While
outside the ACT boundaries, this information may be of interest to a
COG member?- or someone a COG member knows...?
Robin Hide
POST-GRADUATE
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY
INITIAL EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST SOUGHT
"Increasing the understanding of the breeding and feeding ecology of the
Manumea (Didunculus strigirostris) and the Ma'oma'o (Gymnomyza
samoensis) in
Samoa to aid species recovery."
David Butler Associates, based in Nelson,
New Zealand has
received funding
from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)[1] through
Conservation
International's Pacific Islands Programme for a 3-year project to
undertake research
on two of Samoa's most threatened
bird
species. The Government of
Samoa developed recovery plans for
these
species in 2006 and the research is
directly aimed at plan objectives to find out vital information needed
to
design programmes for their recovery.
We initially offer one PhD scholarship to start in 2010, as detailed
below,
and request Expressions of Interest from students for this.
There should be opportunities for shorter-term MSc research once the
project
is up and running (late 2010 or 2011) and we also invite students to
also
begin correspondence on this.
PhD Scholarship:
Research required
The student is expected to carry out research that will contribute
significantly to the project's objective as in its title. He/she will
most
likely work on one of the species, rather than both, following
individuals
carrying radio-transmitters to obtain detailed information on breeding
or
feeding ecology or both. There will be an emphasis on working
closely with
local village communities who own the land occupied by the birds
Project staff have undertaken some preliminary work identifying a
suitable
study area for the Ma'oma'o and successfully trialling netting
techniques.
Further work is needed to identify an area for the Manumea and a student
wishing to work on this species may be expected to also collect
information
on other pigeons and doves to generate sufficient data.
Support offered
The project can provide an annual scholarship of NZ$27,000 for 3 years
together with 3 return economy flights from New Zealand.
There is a
significant budget available for equipment based on the provision of
high
mist-net rigs, radio transmitters to place on birds, and remote cameras
to
photograph nests. Vehicle support will also be provided.
The student will also receive support and mentoring from the project
manager, Dr David Butler who spent 3 years in Samoa as its national
Biodiversity Adviser in the mid-1990's and has worked on several
conservation projects since, and from a project advisor Dr Ralph
Powlesland,
a Department of Conservation scientist with many years experience of
research on birds. Several conservation professionals in Samoa
are also
expected to provide local support. The student is expected to have a
University supervisor with interest and experience in this or a related
research area. Dr Ulf Beichle, Germany,
will also be involved in research on
the Manumea.
Initial Expressions of Interest:
The following information should be provided:
. Name and contact details
. Research outline - A detailed research proposal is not required at
this
stage, but the student is expected to identify which species they wish
to
work on and which particular aspects are of most interest to them
within the
outline given.
. University and supervisor (if known) - If you already have a
university
and prospective supervisor lined up please provide details. If not, the
project team will be able to put you in touch with lecturers from
several
Universities who have already expressed an interest in involvement in
this
project.
. Relevant skills and experience - This will be a challenging project
working with rare birds alongside local communities in a tropical
environment. The successful student is expected to have prior
experience in
field research in a remote location, ideally with birds, and to
demonstrate
an interest in/experience of working with indigenous communities.
Please send your _expression_ of interest (EoI) together with an updated
CV to
David Butler at co.nz
or 588, Brook Street,
Nelson, NZ. Please
don't hesitate to contact me if you would like further information
before
completing your EoI.
Your EoI should be received by 19 February 2010. Applications received
after
that date could be considered until a successful applicant has been
identified.
