitat modelling to identify key habitats, resources and movements in the
corridor. This will enable management decisions to be made on further corridor regeneration
and protection. (Field work period 3-6 months to be discussed)
Feeding Ecology of the Two-Toed Sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) in a human-modified
environment. Dr Matt Hartley [email protected]
Playa Matapalo is a settlement situated on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica consisting of tourism
focused businesses. The environment has been significantly modified with the planting of
non-native trees. In this environment there is a large population of two-toed sloth. Anecdotal
reports claim that the high population density is due to the availability of the nuts from
Terminalia catappa, known as the Almond Palm. This study will assess tree usage in the sloth,
calculate population density and social behaviour in this modified environment and compare
this to the neighboring wildlife reserve which has not be modified by non-native planting.
(Field work period 1-3 months to be discussed
Comparison of the Behaviour of White-faced Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus capuchinus) in
Human Modified versus Natural Habitats
Dr Matt Hartley [email protected]
Playa Matapalo is a settlement situated on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica consisting of tourism
focused businesses. The environment has been significantly modified with the planting of
non-native trees. A population of White-faced Capuchin monkeys exploits this environment
using the human habitation to its potential advantage. This has altered the foraging behaviour
and increased human-primate interactions. This study will determine changes to behaviour,
population structure and density caused by the use of a human modified environment by
using populations in secondary and primary rainforest habitats where no or little human
interaction occurs. (Field work period 1-6 months to be discussed)
The use of ponies for conservation grazing in the UK
Dr Christina Stanley [email protected]
Grazing is essential for the maintenance of biodiversity in habitats such as grasslands,
meadows, moorland and heathland which have historically been shaped by human activity.
Ponies are often used for conservation grazing schemes as they are highly selective grazers,
generally avoiding flowering plants and therefore allowing these to flourish. Pony faeces may
also provide an important source of invertebrates for consumption by birds and other wildlife.
However there is a general lack of evidence regarding the effects of pony grazing on both the
biodiversity of vegetation and on invertebrate abundance. This project will involve both
invertebrate/vegetation sampling and behavioural observations to quantify the effects of
pony grazing on biodiversity and provide data to inform conservation grazing schemes.
Population genetics of the Dee Estuary cockles: implications for resource management
Dr Anna Muir [email protected]
The Dee Estuary is a site of European nature conservation importance, particularly in terms
of the bird life it supports. Natural Resources Wales manages the economically and
environmentally important Dee Estuary cockle fishery. Careful management ensures that
commercial exploitation of the cockle resource does not negatively impact cockle population
size and ensures that there is sufficient food supplies for wildlife, in particular oystercatchers.
In partnership with Natural Resources Wales, samples have been collected from the Dee
Estuary cockle beds and will be collected from cockle beds in the vicinity of the estuary. The
student will carry out DNA extractions and genetic/ genomic analyses to identify recruitment,
gene flow and genetic diversity. Findings of this research will be relevant to the management
of the Dee Estuary cockle fishery.
Conservation Genetics of the Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
Dr Ian McDowall and Amelia Glass (in the
[email protected])
first
instance please
contact
Globally the Red Kite is listed as a Threatened species by the IUCN, however the English
population remains small, largely due to a sustained reduction in suitable habitat. To date
little is known about the genetics of the contemporary English Red Kite population and the
dispersal of reintroduced individuals, therefore genetic monitoring may be of significant value
to future conservation efforts. This project offers the candidate an opportunity to access a
unique sample collection of contemporary English Red Kites for the purposes of genetic
monitoring and analysis (sourced through Natural England). Key areas of genetic research will
include identification of molecular markers, analysis of population variation and
biogeographical analysis, and contribution towards the sequencing of the whole
mitochondrial genome for the species.
Conserving the Largest Dry Forest Ecosystem: Cambodia’s Endangered Ungulates
Dr Anna Muir and Dr Matt Hartley
Almost all Indochinese large ungulates are now classified are globally threatened and the Eld’s
Deer (Rucervus thiamine eldii), Indochinese Hog Deer (Axis porcinus) and Banteng (Bos
javanicus) are listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Due to their rarity and cryptic nature,
encounter rates with these species are low, making traditional field monitoring techniques
ineffective. The University of Chester and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) are
developing a collaborative project to address the urgent need for data concerning species
presence, abundance and habitat usage in Cambodia in order to inform conservation of these
species. Banteng faecal samples will be collected during fieldwork in Cambodia and used for
genetic analyses to identify population structure, genetic diversity and gene flow within this
area. Further, using landscape genetic techniques, we will identify barriers to, and conduits
for, dispersal in this species. This knowledge of how landscape relates to population structure
will be used to inform conservation strategies.
Monitoring
the
White-Faced
Darter
Dr Matt Geary [email protected]
(Partially funded)
(Leucorrhinia
dubia)
Reintroduction
White-faced Darter are a habitat-specialist dragonfly which is currently classified as
endangered on the British Red Data list. White-faced darter are patchily distributed in Britain
with the largest populations in the Scottish Highlands and locally concentrated populations in
Shropshire and Staffordshire. In recent years, re-introduction programmes have been
undertaken to replace lost populations in Cumbria and, more recently, Cheshire. Larvae and
eggs were initally reintroduced into Delamere forest Cheshire using their natural Sphagnum
habitat as a transportation medium. Since them, further reintroductions have taken place
along with monitoring and habitat management to improve the wider landscape for Whitefaced darter. Currently, monitoring efforts concentrate on exuviae counts which are known
to be one of the most effective methods for monitoring Odonata populations. However, as
the reintroduction progresses it becomes important to assess the accuracy of exuviae
monitoring as well as to monitor the survival and movements of adult dragonflies.
Information on dispersal and the use of flight corridors and habitat suitability assessments
outside of the core reintroduction area would be especially useful for future habitat
management. This MRes project would concentrate on these tasks and contribute to
quantitative assessment of the reintroduction programme. The project is in partnership with
Cheshire Wildlife Trust. This MRes project would be heavily fieldwork based and require good
networking skills.
Nest protection for woodland grouse
Dr Matt Geary [email protected]
(Partially funded)
The nests of ground nesting birds are vulnerable to predation by terrestrial mammals. In the
case of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and black grouse (Tetrao tetrix), evidence indicates that
foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and pine martens (Martes martes) are the two most significant
mammalian predators. Pine martens are protected, but legal culling of foxes to reduce their
impact on grouse is sometimes carried out. However, such management is expensive and
raises ethical concerns. In addition, removal of foxes may result in compensatory increases in
nest predation by martens. This MRes project would investigate the development of nonlethal management techniques for protecting the nests of capercaillie and black grouse. The
project would involve field work in the highlands of Scotland testing the effectiveness of a
number of nest protection techniques on protecting artificially constructed nests. The project
is in partnership with Forest Enterprise Scotland, who would contribute to and support
fieldwork equipment and costs. This project would suit a student who is keen to work in the
field. It will require good networking skills and the ability to work independently.
Using induced pluripotent stem cell technology to get doves into Noah’s Ark
Professor Eustace Johnson [email protected]
The Grenadian dove (Leptotila wellsi) is just one of many critically endangered species that
are unlikely to avoid extinction, despite the efforts of conservation biologists. Their
predicament is mirrored in some mammalian species, including the North African white rhino.
In a major effort to avoid such extinction, stem cell biologists at the Scripps Institute in the
USA have begun to apply newly developed methods, known as iPS (induced Pluripotent Stem)
cell technology, to generate a bank of stem cells from the northern white rhino
(Ceratotherium simum cottoni), which have the same potential for generating a whole
organism as a normal embryonic stem cell. The iPS cells can be created from adult tissues,
e.g. skin, and then either stored for later implantation into the womb of pseudo-pregnant
rhinos of similar genetic make-up or they can differentiated to generate sperm and eggs for
in vitro fertilisation. In principle, this will allow for the rebirth of the species if extinction were
to occur. For birds, a similar approach could be adopted. However, very little research has
been performed to test whether iPS technology will work with avian species. There is a further
problem in that bird reproduction relies on the generation of an egg in the oviduct, and no
research has examined whether iPS cells can be transplanted into birds to successfully
generate eggs for hatching, let alone develop chicks. This research project will examine: (i)
whether iPS technologies can be used to generate avian iPS cells; (ii) whether avian iPS cells
can be differentiated to form sperm and eggs, which could in turn be used for in vitro
fertilisation; (iii) whether a shell-less egg technique can be adapted to enable the develop of
iPS cells or IVF generated zygotes to form chicks ex ova. The overriding aim is to examine the
potential of iPS cells to preserve critically endangered species of avian origin.